Construction of a zipline

ZipLine (зіплайн) — це натягнутий під певним кутом трос (мотузка) по якій, за допомогою карабіна або блочка люди переміщуються під силою тяжіння.

Zipline (zipline), a trolley is not just an inclined rope

It would seem that it is worth building a zipline: stretched the rope at an angle, attached a block to it, and a person to the roller. The speed of descent is proportional to the angle of inclination of the rope or cable and the ease of rotation of the roller. But not everything is so simple here. In order for the constructed zipline to be safe, it is first necessary to calculate the load that will occur when a person descends. Miscalculations depend on which materials must be used during construction, the diameter of the rope or cable, which rollers, the system for fastening a person.It is also necessary to accurately calculate the angle of inclination, otherwise the visitor may simply not reach the finish line or, even worse, develop excessive speed. Do not forget about the braking system, which should work for different weight categories of visitors.

We will try to describe how to build a safe trolly, but, nevertheless, we strongly recommend that you contact professionals during construction.

Selection of a place for the zipline

One of the most important stages of zipline construction is choosing the right location. The start and finish areas should be on high ground. The difference in the height of the safe speed should be calculated: 6-10 meters per 100 meters.

There should be no vegetation under the track and it is desirable to have a corridor 5-10 meters wide. If the rope trolling is stretched, it is worth remembering that over time, the rope stretches and begins to sag.

Finishing area

The finishing area should be built at a height of 1.5 to 2 meters. This will protect the visitor from an unexpected encounter with the ground, due to a large weight or tandem.

What to choose for zipline rope or cable?

If you plan to use a rope, you need to understand that it needs to be changed every year, so you need to choose one that is minimally prone to stretching. The minimum diameter is ten millimeters, the ideal option is 11-12 mm. Rope length: zipline length + 25%.

Rope – here everything is much simpler. It is much more expensive than rope, but it will last you from 3 to 5 years.

When choosing a rope, it is worth emphasizing a softer one, this will greatly simplify its fastening at the start and finish points. The diameter of the cable is from 8 to 12 mm. Length also +25%

Start and finish zipline

Launch pad.

For a long-term zipline, a special platform with a size of at least 2×2 meters is built on a tree or support for convenient accommodation of the instructor and the visitor. We do not forget about the reliability of the zipline attachment point, if it is a tree, then it is worth strengthening it with additional braces in the opposite direction from the direction of the crossing.

A bayonet knot is used to fasten the rope. Special cable clamps are used to fasten the cable, and if the cable is attached to a living tree, a spacer must be marked to protect the tree from damage.

Finishing area.

It should be located 1.5-2 meters above the ground. To create a good tension, the zipline uses a system of blocks (polyspas) and winches.

Braking system

When descending, the visitor gradually gains speed, the braking system should be used for a smooth and safe stop. There are many ways to organize braking, from a counterweight system to special mechanical devices.

The easiest way to allow at the finish line is a catching net that catches a competitor. This method is used for small trolleys with a small slope.

Counterweight system: a rope is placed perpendicular to the trawl, one end of this rope is attached to the load, the weight depends on the inclination and tension of the crossing; the other end is attached to the trolls with a carabiner. When the participant enters the carabiner, all his energy is spent on lifting the load, and he gradually stops.

There are also a number of mechanical devices that we usually use when creating a troll braking system.

Security. Before launching visitors to the attraction, it is necessary to conduct its testing, for this purpose, special mannequins weighing from 65 to 110 kilograms are used.

Equipment for descent

Depending on the length and slope, you can use climbing gear or special seats with abseiling mounts. Mountaineering equipment consists of a system, two mustaches with carabiners and blocks.

Order the construction of a zipline:

If you plan to build a zipline, be sure to contact professionals. We will be happy to build a zip line or advise you on all issues of construction of this attraction.