Gorilla Playsets Landing User manual

ASSEMBLY MANUAL
Copyright © 2011 Gorilla Playsets
All Rights Reserved
Gorilla Playsets • 190 Etowah Industrial Court Canton, GA 30114
[phone] • www.gorillaplaysets.com
Landing
Latest Revision: January 12, 2011
Ladder
(hidden
behind
slide)
®

Warranty and Safety Guidelines……………………………………….......……...Pages 3-10
Leveling Fort, General Information and Site Plan...........................................Pages 10-14
Kit Contents and Tool List…………..……………………………………….............. Page 15
Hardware, Lumber Checklist and Accessory Checklist...........................…....Pages 16-29
Corner Post Layout and Adding T-Nuts to Corner Posts...……..………...…...... Steps 1-2
Framing Fort……………………………………..…………………………..……..... Steps 3-8
Attaching Deck Spacers, Deck Stringer, Face Boards…..…...….…………..…. Steps 9-11
Ladder Assembly and Attaching Ladder…...…..……..……...….…….............. Steps 12-13
Attaching Deck Boards, Panel Supports, Panel Boards and Panel Slats....... Steps 14-17
Building and Mounting Rockwall…………….……………………..……........… Steps 18-23
Swing Beam Assembly………………………………………………………....... Steps 24-32
Attaching Arched Side Top Boards…...…………………………….…..................... Step 33
Assembling Roof, Chimney and Dormers………………….....………............. Steps 34-36
Sun Burst Assemblies……………………………………………….…….……..... Step 37-38
Attaching Window Supports and Window Assembly………………..…….............. Step 39
Attaching Safety Board and Angle Supports.................................…...…....... Steps 40-41
Attaching Accessories and Ground Stakes……………....…………………….. Steps 42-50
Customer Registration Card……………………….....…..…………..….……....... Last Page
PLEASE READ OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE STARTING ASSEMBLY!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2
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Page 3
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IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
As fresh lumber acclimates to its new environment, the natural tendencies of the tree
can show itself in the form of checks, or “cracks” in the lumber. In almost all cases this is
normal and it will not affect the structural integrity of your play set.
Cosmetic defects that do not affect the structural integrity of the product, or natural
defects of wood such as warping, checking or any other physical properties of wood that
do not present a safety hazard, are not covered by this warranty. Defects that develop
because the product is exposed to extreme climate conditions are not covered by this
warranty. Defects that develop as a result of faulty or improper installation of the product
are also not covered by this warranty.
Most cracks are not warrantable, however if you believe that the integrity of your
play set is compromised by this natural occurrence, please follow the warranty claim
procedure found at :
www.gorillaplaysets.com. Click on the “Customer Care” tab on the left hand side of the
page, then click on “Warranty Claim” and follow the instructions.
We appreciate your purchase and know that you will enjoy your play system for many
years to come.
IF YOU HAVE MISSING OR DAMAGED PARTS OR NEED ASSISTANCE
ASSEMBLING, PLEASE CALL Gorilla PlaysetsTM MANUFACTURING DIRECT.
[phone] FACTORY HOURS – MON.–FRI., 8AM-5PM EST DO NOT RETURN
THIS PRODUCT TO THE RETAILER OR CONTACT THE RETAILER DIRECT.
THE RETAILER DOES NOT STOCK COMPONENTS.PLEASE RETAIN THESE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. KEEP THEM IN A SAFE PLACE
WHERE YOU CAN REFER TO THEM AS NEEDED.
CONTACT INFO:
Gorilla Playsets
190 Etowah Industrial Court
Canton, GA 30114
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
[email protected]
Check for revised instructions at www.gorillaplaysets.com/category-s/92.htm

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Thank you for choosing Gorilla Playsets®
We’ve included everything you need, except tools, to build your very own professional
looking play set. When complete, your new play set should far exceed the quality of
play set kits from other build-your-own companies. Our engineers and design team
have over 30 years of playground experience. What we’ve developed is a play set that
doesn’t compromise quality for simplicity. Yet you’ll appreciate how quick and easy
construction really is! Our play set kits are designed for children ages 3 to 11. Gorilla
Playsets® believes every child should have a play set and with our kits they can! You
can rest assured your new play set is safe, durable and designed to hold up to the
elements. As parents ourselves, we know how important the security and well- being of
our children is, and this shows in all of our products.
Each play set features our step-by-step 3D illustrated manual, patented powder coated
swing beam bracket, heavy-duty swing belts with chains, slide(s), accessories, plus all
the required hardware and pre-milled lumber.
Quality Lumber
At Gorilla Playsets, we use only the nest, hand selected lumber available. You can
be assured that our lumber is strong, durable, and conforms to the national standards
for use in children’s play equipment. It’s this quality that allows us to offer a 10 year
warranty on the lumber used in our play sets.

