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How big can a platform be before its structurally unsafe without cable support?

HuumanCreed

HuumanCreed

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Just curious and wondering if anyone with engineering experience (or any suggestions really) can weight in.

I just noticed a lot of the newer platform are just getting bigger and bigger. At some point they are going to be as big as the LWCG .5 maybe. Once noticeable differences between saddle platforms and the .5 are cables support VS the one contact point between platform and post. The farther you expand the platform the more you need cables to distribute the weight. If not for the cables, I think most people wouldn't mind using a smaller hang-on stand as a platform.

I'm asking is because I am thinking of turning the bottom platform of my old Lone Wolf Sand Cast into a giant saddle platform (already turned the seat into a klemz).

Do this by moving it up the post, adding spacer to where the platform meet the post so its same as a Predator but just bigger. Then maybe move the cable back farther so they are not in the way. Just an idea, and going to test it during the summer. Weight wise it would be similar to the Mission or the Assassin, but its the fact that I'm going to stand on it without cables that concerns me.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

I have tested using an un-mod hang-on stand as a saddle platform, while there was no major issues, the cables were always annoying.
 
No Engineering experience, just wanted to comment on the cables being in the way while they support the extra length of the platform. I'm finishing up an 18" x 18" aluminum climbing platform that uses 1" aluminum tube where the cables are on a hang on. I'm thinking they actually might be a comfortable place to rest my feet because of the angle their on similar to platforms that are angled.
 
There is not a simple answer to your question. It depends on a number of factors; material, thickness, length, weight rating, etc. In theory you could build a very large platform without cable supports but it would be much thicker and heavier or incredibly expensive (exotic material).

If this is a DIY project and the cable supports are just physically in the way you could add supports that contact the tree under the platform but setup would be more cumbersome.

The issue here is that the further the stand extends from the tree, the larger the moment arm and subsequent force. Shorten the length and you can drastically reduce the forces. That is the primary reason that saddle platforms do not require cables and tree stands do.

It is actually pretty simple to accomplish from an engineering standpoint but you will struggle to balance weight, ease of use, esthetics, etc.
 
It becomes a tradeoff issue, you could make a giant platform without cables, but you would need the casting to be thicccccc.

I used a LWCG .5 all last season, the cables don't get in my way and I don't consider myself especially nimble. In that sense it would be finding a solution to a problem that doesn't exist in my opinion.
 
elk yinzer said:
It becomes a tradeoff issue, you could make a giant platform without cables, but you would need the casting to be thicccccc.

I used a LWCG .5 all last season, the cables don't get in my way and I don't consider myself especially nimble. In that sense it would be finding a solution to a problem that doesn't exist in my opinion.
Click to expand...

The .5 is a good platform for saddle. And you're right, the way the cable for the .5 shouldnt be too much of a hassle, but this is also due to how far back the cables are attached to. Other bigger platforms has the cable farther to the front, like the new OOAL 'Hush' tree stand, which I would never consider to use as a platform.

Using the old Lone Wolf Sand Cast, I have noticed the cables getting it the way a few times when I am trying to move for shots.
 
The platform being what is is, It would be a snap break at tree contact which is the worst kind of break.
 
HuumanCreed said:
The .5 is a good platform for saddle. And you're right, the way the cable for the .5 shouldnt be too much of a hassle, but this is also due to how far back the cables are attached to. Other bigger platforms has the cable farther to the front, like the new OOAL 'Hush' tree stand, which I would never consider to use as a platform.

Using the old Lone Wolf Sand Cast, I have noticed the cables getting it the way a few times when I am trying to move for shots.
Click to expand...
When you say in the way, are you referring to leaning or stepping out to the side for shot opportunity? I’ve been experimenting with a platform that has cables or ropes in the corners, it doesn’t interfere with a shot behind me (6oclock) but it is not a side pressure style platform either so I am curious if that is when the cables are in your way?
 
Assuming proper cast or welding depending on the materials used, you'll hit the functionality wall well before you hit physical limitations. Could see some bending on tubing based platforms if you bounce alot.
 
Fl Canopy Stalker said:
When you say in the way, are you referring to leaning or stepping out to the side for shot opportunity? I’ve been experimenting with a platform that has cables or ropes in the corners, it doesn’t interfere with a shot behind me (6oclock) but it is not a side pressure style platform either so I am curious if that is when the cables are in your way?
Click to expand...

Yes sir! I usually like to have the tree between me and where I think the deer is coming from. When I swing to my strong side to get a clear shot, a few times my foot would catch the cable as I lean/pivot over. Side pressure is not an issue because I used 2 straps at both 1/3 section of the post so it was almost impossible to kick out. I have no issues shooting behind me.
 
HuumanCreed said:
Yes sir! I usually like to have the tree between me and where I think the deer is coming from. When I swing to my strong side to get a clear shot, a few times my foot would catch the cable as I lean/pivot over. I have no issues shooting behind me.
Click to expand...
Ever thought about getting a couple of the slotted squirrel steps from Dan-O at eastern woods outdoors and sliding them on your stand strap? That way instead of leaning out side pressure style you can step over and around? They don’t weigh much, they back down tiny and it only takes about 2 or 3 to get all the way around the tree from your platform without leaning way around with that Dang cable in the way
 
If we could figure out another way to support the platform (cables, under support, etc), then at least DIY platforms could probably be made lighter.

A tangent: I feel that the internals of a platform like this could be made lighter with the outer perimeter being more heavily built. You might even use something like fiberglass reinforced nylon to make the inside grating of the platform.

If the old Loc On stands were down around 6 or 7 lbs, then we should be able to make tiny versions of those that are lighter than a Predator, etc.
 
Has anyone considered putting one support cable right down the middle? I would take that over 2 on the sides.

Mine works great without any but I’m light at 160lbs.

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