Muddy MCS0520 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
ATTENTION!!
WHEN YOU SEE A “ WARNING!” BE SURE TO HEED THE MESSAGE!
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE MESSAGES
CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!
PLEASE NOTE THAT WARNING! statements have been placed throughout this Instruction Manual. These
statements point out important safety information and instructions, which, if not followed could endanger the
personal safety and/or property of the operator. It is imperative that the operator of this product, or any other
product(s) read and follow all the instructions and warnings contained in this Manual prior to attempting to use
this product(s), or any other product(s). Failure to comply with these instructions and/or warnings may result in
serious personal injury or death!
January 2015. Published by Premier Outdoor Equipment, LLC, Windom, Minnesota.
© 2015 Premier Outdoor Equipment, LLC All rights reserved.
This Instruction Manual complies with the Treestand Manufacturers Association’s TMS 04 - Standard Practice for Treestand Instructions and
TMS 02 - Standard Test Method for Treestand Fall Arrest Systems

www.GoMuddy.com
The Ascender
Model MCS0520

ATTENTION!! WHEN YOU SEE A “ WARNING!” BE SURE TO HEED THE MESSAGE!
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE MESSAGES CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!
READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO USING THIS PRODUCT.
This instruction manual complies with the Treestand Manufacturers Association’s TMS 04 - Standard Practice for Treestand Instructions and TMS 02 - Standard Test Method for Treestand Fall Arrest Systems.
2
CLIMBING SYSTEM USAGE INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS
WARNING! This Muddy® product carries strict weight restrictions.
DO NOT use this product if you exceed these total weight limitations.
Please note that these weight limitations include the user(s) and
their equipment. Failure to follow these instructions may result in
serious injury or death!
A “Treestand Safety: It’s Up To You” dvd has been included. Please view it
in its entirety prior to using this product!
Thank you for your purchase of this quality Muddy® product. To ensure
your personal safety, please take a moment to carefully read this
Instruction Manual in its entirety before attempting to set-up, install,
remove and/or otherwise use this Muddy® product(s). Failure to follow
these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
Shall you have any questions about the installation, removal, and/or
use of this product, or any other Muddy® product(s) do not hesitate to

      www.GoMuddy.com. Our customer service
representatives will answer any questions you may have about any of
the complete line of Muddy® products.
Do not return this product to the retailer if you have any damaged or
missing parts. Call Muddy® for replacement of any damaged or missing
     
ready (nd your batch number on a riveted metal tag axed to your
product) before calling to better assist you.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WARNING! Statements have been placed throughout this
Instruction Manual. These statements point out important safety information
and instructions, which, if not followed could endanger the personal safety
and/or property of the operator(s). It is imperative that the operator(s) of this
product, or any other Muddy® product(s) read and follow all the instructions
and warnings contained in this Instruction Manual prior to attempting to use
this Muddy® product(s), or any other Muddy® product(s). Failure to comply with
these instructions and/or warnings may result in serious personal injury or death!
WARNING! Failure to read and strictly comply with the instructions
contained in this Instruction Manual may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! 


        


        
    “TREESTAND SAFETY: IT’S UP TO YOU” 



WARNING! A “Treestand Safety: It’s Up To You”
this climbing system. Please view it in its entirety prior to using this or any
other Muddy® product(s). Failure to follow these instructions may result in
serious injury or death!
WARNING! Prior to each hunt, you must inform someone of your hunting
location, including the specic location of your treestand and the expected
duration of your hunt. Failure to follow these instructions may result in
serious injury or death!
WARNING!
           
        
        
      
        
        

WARNING! Prior to each hunt, make sure that you have a signaling device (e.g.,
mobile phone, radio, whistle, signal are or Personal Locator Device (PLD)) in
your possession and in an operable condition. This device must be within easy
access shall you experience the need to contact emergency assistance. Failure
to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! DO NOT remove, modify, and/or omit any portion or otherwise
mechanically modify this Muddy® product(s) or its assemblies in any
manner. Modication, misuse, and/or part substitution shall immediately
void your factory warranty and may result in serious injury or death! If you
suspect that a part(s) is missing and/or defective, immediately contact

parts, please have the batch/serial number ready (nd your batch number
on a riveted metal tag axed to your product) before calling to better
            
altering, adding or attaching anything to it except if explicitly authorized
in writing by Muddy®. ALWAYS USE GENUINE FACTORY AUTHORIZED
MUDDY® REPLACEMENT PARTS. USE OF ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS
OTHER THAN GENUINE MUDDY® PARTS VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY AND
MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH!
WARNING! ALWAYS inspect/check ALL expiration dates/tags on all straps
(e.g., tree belt, tether/lanyard, etc.) and the full-body fall arrest harness and its
ALL straps and suspension
seats EVERY
that has expired and/or is showing any signs of damage and/or wear. Failure
to follow these instructions may result in serious injury and death!
WARNING! Make certain all chains, cable straps, etc. are tightened per this
Instruction Manual prior to use. All treestand/climbing system bark biters
must be in contact with the tree before you step onto the stand/climbing
system. The correct adjustment and tightening of attachment hardware (as
outlined in each individual instructions) is critical to the stable installation of

