Swing Seats and Spares Direct to you at sutcliffeplaydirect.co.uk

Call us on 01977 653 200

FAQs

We’ve put together a series of Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand which of our products are best for you. To make it simple, we’ve categorised the Questions into 3 sections; General, Wood & Metal.

Our equipment is designed, manufactured and distributed from our purpose built factory in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, UK

As all our products are manufactured to order at our factory here in Yorkshire, we do have a lead time on orders that can vary between 6-8 weeks that is dependent on how busy the factory is.

Safety standards are a very important aspect of the equipment we produce. Wherever possible we obtain independent safety accreditation to recognised national and international standards. For example the vast majority of our fixed play equipment and play areas comply with EN1176 which is the leading play area standard in Europe. We also carry out and promote risk benefit assessment (RBA) as advised by the Play Safety Forum and endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive.

We believe passionately in designing play spaces that encourage children of all abilities to play together. Many of our products, right through from a simple springie to large play structures, have been designed to be accessible and playable for children with different abilities, we consider ourselves to be one of the market leaders in this area. If you have an interest in Inclusive play then please talk to us, as a company it’s something we place great importance on.

All our standard swing frames are supplied with anti-wrap bearings as standard, this prevents the swings from wrapping around the frame.

Sometimes swing chains are interchangeable but it will depend on the type and age of the frame. If you measure from the centre of the top bar to the ground and take a photograph of the swing frame we can advise.

We are happy to provide equipment on a supply only basis but would always recommend using a specialist installer to ensure your play equipment is fitted to the required safety standard. We recommend having your play area inspected by a qualified RPII Inspector before use.

Yes, all of our play equipment has installation and maintenance instructions, they are always supplied with the equipment on delivery. Most can be found under each product on our website, but if you have difficulty finding the one you need then we can send them through to you by email, fax or post.

Sutcliffe Play products are supplied worldwide. If you contact us on 01977 653200 we can advise you as to where your nearest site would be. We would also be happy to arrange a visit and acquire access permissions if these are required.

We understand the importance of replacing spare parts quickly. We carry stocks of the more common replacement parts such as swing seats, ropes, fixings, etc and we can usually dispatch these items immediately. Parts that need to be manufactured will take a little longer. However, as all Sutcliffe Play equipment is manufactured here at our factory in Yorkshire, you should never have to wait too long for any item that you require.

Our aim is to keep our play equipment serviceable for as long as possible so yes, spares are available after the warranty period has ended. If you know the part number you require you can contact us with that. If not we may need a little detail from you such as the unit number which can be found on the Sutcliffe Play identification plate, or a photograph to help us identify the unit and subsequent part. Once we have all the relevant information we can then let you know the cost of any spare parts you require.

Our aim is to keep our play equipment serviceable for as long as possible so yes, spares are available after the warranty period has ended. If you know the part number you require you can contact us with that. If not we may need a little detail from you such as the unit number which can be found on the Sutcliffe Play identification plate, or a photograph to help us identify the unit and subsequent part. Once we have all the relevant information we can then let you know the cost of any spare parts you require.

On all play equipment there is a unit number and date of issue that can be found on the Sutcliffe Play identification plate. Alternatively you could take a photograph and send that through to us so we can identify the unit and parts required.

Finding out if your play equipment is a Sutcliffe Play unit is quite easy. All our products have an identification plate fitted that will show the unit product code and a date of issue. Alternatively you could take a photograph of the play equipment in question and send it through to us. Not only can we tell you if it is a Sutcliffe Play item but our experts can usually identify any other manufacturers old products too.

Vandals using graffiti to deface play equipment is unavoidable but it can be removed using ‘Graffiti Remover’ which can be purchased from us by calling our Sales Office Department with code ADH120

No, the dish roundabout will not fill with water as it has 4 drain holes positioned in the bottom to prevent this from happening. The holes will need to be checked for debris during scheduled maintenance to ensure they are kept clear.

We have found galvanising to be the best finish for our dish roundabouts as it is very durable and will not scratch no matter how many tiny shoes scrape against it. However we can offer our dishes in a painted finish any colour you like. Just be aware that over time and constant use the paint may start to wear through.

We don’t think our decks are too big, we think they are just the right size as we believe in making good quality play structures with a good play value. To achieve this it’s important to allow children space to play together. If decks are too small play becomes restricted.

