The Swingset Pathfinder User manual

Section 1
© 2021 The Swingset Company
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Need a hand? ive us a call. 888.525.1185
1The Swingset Company
Also, feedback is appreciated. If you think any part of this manual is
confusing, or if you have suggestions for how to better explain one of the
steps, please let us know by emailing [e-mail]
Pathfinder

Tools Needed:
The Swingset Company (TSC) team has designed the easiest playset to assemble (in our humble opinion :)
We’ve pre-drilled all the holes, sanded all the wood, and pre-assembled many of the parts for you. We even
use the fewest variations of fasteners. We hope you find this assembly to be enjoyable and stress-free. But
if you get stuck, don’t hesitate to call us at 888.525.1185. Please let us know your thoughts when you’re
done. Happy Building!
IMPORTANT: These Instructions were written assuming you have firm, level ground or
you have ensured the ground is the same elevation at the points where the posts and A-
Frame legs touch the ground. See the “Layout Diagram” at the end of this manual for
reference. If your ground is not the same elevation at all the ground contact points, it will
still be possible to assemble this swing set, however you will need to ensure stability of
the swing set (e.g. by attaching 4x4 post extensions where the posts or A-Frame legs may
not be long enough to reach the ground.) TSC does not take any responsibility for an
assembly where the ground is not fully level and the elevations at the ground contact
points are not the same.
2
Power or
Hammer Drill
Bubble Level 90oAngle 1/2” & 11/16”
Sockets & Wrench 6’ Ladder
Section 1 The Swingset Company
#2 Phillips ead
Screw Driver

1. This playset is intended for use in residential settings by
children ages 3-11 years of age. Use in public settings
will void the warranty and can cause unexpected
component failure leading to injury or death.
2. The maximum safe weight on the Fort deck is 500 lb.
Maximum weight for the Fort Extension Board is 200
lb. Maximum weight for the Swing Beam is 400lbs for
the 2-swing models; 600lbs for the 3-swing models (or
200lbs per swing).
3. As your swing set acclimates to its new environment,
natural characteristics of the wood can show 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 and is not covered under
warranty.
4. As with any home project, good judgment and respect
for power tools will greatly reduce the risk of injury.
Follow all tool manufacturers' safety guidelines. Always
wear eye protection and safety gloves to prevent injury.
5. While the play set is being constructed, please keep
children off the equipment until the project is
complete.
6. The Swingset Company (TSC) shall not be liable for
incidental, indirect or consequential damages or
injuries that result from building and/or playing on our
play sets. Adult supervision is recommended anytime a
play set is being used.
7. TSC 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.
8. Your children's safety is our #1 concern. Observing the
cautions in this manual and those of the associated
options reduces the likelihood of serious or fatal injury.
Please review these safety rules regularly with your
children.
Safety Instructions
3Section 1 The Swingset Company

SECTI N 1
The Fort Frame
Before you start, find
the box labeled “Fort
Accessories”. This is
where you’ll find all
your screws and the
special drill bit required
for assembly.
4Section 1 The Swingset Company
We’ve provided a few extra
screws in each bag, just in
case you lose a few 

Step 1: Create Two A-Frames
Parts Needed:
A
1
2x4
x4
x16
Lay the four Posts (#1) on the ground as
shown. Using the four Crossbeams (#2),
construct two A-Frames as shown to the
right. Place the Crossbeams (#2)
between the lines as shown in figures A
& B. Make sure the Crossbeams are
completely square & perpendicular to
the Posts. Attach using two “A” Screws
at each end of the Crossbeam. Use the
provided drill bit (T-25) to attach all the
screws in this manual.
[Tip: use a 90 degree angle to ensure the
beams are square & perpendicular]
x1
T-25
5Section 1 The Swingset Company
Make sure all beams are
flush to the edges of the
posts, as shown.
Figure B
Figure A
A
A
A
A
12
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2

Parts Needed:
A
Step 2: Attach 2 Floor Beams
x2
3
x4
Turn one of the A-Frames over so the
Crossbeam side rests on the ground. Attach
the Floor Beams (#3) to the Posts (#1) using
two “A” screws in each side, see Figure C.
Make sure the Floor Beams (#3) are aligned
between the lines of the posts, and the
bottom edges are flush to the bottom edges
of the posts, as in the prior step.
6Section 1 The Swingset Company
3
3
1
1
Figure C
Make sure
the narrow
support bars
face this way

Parts Needed:
A
Step 3: Connect Both A-Frames
x4
You’ll need your friend for this next
part. Stand up the A-Frame with the
attached Floor Beams, and place it
opposite the other “A” Frame.
Align the Floor Beams with the lines on
the posts of the other A-Frame. Use a
bubble level to make sure all beams
are horizontal and level. Secure using
two “A” screws on each side, see
Figure D.
IMP RTANT: The ground beneath
each post must be at the same level to
ensure all beams are horizontal and
square.
7Section 1 The Swingset Company
Make sure all
beams are flush to
the edges of the
posts, as shown.
Figure D
A
A

Parts Needed:
A
Step 4: Attach Braces
x16
x8
Find the box that says “Braces”.
Attach the 8 Braces between the
Posts (#1) and the Crossbeams (#2
& 3). Use two “A” Screws for each
brace, as shown in Figure E.
Tip: Make sure the end of each
Brace lines up with the edge of each
Post and the bottom of the beam,
see figure F.
8Section 1 The Swingset Company
Figure E
Figure F
A
A
1
1
2
2
3
3