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Limited Manufacturers Warranty
Gorilla Playsets® (“Gorilla”) warrants its play sets to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions at its original installation,
for 10 years for structural wood components and for one year for all other components
(e.g., hardware, plastics, tarps, rope ladder, etc.)
Cosmetic defects or natural defects of wood (e.g., warping, seasonal checking or
cracking, knots, or knot holes, etc.) that do not affect the structural integrity of the
product are not covered by this warranty. Defects that develop because the product is
exposed to extreme climate conditions, or that develop as a result of faulty or improper
installation of the product, are not covered by this warranty. Fading or discoloration of
any part or accessory, cracks in plastic components, surface rust on hardware, and
chips on powder coated materials are not considered defects in material as long as they
do not affect the functionality or structural integrity of the part or component.
It is the owner’s responsibility to properly maintain the play set. Instructions for proper
maintenance can be found on Gorilla’s website. Imperfections or defects that develop
because of a failure to properly maintain the play set are not covered by this warranty.
Gorilla will repair or, at its discretion, replace any part within the stated warranty period
that is defective in workmanship or materials. This decision is subject to verication
of the defect, which, at Gorilla’s discretion, may be accomplished by submitting
photographs or by delivery of the defective part to Gorilla. Any warranty claim must
include proof of purchase, including the date of purchase.
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was
designed and installed at a residential, single-family dwelling. This warranty is void if
the product is put to commercial or institutional use. This warranty does not cover (a)
products that have been damaged by acts of God, negligence, misuse, or accident, or
that have been modied or repaired by unauthorized persons; (b) the cost of labor; or
(c) the cost of shipping the product, any part, or any replacement product or part.
GORILLA DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. GORILLA WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. This warranty is valid only in the United States
of America, is nontransferable and does not extend to the owners of the product
subsequent to the original purchaser, and only applies to the product as originally
installed (in other words, installing the product and then later disassembling and
reinstalling the product at the same or another location voids the warranty). Some states
do not allow limitations on implied warranties or exclusion of incidental or consequential
damages, so these restrictions may not be applicable to you. This warranty gives you
specic legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY GUIDELINES
This product is intended for residential use only and is not intended for use in any public
setting. A safety surface such as mulch or recycled tires should be used under the play
set to prevent injury from falls. Also a 6 foot safety zone should be used around the
entire play set.
As with any home project, good judgment and respect for power tools will greatly
reduce the risk of injury. Gorilla recommends you follow all tool manufacturers’ safety
guidelines. Always wear eye protection and safety gloves to prevent injury. In several
phases of construction two people may be required for lifting and securing of lumber.
While play set is being constructed, please keep children off the equipment until the
project is complete. Bolts and screw heads should be checked regularly for tightness.
The ground ladder, rope ladder, slide, swings and other areas where children spend a
majority of their playtime should be checked more frequently.
Gorilla shall not be liable for incidental, indirect or consequential damages or injuries
that result from the building and/or playing on our play sets. Adult supervision is
recommended anytime a play set is being used.
WEIGHT LIMITS FOR GORILLA PLAYSETS
• FORT PLATFORMS: 800 LBS. TOTAL WEIGHT
• SWING BELTS: 175 LBS.
• GLIDER SWINGS: 70 LBS. PER CHILD
• TRAPEZE: 125 LBS.
• FULL BUCKET SWING: 50 LBS.
• TODDLER BUCKET SWING: 50 LBS.
• INFANT SWING: 35 LBS.
• TIRE SWING: 125 LBS. TOTAL WEIGHT
• ROPE LADDER: 75 LBS.
• ROCK WALL: 150 LBS.
• ALL SLIDES: 125 LBS.
Gorilla recommends that the weight limits for all components must not be exceeded.
Failure to adhere to these and other safety guidelines could result in damage to the play
set and injury to the users.

