Concreting play equipment and components to standard – The Bautri system for professionals

Installing playground equipment, posts and other structural elements in concrete demands precise, standards-compliant and cost-effective execution – often in confined spaces and on sensitive surfaces. The Bautri System is a mobile, high-load tripod based on tested construction props. It safely holds loads during concreting and keeps them stably in position – without excavators and without complex crane equipment.

Target groups are in particular playground builders, municipalities and construction companies that need to embed structural elements weighing up to approx. 3.3 t within the maximum system height of 4 m.

1. Design and Function of the Bautri System

• Three construction props to DIN EN 1065 or equivalent aluminium spindle props
• Head / adapter element to connect the props
• Suitable lifting accessory (e.g. chain hoist) to take the load

Height adjustment is achieved via telescoping props with spindles that allow precise fine-tuning. This ensures accurate alignment and compensation for level differences even on uneven ground or slopes. The statically determinate tripod design guarantees controlled and reproducible load transfer.

System limits:

• Loads up to approx. 3.3 t
• Structural elements whose height is below the maximum Bautri system height
• Use in playground construction, municipal construction, landscape gardening and civil engineering

2. Typical Applications

• Playground equipment (swings, climbing frames, play towers, see-saws)
• Posts (lighting, signage, gate systems, ball-stop fences)
• Steel and timber structures in municipal and commercial environments
• Structural elements in landscape gardening and urban spaces

For organically shaped components, e.g. robinia trunks, the free-hanging suspension via the chain hoist allows simple, precise adjustment of plumb and height.

3. Advantages Over Mini-Excavators and Improvised Rigs

3.1 Precise Positioning of Structural Elements

• Load taken via a chain hoist at the Bautri head
• Component hangs freely and can swing to plumb
• Fine adjustment of plumb and height via prop spindles

The component remains stationary throughout the entire pouring and setting process. This produces permanently load-bearing, dimensionally stable foundations with minimal rework.

3.2 Use on Uneven Ground and Slopes

• Telescoping props for safe use even with terrain differences
• Individual prop lengths compensate for level differences
• Stable set-up on steps, embankments or terraced surfaces

Particularly suitable for playgrounds, parks, residential developments and existing surfaces with difficult topography.

3.3 Surface and Root Protection

• No vehicle movements in the immediate foundation and root zone
• Less soil compaction, fewer ground damages
• Better tree and turf protection in existing facilities

3.4 Cost-Efficiency and Logistics

• No separate crane or excavator needed to hold the load
• No additional machine transport
• Quick assembly and disassembly, compact storage and transport dimensions

Reduces direct equipment costs and indirect site costs through mobilisation, set-up times and ground damage.

4. Work Sequence with the Bautri System

1. Prepare foundation: Excavate foundation hole, e.g. by earth auger or excavator.
2. Set up Bautri: Position tripod over the foundation, telescope props, adjust spindles, align head over the component axis, compensate for unevenness.
3. Rig component: Hang with chain hoist or lifting gear at the Bautri head.
4. Align: Let component swing to plumb, set precisely in plumb and height.
5. Concrete: Place concrete, compact, finish surface – without obstructive auxiliary structures.
6. Cure: Component remains in the Bautri System until sufficient concrete strength is reached.

5. Two Bautri Systems as a Portal-Crane-Like Solution

• Set up two tripods at the required axle spacing and level them
• Attach a suitable cross-beam (e.g. steel beam or formwork beam) to both systems
• Rig loads on the cross-beam and – depending on configuration – move them over larger areas

Advantages: Spanning larger areas (fall-protection zones, planted areas, trenches, watercourses), handling loads up to approx. 3.3 t (within system limits), particularly suited for row foundations, gate systems or several foundations in one axis.

This creates a flexible, demountable load-bearing structure that can replace or supplement conventional portal cranes.

6. Benefits for Target Groups

Playground Builders and Landscape Gardeners

Standards-compliant, reproducible assembly, high foundation quality, reduced complaint rate, safe working on difficult terrain.

Municipalities and Public Clients

Ground-preserving construction method, suitable for school yards, parks and residential areas with restricted access, transparent assembly processes.

Construction Companies

Safe handling of structural elements up to approx. 3.3 t, supplement / replacement for small cranes and mini-excavators, advantages on confined or sensitive sites.

Summary

The Bautri System provides playground builders, municipalities and construction companies with a technically refined, flexible solution for safely embedding structural elements up to approx. 3.3 t in concrete – regardless of flat or sloped terrain. The combination of telescoping, finely adjustable props, mobile tripod design and the option of a portal-crane-like solution enables precise, ground-preserving and cost-effective work on the most varied sites.

More information on Bautri Work

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