(FAS) which includes a full-body fall arrest harness, tree belt, lanyard/tether,
suspension relief device and climbing belt/linesmen belt (as applicable) in
accordance with the Instructions contained in this Instruction Manual. Failure
to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! 

adult supervision. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious
injury or death!
WARNING! Prior to attempting to use this or any other Muddy® product(s)
you must take a moment and become familiar with its assembly, setup,
         
using your full-body fall arrest harness and its components (i.e., lanyard/
tether, tree belt, suspension relief device, climbing belt/lineman’s belt [as
applicable]) at ground-level prior to attempting to use it at heights above
ground-level. Once you have become thoroughly knowledgeable and
comfortable with this product(s) assembly, setup, installation, use and
removal at ground-level, you are now ready to use it at heights above ground-
level. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
MCS0520 • ASCender
MAX. OCCUPANCY  One (1)
CARRYING CAPACITY
USERS AND EQUIPMENT 

READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO USING THIS PRODUCT.
This instruction manual complies with the Treestand Manufacturers Association’s TMS 04 - Standard Practice for Treestand Instructions and TMS 02 - Standard Test Method for Treestand Fall Arrest Systems.
ATTENTION!! WHEN YOU SEE A “ WARNING!” BE SURE TO HEED THE MESSAGE!
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE MESSAGES CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!

WARNING! 
body fall arrest harness, lanyard/tether, tree belt, suspension relief device
and climbing belt/lineman’s belt (as applicable) at all times after leaving

while using climbing systems/xed position treestands. Single safety belts
and chest harnesses are no longer preferred and shall never be used. If
you are not wearing a full-body fall arrest harness (that is connected to the
tree) that is protecting you from a fall, do not leave the ground. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! 
in your possession. ALWAYS unload your weapon and pull it up to hunting
height using a tether or pull up rope. ALWAYS lower your unloaded weapon
down to the ground prior (when raising or lowering rearms, the chamber
must be open and the barrel pointing toward the ground) to attempting to

other gear. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury
or death!
WARNING! Prior to each use thoroughly inspect the treestand/climbing
system (and its components) and all safety devices each time before use
for signs of wear, rot, corrosion, cracks, deterioration and/or any other type
of defect(s). Make certain that your treestand/climbing system is tight and
secure prior to use. Protect this product(s) from extended exposure to direct
sunlight, excessive heat or freezing temperatures by storing inside when not
in use. Do not use this or any other product(s) if it shows evidence of wear,
rot, corrosion, cracks, deterioration and/or any other type of defect(s). Failure
to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! DO NOT use this or any other Muddy® product(s) if you have
a history of heart problems, back problems, impaired vision, joints that
lock-up, spinal fusions, equilibrium problems, high blood pressure, are
not well-rested and/or any other physical impairment that may limit your
ability to use and/or operate this product(s) in the safe manner outlined in
this Instruction Manual. Additionally, do not use this or any other Muddy®
product(s) if you are currently taking medication (including prescription)
and/or using and/or consuming any substance, including alcohol, that may
limit your ability to use this Muddy® product(s) as outlined and described

or dizzy. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or
death!
WARNING! DO NOT attempt to make adjustments to this product while in
the treestand. All adjustments must be made with the entire treestand on
the ground. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury
or death!
WARNING! DO NOT leave your Muddy® product(s) installed for more than
two weeks (14 days). Any number of factors can jeopardize its installation
and integrity. These include, but are not limited to, weather or other
environmental factors that can negatively aect its performance. Animals
can also cause damage to your Muddy® product(s) that can negatively
aect its performance and your safety. Additionally, factors such as tree
growth can stress and damage supporting straps, chains and/or buckles.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! ALWAYS inspect the treestand/climbing system and all safety
devices prior to each use. DO NOT use product(s) if it shows signs of wear,
damage, deterioration, or vandalism. Factors such as tree growth, vandals,
weather and animals may aect the performance of an unattended
treestand/climbing system. Failure to follow these instructions may result in
serious injury or death!
WARNING! DO NOT modify, x/repair, alter, bend, cut, weld, drill, or heat the
treestand/climbing system in any way. Additionally, do not attach anything
to your treestand/climbing system without explicit authorized and written
instructions from the manufacturer. Failure to follow these instructions will
void your warranty and may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! Climbing aids (e.g. stick ladders, sectional ladders, steps, etc.)
must extend above the treestand foot platform (at least 24 inches) to allow