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Safety and Maintenance Tips for Your New Play Set:
NOTE: Your children’s safety is our #1 concern. Observing the
following statements and warnings reduces the likelihood of serious
or fatal injury. Please review these safety rules regularly with your
children.
• This play set is designed for the use of 4 occupants who have a combined weight not
exceeding 800 pounds on the elevated oor, 3 occupants who have a combined weight
of 525 pounds on the swing area, for a total Unit capacity of 7 occupants who have a
combined weight of 1325. (this weight is not including the picnic table area)
• On-site adult supervision is required.
• Teach children not to walk close to, in front of, behind, or between moving swings or
other moving playground equipment.
• Teach children to sit in and never stand on swings
• Teach children not to twist the chains and ropes and not to loop them over the swing
beam, since this may reduce the strength of the chain or rope.
• Teach children not to jump from swings or other playground equipment in motion.
• Teach children not to push empty seats. The seat may hit them and cause serious
injury.
• Teach children to sit in the center of the swings with their full weight on the seats.
• Teach children not to use the equipment in a manner other than intended.
• Teach children to always go down slides feet rst. Never slide headrst.
• Teach children to look before they slide to make sure no one is at the bottom.
• Teach children to never run up a slide, as this increases their chances of falling.
• Parents should have the children dress appropriately with well-tting shoes. Loose
clothing such as scarves and ponchos should not be worn. Always take off, tie up or
tuck in cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing. These things can get caught on
playground equipment and strangle a child.
• Teach children not to climb when the equipment is wet.
• Teach children to never jump from a fort deck. They should always use the ladder,
ramp or slide.
• Teach children to never crawl or walk across the top of monkey bars.
• Teach children to never crawl on top of a fort roof.
• Verify that any suspended climbing ropes, chains, or cables are secured at both ends
and that they cannot be looped around an adult hand.
• Teach children not to attach items to the playground equipment that are not specically
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.
• Teach children to never wrap their legs around swing chain.
• Teach children to never slide down the swing chain.
WARNING: Children must NOT use this play set until unit has been
completely assembled and inspected by an adult to insure set has
been properly installed and anchored.

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Safety and Maintenance Tips for Your New Play Set:
(continued)
Playgrounds should be inspected on a regular basis. If any of the following conditions
are noted, they should be removed, corrected, or repaired immediately to prevent
injuries.
• Hardware that is loose, worn or that has protrusions or projections.
• Exposed equipment footings.
• Scattered debris, litter, rocks, or tree roots.
• Splinters, large cracks, and decayed wood components.
• Deterioration and corrosion on structural components, which connect to the ground.
• Missing or damaged equipment components, such as handholds, guardrails, swing
seats.
• Check all nuts and bolts frequently during the usage season and tighten as required.
(But not so tight that you crack the wood) We recommend you check the swing beam
and hardware often due to wood expansion and contraction. It is particularly important
that this procedure be followed at the beginning of each season.
• Remove plastic swing seats and take indoors or do not use when the temperature
drops below 32°F.
• Oil all metallic moving parts monthly during the usage period.
• Check all coverings for bolts and sharp edges twice monthly during usage season to
be certain they are in place. Replace when necessary. It is especially important to do
this at the beginning of each new season.
• Check swing seats, ropes, cables and chains monthly during usage season for
evidence of deterioration. Replacement should be made of any swing seat that has
developed cracks in the plastic seats or has exposed metal in the edges of the swing
seat. If there are already exposed metal inserts on the edge of the seat, immediately
remove the seats and chains to prevent serious injury. Ropes, cables and chains should
be removed and replaced if excessive wear is found. Contact Gorilla for warranted
replacement parts.
• For rusted areas on metallic members such as monkey bars, hand supports brackets,
etc.; sand and repaint, using a non lead-based paint meeting the requirements of Title
16 CRF Part 1303.
• Inspect wood parts monthly. The grain of the wood sometimes will lift in the dry season
causing splinters to appear. Light sanding may be necessary to maintain a safe playing
environment. If you are treating your play set with stain regularly, it will help prevent
severe checking/splitting and other weather damage.
• Once or twice a year, depending on your climate conditions, you must apply some type
of protection (sealant) to the wood of your unit. Prior to the application of sealant, lightly
sand any “rough” spots on your set. Please note this is a requirement of your warranty.
• Creating and maintaining the play set on a level location is very important. As your
children play, your play set will slowly dig its way into the soil, and it is very important
that it settles evenly. Make sure the play set is level and true once each year or at the
beginning of each play season.
• Rake the playground surface periodically to prevent compaction and maintain
appropriate depths.

