Troyer's Super-Deluxe 18 Unit Gourd Rack
A quality-built 18-gourd rack designed for easy nest checks and years of dependable use.
The Troyer's Super-Deluxe 18 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 Super-Deluxe 18
- 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 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.
- 18 removable gourd-hanging arms: The 3/8-inch solid stainless-steel 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.
Choosing Between the Super-Deluxe 18, Deluxe 18 and the K-18
If you are deciding between our three 18-unit gourd racks, all three provide space for the same number of gourds, but there are important differences to consider. The Deluxe 18 features a 14 foot pole and a simple rope and pulley system for raising and lowering the rack. The K-18 steps up to a 16 foot pole and includes a winch system for easy raising and lowering, with the added advantage of being expandable to a K-24. The Super Deluxe 18 offers another 18-gourd option for Purple Martin enthusiast, with its 14-foot pole and stainless steel gourd-hanging arms. Comparing the pole height, lifting system, and future expansion options can help you choose the rack that best fits your colony.
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
- Eighteen 3/8-inch solid stainless-steel gourd-hanging arms, feature a 90-degree bend where they connect to the hub. A stainless 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 18 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 in the neck of the gourd. Some gourds, like the SuperGourd offer drill guides.
Popular Gourd Choices Include:
Designed for Easy Nest Checks
- One of the biggest advantages of the Super-Deluxe 18 is the way the 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 hitch pin.
- Less wrestling with your rack
- More time checking your martins.
Why Choose a 18-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.
Need More Height?
The Super-Deluxe 18 uses the same 2-inch square pole system as several other Troyer racks. A 2-foot extension pole piece is available separately if you want to increase the height of the existing 14-foot pole. A longer rope is required when using the extension.
Want to Upgrade the Raising System?
The Super-Deluxe 18 can be converted from its standard rope-and-pulley system to a cable-and-winch system with the Troyer Deluxe Conversion Kit.
Conclusion
Whether you're setting up your first serious gourd system or upgrading an existing Purple Martin setup, the Troyer's Super-Deluxe 18 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 as an option.