Our signature 9mm rubber decks have a steel core frame so they will be structurally sound, even from fire damage, but the rubber will slowly disintegrate if the unit is set alight.

To comply with EN1176 safety standards any play equipment with a critical fall height above 60cm does require a safety surfacing, but this is not a mandatory requirement. Tarmac can be used if an independent risk assessment is carried out. Items such as Ball Courts & Snug do not require safety surfacing.

We do not charge for our play area design services, and we would be delighted to work with you to develop your play space.

To produce a design for your play area, as a rough guide, our play area design team will require 1-2 weeks for a standard layout with 2-3 weeks for a more complex design, all dependent on the project and the detail involved. 

We have a team of experienced Area Sales Managers who will be able to meet with you, on site if necessary, to discuss your project. They will listen to your requirements and will be able to suggest suitable options for your play area.

We can supply a full set of CAD plans, 3d visuals, plan & pictures, technical support images, side elevations.

We can supply plans in AutoCad 2014, PDF, DXF & JPEG format.

We do not manufacture truly bespoke items but there are some products in our portfolio that can have colour changes and other modifications e.g metal slides can be changed to plastic slides. We would be happy to discuss any requirements, just give us a call and we can talk any options through with you.

We can supply our play equipment in different colours but this would not then be a standard item and would incur an extra 10% specials charge.

Our products are manufactured to order but sometimes we realise a return might need to be made. In the first instance you would need to contact your Account Manager to discuss the return, they will then advise. Any items returned to us must be in their original condition – if not, we may be unable to accept them.

Timber or metal are both ideal for any playground but there are a number of factors to consider when choosing between the two:

  • Does it need to fit within the current surroundings or with established equipment?
  • Is it for a natural or urban setting?
  • Might vandalism be a problem? If so, metal would be the better choice.

Timber or metal are both ideal for any playground but there are a number of factors to consider when choosing between the two:

  • Does it need to fit within the current surroundings or with established equipment?
  • Is it for a natural or urban setting?
  • Might vandalism be a problem? If so, metal would be the better choice.

Metal will get hot in intense sunshine, but this has not stopped customers around the world installing our metal play equipment. We can offer timber units as an alternative or fit our metal units with plastic slides. We can also advise on the use of sun shades and other ways to prevent our play products getting hot.

We use reinforced aluminium uprights because aluminium is very durable and does not corrode. The aluminium we use is also 100% recycled, 100% recyclable and does not require any painting for the duration of its life. This cuts down the environmental impact of the play equipment and reduces your maintenance costs.

Our guarantee on structural steel is for 25 years.

Yes our metal equipment is suitable for coastal areas, the paint treatment we use is to an extremely high specification with a very high level of corrosion resistance. Also, if even higher levels of corrosion resistance are required we can additionally pre-galvanise our steelwork.

Timber or metal are both ideal for any playground but there are a number of factors to consider when choosing between the two:

  • Does it need to fit within the current surroundings or with established equipment?
  • Is it for a natural or urban setting?
  • Might vandalism be a problem? If so, metal would be the better choice.

The timber used in our Orchard range is pressure treated against wet rot, dry rot and insect infestation, after the posts have been cut and drilled to ensure the timber is fully treated. It is guaranteed for 10 years. Robinia timber is used by our partner companies, this is naturally the most durable and strongest wood available to use without any treatment, again with a guarantee of 10 years.

The timber used in our Orchard range is pressure treated against wet rot and dry rot and Robinia timber used by our partner companies, is naturally the most durable and strongest wood available to use without treating.

It is very unlikely that children will get splinters as all the timber used is milled to a smooth finish and checked very carefully before dispatch.

Timber play equipment can be set on fire but all timber is very hard to set alight under normal circumstances, there would need to be a substantial fire source or an accelerant used before a fire would take hold.

Timber is ideal for use in coastal areas, so much so that it is used along many coast lines to help with their sea defences, these are known as ‘Groynes’. They can be engineered in the form of sea walls or jetties and help control erosion.

Our Orchard timber is locally farmed from UK forests in a managed sustainable process. The timber we use is between 20 and 25 years old, so by the time your play equipment is at the end of its life, newly grown trees will be ready for your next play products. Our partner companies also use suppliers that follow sustainable forestry management set by their countries state controlled Forestry Commissions.

Our guarantee on timber products is for 10 years.

Our timber play equipment is easy to maintain due to the pressure treatment process applied, the special protective caps and protective aluminium shoes fitted. We do recommend following a regular inspection and maintenance programme on your play area, as all equipment will last much longer if maintained properly with a robust inspection & maintenance programme.

