backyard zipline
Whether you're looking to build a backyard zip line for do-it-yourself style or you're thinking about buying a kit you first need to understand the basics. It may seem daunting at first as there are so many factors; do I have to calculate slope and sag, what are the height requirements, can my home accommodate a backyard zip line kit. We will go into depth from start to finish on how you can safely and reliably come up with a zip line design that will satisfy your family for years to come.
The first thing you need to do when installing a zip line is of course choose a location! Ideally in your backyard or on your property, you’ll need to find two trees that have a direct path towards each other. You might already have a spot in mind, but it is always good to have a couple different options. Check out this article if you want to install a zip line without trees. Measure and track these distances in feet. Most zip line kits go up from 50 to 500 feet, in 50 foot increments, so you’ll need to decide what cable length suits your scenario. Next we’ll talk about all the requirements for a safe install in the next section.
Deciding on an anchor will help you secure the zip line firmly in position. I mentioned in the paragraph above to choose two trees. Seems pretty simple, but there’s more to it. These trees need to withstand a lot of horizontal force. Up to 3, 000 pounds to be exact, which is more than a ton.
Amazon.com: Velots Zipline Kits For Backyard, 180ft 160ft 140ft 120ft 105ft 90ft 80ft 350lb Kids Toys Play Set Zip Lines Kit, Adults Playground Games Outdoor (160ft)
Let’s first start on what not to do. Do not choose trees that are rotten, old, have cracks or rooted in loose soil or sand. You cannot attach the zip line cable to a branch under any circumstances. Please use common sense or consult an engineer!
Cable Sag is the amount the zipline drops when a rider’s weight is added. The simple formula is (Length of Zipline) x (.02). An example of this is a 100 foot zip line would have 2 feet of sag. You want to take this into consideration as you don’t want your rider’s feet to be dragging as they ride.
We recommend a 3% slope for zip lines will be only utilizing a stop block. This means there would be a 3 foot drop every 100 feet. If using a bungee braking system, the maximum slope is 6% or 6 foot drop per 100 feet.
Vevor Slacker Zipline 150 Ft. Zip Line Kids Swing With Seat, Brake And Steel Trolley Backyard Zipline Kit For Kid And Adult Yds150ft250lbhoj6v0
We now need to find out 3 more inputs. Keep in mind anchor height refers to the height of where your zip line attaches to the tree or anchor.
Elevation Change is easy if you are on flat land, it’s 0 feet! If you are on a slope or hill you may have to use a sight level to find the elevation change between the ground level of the starting anchor and the ground level of the end anchor.
We highly recommend using Galvanized Aircraft Cable for zip lining. It is durable and flexible and you can find out more about all the cables here.
One Way To Build A Zip Line In Your Backyard
Cable clamps or U-Bolts are used to secure dead ends of cable. We recommend 15 ft. lbs of torque and 3 cable clamps, 1-2 inches apart.
A turnbuckle is a device for adjusting the tension or length of zip line cables. It is used to make adjustments to how much slack your cable has.
Cable Slings are designed to wrap around your anchor whether it be a tree or a pole. The two loops connect to the turnbuckle.
M Zipline Kits For Backyard For Adults/children
Thimbles help maintain the durability of a cable by preventing crimping. They should used in any sharp turns on a cable. In most cases you’ll use it near the cable clamps when the cable has to loop back around.
First we need to start at your starting anchor. Depending on what kind of zip line kit you have, the instructions may be a little different. Typically on the starting anchor you need to wrap the cable slings around your anchor to attach to a turnbuckle . The zip line cable will attach to the empty end of the turnbuckle and will wrap around the ending anchor, secured with cable clamps . Take a look at the pictures below.
The starting and ending anchor instructions might be vice versa depending on your kit’s instructions and there might be two turnbuckles (one on each end for further tensioning).
Ft Zip Line Kit Backyard Zipline With Detachable Trolley, 304 Stainless Steel
With zip line accessories there will be cases where certain components have to have the cable fed through them, as opposed to being added on after the cable is set up. Be sure to check your individual parts!
