Zipline Installation Tips

Helpful Tips for HearthSong Zipline Installation The following tips will provide basic guidance for zipline installation, but if you are unsure of proper conditions and requirements for installing a zipline, it would be best to consult a professional contractor to evaluate your zipline course, and to help with installing the zipline. It is most important that the trees chosen as anchors for the zipline are very healthy, with strong root systems, and that the trunk is a minimum of 36” in circumference.

The cables provided in the kit are designed so that the point of the tree at the start (highest point) of the course should be no more than 54” in circumference. The tree at the finish (lowest point) of the course can be greater than 54” in circumference. Choose a course location where the ground is soft and free of debris and hard objects for the entire run of the zipline.

Our ziplines are intended for fun for children, and not for seeing how fast you can get from the top to the bottom. A gentle slope of 3 degrees is recommended, and there should even be a small amount of slack in the line. As the end of the ride is approaching, the slack in the line should act as a natural brake to slow the forward motion, allowing the rubber stopper apparatus to smoothly slow the rider to a stop.

The U-bolt clamps that secure the end of the cable at the low point of the course should be spaced so that the outermost U-bolt is at least 5 feet from the tree.

Push the rubber stopper apparatus up from that point to allow the stopper to begin the slowing motion before reaching the first U-bolt. Check all connections, cables, and ropes prior to every play session for any signs of damage and discontinue use if any damage is found.