So once your pumpkin is mature, you will need to figure out how to move it to get it to the competition you are taking it to. Except if by some strange chance the competition is at your place, this is something you will need to think about.
People
Even if you are going to use some sort of elaborate system to move your pumpkin, you are more then likely going to need to somehow get something underneath your pumpkin.
No matter how heavy it is, the best solution is to get a lot of people to help lift it while you put whatever it is underneath it.
As a rough guide each person can lift roughly 50kg’s. So to move a 300kg pumpkin 6 strong burly men can do it easily.
Pallet
If you know a forklift will be at your weigh off, then it is best to get your pumpkin onto a pallet. Either onto a pallet first and then both moved to the vehicle, or the pallet is put on the vehicle and the pumpkin is put on top of it.
The vast majority of people will put the pumpkin onto some sort of heavy duty sheet. Over in the US you can get a special heavy duty lifting tarp, which has hand holds all around the outside, while very effective it can also be quite expensive for what it is.
Pumpkin lifting tarp
For the recent competition I used a ultra heavy duty tarp, and put rope around the outside of it.
Heavy duty tarp
It turned out the rope was unnecessary, and we were able to lift it while just crunching up the corners and sides.
Another very effective option I saw used recently was an old fertiliser bag, with ultra heavy duty straps around the top edge, it was very strong and very easy to use.
If you have a need to move an ultra large pumpkin, you might need a pumpkin lifter like this:
Pumpkin lifting device
Ideal for when you need a crane or forklift to move your pumpkin around.
Vehicles
When choosing a vehicle to transport your pumpkin, you want one that is very easy to load and unload and able to take the weight of the pumpkin.
Because of these requirements, the best option is usually a Ute.
Packing it into the ute tray helps remove the chance of movement as you drive. Placing polystyrene underneath the pumpkin helps absorb any bumps you might get while driving, and is very useful if you have to travel long distances.
Reaching your destination
When you reach your destination, there is usually a lot of people willing to lend a hand to move your pumpkin. Don’t be afraid to ask for a hand, pumpkin growers are a friendly bunch.