HYDRA-RIB In-Ground Basketball System User manual

103/06 ID# M88724C
HighEndResidential
In-GroundBasketballSystem
OwnersManual
Customer Service Center
• N53 W24700 South Corporate Circle • Sussex, WI 53089 • U.S.A.
Toll-Free Customer Service Number for U.S: 1-800-334-9111
Hydra-Rib Internet Address: http://www.hydra-rib.com
Spalding Internet Address: http://www.spalding.com
Write Model Number
From Box Here:
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
BEFORE USING THIS UNIT.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT IN INJURY
OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

2
ID# M88724C 03/06
IMPORTANT! WRITE MODEL NUMBER FROM BOX ONTO PAGE 1 OF THIS OWNERS MANUAL
Owner must ensure that all players know and follow these rules
for safe operation of the system.
WARNING
• DO NOT HANG on the rim or any part of the system including
backboard, support braces or net.
• During play, especially when performing dunk type activities,
keep player's face away from the backboard, rim and net.
Serious injury could occur if teeth/face come in contact with
backboard, rim or net.
• Do not slide, climb, shake or play on base and/or pole.
• When adjusting height or moving system, keep hands and
fingers away from moving parts.
• Do not allow children to move or adjust system.
• During play, do not wear jewelry (rings, watches, necklaces,
etc.). Objects may entangle in net.
• Keep organic material away from pole base. Grass, litter, etc.
could cause corrosion and/or deterioration.
• Check pole system for signs of corrosion (rust, pitting,
chipping) and repaint with exterior enamel paint. If rust has
penetrated through the steel anywhere, replace pole
immediately.
• Check system before each use for proper ballast, loose
hardware, excessive wear and signs corrosion and repair
before use.
• Check system before each use for instability.
• Never play on damaged equipment.
• Keep pole top covered with cap at all times.
• See instruction manual for proper installation and
maintenance.
Read and understand warnings listed
below before using this product.
Failure to follow these warnings may
result in serious injury and/or property
damage.
ID#: 588000 01/05
In the U.S.: 1-800-xxx-xxxx
Canada: 1-800-xxx-xxxx
In the U.S.: 1-800-xxx-xxxx
Canada: 1-800-xxx-xxxx
In the U.S.: 1-800-xxx-xxxx
Canada: 1-800-xxx-xxxx
In the U.S.: 1-800-xxx-xxxx
Canada: 1-800-xxx-xxxx
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Most injuries are caused by misuse and/or not following instructions.
Use caution when using this system.
• If using a ladder during assembly, use extreme caution.
• Three (3) capable adults are recommended for this operation.
• Before digging, contact utility company to locate underground power
cables, gas, and water lines. Ensure there are no overhead power lines
within 20 ft. (7 m) radius of pole location.
• Climate, corrosion, excessive use, or misuse could result in system
failure.
• If technical assistance is required, contact Customer Service.
• Minimum operational height is 6'6" (1.98 m) to the bottom of backboard.
• This equipment is intended for home recreational use only and NOT
excessive competitive play.
• Read and understand the warning label affixed to pole.
• The life of your basketball pole depends on many conditions. The
climate, placement of the pole, the location of the pole, exposure to
corrosives such as pesticides, herbicides or salts are all important.
• Adult supervision is recommended when adjusting height.
• Serious injury could occur if teeth/face come in contact with backboard,
net, or rim.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND WILL VOID WARRANTY.
Owner must ensure that all players know and
follow these rules for safe operation of the system.
To ensure safety, do not attempt to assemble this system without following the
instructions carefully. Proper and complete assembly, use and supervision is
essential for proper operation and to reduce the risk of accident or injury. A
high probability of serious injury exists if this system is not installed,
maintained, and operated properly. Check entire box and inside all packing
material for parts and/or additional instructional material. Before beginning
assembly, read the instructions and identify parts using the hardware identifier
and parts list in this document.
For more information on assembly, placement, proper use and maintenance,
visit The American Basketball Council website at http://www.smarthoops.com.
REQUIRED TOOLS AND MATERIALS:
• 3 Capable Adults
• Carpenter’s Level
• 15’ Tape Measure
• Shovel & Post Hole
Digger
• Wood Board (scrap)
• (2) Stepladders 8 ft. (2.4 m)
• Safety Goggles
•
• Container to Mix
• (2 each) Wrenches and/or Socket Wrenches and
Sockets (Deep-Well Sockets are Recommended).
1/2" 9/16" 3/4" 15/16" • Optional: Large &
Small Adjustable
Wrenches
1/2" 9/16" 3/4" 15/16"
• (1) Utility Knife
• Phillips-Head
Screwdriver

