Homemade Pumpkin/Melon Lifter

This Homemade Pumpkin/Melon Lifter allows one to pick up from the ground a pumpkin, melon, or other bulk item without having to bend down. It consists of a 36-inch-long 1/4-inch metal conduit with a 6-inch bend in it; a five-tine pitchfork; some pieces of rubber hose or vinyl tubing; and an arm-support handle (called the RoboHandle). The tines are spread apart and bent upward somewhat to form a bowl-shaped cradle; a piece of rubber hose is slipped over each tine so as not bruise the item being lifted. The pitchfork’s spur slides into the piece of bent conduit and is secured; and the arm-support handle is fastened onto the other end of the 36-inch conduit via hose clamp. The website shows the supplies needed and presents the step-by-step instructions (including pictures) for making this lifting tool.

Cost: $50.00

Impairment Category: Back, Lower extremity, Strength/endurance