Advice on Hanging a heavy deerstand?

[Boeing]

I bought a TWO man tree stand from Sportsman's Guide a few months ago and want to hang it. (haven't decided where yet) Unless it's right along my road I can't use the front end loader. I do have the main gravel road and a logging road going deeper onto the property...some deer sign, not great.
What is the best process to build/hang this thing? I presume assemble the ladder then.......? Maybe take a come-a-long into the woods with me? or rope block/tackle? How about an extension ladder? Do you assemble the stand on the ground and pull it up or do it piece by piece up there..... I'm guessing it weighs about 100 lbs. Some of that is ladder, of course. Is the hardware usually OK or should I plan on replacing nuts with "self-locking" or stainless ones? Pieces of 2X6 under the ladder feet?
I've always used "self climbing" stands and never hung a permanent one. I'm getting "older" and the comfort of a double is great but I don't want to get hurt trying to hang it. The deer would never stop laughing:laughing:
Thanks

 

[brin]

Years ago I built my deer stand ( 4'x4' ) out of pressure treated 2x6's ...I used an extension ladder to get up to the trees..I built it between 2 trees and started with the nailing in the floor band and then the joists, as I recall and then braces below, then the decking and then I built the stairs on the ground and used the loader ( you could use a come along ) and lifter the stairs up and screwed them and braced them into place... I did it a by myself but I was younger then too...so if I were you make it at least a 2 man job...Good Luck..

 

[deere5105]

We usually get by with assembling on the ground and raising it in one piece. If you have the help, you might be able to get someone to hold the bottom and push it up. Would be the easiest and safest. If able, you could also hang a block above it and push and pull at same time making the job easier.

 

[Bartcephus]

I've put up two man ladder stands all by myself before. If possible, it is much easier and safer with two, but I would recommend three people. I would also suggest that you take a ladder with you so that you don't have to climb up the stand's ladder to secure the base strap to the tree. That sure is creepy all by yourself with no ladder. I would also recommend that you use a harness or other saftey equipment..... just in case.....

 

[Bartcephus]

Oh, by the way, I always put it together at home. (except putting the ladder and locking those pins.) When at your stand tree, slide the ladder sections on, pin them and then lift it to the tree.

 

[tommu56]

Cant it be assembled "upside down" and tipped up like an extension ladder?

I would think it would take 3 people one to foot it 2 to walk it up?

or a rope through a limb above were you want and hoist it up?

tom

 

[Sockwell]

We usually do the following: if 2 or 3 people, put it together with the base at the base of the tree. Then, starting at the seat end, walk the stand up until it is vertical. Next, pull the base away from the tree to the position wanted. We buy a couple of 3/8" x 36" rods at the local hardware store. We cut them in half and bend a "U" in one end. We hook the "U" over the bottom step and drive the rods in the ground to anchor the bottom step. The 2bigger guys hold the ladder while the smallest climbs up to attach and tighten the strap.

Last year, i put two up by myself. The above process was followed except, instead of climbing the ladder, i climbed the opposite side of the tree with a climbing stand to attach and tighten the straps.

Climbing an unattached, or loosely attached, ladder stand alone in the woods is a risky proposition.

 

[TnWV]

We build them on the ground, then two people walk it up and against the tree, then climb it and install straps. We have also used climber stands to go up the back of the tree to install straps or use a rope to help pull the stand up against the tree if three people are available. It will certainly be difficult to do with one person. Good luck and be careful with what ever method you choose.

 

[MikeD74T]

Build one of these for a buddy, he loves it. MikeD74T Tree Stand Up - YouTube

 

[Boeing]

That's a terrific idea using a climbing stand to help hang the perm. one. I like those swivel feet things too. Thanks guys. Rob