Just outside Edmonton, farmer Darcy Goossen developed an innovative device that has made life easier for hundreds of farmers across Canada. The “TireGrabber” is an attachment that allows users to quickly and safely lift and move tractor tires. What began as an attempt to simplify his own workload soon grew into Goossen’s own business. Here on edmonton.name, we explore the origin story of the “TireGrabber.”
How the Idea for the “TireGrabber” Came About
Thomas Edison once said that to invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. Our hero’s inspiration came from a large forklift and a pile of tires.
Darcy Goossen runs a family farm in Alberta. He grew tired of struggling with the massive tires required for his farm equipment. Goossen disliked the rough handling and inherent danger of the process, which sometimes even forced him to ask others for help.
Darcy Goossen wasn’t guided by Thomas Edison, but by his father’s words: “Necessity breeds resourcefulness.” One day, Goossen decided there had to be a much easier way to change tires.
What is the “TireGrabber”?
The “TireGrabber” is an attachment that can be fitted to any forklift. Initially, it was capable of handling over 1,800 kilograms. The mechanism grips tires like a claw, making it easy to lift and stack them neatly for storage. The attachment is ideal for changing tires on high-clearance sprayers and other farm equipment that uses oversized tires.
In 2017, the device won the top prize at the Farm Progress Show and was also recognized as the best new invention in the agricultural industry.
It took Goossen five years to perfect the product’s design. He kept his invention secret until he had secured all the necessary patents and safety certifications. He completed the final version in 2017 and built an initial run of 25 units, which sold out within a few months.
Business Growth
Since creating the first mechanism, Goossen has improved the design and now produces various models that can lift tires weighing from 2,500 to 4,000 pounds. Most models are made from thick spring steel. The device is industry-certified and engineer-approved using magnetic particle inspection to guarantee its durability.
The “TireGrabber” is manufactured and assembled entirely in Western Canada. Each unit is inspected and tested before shipping to the customer. Prices for the attachments range from $7,500 to $11,000.
Several other products have since been added to the lineup, such as the TG equipment jack and custom plates. Darcy Goossen isn’t stopping there and is already preparing new projects.
Beyond farming, “TireGrabber” products are used in any industry that relies on large-scale vehicles, including construction, agriculture, military, heavy equipment, transportation, mining, quarries, seaports, and manufacturing plants.
Goossen originally only intended to build a device for his own farm, but he realized that many others were struggling with the same problem. This realization motivated him to help others and establish a business.
Ultimately, this is a story of how a problem can become the catalyst for a great invention. Thanks to his persistence, practical ingenuity, and a desire to make farming safer, Goossen created a tool that has eased the burden of working with heavy tires for farmers around the world.