a climbing aid. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious
injury or death!
WARNING! Strict weight limitations have been set for each product(s) to
         
occupancy for your
Muddy® product(s) . This weight limit includes the user(s)
and equipment. NEVER EXCEED THESE WEIGHT LIMITATIONS! Failure to
follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! DO NOT attempt to use this or any other Muddy® product(s)
when ice, snow, and/or freezing rain has deposited or formed on any
portion of the tree or stand you intend to climb. Do not attempt to use
this or any other Muddy® product(s) when thunderstorms are threatening
              
any other product(s) when any other adverse weather condition(s) presents
itself. These include, but are not limited to, weather conditions which have
the potential for producing winds, lightning, rain, snow, sleet and/or any
other atmospheric condition which may limit the user’s ability to operate
this Muddy® product(s) in a safe manner as described in this Instruction
Manual. Shall inclement weather conditions arise during your use of this
Muddy® product(s) , return to the ground immediately. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! DO NOT jump or bounce on the climbing system (or any of the
components) to engage the climbing system to the tree. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! 

       
       
         
fall arrest harness must be worn in compliance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. If you do not or cannot use a lineman’s style (climbing belt)
full-body fall arrest harness that properly ts you must, under no condition,
attempt to use this or any
Muddy® product(s) . To purchase an additional
lineman’s (climbing belt) style full-body fall arrest harness or to nd out
more information regarding full-body fall arrest harnesses, please contact
           
serious injury or death!
WARNING! BEFORE each use, make sure all nuts and bolts are secure.
CHECK all hardware and webbing prior to every use to make sure that
no damage has occurred to hardware and that webbing (as applicable) is
not cut or frayed. Keep webbing from coming into contact with any sharp
edges. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF ANY DAMAGE IS SUSPECTED.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! REPLACE any damaged or worn part with original parts.
Replace attachment belts every three years and when not in use store in a

system or any of its components outdoors when not in use. To purchase
       www.GoMuddy.com, please
have the batch/serial number ready (nd your batch number on a riveted
metal tag axed to your product) before calling to better assist you. Failure
to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!

ATTENTION!! WHEN YOU SEE A “ WARNING!” BE SURE TO HEED THE MESSAGE!
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE MESSAGES CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!
READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO USING THIS PRODUCT.
This instruction manual complies with the Treestand Manufacturers Association’s TMS 04 - Standard Practice for Treestand Instructions and TMS 02 - Standard Test Method for Treestand Fall Arrest Systems.
4
WARNING! ALWAYS wear the appropriate foot wear when using a
treestand/climbing system. A good nonslip safety boot is important for
your safety. Be especially careful that boot laces do not get hooked on the
treestand/climbing system (or any of its components, tuck shoelaces into
boot before climbing). Failure to follow these instructions may result in
serious injury or death!
WARNING! DO NOT use this product, or attempt to use a treestand/climbing
system, on a dead, leaning, diseased, loose barked tree (bark that akes or
falls o), irregular shaped trees or utility poles. DO NOT use this product on
any tree that does not allow for a level standing platform. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! NEVER hunt out of a treestand at heights at which you are not
completely comfortable. Depending upon the tree and hunting conditions,
choose the minimum hunting height that allows for safe, eective hunting.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! DO NOT use this, or any other product(s) to climb utility poles,
telephone poles, structural columns or any other man-made structures.
  
Muddy® product(s) around power generation
(e.g., transformers, generators, substations, etc.) and/or power transmission
         
diseased or loose barked tree. NEVER USE A TREE BRANCH, OR ANY
PORTION OF A TREE, TO SUPPORT ANY PORTION OF YOUR WEIGHT OR
AS A HAND HOLD. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious
injury or death!
WARNING! These Muddy® product(s) were designed for installation on

