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Tasmania Australia

HI, just looking to see what most here in Aus. are using to lift there pumpkins.
This is the first year where i have actually found roughly how to go about growing them.
So it is also the first time where i have had one over 100kg
Will be over 200kg going by the measurements i have bee reading every day.
Is there a good design out there on something i can make to lift them?
Currently have them growing on pallets, but would like to be able to lift them of these latter on for weighing.
Any information is appreciated.
Cheers.

2/27/2015 5:45:06 PM

Australia

I have no idea! I havn't grown anything that I couldn't pick up myself yet! Who knows though...I might be asking a similar question soon, since I have a couple growing now.

3/9/2015 1:01:31 AM

Tasmania Australia

I was in the same boat as you, never grew anything past 70kg.
So far measurements say it is sitting at around 193kg and still putting on and average 1-2 kg per day.
The pallet it is growing on is fine, but still would like to be able to lift it off the pallet for accurate measuring.

3/9/2015 2:12:55 AM

Australia

Nice work!!!! I was over the moon with my 55kg earlier this season! 193kg would blow my mind!

I guess you could always get several people to help lift it onto a trailer. If you can find the same pallet as yours, you can put the same pallet, but empty onto the scales and then tare the scales to zero before putting the pallet and pumpkin on.

3/9/2015 1:19:54 PM

Tasmania Australia

Yes, thinking that might just be the easiest way, just throw in an empty pallet the same and tare it off.

3/10/2015 1:04:48 AM

Australia

Peter I use a truck strap around the bottom of the pumpkin, and 4 old seat belts going from the strap to the forks of the tractor or fork lift. Space the seat belts around the pumpkin so it lifts even. I can send you pics via e mail if you want. Easy to make and cheap and it's very strong too.

3/10/2015 7:56:22 AM

East Jordan, MI

4 to 6 strong guys and a tarp will do the trick for up to 200Kg

roll the pumpkin back push the tarp under it, set it back down, and roll the other way to get the tarp completely under it. Then everyone grab hold and lift.

To get a true weight you shouldn't weigh it with anything else (including the tarp).

Good luck and Great job! Next year you should build a tripod....

http://how2growags.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_20.html#_Building_a_tripod
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ElvtamCf94

3/10/2015 7:54:07 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

If you have a forklift or a tractor loader with pallet forks, set pallet beside the pumpkin. Have 2 or 3 guys roll the pumpkin on its side and slip the pallet up against the pumpkin. Pad the edge of the pallet with a rug so it doesn't cut into the pumpkin and let the pumpkin down. Slide it to center it on the pallet and then lift it with the tractor. If you get bigger than 300 kg, the tripod is the way to go.

3/10/2015 10:31:16 PM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers,
I actually grew it on the pallet to start with thinking it would be a much easier way to move it when needed, just forgot about weighing it after it had finished growing.

I like your idea Pipster, and yes a pic would be great, think i got a pretty good idea on what you are saying.
Will send you an email

3/11/2015 12:02:54 AM

Australia

Peter sent you an e mail. If weighing the pumpkins at a show, I wouldn't use manual lifting for a 200 plus kg pumpkin. The Only reason is because work safe has been very hard at ag shows in Australia lately. Shut a show down for 2 hours because of a powercord was the wrong size. And had a problem with another show the week before. And been told they targeting the shows at the moment. And I believe the rule is not allowed to manually lift more than 25 kg per person. And they give big on the spot fines, not worth the risk at the moment.

3/11/2015 8:42:17 AM

Wixom MI.

Hey pipster and bluesilver i just put up two posts of how i use tow straps and a tractor to lift and move a pumpkin. The first picture is moving an 1800+ lbs pumpkin at a weighoff useing a lifting ring. The second post shows how i tied it to my fork lift, because i do not have a lifting ring. This is the way sites around the world move these gaints.

3/11/2015 10:42:10 AM

Wixom MI.

I just posted that in my diary under (Wixom grower)it my take a few hours before they show up, so keep checking throughout the day if you dont see them.

3/11/2015 10:46:46 AM

Australia

Chris thanks for the pics. that's how I lift mine too , but I use seat belts out of old cars going up, as they are wide and strong. And use a truck strap around the bottom. Total cost to make was $10. Which I also use to pick up all the pumpkins at the state weigh off too.

3/11/2015 8:40:38 PM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers Chris, Now i see what you mean pipster, basically just a bulk fertilizer bag without the bag, draw string / rope to pull the bottom close.

Yes, here in Tassie i think they have actually brought the lifting weight limit down to 20kg per person.

3/12/2015 12:26:55 AM

Tasmania, Australia

Hey bluesilver, you going to make it to Bream creek next weekend? Be nice to put a few faces to the names. cheers ac

3/12/2015 4:25:21 AM

Tasmania Australia

Hi ACpumpkin, was that you that the ABC Radio did a report on today?
With a pumpking looking to hit 400kg?

3/13/2015 1:51:48 AM

Tasmania, Australia

I am afraid not. sitting at about 200kg. Cold nights have checked growth to a crawl now.

3/13/2015 6:48:07 PM

Tasmania Australia

Ah ok, so must be sitting on about the same size that i currently am.
Here is the link to the abc about the guy i think is in Sorell.
Also taking it to the beam creek show
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-13/giant-pumpkin-vegetable-bream-creek-show/6313898

3/13/2015 11:35:51 PM

Australia

The guy ( and 2 young daughters ) who were on the radio was ( speedy ) on here. Got 2 nice ones, should be the state record! ACpumpkin if you meet him I'm sure he will talk giant pumpkins with you all day ! Good friend of mine. Good luck Peter and ACpumpkin for your upcoming shows !

3/15/2015 8:57:38 AM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers Phillip, yes he said you was the main competitor he was trying to beat, sounds like it could go pretty close.

3/15/2015 9:43:26 PM