The special rubber caps on top of the timber legs completely seal the ends of the posts and keep out any moisture, extending the life of the play equipment.

The unique aluminium shoe we use on our timber equipment protects the base of the timber posts once in the ground, ventilation holes also help to keep the post dry and extends the life of the play equipment. 

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Rope

Durable steel-cored rope is a hugely versatile material, which offers great utility as part of more challenging equipment, such as our climbing and balancing focused Mission and Neo ranges, whilst also being used to create the colour contrasting scramble nets found on a number of our inclusive-focused units.

The rope’s steel core offers great durability, allowing it to endure heavy sustained usage for long periods without requiring replacement. Not only does this minimise wastage, but at the point that replacement finally does become necessary, its environmental impact is mitigated by the fact that steel is one of the world’s most recyclable metals.

Prior to this, however, sustainability is also a key consideration for us during the initial stages of our equipment’s development. This is why we seek to deal with responsible suppliers at all times, and participate in a sustainable supply chain with environmental consideration at its heart.

Both of our wholesale suppliers of steel-cored rope hold all of the relevant credentials to operate in a modern, climate conscious marketplace, and both source their rope from a respected third-party enterprise which holds the ISO 14001. This internationally recognized standard demonstrates their commitment to minimizing their environmental impact, and continuously improving their performance in this area.

Our nets and ropes are covered by a 2-year warranty against non-structural failure due to faulty workmanship or materials.

Anti-Slip Surfacing

Many of our products, especially our multi-play units, are designed to enable fast, thrilling, kinetic play for all ages and abilities. This is why durable, hard-wearing anti-slip surfacing is another key material used in our factory, to deliver the safest, highest quality playing experience for children.

The two most commonly used materials in this regard are Hexastrong panels and WISA®-Multifloor panels. The former is found primarily on the walking decks and steps on many of our multi-play units, including in our MiniTown, Toddlerzone and Playzone ranges. With their hard-wearing nature and excellent strength to weight ratio, these panels are ideally suited for use on playground equipment, and as they are produced primarily from timber, they can be considered a renewable resource.

Durable WISA®-Multifloor panels are also utilised most prominently in our Toddlerzone and Playzone ranges. Constructed from birch veneers bonded together with weather-resistant glue and coated with an elastic overlay, they deliver a strong, safe surface on walking decks and steps, upon which children can play freely.

As with all materials involved in the manufacture of our products, we work hard to ensure we deal with responsible suppliers at every stage, and participate in a sustainable supply chain with environmental consideration at its heart:

Both of our Hexastrong suppliers are UK-based, reducing emissions from overseas freight, and the materials we source from both are FSC (Forest Stewardship Certification) approved, ensuring they are derived from well-managed forests and tracked throughout their manufacturing journey. Both suppliers also fully comply with the Timber and Timber Products Regulations (UKTR), which requires them to conduct all necessary due diligence on their supply chains, to ensure the materials they use have been legally sourced and traded.

One of our suppliers also utilises a Carbon Calculator, to inform every customer of the overall carbon footprint of their order, taking in manufacture, delivery of the product to the supplier’s warehouse, and storage, all the way up to the moment it leaves the supplier’s premises. This information allows us to easily understand the carbon impact of the Hexastrong panels we purchase, and assess the results accordingly.

Our supplier of WISA®-Multifloor panels, meanwhile, is based like us in West Yorkshire, again reducing freight emissions, and as with our Hexastrong supplier, is FSC (Forest Stewardship Certification) approved and fully complies with the Timber and Timber Products Regulations (UKTR).

Both our Hexastrong and Wisa®-Multifloor panels are covered by a 2-year warranty against material degradation.

Paint/Finishing

Although originating from our West Yorkshire factory, our equipment delivers fun across the country every day – and beneath the colourful surface, its fundamentals are high quality, durable, and sustainable.

When it comes to safeguarding our environment, however, we know the surface itself has a part to play, too. We utilise a range of different treatments and finishes, including galvanising, powder coating and zinc priming for mild steel, and anodising for aluminium. These processes provide the materials with the best chance of enduring heavy usage, whilst sealing the surface’s prime coating, and adding further durability through a UV stable colourfast finish.

