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Paradise Mountain, New York

I've been asked what is a safe limit as to how big of a pumpkin can be lifted with the Team-pumpkin lift that Bart Toftness designed.I have no clue and maybe others can state how big of a giant pumpkin they have lifted over 1,000 pounds. Safety should be number one when lifting and loading a pumpkin or squash..

9/13/2017 10:48:10 PM

Wallingford,CT

I've been using the same one for many years and lifted many over 1k. Last years best was 1539

9/13/2017 10:52:51 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I lifted 1001 and 1947. I had a 1 ton chain hoist, but when lowering the 1001 after the weigh off, it started slipping, dropping a couple inches at a time. I replaced it with a 2 ton hoist, better gear ratio and easier to lift with it.

9/14/2017 1:29:13 AM

Plainville, Connecticut 06062

Don't worry. Bart's system works even for the big boys! It worked on one 7 pounds shy of 2,000 and no problem with 1,700 or 1,800 pounders. Just make sure the legs are secured to the ground. You can shovel a small hole underneath the leg which will then drop into the hole. I then use about four sometimes five or six 18 inch rebar 1/4 inch stakes pounded into the ground around each leg to make sure the leg is grounded good. I use a three ton chain hoist bought at Harbour Frieght which will lift the heaviest pumpkin anyone can grow. I either use a wrap around chain at the top or a heavy duty sling made by Lee out of Utah. Once you have the system adjusted so the pumpkin is centered below make sure you tighten up the nuts at the top which will stabilize the unit better. GOODLUCK!

9/14/2017 7:23:24 AM

Lasalle,mi

1916lbs a few years ago. Pooh-bear is correct follow his directions.

9/14/2017 9:12:07 AM

Central NY

Oh yea brat?...which fricken sandbagger asked you that?...!

9/14/2017 10:04:37 AM

Walhalla, ND.

A single 4x4 Douglas fir post standing straight up is capable of holding over 7,000 pounds. With the angle that they sit plus two more 4x4s your certain not to overload it. As pool-bear says make certain the legs won't slip out because of the angle, they will push outwards.

9/14/2017 10:27:45 AM

Marion,IN

A grower told me he lifted 3,000 lbs using the tripod. He is a well known grower so I trust his word. I think you're good.

Mark G.

9/14/2017 12:21:04 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I loaded up a bag with 2500 pounds of sand and my 4x4 tripod lifted it just fine. Just be sure to pound rebar stakes behind each leg.

9/15/2017 11:44:38 PM

Wooley Swamp N.Y.

Not me chop I use a tractor

9/16/2017 7:24:33 AM

Bloomington, IN USA

There are commercial lifting tripods which have chains restraining the legs from slipping out.
I put some chains on mine last year when we brought our 1051.5 home & wanted to set it down on the back of our driveway.
I was able to get 2 legs on the lawn, stabilized by rebar but 1 had to be on the concrete so I put the chains on. No problem!

9/17/2017 10:58:31 PM