Troyer's Deluxe 12 Unit Gourd Rack
A quality-built 12-gourd rack designed for easy nest checks and years of dependable use.
Troyer's Deluxe 12 Unit Gourd Rack is a favorite among Purple Martin landlords who want a sturdy, easy-to-manage gourd system. Its four-part rope and pulley system makes raising and lowering the gourd rack much easier, while the hub moves vertically without turning—making nest checks more convenient.
And yes, the 14-foot pole is included!
Manufactured in Pennsylvania by Troyer's, this rack is built from durable aluminum and stainless-steel hardware with quality craftsmanship throughout. The rack accommodates 12 gourds and works with both plastic and natural gourds designed for horizontal hanging.
Why Purple Martin Landlords Choose the Deluxe 12
- Easy nest checks: The hub raises and lowers without rotating, making access to your gourds simple.
- Four-part pulley system: The pulley system divides the load among four pulleys, making the rack easier to raise and lower.
- Sturdy 14-foot pole: Includes a two-piece, 2-inch square high-tensile aluminum pole.
- Durable construction: Aluminum components and stainless-steel hardware are built for outdoor use.
- 12 removable gourd-hanging arms: The 3/8-inch solid aluminum arms make hanging and removing gourds convenient.
- Smooth operation: Nylon glide buttons in the hub help provide smooth, quiet movement.
- Complete rack system: The pole, ground stake, hub, gourd arms, rope, rope winder, perch rods, pole cap and necessary hardware are included.
What is the difference between the Deluxe 12 and the Super-Deluxe 12?
The Deluxe 12 and Super-Deluxe 12 are identical in design and operation, with one important difference: the gourd-hanging arms. The Deluxe 12 includes aluminum gourd-hanging arms, while the Super-Deluxe 12 includes stainless-steel gourd-hanging arms. This makes it easy to choose between the two racks based on your preferred arm material.
Comparing the Deluxe 12 and Super-Deluxe 12 to the K-12
All three racks provide space for 12 gourds, but the lifting system and expansion options are important differences. The Deluxe 12 and Super-Deluxe 12 feature a 14-foot pole and a simple rope-and-pulley system for raising and lowering the rack. The K-12 steps up to a 16-foot pole and includes a winch system for easy raising and lowering. It can also be expanded to a K-18 or K-24, making it a good choice for Purple Martin enthusiasts who may want to grow their colony in the future.
What's Included
- Two-piece, 14-foot, 2-inch square heavy-duty aluminum pole
- Heavy-duty aluminum ground stake
- Aluminum hub with nylon glide buttons
- Twelve 3/8-inch solid aluminum gourd-hanging arms featuring a 90-degree bend where they connect to the hub; a stainless-steel hitch pin secures each gourd to its arm
- 45 feet of polyester rope
- Aluminum rope winder
- Two 48-inch solid top perch rods
- Plastic pyramid pole cap
- Stainless-steel hardware
Mounting
The heavy-duty ground stake should be installed in concrete with 24 inches below ground and 24 inches above ground. The pole then slides over the portion of the ground stake extending above the concrete.
Gourd Compatibility
Holds 12 gourds. The horizontal-style gourd arms can accommodate Troyer Gourds and many other plastic or natural gourds. Gourds are not included with the rack unless you select one of the available gourd bundles.
Using Troyer Gourds?
That's easy. Troyer gourds come ready to hang with the proper horizontal hanging hole, so there's no need to modify them before installation. If your gourds do not already have the proper front-to-back hanging hole, simply drill a 3/8-inch hole in the neck of the gourd. Some gourds, like the SuperGourd, offer drill guides.
Popular Gourd Choices Include:
- Troyer Vertical Gourd — A deep, roomy gourd with a wide porch and Troyer Tunnel.
- Troyer Horizontal Gourd — A deep, 9-inch body gourd with a wide porch designed specifically for horizontal rack arms.
- SuperGourds — A spacious gourd for landlords who want a larger nesting cavity.
Designed for Easy Nest Checks
- One of the biggest advantages of the Deluxe 12 is the way it handles nest checks.
- The hub raises and lowers vertically without turning.
- That means your gourds remain properly positioned as you lower the rack.
- Once the rack is down, the gourd arms can be removed from the hub, or individual gourds can be removed by pulling the stainless-steel hitch pin.
- Less wrestling with your rack.
- More time checking your martins.
Why Choose a 12-Gourd Rack?
- Are starting a new gourd colony
- Are replacing an older Purple Martin house
- Want room to expand your colony
- Already own gourds and need a quality rack
- Want easier nest checks
- Prefer a square aluminum pole
- Want a rack that can be upgraded later
Conclusion
Whether you're setting up your first serious gourd system or upgrading an existing Purple Martin setup, Troyer's Deluxe 12 Unit Gourd Rack gives you a sturdy, practical system that's designed to make raising, lowering and checking your gourds easier.
Gourds sold separately. Gourd bundles are available as an option.
Product Instructions: Deluxe Gourd Rack Instructions