The manner of application is also crucial with regards to sustainability. Our preferred method, electrostatic spraying, involves the use of a spray gun to powder coat the metal. This leads to an exceptionally even particle distribution when compared with traditional airless methods, which can result in significant overspray and insufficient coverage. The improved transfer then translates to reduced paint consumption, which in turn reduces waste, and saves on any cleaning agents required to remove excess.

Our UK-based supplier practices sustainable delivery methods, including utilising cardboard packaging in place of plastic, as well as biodegradable packing peanuts made from natural, nontoxic sources (such as wheat and corn starch) which can be used in compost piles after use. 

Our paint, anodising and galvanising are all covered by a 10-year warranty against significant corrosion due to faulty materials or finishing.

Rubber

With its inherent flexibility and array of bright colours, rubber is ideal for use in play equipment.

In our case, it is the main material used in many of our swing seats, whose design and production originally helped to make Sutcliffe Play a leading name in the playground market.

Rubber is derived from the sap of the rubber tree, which, when farmed responsibly, can be tapped for latex production over a period of many years before requiring replacement. Not only does this make the rubber itself a sustainable resource, it is also a great benefit for the wider ecosystem, as rubber trees have a significant capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.

Likewise, natural rubber is also extremely biodegradable, giving it a major advantage over plastic (which can take decades or even centuries to decompose); the higher the percentage of pure latex rubber in the compound, the faster it breaks down upon disposal.

Our north-west based supplier is a leading enterprise that operates a Sustainable Procurement Policy, which seeks to monitor and manage the business’s environmental impact, whilst ensuring social, environmental and economic factors are fully considered by employees and suppliers.

Our rubber is covered by a 2-year warranty against material degradation.

Aluminium

Sustainability and durability run through our equipment quite literally from top to bottom, as the supporting uprights on our popular Toddlerzone, Playzone, Neo and Mission ranges are constructed from high-quality, responsibly sourced aluminium.

Three of our four main aluminium suppliers are based locally in West Yorkshire, reducing freight emissions, and all seek to work within a sustainable supply chain, with one certified to the Environmental 14001 standard.

This highly durable material is the most recyclable metal in the world, and can be continually re-melted and refashioned into new products without losing its properties. This process also uses up to 95% less energy than the production of new aluminium from raw materials.

Its unique combination of versatile properties, including low weight, high strength, corrosion resistance and recyclability make it a perfect match for heavy usage playgrounds. Its hardened anodised finish is also maintenance free and requires no touch-up or finish during its life cycle, saving on wastage and the use of new top up materials.

Our aluminium is covered by a 25-year warranty against structural strength, and our anodising is covered by a 10-year warranty against significant corrosion due to faulty materials or finishing. 

Mild Steel

Mild steel is another essential material which is a perfect fit for our durable product range, used to create the supporting components of our multi play units, as well as rotators such as our inclusive dish roundabouts.

As with stainless steel, our supplier is an established enterprise in the local West Yorkshire area. Their mild steel includes an average of 76% recycled content, and is created from raw materials sourced from UK and Belgian foundries which are BES6001 certified. As of April 2023, their activity was estimated to produce 1.39 tonnes of carbon emissions per tonne of steel, well below one of the major estimated industry averages (1.85 tonnes), and on par with another (1.40).

This high-quality material is painted using a sustainable electrostatic process, and gains added protection through a UV stable colourfast finish. It has been proven to withstand not only the rigours of daily usage but the harshest of outdoor environments, including those with high salinity – this is well-evidenced by the fact that there has never been a customer claim against its structural guarantee.

Our mild steel is covered by a 25-year warranty against structural strength.

Stainless Steel

Another material that helps us to offer the most robust equipment on the market is stainless steel, used in the manufacture of our chute, bedway and bannister slides.

Our supplier is local, based like us in Yorkshire (reducing freight-based carbon emissions), and they utilise only materials from approved and highly reputable mills. They also work to ensure their supply chains are free from any unacceptable labour practices, are aligned to the UN 2040 Net Zero Target, and are beginning to roll out the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil to replace diesel at all of their service centres, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and nitrogen oxide.

The stainless steel in our products is maintenance free, easy clean, and suitable for all environments. It conforms to EN10088 specifications, and it is austenitic – making it stronger, more durable, and less electrically and thermally conductive than carbon steel, as well having a greater corrosion resistance. This durable, robust composition greatly extends the material’s lifespan, deferring waste creation (and steel is already the most recycled material used in manufacturing overall, so is far less likely to create waste at all).

