Rise and Fall of the American Kiddie Ride

On a recent Sunday afternoon in my neighborhood in Queens, I stopped to watch a mother, father, and their young child. The parents, in church suits with the mildly stoned look of the truly exhausted, leaned against each other. But their kid? Their kid was euphoric—rapturous, even—because she was riding a coin-operated pink dinosaur that slowly rocked back and forth while playing a chiptune version of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

The sight was arresting more for its rarity than for its Norman Rockwell atmosphere. I’ve walked by that pink dinosaur countless times—it’s outside a bodega near my bank and grocery store—but I’d never, before then, actually seen anyone using it. But once you begin noticing them, you see them everywhere, sprinkled throughout New York, usually near a gumball machine or in a movie theater lobby.

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Commonly known as the kiddie ride, these coin-operated children’s amusements are over 80 years old. According to The Southwest Missourian, in 1931, Missouri inventor James Otto Hahs decided to make his children a special Christmas present, building a mechanical horse covered in mohair and using a real cow’s tail from the slaughterhouse for the horse’s tail. Realizing he had a potential hit on his hands, he set out to build a commercial coin-operated version. Early wood-carved prototypes were too heavy and too expensive, so Hahs developed his own method of casting large aluminum-framed horses. By 1932, the Hahs Gaited Mechanical Horse was winning design and invention awards. He later teamed up with the Exhibit Supply Company to distribute his horse widely, getting 5 percent of all profits. (Hahs would retire not rich, but well-off enough to tinker in his backyard for the rest of his life on more children’s toys and rides.)

By the time Billboard wrote about kiddie rides in a 10-page feature package in 1953 (back when the magazine covered literal billboards and outdoor amusements, rather than music) kiddie rides were called “1953’s fast-growing business—a rare combination of wholesome fun and clever merchandising.” America’s rapid suburbanization had developed a whole new market for kiddie rides: the shopping center. Unlike the pinball machine, the other great coin-operated amusement of the era, the kiddie ride wouldn’t be relegated to the arcade or amusement park. Instead, it would be used to lure kids into stores, and along with them, their parents.

The Billboard feature—alongside a dizzying number of ads for kiddie-ride manufacturers and middlemen—was optimistic about the future of the technology. It told the story of a Greenpoint, Brooklyn, department store that tore out its soda fountain and replaced it with 14 kiddie rides, realizing there was more revenue in mechanical horses, rocket ships, and motor boats than egg-cream fizzes. (The article cites average weekly gross revenues of $375 from the rides—or about $5,000 in 2014 dollars.) There were explainers on how to set up your own profitable kiddie-ride business. There was quote after quote after quote from businessmen explaining that there was nowhere for the kiddie-ride industry to go but up.

There was also a piece about licensing the likeness of Trigger, Roy Rogers's horse, because a Trigger-themed kiddie ride sucked even more money out of parents' pockets. This would be part of the future of kiddie rides—slapping existing franchises on a kiddie ride seemed to make them even more popular. Everything from Arthur to X-Men would eventually get its own kiddie ride, as exhaustively documented over at TV Tropes.

Family entertainment centers like Chuck E. Cheese's, founded in 1977, provided another outlet for kiddie rides. While the intricacies of skee-ball may elude a 3-year-old, a ride in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle's van does not.

But there were signs of trouble for the kiddie ride. Bigger vending-machine operators specializing in selling soda and potato chips never took on kiddie rides, seeing them as a service hassle.

"Most professional vending companies never got involved in kiddie rides," says Nick Montano of Vending Times magazine. "They never became part of the mainstream vending world." Instead, smaller specialty operators, usually ones that had already taken on the gumball market, focused on kiddie rides. Vending Times estimates there were about 55,000 kiddie rides installed in the U.S. in 2012, versus 2.8 million soda machines and 1.2 million snack vending machines.

There's also the problem that the audience for kiddie rides is small, and only got smaller as the toy market has expanded. "The age span has shrunk," says Montano. "Kiddie rides used to be for for kids up to 7 or 8 years old. Now it probably cuts off at 5." After that, kids go off in search of something more sophisticated to sink their quarters into.

And, like every other sector of the economy, American manufacturers are simply disappearing. The Billboard feature in 1953 listed over 20 companies manufacturing and selling kiddie rides. Montano says that even three decades ago, there were still a dozen or so left. Now, there are effectively none.

Nearly all modern kiddie rides today are produced overseas. There's the Spanish company Falgas ("the Europeans, their fiberglass work is superb," says Montano), with a long tradition of superior craftsmanship. Zamperla in the Philippines has rapidly established itself as a major player. And in recent years Chinese companies like Universal Space have emerged as viable competitors. The consensus is that Chinese companies provide a more affordable but shoddier product. The consensus is also, that, given a few years, Chinese manufacturers will rapidly improve the quality of their offerings.