Item Qty. Part No. Description
1 1 968880 Pole
2 1 908266 Tube, Ground Anchor, Black
3 1 Rim Assembly
4 1 Net
5 4 203017 Nut, Hex, 3/8-16
6 4 203300 Washer, 3/8 Locking, .380 I.D., .63 O.D.
7 2 250001 Bolt, Hex, Tap, 3/8-16 x 4” Long
8 2* 250002 Bolt, Hex, Tap, 3/8-16 x 2” Long
9 1 203457 Label, Logo, Vinyl, 2.3” x 2.7”
10 3 204993 Rebar, .5” diameter, 18” Long
11 1 516000 Label, Height Adjustment
12 1 204940 Screw Jack
13 2 220563 Screw, 1/4-20 x 1/2” Long, Rim Cover
14 1 80854501 Rod, Threaded Assembly, 5/8-11 x 19.8”, Zinc
15 4 203309 Washer, Flat, 3/8”
16 1 Cover, Rim
17 1 978880 Yoke, Upper, Center, Pole
18 1 988883 Yoke, Lower, Center, Pole
19 4 204984 Bolt, Hex, 5/8-11 x 2.5” Long
20 1 203630 Bolt, Hex, 1/2-13 x 5, Black Oxide
21 16 203635 Washer, Flat, .053 I.D., 1.08 O.D., Black Oxide
22 10 203637 Nut, Lock, Nylon Insert, 1/2-13, Black Oxide
23 1* 203641 Bolt, Hex Head, 1/2”-13 x 6”
24 9 204046 Washer, 5/8 Flat, .656 I.D., 1.313 O.D., Black Oxide
25 8 204057 Nut, Hex, 5/8-11, Black Oxide
26 1 205008 Nut, Hex, 5/8-11, Grade 8
27 2 202666 Name Plate, Hydra-Rib or
204521 Name Plate, Spalding
28 3 204728 Bolt, Hex, 1/2-13 x 9.25, Black Oxide
29 4 204733 Screw, #8, .50 Long
30 2 204735 Height Indicator, Plastic
31 1 204741 Label, Height Indicator, Right
32 1 204742 Label, Height Indicator, Left
33 2* 206311 Spacer, .52 I.D. x .75 O.D. x .5” Long, Plastic
34 4 205254 Bolt, Hex, 1/2-13 x 2.5, Black Zinc
35 1 204921 Washer, Barrel
36 1 204922 Pin, Hitch
37 1 204923 Pin, Cotter, #8
38 14 204670A Bushing, Plastic
39 4 204670B Bushing, Plastic
40 8 204670C Bushing, Plastic
41 1 Backboard
* You May Have Extra Parts With This Model.
PARTS LIST
ID# 516000 06/05
11
303/06 ID# M88724C

4
ID# M88724C 03/06
Item #5 (4)
Item #13 (2)
Item #34 (4)
Item #24 (9)
Item #7 (2) Item #8 (2)*
Item #29 (4)
Item #28 (3)
Item #20 (1)
Item #23 (1)*
Item #25 (8) Item #26 (1)
Item #22 (10)
Item #36 (1) Item #37 (1)
HARDWARE IDENTIFIER (NUTS, WASHERS & SPACERS)
HARDWARE IDENTIFIER (BOLTS & SCREWS)
Item #35 (1) Item #38 (14)
Item #39 (4)
Item #40 (8)
HARDWARE IDENTIFIER (OTHER—NOT ACTUAL SIZE)
Item #21 (16)
Item #6 (4) Item #33 (2)*
Item #15 (4)*

503/06 ID# M88724C
Ensure ground is level with playing surface, then dig pole hole.
CONTACT UTILITIES
BEFORE DIGGING.
WARNING!
24" (61 cm)
48" (121.9 cm)
PLAYING SURFACE
GROUND SURFACE
24" (61 cm)
48" (121.9 cm)
1.
2
19
25
Install mounting bolts (19) and nuts (25) to ground tube (2) as shown.
Nuts on the top of the plate are used for leveling
the pole after system is fully assembled.
NOTE:
2.

6
ID# M88724C 03/06
1" (2.54 cm)
SIDE VIEW
DRAINAGE HILL
PLAYING SURFACE
Fill hole with concrete. Tamp down concrete to release air pockets
and build drainage hill.
3.
Insert rebar (10) through holes in ground tube assembly (2) as shown.
4.
10
10
10
2

