 What
does it take to become a leader in a specialized product offering? First
off, I believe it takes experience combined with the best quality materials
available and a reasonable price to match. Experience allows you the ability
and provides the know how to bring products to market and match what your
customers are looking for. Quality materials give your customers the confidence
in the product they are buying, will last through many years of service.
An enticing price is what a customer is willing to pay for a quality product
of superior value that will outperform and outlast a competitive brand
of lesser price and value.
If you are looking for tree climbing products and accessories that
match this description then American made Cranford Products are for you.
Their experience alone comes from close to thirty years in the business
that stretches worldwide. Combine this experience with the highest crafted
quality parts when assembling products like EZY Climb steps and Guardian
harness systems. For example, the steps alone use steel screws that
are a large 3/8" diameter. They are also assembled using stainless
steel rivets enabling years of use without rust or corrosion. This longevity
is what gives it the economical price advantage over their competitors
of foreign make and lesser value. Add all these parameters together
and you certainly have a worldwide industry leader.
Last year I was blessed with the opportunity to evaluate Cranford
Manufacturing Company's EZY Climb Rod Tree Step. Those steps
are performing flawlessly and still are the easiest steps to install even
after a year of use. Some of which spent last year's entire season
installed in a big ash tree. This year I received a second set of
steps, which are a folding type, called the EZY T Step. What makes
the EZY T unique is that they are the easiest to transport, yet when installed
supply a large four-inch step area to climb.
With the EZY T Step you can put them in your smallest of backpacks without
the worry of the screw snagging on other items or the material of the pack
itself. This is because the screw folds up out of the way into the
"U" shape of the heavy 11 gauge steel. I prefer to use a small belt
pack, in which the EZY T conveniently fits. When unfolded the T-Handle
design, combined with the very sharp screw, allows for easy one-handed
installation. As the step gets harder to turn I use a pulling action
on the topside of the "T" to insure a rock solid fit. This is a lot
easier than a regular style step that you must pull up on during the backside
of the final couple turns.
I can usually get three started from standing on the ground. I then
use a climbing lanyard to install the rest of the steps as I climb. I measure
the distance between steps by using my elbow and tips of my fingers. I
then adjust the lanyard and while using one hand to grip the side of the
tree I use a compact swing with the opposite hand to firmly bring the step
into contact with the tree.
This firm grip of the "T" handle combined with compact swing ensures
the sharp tip to make contact with the tree itself and not loose bark.
The sharp screw tip then immediately has solid contact and quickly can
be drawn into the tree. When properly installed the unique underside support
comes into contact with the tree. As weight is applied, the "U" shape
of the heavy gauge steel digs into the tree for a secure hold providing
stability and support. I then repeat the process until I reach my
desired climbing height. This varies depending on the size, shape
and number of branches on the tree. By using this method I can always
count on the Cranford steps to quickly and safely reach my desired height.
When uninstalling, even if the EZY T has been installed for sometime,
the leverage of the "T" still makes them a breeze to get out. The
Fold-up and straight design allows them to easily slide back into your
pack without the worry of an exposed screw.
I also did a test against another similar brand of step. With
the other brand I always had to use two hands to apply enough pressure
for the step to bite into the tree. This is even after I used several
compact swings to try and get the step started. It not only caused
more exertion but also dramatically increased installation time.
The steps, although compact, did not offer as large of foot placement as
the EZY T's design. They were also a little sloppy or loose where
the rivet was assembled. So if anyone would like a good deal on some
used steps let me know. I could use the money to purchase more Cranford
EZY steps!!!
Engineering and design scores 5 out of 5
Similar to last years evaluation, I don't believe there is a better
made folding tree step on the market. The "T" handle provides extra
leverage for installing the step into even the hardest of wood types.
 The
EZY T self-tapping screw, like the screws on all of Cranford models, begins
installing quickly. Their compactness and lightweight of around 6
ounces makes them easy to transport. No pre-drilling, ratchets or
special tools are required to install which makes them a very quick method
of reaching your perch. If you already have a stand on your back
you don't need the extra weight or cumbersome hassle of a ladder type device.
Besides these steps give you the advantage on a not so straight tree or
one with many branches to interfere.
Durability and safety scores 5 out of 5
Top quality construction and made in America utilizing heavy, 11 gauge
steel for the steps and stainless steel rivets for assembly will ensure
longevity. The large diameter of the screw gives you the confidence
of a rock solid grip and support.
Price scores 5 out of 5
Amazingly these steps are competitively priced when compared to other
brands of similar construction. The "T" step gives you many improved
benefits as stated earlier as well as quality construction. For the
quality of step and confidence of knowing these can hold up to the type
of punishment I as well as the weather dishes out, I do not mind paying
a little extra for each step.
Before I thought all tree steps were made the same but from now on when
purchasing them I will look exclusively for the Cranford Manufacturing
Company EZY Climb brand. They can be found on the Internet under
sponsors at bowhunting.net or at www.ezyclimb.com
or www.cranfordmfg.com.
Cranford Manufacturing
Company, Inc.
1927 Junction Road
Mocksville, NC 27028
(336) 284-2686
Fax (336) 284-6453
Web: http://www.cranfordmfg.com
Email: sales@ezyclimb.com |
