MFF33 – 3 1/2 Middle Frame Fitting for 3 leg EFF – Commercial

IMPORTANT: Please read for important information. In this material we have tried to provide some requirements stated in the CPSC Handbooks, ASTM F2373-11, F1487-11 and F1148-09. However, we in no way intend for this to be a complete list of requirements. Also these publications are updated frequently with changes therefore, you should read these publications yourself to determine if any part or installation could prove a danger to a child.

To help keep children safe from harm, review installation and maintenance instructions before installing equipment. These are located in the description of every product on our website. Download and print these instructions and keep in a safe place. Our website also has a “Product Testing Information” page. All products are tested for lead, phthalates and tensile strength. You can also call us at 1-800-227-7529 for more information or see http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/325.pdf.

Installation: Our parts are sold as either replacement parts or components of a set, unless you are buying our Metal Frame Set, therefore these parts need to be installed according to the sets installation instructions. If the installation instructions differ from ours please contact us at 800-227-7529.

A middle frame fitting is needed to make separate bays for swing sets. These fittings require schedule 40 3” pipe for both the top beam and legs. Schedule 40 3” pipe is 3” inside diameter and 3 1/2” outside diameter.  To determine amount of bays needed for swing set consult Figure 23, Table 7 for commercial swing sets. Determine length of pipe needed for each top beam per bay.  For residential sets see spacing dimensions See Page 4 of the Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/324.pdf.  Swings intended for the same age groups should be suspended from structures that are separate from those for other swings for different age groups, or at least suspended from a separate bay of the same structure. For instance, a full bucket swing should be in the same bay with another full bucket swing, not a full bucket and a strap seat in the same bay. To minimize the likelihood of children being struck by a moving swing, it is recommended that no more than two swings be hung in each bay of the supporting structure.   Install swing set where a child can easily be supervised and not in direct sun. Do not install playground equipment over concrete, asphalt, or any other hard surface. A fall onto a hard surface can result in serious injury to the equipment user. Grass and dirt are not considered protective surfacing because wear and environmental factors can reduce their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting and thin mats are generally not adequate protective surfacing. Install your play equipment on level ground with adequate surfacing and anchoring. Use proper hardware, and tighten all connections.
To determine the length of pipe needed for the legs figure the SIN of 45 degrees= .96 = Height. Divide by length of pipe. For example a ten foot pipe would be 8 ft 10″ above the ground.
Lay out all the pipes and end frame fittings on the ground. Arrange them as they will eventually be connected as the finished assembly, approximately, two to three feet from where the set will set into the ground. Slide the one end frame fittings on an end of the top bean pipe. Tighten the two included set screws on the top of the end frame fitting.   If you are using any swing hangers, attach them at this time.
Then slide the poles into each leg of the end frame fitting and tighten the included set screws for each leg. After installing the end frame fitting, then slide top beam pole into one side of the middle frame fitting. Tighten the two included set screws.   Repeat this process with the next top beam pipe. Then slide the poles into each leg of the middle frame fitting and tighten the included set screws for each leg. After this, slide the end of the final top beam pipe into the end frame fitting. Tighten the included set screws for each leg. The set screws use a 6 millimeter Allen wrench. Make sure set screws are tight.
Have multiple people lift structure and rotate structure, so that it is upright. Drive stakes into the ground to mark the location of each pipe on the swing set as determined above. Dig holes until you have the correct number of holes. Depth and diameter of hole will be determined by height of set, but average size holes are two feet deep and two feet in diameter. Place a brick in the bottom of each hole with the widest edge facing up. The bricks will prevent the swing set from sinking in the dirt. Set the swing set in place. Lift the set and do not drag.   Hold a level on the top bar of the swing set. Add gravel under each brick to adjust the height as needed. Pour the contents of one 40-lb. bag of concrete into the wheelbarrow. Add the recommended amount of water to the concrete, and mix with the shovel until there is no dry material. Shovel the mixed concrete into a hole, add more concrete if necessary to fill hole. However, CPSC states that concrete footings cannot be exposed, and all anchoring devices must be below playing surfaces. Therefore, make sure that concrete is not too high. If it is too high, it poses a tripping hazard. Smooth the concrete with a trowel. Repeat this step for each hole. Allow the concrete to dry for twenty-four hours, and check for sturdiness before allowing children to use swing set.
Maintenance: At beginning and end of each play season and once a month during play season perform general maintenance. Check that there is adequate protective surfacing. Check for sharp points, corners or edges on equipment. Check that set screws are still tight. Check that anchoring is still secure. Check for rust. Check for vandalism. Replace parts if necessary. Maintain detailed inspection and maintenance records for public-use playground equipment.

Any damage from vandalism, abuse or misuse VOIDS all warranties.