Our stainless steel is covered by a 25-year warranty against structural strength.

HPL

HPL is a high-performance, external grade, self-supporting laminate utilised in versatile ways throughout our product range, such as the colourful panelling on many of our multi-play units.

The two key components in its creation are paper (technically called cellulose fibres) and thermosetting resin, with the former representing 60-70% of the finished material.

Our supplier is an Environmental Management Systems ISO 14001:2015 certified business, which holds both of the voluntary ‘Chain of Custody’ certifications according to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) schemes. These certifications guarantee that the final product is made of material from well-managed, FSC or PEFC-Certified forests, and other controlled sources.

No organic solvents, asbestos or heavy metals are used during HPL’s production cycle, and it doesn’t release any gases, vapours, solvents or fluids. Its processing waste can be handled in a manner equivalent to household waste at controlled landfills, and it is estimated that 80% of the waste generated by our supplier is recovered.

Once created, HPL’s standout durability (it is fire-retardant, scratch and shock resistant, and non-porous) ensures that it will resist a great deal of wear and tear, and endure for long periods before requiring replacement.

Our HPL panels are covered by a 10-year warranty against non-structural failure due to faulty workmanship or materials.

HDPE

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is an extremely versatile thermoplastic polymer used in the freestanding play panels which feature in many of our play spaces, as well as for various components across our product range.

Offering an excellent strength-to-density ratio, and a very high impact resistance and melting point, products utilising HDPE are sure to enjoy a very long life.

The HDPE we purchase is sustainably sourced, and includes an average of 76% recycled content. Our supplier has also recycled 99% of their waste material and off-cuts since the formation of their business, and offers HDPE recycling services to customers for products which are no longer required.

Unlike natural, porous materials such as wood (which can feature fissures or grooves that harbour moisture or bacteria) HDPE resists mould and rotting as well as most strong mineral acids and naturally occurring chemicals. HDPE is also easily recyclable, helping to keep non-biodegradable waste out of landfill. 

Our freestanding play panels are also accompanied by a selection of sustainably sourced supporting posts, including recycled plastic, galvanised metal, and timber. As with HDPE, these enjoy a far longer lifespan due to their environmental resistance (with none of the rotting, cracking, or splitting that may come with traditional timber posts), and they also help to reduce non-biodegradable landfill waste.

Our HDPE is covered by a 10-year warranty against non-structural failure due to faulty workmanship or materials.

Glulam

Our Treetops multi-play equipment is well-known for its naturalistic aesthetic, with striking wooden support beams bringing an eye-catching look to the entire range.

These are constructed from Glued Laminated (Glulam) Larch, a structurally engineered wood comprised of layers of dimensioned lumber, bonded together with durable, moisture-resistant structural adhesives.

Our well-established supplier of Glulam is based very locally to our factory in West Yorkshire, reducing freight emissions – and as with all of our materials, Glulam’s great durability minimises waste and the need for replacement in the long term. Its design delivers greater dimensional stability than that of whole log sections, with no shakes, twisting or warping, and all Glulam beams within the Treetops range have an oblique cut top to prevent water ingress, as well as galvanized steel shoes to protect the base of each post from the elements.

As well as having no known negative environmental effects, repairability of Glulam is high, and once it reaches the end of its natural life, it can be repurposed as an excellent biofuel.

Our Glulam is covered by a 10-year warranty against structural strength.

Timber

Timber is an essential material in our work, used primarily in our naturalistic Orchard range – and we strive to ensure not only that it is sustainably sourced, but smartly applied to ensure maximum longevity.

Our FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified supplier handles slow grown pine logs derived from strictly controlled sources, either through government body approved felling licences or forest/woodland management plans. They also encourage the recycling of their products during manufacturing, with all wastage repurposed – including in a local biomass plant that produces electricity and heat.

The timber we purchase for use in our Orchard posts has been pressure treated against wet rot, dry rot and insect infestation, carried out after it has been cut and drilled (ensuring the coverage of all exposed timber). It has also been preservative pressure-treated with high-quality Tanalith 9000, which is proven at providing unrivalled protection.

A UK-sourced aluminium protective shoe maintains the timber above ground level, protecting the base of each post throughout its lifetime, and side ventilation holes allow the posts to breathe and stay dry. At the other end, a special rubber cap completely seals the post top, preventing moisture from entering the top grain.

Our Timber is covered by a 10-year warranty against structural strength.