Mirage Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 When using a ladder type stand do you put the stand together first the stand it up on the tree? or do you need help from another person. I just ordered a 20 foot ladder stand for a spot i hunt and never used one before. I could use some hint or suggestions if you got any? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ODH Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? i don't use ladder stands, but i would think you could just stand it up on the tree after putting it together, but with a 20', you might want another guy to help you out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoytguy08 Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? when we put up a ladder stand, we put it together first, then set it up ...it is nice to have a second guy to help out though, especially w/ a 20 footer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? The manufactured ladder stands are a lot lighter then the old 2x4 wooden ones I have made. Those you need like 4 men and a boy to get on a tree safely LOL I have seen a few that you assemble totally on the ground and one guy stood it up easily. Then he had some long straps that he criss-crossed behind the tree at ground level to hold the stand so he could climb it and attach the ratchet strap around the tree on top. Most stands that height also have some sort of support bar that is 1/2 way up the attaches directly to the tree. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? I've got a 15 foot ladder stand. I usually put it together on the ground and get someone to help balance it and get it leaned up against the tree. Then I'll get the guy to stand with a firm hold on the stand while I very carefully crawl up the ladder and strap it to the tree. It's a little nerve racking the first couple times, but you get used to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? I've got a 16' ladder stand built with heavy guage angle iron. I'm just 5'6" and not in great shape and put mine up myself. Lay it flat in front of the tree in the direction that you want to set it with the bottom of the stand about 2' from the bottom of the tree. Take two 20' lengths of heavyweight nylon uv resistant rope tie one end of each rope on both sides of the ladder about 2/3 way up from the support bar that Vtbowman metioned. (you'll use it later) Go to the top of the stand pick the top end up over your head and walk the ladder up untill you get to the tree. Lean the stand against the tree and you should be able to move the bottom around enough to get it where you want it. When you get the stand where you want it cris-cross the rope around the tree and go around the leg on that side of the ladder leg and strap it down on both sides. If you do it tight enough the stand should be stable enough to climb so you can put a good ratchet strap on the top of the stand. Always use a fall restraint even in a ladder stand!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? I forgot to mention the last ladder stand I put up I did everything as johnf did but without the criss cross straps/ropes. I instead used my 18' stick ladder up the backside of the tree and once the ladder stand was up, I climbed the stick ladder to attach and tighted my ratcheting strap without having to climb the ladder stand at all. I felt it much safer then climbing the unstable ladder stand which I have done in the past, and believe me, it can get hairy. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? I bought a Summit Sampson and it's the easiest ladder stand I've ever put up by myself. It's got the ratchets on the bottom of cross straps so the stand is secure before you have to climb it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? I've assembled and then stood them up, and I've assembled them as I climb. Seems to me, if you have 2 guys it's easiest to assemble then stand up, and strap and brace as you climb up. If you do it alone, the one thing that's tough is raising a totally assembled ladder, when you get to that balance point, the ladder will want to tip over backwards, that's when it gets a little hairy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage Posted June 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? sounds like it will take two people, this stand weighs 110 pounds. Kinda heavy, thanks for the input guys, I will have my hunting buddy "my dad help me set it up, I think we will use the deer cart to get it out there since its so heavy. Do you ever have troubl;e with leveling 6the stand or it sinking into the ground? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? [ QUOTE ] sounds like it will take two people, this stand weighs 110 pounds. Kinda heavy, thanks for the input guys, I will have my hunting buddy "my dad help me set it up, I think we will use the deer cart to get it out there since its so heavy. Do you ever have troubl;e with leveling 6the stand or it sinking into the ground? [/ QUOTE ] Man, that's a heavy stand. May want to bring a nice ladder with you to help lift it up. I've never had problems with them sinking more than a couple inches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QDMAworks4me Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? I have never had a problem with my ladder stands sinking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? I build my own 20 and 24 foot ladders out of treated 2x4 side boards and 2x2 or 1x4 rungs. I then put a hang-on stand at the top. The ladders weigh about 6 tons and are possible to put up by myself but it ain't without considerable sweat and cursing. I cut the feet of the ladder at a sharp pointed angle so they will sink in. A couple inches into the ground steadies it up some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? It will most certainly sink, probably up to the first rung if it is 110#. The straps help it from sinking a little bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? I