slackers SLA.303 Build-a-Branch Swing Hanger Instruction Manual

slackers SLA.303 Build-a-Branch Swing Hanger

CONTENTS

• (2) Side tree bracket
• (1) Top tree bracket
• (2) Rear arm supports
• (2) Front arm supports
• (1) End cap assembly
• (1) 2” Top support strap
• (1) 7’ x 2” Ratchet strap
• (1) 20’ x 2” Ratchet strap
• (1) 2” Cross strap
• (1) Locking carabiner
• (2) 2” Screws
• (6) 1/2” Screws
• (6 Flat Washers
• (6) Lock Washers
• (1) Allen Wrench (Hex Key)

REQUIRED (NOT INCLUDED)

• (1) 10 ft Ladder
• (1) Phillips head screwdriver

OPTIONAL (NOT INCLUDED)

• (12) 3” Wood scews
• (1) Drill

Build-A-Branch is meant to secure to tree using the ratchet straps, but for extra security, you can drill wood screws through the brackets directly into the tree.

WARNING:  ADULT ASSEMBLY IS REQUIRED.

This product should be unpacked and assembled by an adult, including site and tree selection, as well as the secure and proper installation

WARNING:  ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED! SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY RESULT.

Always exercise extreme caution when using the Build-A-Branch. Keep bystanders at least 10 ft (3 m) away from the swing zone to avoid collisions.

WARNING: UNHEALTHY TREE HAZARD – Do not attach to or use a tree that is diseased, unhealthy, or damaged. It may fail, causing serious injury or death.

Choking Hazard

This product contains small parts. Do not allow children under 3 years of age near the parts of the assembly area.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1:  Connect End Cap to front Arm supports with 1/2” (1.3 cm) bolts using both flat and locking washers.

STEP 2:  Connect Rear Arm supports to front arm supports with 1/2” (1.3 cm) bolts using flat and locking washers.

STEP 3:  Connect left and right brackets to rear arm supports with 2” (5 cm) bolts using flat and locking washers.

CHOOSING THE SITE

• Do not install home playground equipment over concrete, asphalt, packed earth, grass, carpet, or any other hard surface. A fall onto a hard surface can result in serious injury or death to the equipment user. Due to the variety of swing sets and places that this product can be suspended, we must urge caution when attaching the swing to your structure.
• Protective surfacing under swings is recommended. “To and Fro” swings should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6 ft (2 m) from the outer edge of the support structure on each side. The “fall zone” in front and back of the swing should extend out a minimum distance of twice the height of the swing as measured from the ground to the top of the swing support structure. Swings should have a minimum of 8 in (20 cm) between them. (ASTM F-1148-18) The bottom of a swing should not be less than 8 in (20 cm) above the protective surfacing material.

SURFACES: Maximum fall height is 84 in (213 cm), playground surface material should be 8.9 in (23 cm). See “Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook” from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. SUPPORT STRUCTURES: Be certain that the overhead structure can support at least 500 lb (227 kg). If attaching to a tree limb, make sure the tree is alive and healthy.

• Tree should be healthy and have a minimum trunk diameter of 12 in (30 cm) and a maximum diameter of 24 in ( 61 cm).
• Tree assessment shall be carried out before every use. If one or more defects from below checklist is found, the tree should not be considered healthy and users shall remove the product from the tree to avoid being used.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE (ISA) TREE RISK CHECKLIST

• Are there large, dead branches in the tree?
• Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
• Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?
• Are mushrooms present at the base of the tree?
• Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?
• Have any branches fallen from the tree?
• Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?
• Has the trunk developed a strong lean?
• Do many of the major branches arise from one point on the trunk?
• Have the roots been broken off, injured, or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing sidewalks, or digging trenches?
• Has the site recently been changed by construction, raising the soil level, or installing lawns?
• Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size?
• Have trees in adjacent wooded areas been removed?
• Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned?

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Required: 2 adults, 1 10 ft ladder, 1 hammer, 12 ft measuring tape.

STEP 1: Use ladder to measure and mark 43 in (1.8 m) from desired height and location for branch buddy. The bottom height should be set up at a Minimum of 6 ft (1.5 m) and Maximum of 9 ft (2.7 m).

STEP 2

• Position top of top tree pad at the top mark on the tree. Insert nails into holes of top bracket (optional).
• Thread the 7 ft. x 2 in ratchet strap through the top tree pad and around the tree with the black printed line facing out.
• Position ratchet to back of tree, and ratchet strap securely (see ratchet instructions below)
• Slide ratchet cover over the ratchet to secure the excess line.

