DIY Saddle Platform

[Matty]

Someone asked to see my DIY saddle platform, sorry your name escapes me at the moment...but anyway...here it is.

Mine is the "prototype" so it's made of steel, but it still only weighs 4.2 lbs. My friend built his after this one, his is made of aluminum, slightly larger and it weighs less. (not sure of exact weight for his, but noticeable difference).

As you can see, It folds in the center (like wings) to take up the least amount of space. That was my original idea that led us to build this. I wanted something that could fold up really small, but not have a tiny platform. This accomplished that. I've put over 400 lbs on this thing and it's solid.

It was originally rubber dipped, but you can see that has been wearing off like crazy with all the use I've given it. It held up for a couple seasons though. Time for new rubber dip or at least some spray paint. lol

I use bolts or ameristeps for the rest of the way around the tree. This just gives me a comfortable place to stand for all day hangs.

 

[1simplemann]

I like the idea. I know a fabricator who could make something like this for me. Any pics of the aluminum version. Especially the hinges. Also pics from different angles. I'm sure my friend could make something like that. Unsure if he can do aluminum. Aluminum sounds like the way to go though.

 

[Matty]

If your friend can weld aluminum, it's the way to go. If not, the steel ain't all that bad at under 5#'s.

The hinges are just "piano hinge" I think that's what it's called. (like what they use on the "lid or key cover of a piano)

There is rubber between the "wings" and the main support post too. That prevents metal on metal contact.

I'll try to take some pictures from other angles and give you measurements so you can get your friend to build one.

If I can't get pictures of my friends aluminum one, I'll just take more pics of mine. Virtually the same thing, just steel vs aluminum.

I read your other post too, and I wasn't spending that on "half a tree stand either" lol....I do love some of the LW products, but I didn't like that it was also still a bit too big. I wanted something to fit in a pouch. Well...after thinking about it, this is what I came up with. lol

With this thing I can throw it in a pouch on the back of my saddle and not have to pull it up with a haul line or use backpack straps or put it in a backpack, etc.....

The other thing is, you can actually get the versa-buttons from Lone Wolf, along with the stick v brackets and that's a LW strap I use too.... Saves you from having to make those parts. We made ours cause it was faster than waiting for the stuff to get shipped, but you can easily swap out the v-brackets that we made with LW ones and use their versa-button for the strap connection if using their strap.

I'll try to get you more pics/info tomorrow. -Matt

 

[1simplemann]

Thanks, I showed your pics to my friend. He said its doable but he doesn't have the aluminum. More pics would help though. He already has a few ideas. I showed him a LW Assassin. He said that would be easier to make, especially a small one like yours.

 

[justsomedude]

Very cool.

So is the weight hanging on the hinges? (no support under the wings?)
Guess you just need to be sure to get good hinges if so.

And you don't have a support against the tree that extends below the platform?

I'm going to give some thought to doing the attachment to a climbing stick as I already have a set of 4 mini sticks and go from there.
I have a friend that welds (every one needs a friend that welds!).

 

[Matty]

Two more photo angles that should show pretty much everything you guys need to know plus the dimensions. It's all 1" steel tube.

The center support (slightly offset) keeps it from flexing downward. It's really no different than a hang-on treestand, except the support is a piece of steel in the middle attached to the riser and bottom frame; Instead of something like two aircraft cables to the edges.

The other major difference is obviously the way it folds. Instead of the riser folding down to meet the platform, both sides of the platform fold up at the center to meet the stationary riser.

The hinges themselves are not under excessive load when you're on the platform. Notice the extra piece of flat steel welded to both sides of the frame. Those are so the platforms sit level and they don't strain the hinges. The hinges are in their strongest, closed position.

I will caution you guys that this is something you're trusting your life to. So if you're not comfortable with the persons welding abilities or in the materials, DON'T DO THIS. There are plenty of other options available as saddle platforms. Quality welds are a must. Visually inspect them. Test the platform at ground level before ever using it at heights. Test it at weights greater than yours. Visually inspect it before each use.