Commercial Weight Tree – Definitive FAQ Guide

A professional weight plate tree is an essential tool for storing multiple-size plates, and it eliminates security risks by minimizing the need to handle weights. It is a must-have in your purchase order when you’re making up a list of gym equipment.

You may still be wondering about whether or not this Weight Tree will store all my items safely? Let us answer that question with our FAQ guide below.

Table of Contents

Definition of Weight Tree

The main purpose of a tree is to hang plates on, so they can be lifted over the head with outstretched arms while doing exercises like dips or lunges on a bench.

It also allows you to see the weights at just one glance for an easier selection of different weights, so you don’t have to dig around to find the ones you need when working out on machines such as chest press or lat pulldown. A good weight tree will hold up to 250 pounds (about 115 kilograms).

Figure 1 Standard Commercial Weight Tree

What is the essence of having a weight tree?

A weight tree is a simple but useful tool needed in almost every gym. As the gym owner, you should have one for your members to store away their weight plates after the workout properly. Why? Here are four reasons :

1. Organization

Weight plates are heavy, and in some cases, they can get very too big for one person to carry at once. That’s why it is important to have adequate weight trees for your members.

In this way, everyone will feel more comfortable while storing their workout equipment; instead of having a pile of huge plates on the floor or your shoulders or arms.

2. Safety

You should ensure every member knows how to properly handle and use weight plates with good technique during training sessions inside your gym. If not, accidents may happen, which is counterproductive to what you want as a business owner – the safety of your members.

3. Space

You may think you have enough space for all your plates and other gym equipment, but as soon as people start using it, the place will get messy.

To not end up with a cluttered floor in no time flat, invest in a weight tree to keep your gym organized and maintain space. Plus, it will give you more room for both equipment and people.

4. Aesthetics

It is important to have weight trees inside your gym to create a gym that people will instantly feel comfortable.

It will also make everyone feel good about being in the gym, and as a result of this positive feeling, they might go ahead and work out or would have wanted to if they are new at your gym.

Figure 2 Organization, Security, Space, and Aesthetics

For whom is a weight tree?

A commercial weight tree is an excellent investment for gyms and gym equipment distributors. With a large number of plates, many people can use them, but only specialized shops or gyms will give the machine its zest.

Figure 3 Olympic Plate Tree

Which type of plates can store on a weight tree?

You have many options when looking for a plate. There are different sizes and weights, but you need to know the center hole diameter to store plates on a commercial weight tree.

For example, Olympic weight plates measure 50,6mm (2 inches) in size with subdivisions like rubber weighting at 25 mm or bumper weights at 30 mm. There is also a standard plate size of  25mm, studio discs measuring 30mm in diameter, and fractional plates at 50,6mm.

Figure 4  Weight Plates

What are the components of a weight tree?

The heavy-duty design of a commercial weight tree is meant to hold up under the heaviest plates. The frame and center pole are made from steel, with welded pins on each side for easy handling during installation.

The legs are bolted to the frame to not spread apart under the weight of loaded bars. The bars rest against safety stops placed in front of and behind the frame’s upright supports, which prevent injury if someone is trying to lift more than they can handle because it will stop at once when they get too close.

Each bar is provided with two large knurled collars set on top of footplates. A smaller collar screw onto each bar to hold them in place within the slots in the tree.

The collars are usually numbered to be placed in the proper position and make it easier to return them after that use. Some weight trees have a built-in scale which indicates how much weight is on them at any time.

These are used for checking records, etc. but are not considered as accurate as scales available elsewhere if exact records of one’s performance are desired.

Types of Weight Trees

There are three main types of commercial weight trees that manufacturers produced with different applications. Here is the list :

Vertical Plate Tree

Vertical plate trees are by far the most common type of commercial weight trees and occupy a substantial portion of the market share in today’s fitness industry. As their name indicates, they have two main vertical plates where all the barbells sit.

Most commonly, each plate consists of a 1-inch (25 mm) thick steel sheet with holes drilled through it to accommodate Olympic size barbells; at times, weights can be placed directly on top of them for use with specialty bars. Vertical plates usually range from 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) wide x 4–10 feet (120–300 cm) tall, depending on the manufacturer and the size of the plates.

Occasionally, these plates are mounted on a single vertical beam or hung from two parallel beams. Usually, the latter is used if ceiling height does not permit the former. Vertical plate trees come in various models, including one with a hinge mechanism for single-sided plate placement.

A-Frame Plate Tree

A-frame plate trees are a two-piece construction that consists of an A-shaped steel base and vertical plates attached to it at different heights to accommodate barbells of various sizes. A-Frame plates have horizontal bars welded onto them at certain intervals to create smaller rectangular compartments into which Olympic barbells sit.

Bars on these apparatuses can be loaded with weights ranging from 10 pounds to 100 pounds or more depending on user needs. Occasionally, accessory items such as dip belts, foam rollers, kettlebells, and jump ropes are used with A-frame weight trees.

