Problem with lowering Gemini Gourd rack

ron20m · Sun Mar 03, 2013 7:11 pm

Took all the gourds off for winter and now can't get either of my two Gemini gourd racks to lower. When I start to lower the handle just unscrews off the base.
The only solution I can think of is climb a ladder to get all the gourds on and see if weight is enough to solve problem. Put 12 on one pole but it didn't help

JL Murray · Sun Mar 03, 2013 7:13 pm

Try pulling up on the cable as you turn the handle to lower it.

Dave Reynolds · Sun Mar 03, 2013 8:08 pm

Ron -- Maybe you can throw a rope over the gourd rack arms and pull down on the rack while trying to lower the rack with the wench, just make sure you don't pull it down on your self, check and make sure the safety pins (or bolts) are in place. just a thought..
Dave

akp · Sun Mar 03, 2013 10:02 pm

Mine has a stop pin at the top. Maybe it is hung up on that stop pin... If it is mounted on a ground stake, maybe you could get a couple of guys to lift and drop about 6 inches or so. Maybe that would jar it loose.

ron20m · Sun Mar 03, 2013 10:33 pm

Not hung up because it will raise, just wont lower. When I lower the handle just unscrews. One I even tried raising to top to get tension on handle then lower but same result

JL Murray · Sun Mar 03, 2013 10:53 pm

ron20m wrote:Not hung up because it will raise, just wont lower. When I lower the handle just unscrews. One I even tried raising to top to get tension on handle then lower but same result

your cable is probably just wedged tightly between the two cable windings that are on each side of it, my winch did that once i took a long screwdriver and gently pried it from between them to free it.

Jeff Robinson · Sun Mar 03, 2013 11:00 pm

Ron,

My Gemini did the same thing when I tried to bring it down for the first time this year, and the rack was only about halfway raised. I retightened the handle, made sure I had a little slack in the cable, ensured the brake was still engaged, then lifted up on the pole a few inches and dropped it back down - presto, it loosened and works fine now several times up and down. I do, however, wonder why that happened - possibly the upper pulley wheel was bound?

Jeff

~Ray~Gingerich · Mon Mar 04, 2013 12:58 am

The rack mfg says to never raise the rack without gourds on, it will go up but never come down. It needs at least 50lbs to work properly

tonyg · Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:23 am

You might try loosening the nut on the outside of winch that attaches to the handle..it might be to tight and is binding the spindle from rotating around..thats what happened to me and is why creative universe posted that thread on their site about handle spinning..worked for me..you might try putting some pressure against the handle when trying to lower it..

CMF · Mon Mar 04, 2013 9:09 am

Very true, although, a quick reversal on the handle (very quick) and the brake will release. I have had mine up w/o gourds (but only half way) and never got it stuck, but I can see how it easily can. If you get stuck, a vise grip bite on the cable & pressure on spooling out will start it.
Then when all previous methods fail, a tree pruner extension pole to deliver a line and weight to the axle always makes for entertaining gossip at the summer neighborhood picnic.
Good Luck!

Louise Chambers · Mon Mar 04, 2013 9:18 am

Be safe, please! Why not call the mfg for advice?

klcretired · Mon Mar 04, 2013 9:34 am

ron20m,
Like JL said Pull the cable as you turn the winch handle
I take my Gourds off my Gemini Rack every year and this will happen especially if you don't lub the cable, what is happening is the cable is overlapping and hangs up on itself , you will have to pull the cable as you lower it is the best way to do it. Good Luck and please don't get hurt

ron20m · Mon Mar 04, 2013 6:25 pm

Thanks everyone

Bob Fraser · Tue Mar 05, 2013 3:41 pm

Ron --- you ever get them down? What did you have to do?

ron20m · Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:26 pm

Bob, I got them down today by tying some weight on
I only had 1/2 the racks on.
But it was jerky, release 2-3 turns, then hang up and slip down.
I think the brake wench is too tight but I didn't try to loosen it because I got home 1/2 hour before dark.
I'm also waiting for some grandkids to get here Saturday before I put on the rest of the Gourds because they love helping me.

Bob Fraser · Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:41 pm

Ok... I too have a Gemini. I left the gourds on there over the winter and had no problems raising or lowering it.

I did notice it would "jerk" occasionally - it never did that last year.