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Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

Has anyone made a watermelon or field pumpkin dolly that one person can use to get the produce out of the patch.

12/26/2013 8:58:08 PM

Fenton, MI

Bill, sending you some pictures of the one I made. Would not be with out it. Makes it a one man job, us old guys need all the help we can get. If any one would like pictures, let me know and I will send some.
There will also be one in the GWG live auction 1-17-14 with free shiping.

12/27/2013 10:12:21 AM

Vernal, Utah

At the request of Susan Barber I have made watermelon lifting ring. It is 39" long and 13" wide and has 8 straps plus a bottom closing strap. It works on the same principal as a pumpkin lifting ring, but is designed for the longer shape of a giant watermelon. I have lifted 500 lbs of drill steel with it with no problem. It is rated for 800 lbs so should handle any melons that will be grown in the near future. I have donated this melon lifting ring and Dori Sling for the GWG auction in January. Contact Barbetoo (Susan Barber) for details. If you are not able to get this ring at the auction, I have melon lifting rings for sale.

12/27/2013 11:00:50 AM

sevierville, Tn

Marvin, is this just to lift like a tripod or as bill said a dolly?? pictures of a dolly would be great !

12/27/2013 12:48:02 PM

Muddy Waters

I have a dolly thats perfect for the melons.You roll the melon on to the dolly strap & roll.I call it Handyhomegrowns Strap & roll.LOL I will post on my diary.

12/27/2013 4:31:48 PM

Mnt.pleasant ,tennessee

I have a walk behind(stand up)mower i built a 3'×6' bed attachment that sticks outfront of mower& has 2 piviting wheels on front.thats what i used to harvest fp's& gourds.something could probli be rigged with a tiller to push& guide a wagon.for a smaller type motor wilburrow. Makes great for all kinds of stuff to.

12/27/2013 5:15:47 PM

Fenton, MI

Chris, The lifting ring is for lifting, but then you can put the melon on a small wagon ( like you can get at TSC )and take it any where you want. If you make your tripod wide you can back a truck or car under it. I like using twq BIG farm boys. I didn't need them this year.

If you have a lifter you will come up with a way to use it.

12/27/2013 7:26:42 PM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

Marv, thanks for the pics, a lifter would make this old man’s job easer but my thoughts were to make it simpler yet. After several days of doodling what I think I’m looking for is a light weight hand truck or hand dolly with large a 3’x 2’ platform and rubber tires. What I might do is make a platform that attaches to an existing dollies platform and try to extend the wheel base for more stability. Didn’t want to reinvent the wheel and don’t know if this would work so I posted to see what others use.

12/27/2013 8:17:30 PM

Muddy Waters

I use a small dolly works great!

12/27/2013 10:12:18 PM

Corryton, TN

Maybe one of these will work
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_grounds-maintenance+wagons-yard-carts+hand-pull-wagons
I've got one just never used it that way.

12/28/2013 5:13:56 AM

Hamburg, NY

I think I would still go with a lifting tarp and however many guys you need on the handholds. If you feel this one is not large enough get a hold of me. /Ray
http://www.pandpseed.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=pandpseed&Product_Code=01_WT&Category_Code=supplies

1/2/2014 2:51:25 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Have been at several weighoffs at Bear Wallow Farms, at which the melons almost outnumber the Pkns...and I am thinkin, awl of em have been brought to the skales w/ 4 big KY. farm boys/gals!!! on a hand held/lifted tarp? Maybe one of Franks, or Chris's was brought close to skale on the fork lift...but certainly placed on scale on tarp, and then rolled off!!! Peace, Wayne

1/4/2014 3:44:34 AM

sevierville, Tn

Correct Wayne, but i think ppl are looking for a way to get it out of the patch if 4 big KY. farm boys/gals are not available. Like loading a pumpkin with a tripod. Probally need one of those things soon the way the weights are going up. At least they do roll !

1/4/2014 8:19:44 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Cmon, Chris...admit it...you's guy's grow some Big Ole Farm Guys/Gals down in Tn!!!? Don't ya? If you can pack em in that lil car, you can pack em outta da patch!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

1/5/2014 5:27:36 PM