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Eastern Pennsylvania

We have been looking at the team pumpkin design so we always have a backup if the heavy equipment is not available. I have 2 questions:

1. The team pumpkin site mentions that the design can lift 1/2 ton pumpkins and that they used it to move 1171 lbs. What is the heaviest pumpkin that can be lifted? People's safety and of course my truck is a concern.

2. It looks like a real pain in the A-- to use. Is it???

Thanks!

8/31/2011 11:46:23 AM

canal winchester ohio

I've always thought tripods are the way to go. If built big enough the pumpkin can be raised in the patch & your truck driven right under it & lowered in the bed of your truck. AND if you use 10' poles instead on 16 footers you can easily set it up by yourself in the patch if you want to weigh it while still on the vine & get a better idea which one you want to take where. and with the 10 footers if you have a pumpkin with serious stem stress you will be surprised how well it helps in repositioning the pumpkin without doing damage to the plant or pumpkin.

8/31/2011 12:00:05 PM

Western Pa.

I am not familiar with the design you mention, but all industrial rigging is rated with extra "safety" pounds built in. I have successfully lifted 800# pumpkins myself with a 2 buck steel scaffold, 4x6" lifting beam,lifting ring, and 1- 1/2 ton chain come-along. Simply lift, remove a brace and back your truck under the fruit. Just be sure the scaffolding is level and plumb! I think I had pictures in my gallery.
kilr

8/31/2011 12:01:25 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Huff, it doesn't seem like 10 footers would be tall enough for a silverado to fit under?

Kilr, without wishing to reveal the true weight of my pumpkin, suppose that 800 pounds went another 65% heavy?

8/31/2011 12:34:29 PM

[email protected]

Jim,

My tripod is built with 4"x4"x16'ers, it lifted my 1418 with no problems, I don't think it even broke a sweat. I believe Quinn uses a tripod to lift all of his pumpkins.

8/31/2011 12:34:38 PM

Western NY

Jim - I used tripod on my 1426 and the others last year, no problems. 16 foot beams, I've been using them for almost 10 years now. I would still be comfortable lifting an 1800 that way.

It's a bit of a hassle to set up, but the wife and I can do it ourselves, and as long as you're not setting it up more than once or twice a day, it's not too much of a workout.

8/31/2011 12:46:35 PM

canal winchester ohio

10 footers for spot weighing in patch, 16 footers for loading in truck

8/31/2011 12:48:55 PM

Western PA

They do take more time to set up than getting a neighbor with a tractor, but you don't have to rely on them when you decide to lift.That is why I built one last season.

No problem at all, I can set it up myself.( 4x4x16's)

8/31/2011 12:55:59 PM

Connecticut

Thanks for looking at the Team-Pumpkin website. For those that want to see what he is talking about go to www.Team-Pumpkin.org and on the left side look for the “tripod” link.

I have full confidence that one of these tripods can lift more than half a ton as I have done this on more than on occasion. Even at 2,000lb that is only about 667lb per supporting leg.

I have taken the Team-Pumpkin design and made a Team-Pumpkin special addition for those with limited storage space or distance patches;-) Look at the picture in the link below the legs are each 16ft. tall but to achieve this two 8ft. 4”x4” pieces of wood are used with couplers.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=120694

This tripod and all the components arrived in a Honda Civic (yes you read that right) to pick up this 1449.5lb pumpkin. It is best to have some hands to get the tripod in position and evenly spaced but it does make the actual lifting process very easy.

-Matt D.

8/31/2011 1:45:31 PM

Preston CT

Hey I remember that picture Matt! Easy set up and break down!

8/31/2011 2:10:34 PM

canal winchester ohio

don't forget to use a 6' step ladder to set it up on. I watched 3 guys set it up flat on the ground & lift it up from there & laughed my butt off.

8/31/2011 2:37:13 PM

Glosta

I used the team pumpkin setup, set it up myself 6 times in the patch and twice in the front yard. held 881 lb pkn plus me (217#), chain, come-along and lifting ring, so a good 1200 #'s. My front yard is very steep having the center leg allows to position it level on a hill, good if your patch is sloped.

8/31/2011 3:47:18 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

I love my tripod. Yes, you need 16-foot 4x4 lumber, and a serious sized spike to hold it together at the top. If I can find them, I'll post some pictures.

I've found it to be safe, reliable, and I don't need to depend on someone else being around to help me load.

8/31/2011 4:44:32 PM

Wallingford,CT

I'm still using my original Team-Pumpkin tripod with 16 foot legs and I put it up by my self. It's much easier to put up than you would think. While Team-Pumpkin posted the design it was Andy W. I credit for the original idea. Thanks Andy.

8/31/2011 5:06:37 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Thanks for all the replies!

Question #3: chain hoists vary greatly in cost. Assuming similar capacity ( say 2 ton) how important is it to get a more expensive hoist vs. the value priced model?

8/31/2011 5:11:47 PM

Long Island,New York

I switched mine to a quad pod for my biggest....just for added stability.

8/31/2011 6:07:32 PM

Western PA

Jim, I asked the same ? last fall. Don't get one of the Chinese made ones that cost 40 dollars or so. JUNK !, so I was told.
Keep your eye on ebay. I picked up an Ingersol Rand for $13o.00 shipped to my door, 1.5 ton.The Japanese ones like Jet brand are also excellent.

9/1/2011 9:40:09 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Thanks for the emails guys. For me, the Ross brand will be my choice as I know of at least two 1,400+ pound pumpkins that this brand has lifted.

9/1/2011 12:54:40 PM