diameter of (20) inches (51 cm) at treestand installation height (i.e., seat
height). DO NOT use your Muddy® product(s) on trees with trunk diameters
that do not meet this minimum/maximum diameter requirement. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! A TMA compliant full-body fall arrest harness with a lineman’s/
climbing belt must be worn at all times while installing or removing any
hang-on style treestands or climbing aids (i.e., ladders, sticks, steps, etc.).
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! When using a lineman’s belt/climbing belt to ascend the tree,
the full-body fall arrest harness tree belt and lanyard must be attached to
the tree trunk before stepping down on the treestand/climbing system.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! ALWAYS maintain three-point contact when climbing up/
down a tree when using climbing aids and/or ladderstands. Proper three-
point contact means having either two feet with one hand or one foot
with two hands on the step portion of the climbing aids at all times when
climbing up or down. Failure to follow these instructions may result in
serious injury or death!
WARNING! ALWAYS lean forward as you climb and attach your full-body
fall arrest harness tree belt to the tree trunk before securing the platform to
the tree and stepping onto the platform. Failure to follow these instructions
may result in serious injury or death!
Shall you have any questions about the assembly, installation or use of
this product, or any other product, please do not hesitate to call one of our
customer service representatives at [phone] or visit www.GoMuddy.com
for more details, and they will answer all questions you may have about any
of the complete line of products. Please have the batch/serial number ready
(nd your batch number on a riveted metal tag axed to your product) before
calling to better assist you.
To activate your product’s warranty, a registration card can be found on
page 8 and must be completed and returned to the manufacturer within 30
days of purchase. Be sure to keep a copy of this for your records.
To activate your product’s warranty, a registration card can be found on page
8 and must be completed and returned to the manufacturer within 30 days of
purchase. Be sure to keep a copy of this for your records.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
AND REPLACEMENT PARTS
Any number of innovative accessories are available and sold separately to
compliment your new Muddy® product(s). Only genuine authorized accessories

also available online or via telephone. Shall you require parts or service, or if
you just have a question about this, or any other product(s), simply give one of

www.GoMuddy.com
STORAGE AND CARE
OF YOUR STAND

of- the-art powder coating that guarantees years
of trouble-free service. It is recommended that you
store your treestand out of direct sunlight and out
of any other harsh environmental condition(s) that
may adversely aect its performance.

READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO USING THIS PRODUCT.
This instruction manual complies with the Treestand Manufacturers Association’s TMS 04 - Standard Practice for Treestand Instructions and TMS 02 - Standard Test Method for Treestand Fall Arrest Systems.
ATTENTION!! WHEN YOU SEE A “ WARNING!” BE SURE TO HEED THE MESSAGE!
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE MESSAGES CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!
5
HARDWARE
Part # Description Qty
 Top Section 1
 Middle Section 
 Bottom Section 1
  5
 Support Straps 5
 Tube Plug 42
 Instruction Manual 1
Part # Description Qty
  10
  20
  10
  24
 1/4'' x 1 1/2'' Swedge Bolt 4
  4
PARTS LIST
SPECS
TOOLS REQUIRED:

Minimum/Maximum Tree Diameter
9” min. and 20” max. at installation height (i.e., seating platform height)
Maximum Occupancy: 
Max. Weight Capacity (User and Equipment): 
Part # Description Qty Part # Description Qty
  10   24
  10   4
  20  1/4’’ x 1 1/2’’
Swedge Bolt
4
HARDWARE LIST
It is recommended to make sure you have all parts and hardware prior to assembly.
WARNING! Read USAGE INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS on pages 2-4, and 6-7 prior to assembly of this product! Failure to follow the
instructions on this page and pages 2-4, and 6-7 may result in serious injury or death!
WARNING! DO NOT over tighten the hardware. Over tightening can lead to structural damage and may negatively affect the performance
of your stand. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!
Refer to pages 6-7 for installation instructions.
FIG. 2
Cam-Buckle Strap
(assembled)
Snap Pin
Snap Pin
Snap Pin
Snap Pin
Middle
Section
Middle
Section
Middle
Section
Bottom
Section
Top
Section
Cam-Buckle Strap
(assembled)
Cam-Buckle Strap
(assembled)
Cam-Buckle Strap
(assembled)
Cam-Buckle Strap
(assembled)

Strap Swedge
Bolt
Section
Insert long strap through bottom
of buckle on short strap.
STEP 1. 



STEP 2.
2). These straps will be hooked to one side


STEP 3. Connect
the top, middle and
bottom sections
using (4) 1/4’’ x 1
1/2’’ swedge bolts,
(4) nylon washers &
(4) 1/4’’ nylock nuts

Note: Fig. 5 shows
front of female
section with the 1/4”
hex head assembled.
FIG. 1
FIG. 3
Swedge
Bolt
Section
Section
Swedge
Bolt
Assembly
FIG. 4
FIG. 5


hex bolt
Ladder Section
Steel washers
Section