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Will this work for a platform?

4 Beards

4 Beards

New Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2019
Messages
33
I was wondering if anybody had any experience with using one of these as a platform. Maybe I could even beef it up a little bit to make it work.
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Smokingbarrel270 said:
There are several threads already posted on this. The consensus was no I believe. Type "Hawk Tree Seat" in the search
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This ^^^. Many of us did all that legwork for you already, and this is what you will find: 9/10 doctors agree that the Hawk hangout is not a the prescription for platform woes, and that the DIY steps taken to make it saddle-worthy are not justifiable financially. There is always that 1/10 on those threads that says, “give it a try!” There have been enough who did indeed try it at this point that you’re probably better off picking up a Klemz from the Classifieds, building one, or just saving those pennies for one of the P-named commercial platforms from Tethrd, OOAL, or WE.
Good luck bruv!
 
I’ve been playing around with this.

Drilled a new platform hole in the center, close to the edge. Replaced 5/16 bolt and plastic liners with a 3/8 quick release pin off amazon (kept nylon washers, but they are a real trick to get in there).

Replaced standoffs with DanO standoffs (had to file out the recessed part because the Hawk tube is wider). I will need longer bolts too.

I drilled another hole at the top (now bottom) through the original cross bolt location to get the second standoff close to the end.

Basically, it can’t fold up all the way with how it’s designed, so it’s really hard to get it to cam properly, but it can be done. On the ground. I’m not stoked about trying it hanging from a saddle.

I might just go back to the original configuration, but keep the 3/8 pin for the added strength, and maybe add a second strap for stabilization.

The consensus is correct, IMO. This will probably be a backup, a platform for one of my kids, or just a tree seat.

But, I’m open to any suggestions that don’t involve welding or a grinder. I don’t have those capabilities at the moment.
 

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They work but definitely aren't my favorite. I gave a buddy my old one when I couldn't get it to work for me. Look at this video:
You have to cam them down as shown in the video (not my video) or they come loose. You can find them on sale for much cheaper sometimes too if you don't need it right now. Good luck!
 
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I tried the hawk seat and a few other DIY ideas for a platform. Finally bit the bullet and purchased a ridge runner. Night and day difference. Wish I would have bought one first thing instead of trying to be a cheapskate.
 
Hawk Platform - $30
Dano standoffs - $40
Hardware/straps - $5
Labor - ?
Total - $75
Tinkering is fun but you're half way to paying for a ridge runner and it really is rock solid unlike the "rock solid" platform that has more play than a deck of Uno cards in the video.
Be safe, keep tinkering, and please don't put your kids on something you dont feel is safe for yourself.
 
Smokingbarrel270 said:
Hawk Platform - $30
Dano standoffs - $40
Hardware/straps - $5
Labor - ?
Total - $75
Tinkering is fun but you're half way to paying for a ridge runner and it really is rock solid unlike the "rock solid" platform that has more play than a deck of Uno cards in the video.
Be safe, keep tinkering, and please don't put your kids on something you dont feel is safe for yourself.
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Good point, which is kinda what I concluded, albeit I took the long way.

And for the kids, full agreement. I feel it’s safe in the original Config. Just not quiet or light, and it wiggles. This center mounted cam-over configuration though. . .not so much.

I’m with you and Gary330. Wish I’d just bought a manufactured platform.
 
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