ByWhen it comes to weight, 60 pounds is quite significant. To give you an idea, that’s about the weight of an average 8-year-old!
But there are many everyday items and objects we encounter that reach weights of 60 pounds or close to it.
Here are 9 common things around us that weigh approximately 60 pounds.
1. 7 Gallons of Milk
Milk is a staple drink in most households. But gallons of milk can really add up in weight. One gallon of whole milk weighs about 8.6 pounds.
That means 7 gallons of milk would come out to around 60.2 pounds! That’s a heavy load of milk to try to carry.
For a family going through a week’s worth of milk, it’s interesting to think about the equivalent weight at the grocery store.
2. 30 Pineapples
Pineapples are delicious tropical fruits, enjoyed for their sweet and tart flavor. But a whole pineapple can have some heft to it, weighing in at around 2 pounds each typically.
If you had a collection of 30 pineapples, their total weight would be approximately 60 pounds! That’s a lot of tropical fruit to try to lift up.
Pineapples contain beneficial bromelain enzymes and vitamin C, but it might be hard getting through 30 heavy pineapples before they go bad.
3. A Small Bale of Hay
When you imagine a bale of hay, you’re probably picturing the large rectangular or round bales used for major farm livestock and operations.
But even a small bale of hay weighs between 50-60 pounds. Small square bales are easier for one person to maneuver and transport compared to huge bales.
But at 60 pounds, they still take some strength and effort to lift. Hay bales are important sources of feed and bedding for livestock such as horses, cattle, goats, and sheep, especially during the winter.
4. 62 Cans of Condensed Soup
Have you ever tried to carry 8 cans of condensed soup? Now imagine 62 cans! Each can of condensed soup weighs around 15 ounces, which is just under 1 pound.
If you had a collection of 62 cans of soup, the total weight would be about 60 pounds. That’s a lot of condensed chicken noodles and tomato soup!
Canned soups are handy kitchen staples and easy lunches for many busy folks. But it might be smarter to buy them 4 cans at a time rather than carrying 62 all at once.
5. 38 Hardcover Books
Reading is a beloved pastime for many bookworms. But heavy collections of books can add up fast. An average hardcover book weighs about 1.5 pounds.
This means around 38 hardcover books would have a combined weight of 60 pounds. Whether its novels, textbooks, or encyclopedias, that’s a lot of weight in reading material.
Large personal libraries typically have their bookshelves anchored securely to the wall to handle the weight without toppling over.
6. An Average Adult Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an impressively large Tibetan dog breed weighing between 55-90 pounds fully grown.
But on average, male Tibetan Mastiffs weigh 60-66 pounds. That puts them safely in the 60 pound range! These big, fluffy dogs require lots of space and exercise.
They are also very protective, which is why they are valued as guard dogs. Their loud barks and large size also serve to deter potential intruders.
An adult Tibetan Mastiff can make you feel pretty small when you consider its 60+ pound heft.
7. A Large Propane Tank for a Grill
Standard propane tanks for gas grills come in a few sizes, but a full 30-pound tank weighs close to 60 pounds.
The propane is compressed into liquid form inside the tank, which enables the fuel to weigh more. Smaller 20-pound tanks when full weigh around 18 pounds.
Upgrading to a large 30-pound propane tank for your grill means dealing with almost 60 pounds of weight when full. That’s one heavy tank to try maneuvering and connecting to your barbecue.
8. An Obese Raccoon
In their natural environment, most raccoons weigh between 10-25 pounds healthy. But raccoons living in urban areas with easy access to human food end up overweight and even obese.
Obese urban raccoons can weigh up to 60 pounds! Their dexterous paws enable them to break into garbage cans and dumpsters easily.
And they have voracious appetites for many types of food waste. Unfortunately, obesity is common in urban raccoon populations.
So if you come across an especially large raccoon, know that it could weigh as much as 60 pounds.
9. A Small Boulder
Boulders come in many shapes, sizes, and compositions. But a smaller boulder can easily weigh between 50-60 pounds.
Even with a smooth, rounded shape, these dense rock formations have significant heft. Trying to move a 60-pound boulder takes strength and physics.
Understanding forces like friction and levers can help move massive boulders more efficiently. The ancient Egyptians maneuvered massive boulders using ramps, sleds, ropes, and ingenuity as they shaped the pyramids.