have a 16ft Ameristep ladderstand. I assemble the entire stand then stand it up to the tree myself without any problems. It has a stabilizer bar that I place as high as I can reach then it's tightened to a step with a bolt and wing nut(see picture below). I tighten the ratchet strap to secure the stabilizer bar after adjusting the length to fit to the tree. Another tip would be to jump on the bottom step a few times after you have the stand against the tree to make sure it is seated into the ground well. Once the stabilizer bar is in place it is much safer to climb and attach the ratchet strap securing the top of the stand! (all of this can be practiced at home first) One point you will learn through trial and error is to get the seat portion of the stand as level as possible when setting it up in the field. It will take a few times to figure out just how far away from the base of the tree you want to put the bottom of the steps to get the seat level. One of the most uncomfortable stands will be one where your pushing on the foot section the entire time your in your stand If your stand does not have any type of stabilizer bar...go to a welder and have one made! Here's a couple pic's showing the stabilizer bar and in the backround of the second one is the game cart that helps when your bringing in the ladderstand, 2 lock-on's, and a climber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maytom Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? [ QUOTE ] I've got a 15 foot ladder stand. I usually put it together on the ground and get someone to help balance it and get it leaned up against the tree. Then I'll get the guy to stand with a firm hold on the stand while I very carefully crawl up the ladder and strap it to the tree. It's a little nerve racking the first couple times, but you get used to it. [/ QUOTE ] Ditto!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage Posted June 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? The treestand is a stongbuilt comfort hunter 20 footer laddertreestand, I got it for 129.88 on sale from 199.00. Its funny i have hunted climbing tree stands my whole hunting life except for the ground. So this is a new way to hunt for me. Im kinda excited becuse it will lighten up my load when going into the woods. Im going to lock it to the tree. what kind of locking device works best for this. This is private property but i know alot of guys on here have had there stands stolen so im hoping that the weight of the stand "110 pounds and a good cable lock will help deter the would be thief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? It depends on how top heavy the ladder is. The ones that are top heavy are a lot easier to raise up in one piece with two people. Ones that aren't top heavy can be raised pretty easy in one piece on your own. Since the safety issue has come up for stands that attach to the tree by the platform, here's a tip for attaching the stand at the top from ground level. Attach 2 ropes that are at least 5' longer than the height of the ladder to each of the back corners where the stand will lean up against the tree. 2 long ratchet straps would even be better. After raising the stand with it leaning up against the tree, cross the ropes behind the tree as high up as possible, pull them back to the ladder section, pull them as tight as possible, and tie each one off to the ladder. That will hold the ladder safely in position while you climb and attach it at the top. Of course for stands that have a bar that attaches to the ladder and the tree, attach it before you attach the 2 ropes. For stands that attach to the tree at the top of the stand, it's a pretty good safe way to hold the stand snug to the tree when you have to climb it and stap it tight at the top. After you've secured your ladder stand at the top don't forget to take your 2 ropes off to use on the next stand or your buddy's stand. This was a tip a wise old bow hunter showed me a long time ago. Some ladders are now designed with 2 ratchet straps that hold the stand on the tree using that same crossing method behind the tree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? Just remembered another way. If you have the right kind of tree, one with few branches, you can put the seat part against the tree, then put ladder links under it and shove it up the tree as you go, instead of trying to lean it up in one movement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage Posted June 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? how do you use a saftey harness while climbing the stand? i have the hunters saftey system for my climber? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted June 3, 2006 Report Share Posted June 3, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? [ QUOTE ] how do you use a saftey harness while climbing the stand? i have the hunters saftey system for my climber? [/ QUOTE ] Tie a rope at the top of the stand and down at the bottom as well....Then tie this knot where you will hook in your harness: Prussic Knot Tying Instructions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarvDog Posted June 8, 2006 Report Share Posted June 8, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? [ QUOTE ] when we put up a ladder stand, we put it together first, then set it up ...it is nice to have a second guy to help out though, especially w/ a 20 footer [/ QUOTE ] Roger that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowhunt101 Posted June 9, 2006 Report Share Posted June 9, 2006 Re: Treestand setup??? We have two 15' StrongBuilt ladder-stands that we put up with just two folks from the ground.... Dont even really need two just makes it go quicker.... They are light so after you putem together just strapem to the tree and you are ready to go....-timrussell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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