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Australia

Hey guys,
I've grown myself a hydroponic Giant Pumpkin in the backyard of my suburban house. Its taping at 660lbs now, and its 3 milk crates high off the ground, its not stable enough to be able to push and roll it over to get a tarp underneath.
I'm thinking I'll either have to get about 6 or 7 guys to lift it with the board that is has grown on down to a pallet which I will have on wheels/trolly so i can move it to the front yard so i can lift it again onto a trailer or back of a van. (my gate isn't wide enough to fit a trailer or car though, I'm actually going to have to get a wider gate put on just to fit the pumpkin through.)
Or the other option is to make up a tripod, lower onto pallet on wheels and move to front yard and tripod again onto trailer. Do I HAVE to have a lifting ring if I go the tripod route? I'm in australia and no one I know has a lift ring and no one I know of sells them.
Any tips to help me lift?

Thanks

Picture of Pumpkin approx 3foot up
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Rollux/P1060331_zpsnsaswgdn.jpg

3/8/2017 3:29:01 PM

Central NY

Lol..love it...these are good problems...you will be fine making your own harness...6-7 guys should also be able to do the trick...good luck..!!!

3/8/2017 3:52:40 PM

Hanson Ma

In the past I have used ratchet straps to create a harness that goes under and more straps to create the handles. then you should be able to lift it with enough help.

3/8/2017 7:22:29 PM

Cincinnati,OH

You don't absolutely have to have a lifting ring. A large hook would work. Anyone know of a link showing a pumpkin being harnessed up to lift?

3/8/2017 7:52:41 PM

here is a picture from pumpconn 2016 diary using ratchet straps. If you don't have a ring just use the hoist hooks.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=267250

3/8/2017 8:04:04 PM

Cincinnati,OH

Ahh ha.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Rollux/P1060331_zpsnsaswgdn.jpg

3/8/2017 8:04:08 PM

Cincinnati,OH

oops.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ElvtamCf94

3/8/2017 8:07:16 PM

Albuquerque NM

some lifts one with duct tape on you tube.
one making straps with it,
the other sticking the tape all over.
I think it was 600 pounds +.

3/8/2017 8:28:48 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=266883 This shows how I use a big tractor clevis to attach the straps to the hoist without a ring. I have lifted 2 over 1000#, 2 more over 900#, and several more over 800# without damaging them. I use 6' long straps so the angle isn't too severe and squeezes them too much. I use 5 or 6 1.5" wide straps and 4 or 5 1" wide straps so there isn't a lot of pressure on each strap. If I start getting bigger pumpkins I will go to a lifting ring.

3/8/2017 9:58:55 PM

Australia

Thanks guys, I'll have a look at the local hardware chain to see what lifting bits and pieces I can find.
1 ton chain block is pretty cheap $69, I dare say the wood to make the tripod would cost more than the chain block!

Another question is how to you attach the chain to the top of the tripod? I've seen a few videos and they basically say they weave it around the legs of the tripod, but whats to stop it slipping off? and how long should it be?

I did see that video of the guy lifting his 600lb pumpkin with duct tape, I'm tempted to do it, it sure would be cheaper than buying lifting straps. I'm not sure what length straps I should buy anyway, can't seem to find adjustable ones.

3/9/2017 12:11:19 AM

Bethlehem CT

This is how I do it. You have to be creative. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=229314

3/9/2017 7:21:26 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

You can easily move one that size. We have a pumpkin pallet with wheels. Get a few people to lift it up, scoot the pallet in, then scoot the pumpkin up on the pallet. We them throw down plywood to make a path to the trailer.

3/9/2017 7:31:55 AM

Here is a link on how to build a tripod. Just scroll down and you will see pictures and what you need.


http://how2growags.blogspot.ca/p/blog-page_20.html

3/9/2017 4:00:23 PM

Here are some links to diaries that might help also.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2014&grower=58324
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=231260

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=190251

3/9/2017 4:12:47 PM

Australia

This is how I ended up lifting it!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwYzQFYHLzm7eVR4TGE3MGpsUWs/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwYzQFYHLzm7VmdyalRYemVidXc/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwYzQFYHLzm7MXVFSzFKbnM5akk/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwYzQFYHLzm7ZHQ4bVVjczc2M1U/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwYzQFYHLzm7dmcxbnhzODhyZHM/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwYzQFYHLzm7S05NWTFHTGhGUjA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwYzQFYHLzm7TWNMSDc1X09GMzA/view?usp=sharing

4/7/2017 1:20:42 PM