Ground Sleeve for 3-Inch Square Pole Systems
Make seasonal removal of your gourd rack easier with our aluminum Ground Sleeve for 3-inch square pole systems. This sleeve is permanently installed in the ground and is designed to accept the heavy-duty aluminum ground stake supplied with compatible Troyer gourd rack systems. Instead of cementing the ground stake directly into the ground, the stake slides into the installed sleeve and can be removed whenever you want to take down the entire rack and pole system.
IMPORTANT FIT INFORMATION — PLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING
This ground sleeve is designed ONLY for use with our compatible heavy-duty aluminum gourd rack ground stake.
The term “3-inch Ground Sleeve” refers to the outside dimensions of the square aluminum tubing used to manufacture the sleeve. It does NOT mean that a 3-inch square pole, post, tube, or other 3-inch object will fit inside it.
Your gourd rack pole does not slide into this sleeve. The heavy-duty aluminum ground stake slides inside the sleeve, and the gourd rack pole then fits over the portion of the ground stake extending above ground.
If you are unsure whether your existing ground stake is compatible, we strongly recommend checking the fit before installing the sleeve in concrete.
Why Use a Ground Sleeve?
Normally, the heavy-duty ground stake supplied with a gourd rack is installed directly into the ground with approximately 24 inches of the stake remaining above ground. The pole then slides over the exposed portion of the stake.
A ground sleeve provides another installation option. Instead of permanently securing the ground stake in the ground, the 30-inch aluminum sleeve is installed flush with ground level. Your ground stake can then be inserted into or removed from the sleeve as needed.
This is especially convenient for landlords who prefer to completely remove their gourd rack, pole, and ground stake during the off-season or when relocating the system.
Important Recommendation for Larger Gourd Racks
Although this ground sleeve can be used with compatible 3-inch pole systems, we do not recommend using a ground sleeve with the Gemini Gourd Rack or Super System 36.
These larger gourd racks carry considerably more weight and surface area at the top of the pole. From our experience, installing them with a removable ground stake inside a ground sleeve can allow more noticeable movement or swaying than when the ground stake is installed directly in the ground.
For the Gemini and Super System 36, we recommend installing the heavy-duty ground stake directly in the ground for a more solid, stable installation.
Keeps Your Ground Stake at the Proper Height
An included stop pin passes through the ground sleeve and supports the ground stake at the proper position. Once the stake is inserted into the sleeve, the pin prevents it from dropping farther into the ground and maintains approximately 24 inches of ground stake above ground level, just as it would be positioned during a standard ground-stake installation.
Caps Are Included
Two standard 3-inch flat-top pole caps are supplied with the ground sleeve.
One cap is installed in the bottom of the sleeve before installation to help prevent water and concrete from entering from below.
The second cap can be used at the top of the installed sleeve when the ground stake has been removed, helping keep rainwater, leaves, dirt, and other debris from entering the empty sleeve.
Installation Overview
The ground sleeve is installed vertically in a properly prepared hole and secured with concrete with the top of the sleeve flush with ground level. The included stop pin is installed at the designated location before the ground stake is inserted.
Carefully level the sleeve during installation so your ground stake, pole, and gourd rack remain properly aligned.
Always test-fit your ground stake inside the sleeve before permanently installing the sleeve in concrete.
Features
- Designed for compatible 3-inch square pole gourd rack systems
- Manufactured from the same heavy-duty aluminum tubing used for our gourd rack poles
- 3-inch square aluminum tubing
- 1/8-inch wall thickness
- 30 inches long
- Installed flush with ground level
- Allows compatible heavy-duty aluminum ground stake to be removed
- Included stop pin maintains proper ground-stake height
- Helps maintain approximately 24 inches of ground stake above ground
- Includes two standard 3-inch flat-top pole caps
- Bottom cap helps prevent water and concrete from entering during installation
- Second cap can cover the sleeve when the ground stake is removed
- Useful for seasonal removal or relocation of compatible gourd rack systems
- Ground stake, pole, and gourd rack are not included
Please Remember
This product is a ground sleeve for the ground stake — it is not a sleeve for the gourd rack pole itself. Only the compatible heavy-duty aluminum ground stake is intended to fit inside the sleeve.
