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Motorized Tree Stand Eliminates Climbing
“The idea for a battery-powered lift on a portable deer stand came to me like a bolt of lightning, an answer to my prayers as to how I could continue with my favorite pastime while dealing with the fact I could barely lift my legs from one step to the next,” says Shawn Booth, who in 2019 was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite those issues, and the fact he could no longer work his construction job, he put his vision into a working prototype in the ensuing months.
“There were some glitches here and there, but the original idea is unchanged,” says Booth, who now has a patent pending on the device which holds great promise for he and countless other handicapped hunters. “We’re building the product now and just launched a website in March, 2020, to sell the product and our clothing online,” Booth says.
One person can set up Booth’s Tree Runner Series 1 in less than 5 min. The 6-ft. tall base rail is secured to a tree with two sturdy straps, then the platform and seat are locked in place. “With those two items secured, a hunter can stand on the platform, activate the switch and elevate high enough to secure another 6-foot rail, then elevate to add a third rail if needed. The Tree Runner can lift a hunter to any height up to 18 feet,” Booth says. “Better yet, the stand lowers or raises if the hunter wants to change positions for a better view.”
The detachable motorized seat with integral battery pack weighs 48 lbs., so Booth says a hunter can carry it in to the hunting location or even move from one location to another if needed. The 6-foot rails weigh 32 to 36 lbs. apiece.
Booth says the lift moves up and down on a cogged trolley that isn’t affected by rain or snow. The battery is easily removed for charging.
“The lift is quiet, portable, and convenient,” says Booth. “The electric motor allows a hunter to move up or down to whatever height needed, which is a real advantage compared to a stationary stand.”
Booth says he’s had inquiries for using the device for many other purposes, including farm use, which might require some modifications that he’s working on. Another feature he’s testing is adding a solar panel that would have a USB charging port to keep cell phones charged in the cold.
For every 250 units he sells, Booth is donating one device to a wounded warrior and has launched a Go Fund Me account to raise money for other donations. He’s also donating some of his proceeds from equipment and clothing sales to Lou Gehrig’s disease research. Pricing is on the website, which attracted more than 44,000 unique visitors in its first week of operation. “That’s a remarkable show of support and gives us great encouragement,” Booth says.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Rut Master Industries (ph 878 213-5463; www.rutmasterindustries.com).


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2020 - Volume #44, Issue #4