Single-Sided Plate Tree

It is also called a free-standing plate rack. As the name implies, this is similar to an A-frame plate tree except that it has only one vertical panel instead of two, as in the case of the latter model. Some fitness facilities use these for storage equipment or space-saving purposes; others mount them on wall studs.

These weigh less than their 2-piece counterparts because there are no side plates to mount and support; they can range from 10 pounds to 100 pounds or more depending on user needs.

Figure 5 Vertical Plate Tree

Figure 6 A-frame Plate Tree

Figure 7 Single-Sided Plate Tree

The differences between the three types of weight trees

There are at least two main differences between the three models :

1. Tree Capacity

Plate trees are designed for specific boom lengths. The capacity indicates how much weight they can hold and still safely remain upright.

A vertical tree is typically limited to holding about 100-150# more than its boom length, so if you have an 8′ boom on your truck, you will want a 10′-15′ vertical plate tree.

The other two styles (A-Frame and Single-Sided) are typically rated with twice their boom length in the capacity compared to Vertical plate trees since it has two sides to securely hold a longer boom without worrying about getting pulled over.

A-Frames can hold twice their boom length, and Single-Sided trees are similar to the A-Frame capacity rating for the additional boom section on that side.

2. Construction

All three styles of plate trees have two main sections: a base section, often referred to as “the basket” or “the stand,” and a mounting point (or top section), which is where you would mount your antenna.

Every style has different ways of actually securing your boom to the tree that makes it unique. The base design can also impact how convenient it is to mount antennas.

Figure 8 Main Weight Tree Models

What is the most famous model of a weight tree?

The A-frame weight tree is the most popular weight tree among two other models due to its versatility and large-scale application and how much space it takes up, and what type of weights you can use with this tree.

With the ever-growing number of gyms opening up, staying on top of your game is essential. That is why you should consider buying the A-frame weight tree at Yanre Fitness. Not only to get a top-grade quality weight tree but also get a better after-sales service that you can’t find in other manufacturers.

Can multiple-size weight plates be stored in a single weight tree?

The answer is based on what you want it. If your gym has mainly Olympic plates, then an A-frame weight tree will be best since they can carry them in six pins and smaller increments.

But if there are mostly standard weights or small ones like 2 kg or 5 lbs, a single-sided plate storage rack may work better because these types require less height space on top so that everything balances properly.

Figure 9 Classic Weight Plate tree

Can a weight tree only store bumper plates?

Yes, you can use a vertical weight tree specially designed for storing bumper plates up to six holders. Just make sure that when you place/remove plates from the tree, they don’t push against each other or one side of the metal plate holders.

Also, make sure to store the bumper plates away from magnetic or electrostatic sources, as even tiny amounts of electric charge can cause significant damage.

Figure 10 Bumper Plate Weight Tree

The length of the pin and the distance between them

The length of the pins determines how many plates you can hang up. Longer pins mean more space for weight, but shorter ones will save room, and it all depends on what size weights or discs need hanging from them.

The distance between two adjacent screws determines which you can hang plate sizes. If there is a wide gap, then big plates will fit, while smaller holes only allow small-sized disks or bars.

Figure 11 Pin length and distance

What weight tree type should I buy?

The gym owners are faced with a dilemma when deciding how many weight trees they need for their facility. When you have limited space, an A-frame may be sufficient to hold the necessary weights without being too cost-prohibitive.

However, larger gyms should consider two or more commercial Weight Trees of various sizes and styles to provide storage options and placements that cater towards different workouts within the same establishment.

Figure 12 Standard Weight Tree Barbell Disc

Figure 13 Corner Weight Plate Tree

Are weight plates scratchable on bolts or holders?

Generally, weight plates (commonly steel) are not damageable by their tree bolt threads. However, bolt threads can damage weight plate holders if they aren’t designed correctly.

The weight plate holder damage comes down to friction between weight plates and the weight of the weight plate trees versus the coefficient of static friction between weight plates and weight plate holders.

If you have a weight plate tree that weighs 50 pounds with 25-pound lead dumbbells attached to it with rope, then there will be plenty of friction to prevent any damage to either component.

However, if the weight plate drops below 10 pounds or the weight tree rises above 50 pounds, weight plates may start to move and rub on weight plate holders. It can lead to accelerated wear of weight plate holders since friction is increased between weight plates and weight plate holders.

It is almost impossible to predict whether a given weight plate holder will fail if exposed to weight plates rubbing against it because not all weight plate trees are the same, nor are all weight plate holders (by design).

Fortunately, Yanre Fitness provides a top-grade quality weight plate tree, so you have no worry about your weight plate being scratch by the bolt or holder.

Figure 14 Weight Tree Bolt

Can I store weight discs on the weight tree?

Yes, you can. The tree bar is designed to carry weight discs and the proper weight on each side.

But for safety reasons, it is not recommended to store a plate on one side of the tree bar with a disc in the opposite slot as this could cause an imbalance or shifting during use.

Figure 15 Weight Plate Tree and Bar Holder

How much weight can hold by weight trees?

