ASTM F3545-23

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3545 − 22 F3545 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Static Loading of Treestands, Climbing Sticks, and Tripod or
Tower Stands
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3545; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers procedures for static loading of various components of treestands, climbing sticks, and tripod/tower
stands that are used for hunting, photographing, or general observation. This test method does not specify actual rated load
capacities and includes the corresponding factors of safety that each component should be evaluated to. For actual physical test
requirements (rated load capacities) pertaining to each stand type pleaseto as shown in Table 1 refer to Specification F3249.
1.2 The values stated are in inch-pound units and are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines
F3249 Specification for Treestands, Climbing Sticks, and Tripod or Tower Stands
3. Terminology
3.1 backbar, n—adjustable component of a climbing treestand that engages the tree to provide support. The backbar may be rigid
or flexible.
3.2 corner stability, n—the ability of a treestand to resist eccentricity, twisting, or sudden movement when load is applied
separately to each of the four corners of a foot platform.
3.3 foot platform, n—horizontal structural area of a treestand on which the user stands or places his feet, or both.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F08.18 on Treestands.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022Nov. 1, 2023. Published February 2022November 2023. Originally approved in 2022. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as
F3545 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/F3545-22.10.1520/F3545-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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F3545 − 23
TABLE 1 Requirements for Load Testing
NOTE 1—SUR = Single User Rated Load Capacity; MUR = Multiple User Rated Load Capacity
Installation Furthest Sup-
Seat Non-
Static Load Point Static Load Foot Platform 2 Ladder Steps Corner Stability Side Stability Seat Integral porting Span if
Integral
Test Non Integral
Climbing Hand - Type I
{ { { { { { 2 × SUR 2 × SUR
(Top Section)
Climbing Sit/Stand -
{ { { { 1 × SUR { 2 × SUR 2 × SUR
Type II (Top Section)
Climbing Sit/Stand -
{ { { { 1 × SUR { 2 × SUR 2 × SUR
Type III (Top Section)
Climbing All Types
{ 2 × SUR { 1 × SUR { { { {
(Foot Platform)
Fixed Position { 2 × SUR { 1 × SUR { 1.5 × SUR 2 × SUR 2 × SUR
Ladder Treestand 2 × SUR 2 × SUR 2 × SUR 1 × SUR { 1.5 × SUR 2 × SUR 2 × SUR
Ladder Treestand
A
2 × SUR 2 × MUR 2 × SUR 1 × MUR { 1.5 × MUR 2 × SUR 2 × SUR
(multiple occupancy)
Tripod or Tower { 2 × SUR 2 × SUR { 1 × SUR 1.5 × SUR { {
Tripod or Tower
A
{ 2 × MUR 2 × SUR { 1 × MUR 1.5 × MUR { {
(multiple occupancy)
Climbing Stick
{ { 2 × SUR { { { { {
Continuous
Climbing Stick Sectional { { 2 × SUR { { { { {
A
If individual seats are utilized then the seats shall be loaded simultaneously by means of independent load applications or the use of an equalizer bar to distribute the
load equally between both seats. The area of application for each seat shall be a 10 × 10 × 0.5 in. steel plate. If the seats are separate both seats shall also be tested
individually at 1.5 x SUR.
3.4 integral seat, n—a seat which is attached to the foot platform and is necessary to the completeness of the product.
3.5 multiple user rated capacity (MUR), n—the maximum load capacity, not to be exceeded, of a treestand, tripod or tower stand
as determined by the manufacturer for simultaneous multiple users.
3.6 non-integral seat, n—a seat which is independent of the foot platform and can be slid forward or backwards during normal
use. An example would be a mesh, sling, or similar material.
3.7 permanent deformation, n—a condition when metal is deformed to an extent that it cannot fully recover its original dimensions
or to its original shape.
3.8 side stability, n—the ability of a climbing treestand (top section) to resist eccentricity, twisting, or sudden movement when load
is applied to the left and right side of the section. In terms of tripod and tower stands the ability to resist toppling when the center
edge spanning each of the supports is loaded.
3.9 single user rated capacity (SUR), n—the maximum load capacity, not to be exceeded, of a treestand, climbing stick, tripod,
or tower stand as determined by the manufacturer for a single user.
3.10 treestand, n—device designed to be affixed to a tree so as to permit an individual to sit or stand thereon for the purpose of
attaining an elevated position from which to observe, photograph or hunt.
3.11 two person treestand, n—a ladder or hang-on treestand that is designed and marketed for use by two persons simultaneously.