Ratchet instructions

• Pull the release lever to open the ratchet
• Thread the strap through the bottom of the ratchet
• Pull the line through until the ratchet is tight against the tree
• Crank the ratchet to tighten securely against the tree

STEP 3

• Connect 2” cross strap to front of left and right tree brackets
• NOTE: The cross strap is the 2” webbing with the buckle sewn into the end.
• The cross strap will hold the brackets during installation. Brackets should be slightly forward from center point of each side of the tree. Measure the diameter of the tree and make the center strap apx. 4 in (10 cm) shorter than the diameter length. *Be sure to follow this step, as failure to do so could cause the brackets to move during use, and incorrect measurements may cause damage to the arms of the build-a-branch.

STEP 4

Feed the 2” top support strap through the opening at the end of the build a branch With the SLACKERS logo facing up, black printed line facing down. the black buckle should be on top.

Weave the bottom of the line through the bottom of the buckle. SLACKERS logo should be facing up, and the end of the line should be secured below the buckle and top layer of the line.

STEP 5

• Attach carabiner at the end of the support strap to loop on the top tree bracket.
• NOTE: The wide end of the carabiner should be on the strap, while the narrow end clips to the bracket. this will help keep the line straight when installing.

Warning:  You must close the safety carabiner completely during final installation. Failure to completely screw in the carabiner will result in carabiner breaking over time and can be dangerous.

STEP 6

• Lift left and right brackets to bottom of the 43” (1 m) marker on the tree min. 6 ft (1.8 m), max. 9 ft (2.7 m).
• Position the side brackets so that they are centered on the width of the tree.
• Have another adult hold up the support bars of the Build-A-Branch while assembling the ratchet.
• NOTE: You may need to adjust the front cross strap so that brackets are even and centered on each side.

STEP 7

• While the other adult helps to hold the Build-A-Branch in place, Take the 20 ft x 2 in. ratchet strap and weave the line through the slots at the back of each side bracket with the black printed line facing out.
• Pull the line through until the ratchet is positioned to where it will be centered on the tree between the 2 brackets and Let the ratchet hang down.
• Begin to wrap the side brackets with the excess line.

• Wrap line around the top and bottom of each side bracket.
• Once you finish wrapping the tree pads, you should end up at the back of the tree where you can then begin to ratchet the excess line until the line and pads are secure and the ratchet cannot be tightened further (for ratchet instructions).
• Use included zip ties to secure any loose strap.

STEP 8

• NOTE: You may need to adjust the top support strap slightly so that the build-a-branch is level and parallel to the ground.
• Use the black elastic loop to secure any excess line.

MANDATORY LOAD STRESS TEST

• After completing the installation instructions, a mandatory load stress test is required before using or attaching a swing.
• First check all connections
• Have 2 Adults, whose combined weight is apx. 500 lb (227 kg), pull down together on the Build-a-Branch.
• CAUTION: make sure they are in a safe position in case the branch or structure should come down. Gradually have them apply all their combined weight. During this process, check for breaking or cracking.
• NOTE: If 2 adults combined do not weigh 500 lb (227 kg), you can also use same amount of weight in barbell weights, sandbags, etc.

WARNING

If at any time during the stress load test you notice moving or slipping of the side brackets or top support bracket, remove the weight immediately and retighten the ratchet straps. Never allow children to use any object or swing attached to the Build-A-Branch until the stress load test has been completed by an adult and all brackets and connection points are fully secured and stable on the tree.

NOTE: For extra security, you can screw 3” wood screws into the 4 holes located on all 3 brackets.

TROUBLESHOOTING

IF THE TOP BRACKET IS MOVING

• Try and ratchet even tighter. Over time, at the beginning, the straps may stretch a bit and need to be re-tightened.
• Confirm that the ratchet line is straight all the way around the tree
• Confirm top bracket has the ring clip at the top (not at the bottom)
• Use either nails or wood screws to secure the top bracket to the tree (optional)

IF THE BOTTOM BRACKETS ARE MOVING SIDE TO SIDE DURING USE

• After completing the installation instructions, a mandatory load stress test is required before using or attaching a swing.
• Try and ratchet even tighter. Over time, at the beginning, the straps may stretch a bit and need to be re-tightened.
• Redo straps so that the bottom straps (underneath the top straps) are as tight as you can pull them before you ratchet
• Then re-tighten ratchet
• Use either nails or wood screws to secure the side brackets to the tree (optional)

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR PRODUCT TO THE STORE! WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT

PLEASE CONTACT US

• 1-844-834-4334
• INFO@B4ADVENTURE.COM

MAINTENANCE OF YOUR BUILD-A-BRANCH

Take down when not in use for long periods of time, this will help prevent UV damage and weathering of materials and unsupervised usage.

