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The Garden State

While watching the Lord of the Gourds program, I heard one grower mention that you have to be careful using a strap lifter because you may crack the pumpkin. This is my first year using a strap lifter so is there a special technique or process that I need to follow? What should I not do? (in order to avoid a crack).

9/17/2007 7:50:54 AM

[email protected]

I'd prefer 2" or wider straps. We used one with 1" straps this weekend & I suspect the narrow straps *could* cause damage to some fruit.

9/17/2007 8:59:02 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

I have been using and watching strap lifters for several years and have never seen a pumpkin damaged by use of a strap lifter. Done properly, it may be the safest way to lift a fruit. The load is evenly distributed.

Now, if a fruit is "full of stress" and already ready to crack when you lift it..........?

9/17/2007 12:36:57 PM

[email protected]

Some fruit can't be lifted by any method - or shouldn't be. LOL

One thought I had was for bruising the flesh with the frame while lacing the straps. Duct tape & carpet remnants might help at a weigh-off. We just placed a bath towel over the pumpkin first. Once the lifting begins the frame of the ring is far & away from contacting the fruit.

9/17/2007 12:54:13 PM

Wallingford,CT

I use pipe insulation on the ring to pad it from the pumpkin until lifting.

9/17/2007 2:49:04 PM