3.12 two person tower or tripod, n—a tower or tripod that is designed and marketed for use by two persons simultaneously.
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3.13 user, n—the consumer or end user of the manufactured product.
4. Classification
4.1 Ladder treestand—A treestand that is secured to the tree at the elevation where the platform is located. The ladder treestand
has steps that are used to reach the platform or hunting position. The ladder or steps are an integral part of the product.
4.2 Non-climbing, fixed position or hang-on treestand—A treestand that is secured to the tree at the elevation where it is used. (The
user usually ascends the tree by some means and then lifts the treestand to the desired position and secures it for use.)
4.3 Climbing stick – continuous—A device or aide to assist climbing a tree primarily to a fixed position treestand. A continuous
interconnected ladder that is secured to the tree and allows the user to support his weight and climb to the desired height on the
tree.
4.4 Climbing stick – sectional—A device or aide to assist climbing a tree primarily to a fixed position treestand. Consists of
multiple independent ladder sections that are secured to the tree and allow the user to support his weight and climb to the desired
height on the tree.
4.5 Tripod or tower stand—Tripod or tower stand is designed to be self-supporting and is not required to be secured to a tree.
4.6 Climbing treestand – (hand climber) – Type I—A treestand that provides both the means to ascend and descend the tree and
allow the user to remain at a desired elevation. It consists of a top section and a foot platform, which are independent of one
another. The user’s arms are used to support and transfer their weight to the top section when ascending or descending.
4.7 Climbing treestand – (sit/stand) – Type II—A treestand that provides both the means to ascend and descend the tree and allow
the user to remain at a desired elevation. It consists of a top section and a foot platform, which are independent of one another.
The user sits on the extended structure of the top section, opposite the seat, when ascending or descending.
4.8 Climbing treestand – (sit/stand) – Type III—A treestand that provides both the means to ascend and descend the tree and allow
the user to remain at a desired elevation. It consists of a top section and a foot platform, which are independent of one another.
The user sits on the seat of the top section when ascending or descending.
5. Test Equipment
5.1 Wooden Pole—The diameter of the pole shall be 10 6 1 in. The length of the pole should be sufficient to accommodate proper
mounting of the product being evaluated. The pole shall be mounted vertically and in a fashion to minimize the deflection and
movement of the pole during testing.
5.2 Steel Plates—5 in. by 5 in. by 0.5 in. | 10 in. by 10 in. by 0.5 in. | 5 in. by 10 in. by 0.5 in. | 3 in. by 5 in. by 0.5 in. – The
steel plates may have holes drilled in various locations to enable attachment to load application devices and mounting to the various
components being tested. Variation on width or length should be 6 0.25 in. and 6 0.125 in. for thickness.
5.3 Steel Strut or Channel, of sufficient length and rigidity to span the distance over which load is being applied without yielding.
5 5
Common 1- ⁄8 in. by 1- ⁄8 in. 12 gauge strut channel is acceptable.
5.4 Load Application Devices—Load may be applied by means of actuators, hydraulics, pulleys, cantilever arms, winches, dead
load weight stacks or other mechanical means. Load cells or other force indicating transducers shall be used to verify the applied
load when using mechanical devices for load application. The load cell or transducer shall be readable to the nearest 1 lb and an
accuracy of 1 % of the applied load. Load cells and transducers shall be verified at least yearly in accordance with Practices E4.
5.5 Various Connecting Hardware—Eyebolts, chain, quick links, cable, clamps, carabiners, etc.
5.6 Digital Level, with a minimum 12 in. span, readable to 0.1°, and accurate to 61.0°.
F3545 − 23
6. Product Installation and Mounting
6.1 Assemble the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions using the provided hardware. Install the stand
on the wooden test pole in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions as well as using any necessary auxiliary safety
devices that would be needed for installation under field conditions. instructions. Ensure that the foot platform for each product,
if applicable, is perpendicular to the mounting pole and level relative to the ground. Foot platforms for fixed position and climbing
treestands may be mounted with a slight upward initial angle to allow proper seating of the product on the wooden pole once the
load has been applied. For sectional climbing sticks only a single section should be mounted to the pole. Tripods and towers should
be placed on a level rigid surface.
6.2 Any aesthetic parts such as rail pad covers, hunting blinds or covers, shooting rails, interconnecting devices for the climbing
treestands, or any other non-structural components are not required to be present during testing.
7. Load Application
7.1 Load application for test of components s
...