At the beginning of each play season

• Tighten all hardware – check all connections for any hint of looseness, damage, deterioration, excess wear, rope fraying, breaks or sharp edges and replace as necessary.
• Lubricate all metallic moving parts per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check all protective coverings on bolts, pipes, edges, and corners. Replace if they are loose, cracked, or missing.
• Check all moving parts including swing seats, ropes, cables, and chains for wear, rust, or other deterioration. Replace as needed.
• Check metal parts for rust. If found, sand and repaint using a nonlead-based paint meeting the requirements of 16 CFR 1303.
• Reinstall any plastic parts, such as swing seats or any other items that were removed for the cold season.
• Use only b4Adventure replacement parts.

Once a month during play season

• Lubricate all metallic moving parts per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Tighten all hardware – check all protective coverings on bolts, pipes, edges, and corners. Replace if they are loose, cracked, or missing.
• Check all moving parts: including all grips for wear, rust, or other deterioration. Replace as needed.
• Perform the Load Stress test.
• If using a step ladder or other platform, inspect it every month for looseness, stability & wear.

Twice a month during play season

• Tighten all hardware – Check all protective coverings on bolts, pipes, edges, and corners. Replace if they are loose, cracked, or missing.
• Rake and check depth of loose fill protective surfacing materials to prevent compaction and to maintain appropriate depth. Replace as necessary.

At the end of each play season or when the temperature drops below 32° F (0° C)

• Inspect all parts for wear/damage. Replace as needed before next season of use.
• Take down your entire swing setup and store indoors.

X.3.1.1 Loose-Fill Materials: Maintain a minimum depth of 9 in (23 cm) of loose-fill materials such as wood mulch/chips, engineered wood fiber (EWF), or shredded/recycled rubber mulch for equipment up to 8 ft high (2.5 m); and 9 in (23 cm) of sand or pea gravel for equipment up to 5 ft (1.5 m) high. NOTE: An initial fill level of 12 in (30 cm) will compress to about a 9 in (23 cm) depth of surfacing over time. The surfacing will also compact, displace, and settle, and should be periodically refilled to maintain a least a 9 in (23 cm) depth.

PRODUCT DISCLAIMER & NOTICE

The installation and use of theBuild-A-Branch is potentially hazardous. Any person purchasing, installing or using equipment from the b4Adventure must: See section 4 of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook. Visit www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/122149/325.pdf. Observing the following statements and warnings reduces the likelihood of serious or fatal injury:

• Maximum user weight should not exceed 500 lb.
• Product should be placed 6 ft (2 m) from any structure or obstruction such as a fence, garage, house, overhanging branches, laundry lines or electrical wires.
• DO NOT install over concrete, asphalt or any other hard surface. Risk of serious head injury or death due to falls from equipment placed over hard surfaces
• there shall be no part of the activity toy where the child is able climb , sit or stand above a height of 8 ft (2.5 m).
• Instruct children not to walk close to, in front of, behind, or between moving items,
• Instruct children not to twist swing chains or ropes or loop them over the top support bar since this may reduce the strength of the chain or rope.
• Instruct children to avoid swinging empty seats.
• Teach children to sit in the center of the swings with their full weight on the seat.
• Instruct children not to use the equipment in a manner other than intended.
• Do not not to allow children to wear inappropriate items, such as but not limited to, loose fitting clothing, hood and neck drawstrings, scarves, cord-connected items, capes and ponchos. These items can cause death by strangulation.
• Instruct children not to attach items to the playground equipment that are not specifically designed for use with the equipment, such as, but not limited to, jump ropes, clothesline, pet leashes, cables and chain as they may cause a strangulation hazard.
• Instruct children to remove their bike or others sports helmet before playing on the playground equipment.
• Instruct children to dress with well-fitting and full foot enclosing footwear. Example of inappropriate footwear are clogs, flip flops and sandals.
• Do not use when equipment is wet or if there is rain or lightening in the area.
• Obtain training and instruction regarding proper use and safety precautions to always practice.
• Ensure proper & adequate supervision and instruction (this include the continuous use of appropriate safety procedures & equipment) for themselves and others using the equipment;
• Check that all equipment is properly maintained, in good working order and inspected for damage or wear prior to each use.
• You assume all risks and accept full responsibility for any injury (including death) or damages that may occur from its use.

All the information provided by b4Adventure either printed, electronic or other, is not to be considered professional instruction or advice. Users of this equipment are encouraged to seek professional instruction regarding specific questions about usage, location, installation or other aspects of hanging swings. Please save these instructions for future reference.

Owners shall be responsible for maintaining the legibility of the warning labels.

Disposal instructions: Recycle your Build-A-Branch according to Local, State or Federal Laws.

THE PRODUCT CONFORMS TO ASTM F1148, CONSUMER SAFETY PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION FOR HOME PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT.

b4Adventure

• Denver Colorado 80216
• 1-844-834-4334 QUESTIONS?
• info@b4adventure.com
• www.b4adventure.com

DC: 080221

References

• b4Adventure: Outdoor + Backyard Adventure Toys – B4 Adventure

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