2 inch square aluminum pole

[Jacquie100]

Hi. Can anyone tell me how much weight I can put on a 2 inch aluminum pole? Will it hold 72 pounds? Thanks

[Matt F.]

Hi Jacquie.
72 pounds definitely seems a bit excessive for a 2" square aluminum pole.
I know in the PMCA store, the Multipurpose Pole system uses the 2" square aluminum pole, and in the description it mentions not to exceed 50 pounds.
I'm assuming you're referring the same 2" square aluminum pole that's available with some of the systems in the PMCA store?
I ask because the gauge or thickness of the aluminum also determines how much weight it can safely handle.
A 2" square aluminum pole with thicker aluminum than that from the PMCA store, could potentially handle more than 50 pounds with no problems.
If we are talking about the PMCA poles though, for anything 50 pounds or more, I would personally go with the 3" square aluminum pole.

[~Ray~Gingerich]

That's stretching the limits somewhat. Figure about 2lbs for each gourd that would be 36 pounds for deluxe 18 rack, plus about 15 lbs in hardware, so you could say 50lbs for the rack with gourds. Now I did put a cage on that size rack and it was probably another 20lbs, it swayed a good bit in the wind but kept it up for one season.

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

If you do not have the pole bought, I would very strongly advise you to get a 3in pole. If you own the 2in pole, then I would reduce the weight, its not worth the effort to have a pole bend as such bent poles usually makes them useless.

[Ed Svetich-WI]

I have related question about weight issues and a winch. I have two deluxe 12 gourd racks with the rope. I would like to convert both to a winch for ease of operation. The winch on the PMCA shop states that the winch available there is for use with at least 50# weight.If Ray is correct at 2# per gourd, I am under 50# total weight. Are there any winches available for less than 50# or is this a non issue?

Ed

[Matt F.]

I have related question about weight issues and a winch. I have two deluxe 12 gourd racks with the rope. I would like to convert both to a winch for ease of operation. The winch on the PMCA shop states that the winch available there is for use with at least 50# weight.If Ray is correct at 2# per gourd, I am under 50# total weight. Are there any winches available for less than 50# or is this a non issue?

Great question Ed.
Like you mentioned, DL brake winches (like the ones in the PMCA store) are designed to work with loads of approx 50 lbs or more.
Anything less, and they are quite jerky and bouncy on the way down.
The Fulton brake winches have adjustable brakes, so you can set them to lower nice and smooth, even with lighter weight systems that fall below 50 lbs.
The specific model (that is a perfect, direct replacement for the DL winch - with no changes needed (no drilling, cutting, etc.) at the mounting point)), is the Fulton K650 0101.

[Ed Svetich-WI]

Matt,

Thanks. I will check out the Fulton winches. The Forum is always a great resource.

Ed

[James Strickland FL]

I change all my aluminum poles over to steel. I had a tornado come through and bent every one. Thank God it was before the martins came. They may be a little bit heavy, but they do not move in the wind and I do not have be concerned with weight as long as the cable can carry the weight.

[Jacquie100]

Thank you all! Going to get a new 3 inch pole, but was hoping to add some more housing to the twelve rack of gourds on the 2 inch square as well.

Happy day!

[taxidermy lady]

My 2" square aluminum pole has 12 gourds on them. A 2" square that holds houses should only have 2 aluminum houses and 4 gourds. I also have the 2' extensions on them. Adding extra weight will cause problems. Good luck with your project!

[nbaum]

I have a T-14 with 12 extra gourds hanging from it. I have a 16 foot aluminium beam that's really a beam used for concrete forming. Its 6 1/2 inches deep and 5" wide. A good strong beam. It was secured to the ground by two pressure treated 2x4's incased in concrete. It was good for 9 years. About August 10 of this year a storm came through and as I stood there and watched from the house the whole unit blew over! The 2x4's snapped at the ground. All of the martins had fledged except two but two got crushed when the house hit the ground. My son and I were able to stand the house back up at half mast. The martins used it for several weeks more until they left.
I am a big believer now of having a strong support system. Don't short yourself on post size and ground support. I started with just the T-14 which is not light housing itself. Then the martins kept coming so I kept adding gourds. I have now imbedded two 5" steel channels 6 foot long in concrete to support my Aluminium beam at ground level. I am also using a Harbor Freight 1500 Lb remote controlled winch to raise and lower the housing. You can't beat it for $85 plus a battery. It locks in position when shut off. I never liked cranking the winch from under the heavy housing.

[Rodger Drye]

If you're going for strength steel is definately the way to go.! I've had 1/4" 2"x2"x20Ft. Steel poles up for almost 27 years, never had a problem.! Not even when Hurricane Hugo came through the poles stood steadfast.!! I had 73 trees up in the woods that were blowed over or simply snapped or twisted off at ground level, and that was from winds of close to 175 mph.!!

My Racks on all my Poles are located at 16 Ft. On the Steel Poles I have Steel Racks that I welded and they weigh 45 lbs. each.
This is not including the Gourds. All my Poles have Steel Pole Anchors 30" to 36" concreted in the ground.!! Can't say that they won't ever be blown down, if Mother Nature wants them they will go.! But it will take some kind of Mother Nature to Blow these Poles down!!

On my 2 inch square Aluminum Poles I've added my own 2 Ft. Extension. Then welded a round 6 Ft. Inside pole brace inside the 2" X 2" pole to beef up the strength of the entire pole.!!!

On winches, I use only Hex Drive Worm Gear Winches rated at 1500 lbs. Very Strong and Reliable Winches, and you only need a Drill to raise and lower your racks.!! No Cranking, No Jerking, No Sweat, when you stop they stop.!!! I have only Gourds but to those who have heavy houses like T-14's I have a 5 Ft. Extension bar to operate the Winch while I sit in a Chair away from any potential hazard if the House were to accidentally fall.!!!

I guess it's like they say you get what you pay for! Start out with a good strong foundation and don't cut conners.!! It's better to be Safe than Sorry!!!!!!

Rodger

[nbaum]

I know the problem is when you start out with no Martins it does not seem reasonable to go with the "big rig". I guess I'am lucky I needed to upgrade.

[Rodger Drye]

James,
I wanted to ask you about your Steel Poles.?? I can understand why you changed over to Steel - they are Stronger!!
Did you change your 3" Poles as well? What wall thickness do you have on the 2" and the 3".?? How tall are your Poles??
If I put up any more Poles I think I'll go with Steel. 2 of my Poles are already steel with wall thickness of 1/4".
On your 3" Poles I'm wondering if you could get away with 1/8" wall thickness so they wouldn't be so heavy to lift.?.?
Did you paint your Poles.?
Thanks, Rodger

[warbird]

I have two 2"x1\4" thick square 16' tall painted. one has Alamo with 4 gourds and the other has a 24 gourd rack, both with winches. works great. I would say the 3"x1\8" would hold about anything you would want as far as pm's. it would have to be stronger than the 3" aluminum . good thing about 3" pole, is a lot of options for houses and racks.


'

[Rodger Drye]

Warbird,
Thanks for the reply. I tend to agree that a 1/8" x 3" x 3" Steel Pole would be a strong Pole.! I will consider all options before I install another PM Pole. But most likely will go with Steel.!!
Rodger