Hello Floyd. There is a lot to say as to the differences between aluminum
and
steel towers and then again, for the non engineer (like me) just a few basics.
1. Steel is stronger and equal size to Alum will take great windloads
2. Steel towers are cheaper
3. Aluminum towers dont rust.
4. Aluminum towers with larger sections can do the job of a slimmer steel
tower.
5. Aluminum towers are easier to put up since the sections are lighter.
6. Most aluminum towers are tiltovers so they can be easily layed down and
worked on as well as their antennas and rotors. Steel, due to weight,
are
more difficult to lay down and most steel towers are not tiltable (there
are
exceptions).
7. Crankup steel towers overcome the last problem.
8. Aluminum towers always look new (if appearance is important to you).
Personally, I have had a Universal Alum tower for years and really like it.
But its
a $1600 tower for 50 feet. You can get a "hard to climb" steel Rohn HDBX 56
for
$750. But who likes to put their feet in those "X-type" foot braces to
climb?
Not me! But it is stronger and cheaper!
Hope this helps. Its like Ford and Chevrolet. I like Chevys. Others
like Fords.
Remember, a lot has to do with the windload you need and the height you wish
to
go as well as your budget.
73
Mike
K0BUD
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