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Play Set Surfacing Recommendations:
Below are some of the recommendations that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) offers from its Handbook for Public Playground Safety. The guide
can be downloaded in full at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/325.pdf
1. Protective Surfacing - Since almost 60% of all injuries are caused by falls to the
ground, protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most
critical safety factor on playgrounds.
Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces also are acceptable; however, test data on
shock absorbing performance should be requested from the manufacturer.
Asphalt and concrete are unacceptable. They do not have any shock absorbing
properties. Similarly, grass and turf should not be used. Their ability to absorb shock
during a fall can be reduced considerably through wear and environmental conditions.
Certain loose-ll surfacing materials are acceptable. Surfacing materials are acceptable,
such as the types and depths shown in the table.
Fall Heights and Materials
Type Of Material 6 in. depth 9 in. depth 12 in. depth
Double-Shredded bark mulch 6’ Fall Height 10’ Fall Height 11’ Fall Height
Wood Chips 6’ Fall Height 7’ Fall Height 12’ Fall Height
Fine Sand 5’ Fall Height 5’ Fall Height 9’ Fall Height
Shredded Tires* 10-12’ Fall Height N/A N/A
Fine Gravel 6’ Fall Height 7’ Fall Height 10’ Fall Height
*This data is from tests conducted by independent testing laboratories on a 6-inch depth of uncompressed shredded tire samples
produced by four manufacturers. The tests reported critical heights, which varied from 10 feet to greater than 12 feet. It is
recommended that persons seeking to install shredded tires as a protective surface request test data from the supplier showing the
critical height of the material when it was tested in accordance with ASTM F1292.
It should be recognized that all injuries due to falls cannot be prevented no matter what
surfacing material is used.
Disposal Instructions: When the play set is no longer desired, it should be
disassembled and disposed of in such away that no unreasonable hazards will exist at
the time the unit is discarded.

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2. Fall Zones - A fall zone, covered with a protective surfacing material, is essential
under and around equipment where a child might fall. This area should be free of other
equipment and obstacles onto which a child might fall. Stationary climbing equipment
and slides should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6’ in all directions from the
perimeter of the equipment.
Swings should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6’ 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.
LEVELING YOUR FORT DURING ASSEMBLY
• Complete the steps which will be the basic frame of the fort {i.e. four corner posts with
base (sand box boards) and deck supports}
• Position in the most level area chosen for the play set, keeping in mind the location
and size of the swing beam, ladder, slides, etc. that extend off the fort.
• Once the frame is in the nal position, check for vertical and horizontal levelness to
determine which side(s) will need to be dug into the ground to level the play set.
• With a shovel, score the ground around the outside edges of the sandbox boards on
the ‘high’ side of the fort. This is the area that will be dug in. Make sure to score deep
enough; the scored lines will be your digging template.
• Push the frame off and away from the scored area, far enough to dig and remove dirt
to reach the appropriate depth.
• Dig a channel along the scored line(s) for the base of the fort (corner post and
sandbox boards) to rest into. Dig the channel(s) to the same level depth. The bottom
of the channel(s) should be level to each other so your frame does not teeter or rock
because the channel(s) are uneven.
• Once you have removed enough grass and dirt, slide/push the frame into the
channel(s). Place a level on the vertical and horizontal boards of the frame to determine
if enough soil, or too much, was removed.
• Repeat this process until the basic frame is plumb and level and in its nal position
before completing the rest of the assembly.
• Measure to make sure fort is square.
Important: if you require a channel depth of more than 6”, then we
recommend you have your play set area professionally graded before
completing assembly.
Example Play area:
= Area to be scored and
channeled for levelness
The diagonal measure-
ments should be the
same from corner post to
corner post. If not, adjust
corner posts so that the
distance is equal.