Parts Needed:
Step 5: Install Deck Floors
You’ll need your friend again for this
step. Insert the two Deck Floors.
They are identical. The cutout in the
floor joists should rest on the
support bars of the Crossbeams. Do
NOT screw them into place yet.
9
3 2
Section 1 The Swingset Company

Parts Needed:
Step 6: Attach adder, Slide & Top Cross Beams
2x2
Ax8
Note: The ladder and Slide can be placed on any side you wish.
Attach the Ladder using the instruction sheet and hardware
provided with the Ladder.
Next, attach the Slide using three “B” screws. The screws should
drill through the slide’s holes and into the bottom Crossbeam,
see Figure .
Section 1
2
2
Figure G
Figure H
For ladder,
see separate
instructions
that came
with this part.
Note: This view of the fort
has been rotated 90” from
the prior page in order to
better demonstrate the
upcoming steps.
10The Swingset Company
x3
B
Important: Make sure the Ladder is placed all
the way to one side of the deck floor, and the
Slide all the way to the opposite side. The two
holes in the deck floor need to be between the
Ladder and Slide.
Finally, attach the last two Crossbeams (#2) using
two “A” screws in each side, See Figure H.

Parts Needed:
Step 7: Attach Vertical Boards & Crossbar
Find the package “VERTICALS” containing the 4 parts below with
the plastic stubs (2 tall & 2 short) and insert them into the holes
on the deck floor (see picture to right). If need be, adjust the
deck floors to fit the vertical stubs.
IMP RTANT: Install the “Tall verticals” opposite each other,
then do the same for the “Small Verticals”. Tall vertical should
be placed between the slide and ladder.
Make sure all verticals are truly vertical (use a bubble level to
help check this), and attach to the upper Crossbeams (#2) using
two “C” screws, see figure I.
Next, install the crossbar (#4) to the top of the Tall Verticals
using two “C” screws, one on each end, as shown to the right.
Finally, install the 2 green safety handles which came with the
ladder. One handle will attach to the Post, the other to the Tall
Vertical.
Cx10
Section 1 11
x1
The Swingset Company
4

Parts Needed:
Cx8
Now you can secure the deck floor
using the 8 pocket holes under the
deck floor. Use the “C” screws, as
shown.
Step 8: Screw the Deck Floors in Place
12Section 1 The Swingset Company

13Section 1 The Swingset Company
GREAT JOB!
The Fort should look like this.

SECTI N 2:
“PATHFINDER” SWINGSET
Walls, Extension Beams &
Other Attachments
14PATHFINDER by The Swingset Company

Parts Needed:
Cx24
x6
Step 9: ttach Walls
Figure K
Edge of walls must
align flush with
corners of each post
Use 1 “C” Screw in
each corner
Find the 6 walls and attach them as shown. Make
sure to align the ends of each wall with the
outside edges of the posts. Use one “C” Screw in
each wall corner, See Figure K.
15PATHFINDER The Swingset Company
Section 2

Find the package called
“Extension Beam Kit”. To attach
the extension beam, use the
instruction sheet and parts that
came with that kit.
Note: The Pathfinder has 2
Extension Beams, so you will do
this step twice. See the Layout
diagram in the Introduction
Section to see the locations of the
2 Extension Beams.
Step 10: ttach the Extension Beams
16PATHFINDER by The Swingset Company
Instructions Provided
with Extension Beam
Kit

Step 11: Hammock
3641 Clearview Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30340
www.TheSwingsetCo.com
© 2020
PATHFINDER by The Swingset Company
Find the package called “Hammock”. To
attach the Hammock, use the instruction
sheet and parts that came with that kit.
17

For the next 2 steps (12A & 12B), you will
need 4 crossbeams (#2) and 2 diagonals
(#11). You will also need 24 “A” screws,
which can be found in the bag attached to
the diagonals.
First, attach the four Beams (#2) on the
bottoms of each Post, as shown to the right.
Use the “A” screws provided, and drill two
“A” screws in each end of the beams. Make
sure these Beams are level and touching the
ground (you may need to level the ground to
do this).
Parts Needed (12 )
x16
A
#2 x4
3645 Clearview Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30340
www.TheSwingsetCo.com
© 2018
#2 #2
#2
#2
#2
Step 12 : Install Ground Beams
PATHFINDER by The Swingset Company
Located in bag
attached to
diagonals

19The Swingset Company
Step 12B: Install Diagonal Beams
Next, attach the two diagonal beams (#11), as
shown to the right. Use 2 “A” screws in each
end to attach to the post.
Important: Make sure the second diagonal
beam is placed on the opposite side of the
fort and rising in the opposite direction as the
first diagonal beam.
#11 x2
x8
A
Located in bag
attached to
diagonals
Parts Needed (12B)
#11
Ladder side,
diagonal beam is
high
Slide side,
diagonal beam is
low

Parts Needed:
Spread Tarp evenly over top bar as
shown.
While a helper holds the opposite side in
one corner, pull the tarp tight. Adjust as
needed to keep the sides even.
Secure to top beam with one “B” screw
per grommet hole. Repeat until all
grommets are secured
.
x1
Step 13: Install Tarp Roof
x8
B
20The Swingset Company