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Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

Hi everyone. Any recommendations on where to find a metal tripod for lifting? I currently have a tripod made out of 16 foot 4x4s but nervous its not going to hold. 4x4s are 12 years old and in really good shape though.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

8/23/2024 12:36:25 PM

Gourd Zone, WA

I built a metal tripod out of greenhouse parts, specifically I inserted the round metal poles (for rolling the plastic sides up) inside some of the longer square frame pieces. I dont know the sizes I'll have to go measure it. ...But the round metal pole fit rather snug inside the square pieces. Metal isnt that rigid unless its designed to be, but using both shapes together definitely helps... I think the result is much more trustworthy. It lifted 1600 lbs... But my guess would be your 4x4 wood setup could lift that as well... these darn pumpkins are getting too heavy for normal equipment.

8/23/2024 1:43:29 PM

This link might help

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=2&p=712002

Should you go this route then this might help

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=298431

[Last edit: 08/23/24 3:08:39 PM]

8/23/2024 3:05:39 PM

Gourd Zone, WA

I measured mine its 1 1/2" square steel, the round steel pipe inside has an outer dimension of 1 3/8 so it fits snugly inside the square steel. But its also held into position with metal screws. There's a cable at the top that holds the legs together and I used aluminum strips (also a greenhouse component, its the stuff the wiggle wire sets in) to guard where the cable would contact the metal legs. I'd rather have the cable touching/rubbing against aluminum, because the aluminum will be the softer of the two metals. The aluminum wont wear into the steel cable that holds the legs together. The cable will wear into the aluminum but thats fine, the aluminum strips arent a structural component they're just guarding the contact points.


The whole thing weighs 120 lbs... I can barely drag it and set it up by myself. Mine has four legs actually, so it could all be built slightly leaner with only three legs and then it might weigh only 90 lbs, or so. I realize this info may or may not be helpful to you! Growing the pumpkin is only part of the challenge, getting it to the weigh off can be a challenge too... Good luck!

[Last edit: 08/23/24 4:39:34 PM]

8/23/2024 4:32:32 PM

Salem Ohio

Jeff Theil sells a replica of the Handy Knuckle. All you do is screw 3 pieces of 1 1/4” steel pipe(approximately 15’ long)into it and you’ll have a stable tripod that will last a lifetime. It has a hook to attach your chain hoist and folds up for easier maneuvering and storage.

8/23/2024 5:22:32 PM