703/06 ID# M88724C
IMPORTANT!: WAIT A MINIMUM OF 72 HOURS BEFORE GOING ON
TO NEXT STEP. CONCRETE MUST CURE. ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME
FOR COLD, WET OR HUMID WEATHER.
IMPORTANT!
Check leveling of mounting plate
several times with carpenter’s level
while concrete is curing.
24 24
24 24
Insert ground tube assembly (2) into cement as shown. Move assembly around to release any air
pockets in cement, then rest mounting plate on cement drainage hill. Apply some pressure to level
mounting plate on top of drainage hill. Level mounting plate and square with playing surface. Clean off
any excess cement on mounting plate at this time and place washers (24) on mounting bolts (19).
5.
PLAYING SURFACE
IMPORTANT!
NOTE ORIENTATION
Front of mounting
plate (2) must be
parallel with playing
surface.
10
10
2
PLAYING SURFACE
10

8
ID# M88724C 03/06
Insert bushings (38, 39, 40) into
areas shown.
38
38
38
1
41
39
39
17
18
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
39
39
6.
38
38
38
38
38
38
38
40
39
IMPORTANT!
Bushing
types are
identified
with a letter.

903/06 ID# M88724C
Rest top of pole (1) on a piece of scrap wood (not included) and line up holes in pole to holes in
mounting plate (2) as shown.
7A.
22
28
1
PLAYING SURFACE
2
Insert bolt (28) through holes in plate and pole and secure with nut (22).
7B.
PLAYING SURFACE
SCRAP WOOD
(NOT INCLUDED)
THREE CAPABLE ADULTS
REQUIRED FOR THIS
PROCEDURE. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
WARNING!
1
1

10
ID# M88724C 03/06
THREE CAPABLE ADULTS
REQUIRED FOR THIS
PROCEDURE. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
WARNING!
8.
TWO people are required to lift pole into
position so that the threaded assembly
rod (14) can be installed and secured by
the THIRD person.
While pole is being supported by TWO
capable adults, position rod (14) and lock
into place with hitch pin (36) and cotter
pin (37).
Slide barrel washer (35) onto other end of
rod (14) and secure with washer (24) and
nut (26). Tighten nut (26) until it is
positioned 3-3/4” from the end of the
rod (14) as shown (Figure A).
26
24
35
37
36
14
Completed Assembly
3-3/4”
FIGURE
A.
1
1
14
26

11 03/06 ID# M88724C
While still in forward position, attach both upper
and lower yokes (17 & 18) to pole as shown.
9.
22
21
28
21
17
18
THREE CAPABLE ADULTS
REQUIRED FOR THIS
PROCEDURE. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
WARNING!

12
ID# M88724C 03/06
Attach elevator adjustment (12) to
lower yoke (18).
10.
THREE CAPABLE ADULTS
REQUIRED FOR THIS
PROCEDURE. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
WARNING!
22
12
38
21
20
18 21
38
38

13 03/06 ID# M88724C
Attach elevator adjustment (12) to pole bracket.
11.
THREE CAPABLE ADULTS
REQUIRED FOR THIS
PROCEDURE. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
WARNING!
12
23 21
22
33 33
21

14
ID# M88724C 03/06
Attach backboard (41) to upper and lower
yokes (18 & 17).
First attach board (41) to upper yoke (17),
using TWO people to hold the board and
ONE person to attach hardware (FIG. A).
Use hardware as shown in FIG. B.
12.
A.
FIG. A FIG. C
Then, hinge board to match up with holes in
lower yoke (18), FIG. C, and secure with
hardware as shown in FIG. D.
21
22
21
41
FIG. B
22 21
21
34 34
21
22
21
FIG. D
22 21
21
34 34
THREE CAPABLE ADULTS
REQUIRED FOR THIS
PROCEDURE. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
WARNING!
B.
41

15 03/06 ID# M88724C
13.
5
8
Refer To Instructions
Included With Rim
Hardware For Rim
Assembly.
Before starting rim assembly, tighten nut (26) until it is positioned 6-3/4” from
the end of the rod (14) as shown (Figure A).
Remove rim cover (16), attach rim assembly (3) to backboard (41) and
reattach rim cover (16).
** For rim assembly, see instructions included with rim.
3
Rim Assembly
6
6
41
7
IMPORTANT!
Carefully cut and peel
protective film away from
board prior to attaching rim.
16
6-3/4”
FIGURE
A.
15
15
26
14

16
ID# M88724C 03/06
14.
A.
B.
15.
Apply height indicator
labels (32 & 31) to height
indicators (30).
2. 4.
3.
1.
Install net (4) to rim as shown.
7
8
9
10
78910
78910
78
9
10
78
9
10
IMPORTANT!
NOTE ORIENTATION
OF HEIGHT
INDICATORS:
10’ MARK SHOULD
FACE AWAY FROM
BACKBOARD.
Set-up For Right SideSet-up For Left Side
78910
29
29
32 31
30
30
Attach height indicators to lower yoke in area shown by turning
screws (29) into place with a Phillips head screwdriver. Apply name
plate sticker (27) to lower yoke as shown.
Attach height indicators
to lower yoke in area
shown by tapping
screws (29) into place
with a rubber mallet.
Apply name plate
sticker (27) to lower
yoke as shown.
C
27
27

