We’re going to introduce you to the Applied Electronics L16 Crank Up Truss Stand. We’ll give you an in-depth overview of its features and explain why we like it and how we use it.

Quick Answer: The L16 Crank Up Truss stand is popular in the industry with good reason. It’s really easy to use, super safe, and extremely reliable.

L16 Crank Up Truss Stand Overview

The L16 Crank Up Truss Stand is a common sight at events. Here’s a quick breakdown of its key features.

  • 500lbs load capacity per unit
    Don’t forget to include the weight of your cable in your load calculations and ensure your truss is rated for the total weight.
  • 2 x telescopic sections
  • All required pins and hardware stored on the stand
  • Built-in braking mechanism

L16 Crank Up Truss Stand Leg Setup

It’s super simple to deploy the legs on this truss stand, and built-in hardware allows for more precise leveling on uneven surfaces.

  1. Remove the securing pin to release the leg
  2. Push the leg down and lift the brace arm into position against the truss
  3. Insert the securing pin to secure the brace arm and leg in place
  4. Repeat for each leg
  5. Check the truss stand is level and use the level adjusters as necessary

L16 Crank Up Truss Stand Top Adapter

Applied Electronics L16

The L16 Crank Up Truss Stand will accommodate any industry-standard 1 1/8” adapter. Simply drop the adapter in the top and secure it using the stand’s locking nut. Adapters include:

  • Fixed 12” adapters
  • Adjustable truss antlers
  • T-Bars

We prefer to use adjustable truss antlers that can hold up to 16” truss. Always remember to keep your truss centered over the adapter if you’re using anything smaller than 16”.

Raising The L16 Crank Up Truss Stand

The L16 is easy to use, and the built-in braking makes it super safe. The top telescopic section extends first and has to extend fully before the second section starts to move.

  1. Turn the crank handle and guide the cable on the reel
    As you turn the handle, make sure that the steel cable goes side to side, spooling evenly across the reel.

    If you need to stop, the built-in braking mechanism will hold everything in place.
  2. Insert the safety pin into the top section when it is fully extended
  3. Continue cranking, raising the second section
  4. Insert the safety pin into the second section
    When the stand is at the desired height, place a safety pin into the lowest hole on the second section.
  5. Back of the crank handle until the second and top sections are resting on their safety pins
    The steel cable should not be used to hold the weight of the system. Back it off so the safety pins take the weight and leave an inch of slack on the cable as a failsafe.

L16 Truss Stand Tear Down

Lowering the L16 is pretty much the reverse of raising it into position.

  1. Crank the handle to take up slack on the cable and lift the sections off their pins
  2. Remove the safety pin from the second section
  3. Wind the handle to lower the second section
  4. Remove the safety pin from the top section as it comes into reach
  5. Wind the handle to lower the top section

Lifting Truss Is A 3 Person Job

You will need 3 people to work with truss safely, one on each stand and a spotter to coordinate the process. A spotter is essential as they are responsible for ensuring the truss remains level and that nobody is under or around the truss.

Equipment Used To Make The Accompanying Video

L16 Crank Up Truss Stand | Review & Demo Topics

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 0:40 Weight Capacity 
  • 1:08 Overview
  • 1:26 Leveling
  • 1:45 Setup Legs
  • 2:17 Top Adapter
  • 3:39 Cranking the steel cable
  • 4:01 Built-In Braking
  • 4:50 Using the Brakes/Slack on the cable 
  • 5:41 Tear Down
  • 6:14 Lifting truss is a 3 person job
  • 6:54 Final Thoughts