There are trolleys where the end of the cable has to be fed through the trolley. There are others that are completely detachable. Please check out choosing a zip line trolley for more.
Being able to stop a zip line is a big concern for some! It’s a top priority for us too. There are a variety of braking systems that you can choose from. We do recommend having a Bungee Braking System, combined with a Stop Block. In some cases, a spring stop is acceptable! Or you can get creative. We go in depth into zip line brakes here.
Ft D&d Flyer Zip Line Kit, Cable Ride For Backyard Excitement, 125′ Zipline, Heavy Duty 350 Lbs Cap., Made In Usa! Special! Free Tensioning Kit And Tire Bumper.
In our opinion, this is the place where there is the most variation. Do you want a swing seat, disc seat, or harness? Do you have small kids and want to secure them? The installation is really simple as all of these attachments are secured using a carabiner attached to the trolley. We explore several options for you in our other blog post.
As a final note, once everything is installed, do a safety test and inspection. Use a test weight (bucket of water, weights, etc) to see if the braking mechanism, trolley and cable are acting as intended. Be sure to make sure the anchors are secure. One test is to sharpie where the cable clamps are before the test and see if they shifted during the test ride. If they shifted, it needs to be tightened.
If the cable shows signs of fraying, retire it immediately. Check the trolley for excessive friction or roughness. Make sure all carabiners are secured. Instruct your riders all of the dos and don’t before riding. Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Country are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
A Backyard Zip Line (and Other Iowa Awesomeness)
If you have a huge backyard, your kids and guests are probably always asking, "When will you get an underground pool?" Pools are nice at-home escapes, but backyard zipline kits are where it's at.
When you have an adventurous family, you have to do your best to provide them with the best entertainment, especially during times when vacations aren't ideal. These backyard zipline kits will keep the whole family entertained.
Ziplining is one of the most exciting outdoor activities you can experience! According to Adrenaline Constructions, a zipline is a cable that connects two points at different heights. Once you're secured in your harness, you'll step from one side to complete your trip to the end of the parallel cable.
Led Backyard Zipline @ Sharperimage.com
The pulley and harness work with gravity to pull riders down the cable for a fun trip.You might have seen ziplining in movies or travel commercials. It's a great activity for sightseeing (and for adrenaline junkies).
Slackers is a top-pick brand for at-home zipline kits. This high-quality $88 kit is great for beginners. It has a 40-foot cable, which is perfect for small backyards. Since it has a short cable (meaning shorter rides) and has a weight limit of 200 pounds, I'd say it's the best pick for children learning how to zipline.
Once kids get comfortable with a zipline, allow them to proceed to a longer cable. This cable glows in the dark, making it perfect for sleepovers. Don't worry, the Night Riderz Series Zipline Kit is a safe and durable kit! All of Slackers' ziplines meet safety standards.
Backyard Zip Line For Kids
Slackers' 70-inch Hawk Series Zipline has an adjustable cable for a shorter ride. Many Amazon reviews mention the excellent braking system, easy installation, and safety features. A customer gave it a five-star review and said, "Kids. Really like it. Seems sturdy. And as safe as a zip line can be. Brake is a must have."
Novice zipliners might be a little nervous about this one. There are two zipline cable lengths: 118 feet and 200 feet. This heavy-duty zipline will provide hours of fun. The trolley can be easily removed from any part of the cable. (So feel free to take it to Grandma's this summer.)
This 40-foot zipline kit is one of the best zipline kits for children. Since the main cable is short, kids will be able to warm up with short, smooth rides. A customer said it was exactly what his kids wanted.
Foot Zip Line Kit With Zipline Brake & Seat Zipline Trolley For Backyard Fun
Vevor's zipline has a weight capacity of 250lbs. The comfortable seat hangs within 4-feet of the ground, so don't worry too much about heights! The 100-ft long cable and 4.7-ft long sling cable are durable.
CTSC's zipline kit includes a 5.3-ft
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