17 03/06 ID# M88724C
7
PLAYING
SURFACE
WARNING
FAILURETO FOLLOW THESEWARNINGS MAYRESULT
INSERIOUS INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Owner must ensure that allpla yers know and follo w
these rules forsaf eoperation ofthe system.
•Seeinstruction manual for pr oper installation.
•DONOTHANG on the rim or any part of the system
including backboar d,suppor t braces or net.
•During play,especially when perf orming dunk type
activities, keeppla yer's face awayfr om the backboard, rim
andnet. Serious injur y could occur ifteeth/face come in
contact with backboard, rim or net.
•Donot slide ,climb, shake or pla yon pole .
•Whenadjusting height, keep hands and fing er saway fr om
moving parts.
•Donot allo wchildren to mo veor adjust system.
•During play,do not wear jewelr y(rings, watc hes,
necklaces, etc.); objects may entangle in net.
•Keepor ganic material awayfr ompole base .Grass, litter,
etc.could cause corr osion and or deterioration.
•Check pole system for signs of corrosion (rust, pitting,
chipping) andrepaint with with exterior enamel paint. If
rust haspenetrated thr ough the steel anywhere ,replace
thepole immediatel y.
•Check system before each use for proper ballast, loose
hardware,excessive wear and signs corrosion and repair
before using.
•Check system before each use for instability .
•Neverpla yon dama gedequipment.
•Keeppole top co vered with capat all times.
201255 2/99
1-800-558-5234
1
25
24
16.
126
THREE CAPABLE ADULTS
REQUIRED FOR THIS
PROCEDURE. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
WARNING!
Upright pole (1) by tightening nut (26).
Using 15/16” wrench, turn nut (26) clockwise
to begin standing pole upright. Continue to
turn nut (26) until pole has come to rest
against washers (24) and pole is vertical.
Once pole is in its final position, install
washers (24) and nuts (25) onto J-bolts (19)
and fully tighten to secure pole to anchor
plate (2).
THREE CAPABLE ADULTS REQUIRED FOR THIS
PROCEDURE. TWO PEOPLE ARE REQUIRED TO
GUIDE AND SUPPORT THE SYSTEM WHILE THE
THIRD PERSON IS TIGHTENING NUT (26) TO
RAISE THE SYSTEM UPRIGHT.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
WARNING!
24
24
2

18
ID# M88724C 03/06
17. After pole has been secured to anchor plate (2) loosen nut (26),
remove cotter pin (37), and pull out pin (36). This will allow the
removal of the threaded assembly rod (14) which is no longer
necessary for the remainder of the assembly and installation of
system.
35
37 36
24
26
14
25
ONLY AFTER THE ANCHOR
PLATE HAS BEEN FULLY
TIGHTENED: Remove cotter
pin (37) and pin (36) to
remove
threaded assembly
rod
(14) from anchor plate (2).
WARNING!

19 03/06 ID# M88724C
12
19.
Apply height adjust ment label (11).
Adjust system by turning crank until desired height is reached
per height indicator (30).
11
30
10 feet
(3.05 m)
READ AND UNDERSTAND
WARNING & HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LABELS
BEFORE USING THIS UNIT.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT IN INJURY
OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
WARNING!
Check system leveling. Pole (1)
should be level in all directions.
After system is leveled, completely
tighten all nuts (25).
18.
If adjustment is
necessary, adjust
system by rotating
the nuts (25) between
anchor plate (2) and
pole flange.
NOTE:
25
1
2

20
ID# M88724C 03/06
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Subject to proper installation and normal use, Hydra-Rib®
warrants, subject to limitations below, to the original retail
purchaser all structural components of the Hydra-Rib®
system to be free of defects in material and workmanship
for the duration of ownership by the original retail
purchaser.
Merchandise must be shipped prepaid with a copy of proof
of purchase to our factory for examination to see whether
it needs to be repaired or replaced.Any labor costs,
travel expenses and any other charges involved in the
removal, installation or replacement of the
defective/repaired parts from/to your Hydra-Rib®system
will be your (the purchaser’s) responsibility. Shipping
charges for replaced or warranted merchandise being
sent back to the customer from our factory must be
prepaid by the customer in advance. If not, the
replacement shipment will be sent out collect.
WhatisNotCoveredByThisWarranty
Paint or rusted parts. Paint kits will be available to assist in
normal maintenance.
RIM
HANGING ON THE RIM WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
RIms are not warranted for any defects other than
workmanship. Torn back plates, damaged springs, bent
rings, damaged eye bolts, and torn or distorted rim
supports result from hanging on the rim and are not
warranted.