Weight trees are usually given a safety factor based on how many plates you will stack onto them at one time. If a specific weight tree is rated as safe for 100 pounds, they probably mean that you should not stack 100 pounds of plates higher than 1 foot tall or so without exceeding the safe capacity of the tree.

It means if you stack the 100 pounds of plates in one-foot tall increments, your total capacity would be 100 pounds. If you were to stack the plates 2 feet high, your weight capacity would be 50 pounds.

Recommended manufacturer to buy a weight tree in mass in China

There are many manufacturers in China for buying a bulk of weight plate trees. But just a few of them that can provide a top-grade quality.

The top list of recommended manufacturers in China is Yanre Fitness. Why? This company serve the gym community worldwide for years and still gives top-grade quality gym equipment, especially weight plate trees.

You should consider buying one for your gym because the after-sales of Yanre Fitness are one of many reasons why a lot of professional gyms always use their products.

Figure 16 Bulk Weight Trees

Where should the weight tree be placed?

There are three general opinions about where to place weight plate tree in your gym :

1. In front of the barbell (in front of your feet)

This position allows for easy loading and unloading of plates from the tree. You just push or pull them off, depending on whether you want to add more weights or remove some from your plates. It is pretty safe, too, because you don’t have to bend down so much when adding/removing weights.

However, it makes squatting a little difficult if you have a low-height power rack. You only need to bend slightly forward, but it will be difficult to reach the low part of the power rack with a plate tree in front of your feet.

2. Directly over the barbell

This position is popular among powerlifters and strongmen because it’s easier to clean and unload from the plates tree when you squat. Just pull them off directly without any extra movements.

It allows you to easily add or remove weights while your hands are on the barbell. However, this position makes benching a little difficult and squats if you have a height power rack. Your hands will not be able to reach low enough for heavy benching or squatting sets.

3. Behind the barbell

This one is not recommended for obvious reasons, too awkward to load and unload plates from behind the barbell. Plus, you have to bend down significantly when unloading plates.

Figure 17 Placement of the Weight Tree

Is it needed to place the weight tree on a wall to be stable?

It is commonly believed and taught that the weight plate tree must rest solidly on a wall to be stable. However, there is no theoretical reason for this if the only force acting on it were gravity.

With the perfect vertical alignment of both ends of the weights, the structure would remain perfectly balanced even if one end were allowed to move freely in space or if not restrained at all (i.e., simply hanging freely by its cords).

Is the weight tree could slide on the ground accidentally?

It can if you are not careful. When moving the weight plate tree, always pull it back on top of your trap bar after each rep and slide it into position under the bar.

It is much easier to get it seated appropriately and less likely to slide later when you set up or strike the next exercise. If possible, load one side with plates first, then finish loading the other side so that the plates are distributed evenly over both sides.

It helps keep a smooth sliding surface and makes centering the weight plate tree easier when setting upsets. If you must place a loaded weight plate tree down without sliding it onto your trap bar and want to be extra cautious about slipping during use, put some rubber flooring mats under the weight plate tree to keep it from sliding on the floor.

Figure 18 Weight Plate Tree

Can the weight tree cause injuries during use?

The weight plate tree is more than just an attractive way to store your weight training plates. It is a device that will ensure they do not wiggle around while you are using them.

However, closely stacked weight plates can often slide against each other, causing accidents and injuries. The worst-case scenario is the dreaded barbell roll-over, which has been responsible for many nasty accidents in gyms over the years.

Although weight plate trees have safety pins to prevent this from occurring, they don’t always work as intended and sometimes fail altogether, preventing the completion of a set without all of your strength and concentration.

But when you buy a weight plate tree from Yanre Fitness, any accident by malfunction of safety pins will never happen.

Figure 19 Use of Weight Tree

Dimensions of a Weight Tree

Weight plate trees can range in height from 3 inches (8cm) to 61 inches (155cm), with the average size being around 41 inches (105cm).

The weight plate tree long enough to fit a standard Olympic plate weighing 20lbs/9kgs max per tree with smaller versions for 5-10kg discs can range around 21 inches tall (53cm) and up to 40 inches tall (100cm).

Figure 20 Weight Tree dimensions

How much weight is an empty weight tree?

The average weight plate trees weight is 15kg, which is a standard for international shipping.

Figure 21 Empty Weight Tree

Accessories for the Weight Tree

To get the most out of your weight tree, you may want to customize it with accessories like wheels and bar storage. Optional wheels will make rolling around easier while inside a gym space; as for Olympic bars, they are necessary if you’re looking to diversify training exercises.

Figure 22 Weight Tree with wheels

Final Words

With this ultimate FAQ Guide, you may not doubt having a weight tree for your gym. The manufacturer that is the best for your need is Yanre Fitness.

Besides getting top-grade quality gym equipment, especially a weight tree, You would never found a better after-sales service like Yanre Fitness.

So, contact Yanre Fitness now and order a weight tree to keep your gym business on the right track or, maybe even better, growth bigger.