I was looking at the Muddy Hang-ons and saw they offered the same stand in both metals. Besides the weight difference, what's the difference?
In my experience, aluminum is less susceptible to expansion and contraction during temperature changes. FWIW, I've never had an aluminum stand that squeaked...
Aluminum will be quieter, lighter, won't rust and in a lot of cases.....stronger. Sometimes the steel used to make tree stands isn't the highest quality......Not unsafe mind you.......But I would personally pick aluminum any day.
Let's consider this from an engineering standpoint. The Modulus of Elasticity of typical steel is 29,000,000psi. Aluminum is 10,000,000psi. Therefore steel is 290% stronger than aluminum. The Thermal expansion coefficient for steel is 7.3 (expressed in 10-6 in/in per deg Fahrenheit) Aluminum’s coefficient is 12.3 (expressed in 10-6 in/in per deg Fahrenheit). Therefore Aluminum is actually 169% more susceptible to expansion and contraction assuming that both stands are using material that has the same section modulus (wall thickness). The more material, the more it expands. The density of steel is 489.84 lbs/cf. Aluminum’s density is 169.22 lbs/cf. Aluminum is 289% less dense.
That is where the problem arises. Sure, Steel is a "better" metal given the same dimensions, but it is heavier. You can use much thinner steel in place of aluminum and still achieve good enough strength. The steel in stands is not as thick as the aluminum in stands, narrowing the difference in the above stats. I went through the same stuff when building a deck for my boat. The strength for weight isn't nearly as bad as the standard stats elude to. A steel stand with equal strength of an aluminum counterpart, will only weigh slightly more...the few lbs and ease of no rust are really the only advantages to aluminum stands. The quality of steel is null, as quality manufacturers will use quality metals, whether that be steel OR aluminum. A bad manufacturer can use "bad" aluminum just as quickly as "bad" steel.
Thank you for that... however if the density of steel is more than double that of aluminum, you can use a LOT more aluminum to make a stand of the same weight. You and I both know we can build a bridge out of balsa wood that's stronger than one made out of steel too... it's all about design. But very cool on the physical properties of both material. :D
All valid points. But keep in mind that steel does have a better density to strength ratio. Just to clarify I am not advocating that steel is better for tree stands. I think it is important to know the facts of both materials. Someone said that aluminum doesn’t expand and contract as much as steel. That is not true. I think the bottom line for tree stands is what does it weigh and whether or not it rusts assuming it is strong enough.
I agree GFY, except for the fact that with steel stands you have welded joints, parts that are of different sizes. The majority aluminum stands are cut from CNC machines from a single piece (platforms). Different size pieces from the steel stands accept temperature change differently whereas a single piece of aluminum acts the same. Regradless of that... LOTS of deer have been killed from both types of stands.
The aluminum and the steel have welded joints on the Muddy Hang-on. There is a 5 pound diffrence which doesnt matter beacause I wont be packing it in and out. Other than that, the steel is $109 the aluminum is $154. I want to buy the sticks too, so I think I will go with the steel.
I have used a couple dozen different stands over the years and my experiance has been that stand noise ultimately comes down to poor design, not from steel verses aluminum. For me aluminum stands have been much more prone to making noise than steel. Granted, I usually don't buy expensive stands so that could have something to do with it. Every aluminum stand I have used has been welded with the exception of my Lone Wolf. Which also happens to be the quietest stand I have. It is definately heavier than advetised though (their climbing sticks are awesome buy the way). Usually if you stay away from the expanded metal grating I think you will be OK with steel. I did have one stand that had a heavy grate on it that was very thick, sturdy and had good welds on it. No tack welds. That was a good stand. Another thing I would watch for that I haven't tried personally is a sheet metal platform that is tack welded on. Tack welds seem to be noise makers. I agree that it really comes down to weight and rust. It makes me nervouse about the possibility of rust through from the inside out weakening the stand after several years. I wish manufacturers would coat the inside of the tubing to prevent rust from not only where you can't see it, but from where it is most likely to occur. Inside where there is exposed metal. I have never heard of there being a safety issue from rust, but I don't want to be the first to break my neck. I have a lot of hunting left in me. :uzi:
+1, pretty much sums up what I'd say. There a LOTS of STEEL stands out there, but they are also the ones that rust, weigh more, and over time especially, they are not going to be "as strong."
There are so many inaccuracies in these numbers and theories that I'd have to write a book to sort them all out. Just say there are many alloys of Aluminum and Steel. They are custom blended to get the proper mix for the end use. Throw in different quench rates and heat treat practices and aluminum clearly gets the nod. Also parts are CNC milled but generally the components themselves are extruded and then welded and fabbed. In the case of Lone wolfs Platforms they are actually Cast and machined. For those questioning my background or knowledge of the subject. I'm an Aluminum Extrusion Engineer. I've run parts for all the big Players in the treestand market. I have a quote on my desk for many of your favorite stands right now. This material is run right alongside parts for Ford, GM, DANA and a multitude of Aircraft applications.
