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Middle TN

I gotta figure out how to get a 500-600 lb pumpkin onto a pallet. I dont have a lifting tarp (yet) but Ive read where some people have used regular tarps that are folded. Ive also seen straps used with or without a ring at the top. What do ya'll recommend? My husband wants to just stick the forks of a fork lift under it! Sunday is moving day and I need a plan before he goes charging at it with a fork lift.

7/19/2010 2:54:58 PM

Western NY

I've done 500#ers with a regular tarp before. just figure on needing 6 guys that have a good grip.

7/19/2010 2:59:32 PM

Tammy, given your pallet set-up, I'd use a tarp. Like Andy said, 500-600 can be lifted on a tarp fine as long as you have some willing help. A promise of beer (AFTER) they load your pumpkin for you is usually enough to elicit willing help, at least in these parts. I assume it's the same out your way.

I would recommend against a lifting ring/straps for you, unless you do something different with your pallet. That much foam is going to make it a bugger and a half to do anything with the straps once the fruit settles in.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=139243

I'd probably use a tarp, and plan on keeping it under the pumpkin for the duration of the pumpkin's stay on the pallet.

Best of luck at the fair, hope it goes heavy!

7/19/2010 3:15:58 PM

if you have a forklift already and a few tow straps get a heavy rope and tie it off good under the curve of pumpkin . ring not always needed if rigged up good



http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=6439&gid=-25615

7/19/2010 4:20:35 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

A good quilt has lifted a 651 with six people....waZ eaZy

7/19/2010 4:52:34 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Tammy, the picture Don attached is the way to go. Since you already have a fork lift. I use our neighbors fork lift on his tractor and use straps attached to a clevis hook at the top and a strong rope on the bottom to snug it up for the lift. Good Luck.
Dont let him put the forks under the pumpkin...

7/19/2010 7:54:25 PM

Fresno, CA

How do you get it on the tarp? Roll a little to one side and slide it under?

7/19/2010 11:52:56 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Tammy, no forks directly under pkn...or they might end up "into pkn"!!! Lots of hands...w/ specific directions...i.e. "do not grab a hold of the stem"!!!! could work, but makes it very nervous!!! Roll side to side as you slide tarp underneath!!! but... I would spend the bucks and buy a lifting ring set up if I had a slunger like that!!! Don's system is totally workable also, just be sure and tighten the rope, in the lower loops, smaller than yer Slunger!!! Then set this monster down on the padded pallet, already set in the back of yer pk/up!!! Your county fair should have a fork lift to get it out of the truck!!! Then reattatch yer lifting device to the forklift at the fair!!! Hope this helps!!! Congrats!!! Peace, Wayne

7/20/2010 2:21:40 AM

Middle TN

thats 3 for the tarp and 3 for the straps! LOL

Thanks for the advice everyone, the OTT hit 600 lbs today so Im leaning toward using the straps just because I think it'll be difficult to lift that much weight with man power plus we have the fork lift so why not use it. I may need to redesign my pallet, maybe switch from foam rubber to styrofoam.

7/20/2010 12:37:19 PM

If you don’t have to remove the straps from the pumpkin while the pumpkin is on that pallet, straps work just fine. If you plan to remove the straps/lifting device from the pumpkin while it’s on the pallet – construct a different pallet.

5” foam rubber + removing the bottom strap from underneath a large pumpkin = a colorful string of expletives from the lifting crew

7/20/2010 12:56:01 PM

Kentucky

I have a lifting ring I would be glad to loan you. I live about 50 miles north of Nashville. If you are intersted just let me know. [email protected]

Bill

7/21/2010 9:40:46 PM

Smithville, Tn

If you can get enough hands to support it, flip it over and have the tarp ready to slide underneath as you flip then just pick the tarp with Mable straight up and slide pallet underneath. Let me know if you need help, we're less than 30 minutes away. I may need the favor returned come Allardt time.

7/22/2010 12:32:08 AM

Middle TN

Bill, thats extremely nice of you, I appreciate the offer. If I had anything bigger I would sure take you up on it. With my pumpkin being on the small side, I think we can get it. Hubby has several tow straps and is planning to weld up a makeshift ring.

Malissa, Id be glad to help ya, just give me a yell. Im hoping to go to Allardt this year too, I heard they have some awesome pumpkins there.

7/22/2010 11:45:38 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Malissa, and Tammy, I am sure you are in the know...that Allardt is an official GPC site this year!!!! Great new GPC Site!!! Remember that BWF is an early weigh-off, 3rd Saturday in September, so if ya got an early one (LOL at TT), Hope you make it to BWF!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...Tammy, you crack me up!!! Small side??? 600#'s b/4 8/1, on the scales... is not on the small side!!! Be proud, smile, and post pictures!!!!!!!

7/23/2010 12:40:23 AM

Middle TN

Ive never been to Allardt but Im planning to go this year as well as Bear Wallow Farms. Oh and concidering the monsters I saw at BWF last year, mine is most definately on the small side, Id be wearing a skunk hat for sure! haha

7/23/2010 2:14:31 AM