Initial Contact

We can be reached by phone or email (see information at left). Usually we are asked to provide information related to the cost of an individual system on a specific site. In order to make that initial determination of a rough cost estimate, we will need:

• The approximate linear distance between the spot where the top landing is or will be located to the spot where the bottom landing is or will be located. A string line is usually laid along the proposed path of the track and measured. This determines the number of track sections required.

• The approximate slope of the hill the system will traverse. We recommend use of an Angle Finder available for under $10 in most hardware stores. Simply lay a length of board along the path, set the Angle Finder on the board and read and record the angle. This determines the size of the motor required to move the car up and down the hill.

• The address of the proposed installation site. We use this to determine shipping costs to the site.

• Your thoughts on the capacity and features of the system you might like to install. This will help us to roughly configure your system in terms of car size, weight capacity, motor mount etc.

Pricing Estimation & Quote

We use a standard pricing program to generate a rough itemized planning estimate which is sent to you by email, mail or fax depending upon your preference. This will allow you to make and advise us of any desired modifications. This estimate is subject to any price changes in component materials (e.g. steel).

Assuming you want to proceed, we will want to have a more accurate, final determination of the length and slope measurements of the hill to insure your system is configured properly when it enters the fabrication queue at our manufacturing facility. Often this can be done by one of our representatives. If that is not feasible, many clients use a local engineer/surveyor or contractor to make the final measurements. We can also use county records containing topos, surveys and plats of the site to assist in this effort.

Once the system measurements, capacity and features are agreed upon we will provide a final quote along with a purchase agreement and instructions related to the required down payment or deposit [usually 40-50% of the total price]. Our receipt of the deposit initiates the manufacturing process of your system and is therefore critical to meeting your desired installation date. Any modifications to the agreed-upon project configuration will be documented in a project change order including appropriate pricing adjustments.

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Site Conditions

As the buyer, you are responsible for the cost and installation of four major parts of the process:

• Permitting: In some jurisdictions there are no permits required for the installation. In others, a simple electrical permit is required to run the power to the system. In still others, stamped drawings and planning department approvals may be required. We have experience in assisting in most all of these situations and are here to help. However, it is the ultimate responsibility of the client to acquire whatever permits/approvals are necessary. Deposits received prior to final permit authorization will be refunded in full if all necessary approvals cannot be obtained.
  

• Power: The system requires a 220v/50amp service at the top of the installation. This power must be provided prior to the start of the installation.
  

• Site Clearing: A path approximately 5-6 feet wide must be cleared from top to bottom to enable track installation. This includes trees, brush, boulders etc. Any foliage should be initially cut and maintained to less than 4” in height. It is recommended that any overhanging branches less than 8’ off the proposed track height also be removed.
  

• Landings: On installations for existing homes there is often a deck or decks that the client wants to use as landings and we will do our best to accommodate that requirement. However, in general, the installation of the complete system is facilitated when the landings are constructed after the track and car are installed. This enables the landing to be leveled and calibrated exactly to match the top and bottom stop positions of the car. Please remember the construction and cost of the landings are the buyer's responsibility.

Installation

Upon completion of the aforementioned process steps, we are ready to install the system.

Depending upon weather, business conditions and client preference, this will generally happen within the month following receipt of the deposit. The fabricated system will be shipped by common carrier or transported to the site by the installation crew.

Assuming everything has been planned and coordinated properly (it’s our job to ensure that is the case), a typical installation should take about 3-4 days. In some situations, local labor assistance (to be paid by buyer) may be required for a day or two in order to help the installer(s) with any heavy lifting in difficult terrain. Most often this need can be identified and estimated in advance.

Once the installation is complete, the system is test driven by the client or his/her designate and approved for final payment which is due and payable at that time. An instruction manual and on-board operating instructions are provided to ensure the system can be easily operated by the client.

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