ASTM F3545-23

Standard Test Method for Static Loading of Treestands, Climbing Sticks, and Tripod or Tower Stands

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 includes the corresponding factors of safety that each component should be evaluated to as shown in Table 1.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.18 - Treestands

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F3545-22 - Standard Test Method for Static Loading of Treestands, Climbing Sticks, and Tripod or Tower Stands
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: F3545 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Static Loading of Treestands, Climbing Sticks, and Tripod or
1
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 3.2 corner stability, n—the ability of a treestand to resist
eccentricity, twisting, or sudden movement when load is
1.1 This test method covers procedures for static loading of
applied separately to each of the four corners of a foot
various components of treestands, climbing sticks, and tripod/
platform.
tower stands that are used for hunting, photographing, or
general observation. This test method includes the correspond- 3.3 foot platform, n—horizontal structural area of a tree-
ing factors of safety that each component should be evaluated stand on which the user stands or places his feet, or both.
to as shown in Table 1.
3.4 integral seat, n—a seat which is attached to the foot
1.2 The values stated are in inch-pound units and are to be
platform and is necessary to the completeness of the product.
regarded as the standard.
3.5 multiple user rated capacity (MUR), n—the maximum
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
load capacity, not to be exceeded, of a treestand, tripod or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tower stand as determined by the manufacturer for simultane-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ous multiple users.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.6 non-integral seat, n—a seat which is independent of the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
foot platform and can be slid forward or backwards during
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
normal use. An example would be a mesh, sling, or similar
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
material.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.7 permanent deformation, n—a condition when metal is
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
deformed to an extent that it cannot fully recover its original
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
dimensions or to its original shape.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.8 side stability, n—the ability of a climbing treestand (top
2. Referenced Documents
section) to resist eccentricity, twisting, or sudden movement
2
2.1 ASTM Standards: when load is applied to the left and right side of the section. In
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Test- terms of tripod and tower stands the ability to resist toppling
ing Machines when the center edge spanning each of the supports is loaded.
F3249 Specification for Treestands, Climbing Sticks, and
3.9 single user rated capacity (SUR), n—the maximum load
Tripod or Tower Stands
capacity, not to be exceeded, of a treestand, climbing stick,
tripod, or tower stand as determined by the manufacturer for a
3. Terminology
single user.
3.1 backbar, n—adjustable component of a climbing tree-
3.10 treestand, n—device designed to be affixed to a tree so
stand that engages the tree to provide support. The backbar
as to permit an individual to sit or stand thereon for the purpose
may be rigid or flexible.
of attaining an elevated position from which to observe,
photograph or hunt.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
3.11 two person treestand, n—a ladder or hang-on treestand
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
that is designed and marketed for use by two persons simulta-
Subcommittee F08.18 on Treestands.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally neously.
approved in 2022. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as F3545 – 22. DOI:
3.12 two person tower or tripod, n—a tower or tripod that is
10.1520/F3545-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or designed and marketed for use by two persons simultaneously.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.13 user, n—the consumer or end user of the manufactured
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. product.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
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
1
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
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.
1
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.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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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 p
...