Meanwhile, one company is trying to restart the American tradition. A.J. Kress and his father run Benchmark Games, a long-established company that works mainly in redemption amusement machines (i.e., games you play that give you tickets to spend on prizes). The younger Kress, however, decided to branch out into kiddie rides with National Kiddie Rides, LLC. His first ride is Sugar the Pony, set to debut in early 2015, and produced in a 38,000-square foot facility in Hypoluxo, Florida. "It’s a brand new product," enthuses Kress. "We’ve taken the nostalgia look of the horse and pony." Sugar is a direct callback to James Otto Hahs's earliest invention, and Kress believes Sugar the Pony hits on something uniquely American within his audience, compared to his overseas competitors. "Ours is a very American, Western-looking horse," he says.

Dave Young, owner of coin-operated game retailer BMI Gaming, wishes Kress the best of luck. He saw Sugar at a recent trade show, and says it was stunning. "It's probably the most beautiful American kiddie ride I’ve ever seen," says Young. "People were actually stopping and staring and taking pictures of the kiddie ride. You don’t see people taking pictures of kiddie rides."

But for Young, the majority of his kiddie-ride market in America is private owners—a woman in Texas just bought a three-horse carousel for her house—and foreign markets. "Most of the kiddie rides we sell nowadays go overseas to malls," says Young, mainly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. As a burgeoning middle class emerges, so does the demand for kiddie rides.

Kiddie rides are here to stay, says Vending Times' Montano. "It was never a big category. But slow and steady, I don’t know if it wins the race, but it finishes the race. It could be the profitable adjunct to any vending route."

But in the story of kiddie rides, it's hard to not see the same future as for so much of America's mechanical and manufacturing endeavors: the slide into the gentle oblivion of nostalgia.

Gary Mandarino, 59, runs Denver, Colorado’s Kiddie Rides USA, where he specializes in repairing and reselling kiddie rides, mainly those produced during the 1950s and 1960s.

The vast majority of his refurbished rides go to private individuals, usually older ones. “They’re people that are in their 50s or 60s,” says Mandarino. “Almost every one of them says, ‘I remember when I was kid, I would love to go to the drug store and ride this.’ They’re usually trying to get it for their own kid or grandkid.” Mandarino doesn’t get much of a younger clientele. “I can’t say I’ve ever sold one to a customer in their 30s,” he says. “The rides were already on their way out when they were growing up.”

He's skeptical of any sort of revival in kiddie rides—once a modern kid is old enough to operate an iPad, forget about it. He worries about the future of his business with his buyers growing older, his market drying up. After a pause, he considers, “Well, I’m pretty old myself.”

Walking home the same night after talking to Mandarino, I pass the pink dinosaur outside the bodega. Curious about how much it costs, I lean in closer. Fifty cents. I have two quarters. There’s a woman outside talking on her phone. I put the quarters in, and a digitized voice warns, “Parents! The ride is about to start. Parents! The ride is about to start.” The woman on the cell phone crosses the street, unwilling to deal with whatever type of crazy makes someone put money into a children's toy by himself at 8 p.m.

The dinosaur rocks back and forth, "Mary Had a Little Lamb” kicks in, and I remember riding something similar when I was a tiny kid, at a Chuck E. Cheese's or Showbiz Pizza. It was a helicopter, and I remember believing that somehow the helicopter would actually take flight, that the rise and bump of the machine would mean I’d soon be soaring up somewhere unimaginable. The pink dinosaur blares music and rocks back and forth, weird and sad without a kid to ride it. After a minute, the ride stops moving, settles into place, and goes silent.

Sinorides is a Reliable Theme Park Equipment Manufacturer

Sinorides sells theme park equipment to hundreds of reputable amusement parks around the world. You receive quality yet affordable theme park equipment from our 50000 sqm, high-tech workshop.

Safety is non-negotiable at Sinorides. You will receive theme park equipment of European and International standards.

Among all famous amusement park equipment manufacturers out there in China, Sinorides stands on the top for providing all services regarding installation and repair of the amusement park rides. You can choose us if you want to install the rides in the most defined manner.

Not only this, we make sure to ensure the quality standards of the manufactured theme park equipment for sale at our place. That is why our customers don’t have to bother about the durability and functioning of the rides.

We offer access to our customers for visiting our place to get a profound idea about the reliable production of the theme park rides for sale.

You don’t have to roam around for global shipping services. Besides the production of the mini amusement park rides, we also provide global shipping at pretty reasonable rates. Thus, you don’t have to pay extra money on the shipping of the rides you order.

However, one thing you need to consider while getting the installation services is that you have to pay for the visa fees of the workers coming your way. We make sure to provide one-stop solutions to our customers regarding all issues of the amusement parks.

Installation, repair, and replacement of the mini amusement park rides are also quite affordable.

Every theme park has different requirements when it comes to equipment. Our engineers will listen to your needs and put themselves in your shoes.

You can also ask for a 2d/3d animation theme park design service to support your business. Along with theme park equipment, you also get installation and maintenance assistance.

Theme Park Equipment Ultimate FAQ Guide

Buying theme park equipment can be real nut cracking. There are hundreds of equipment, and you might be wondering which one is best for your park. When starting a park, you need a mixture of equipment.

Deciding which will suit your entertainment park can leave you overthinking. This guide explores your common questions and concerns to make your life easy.

It tries to explain, answer and offer guidance for you to make pro like decision.

Before you even go to the full guide, you can do a quick check on the list below. It gives you a clue of when you will learn in this theme park equipment FAQ guide.

What is Theme Park Equipment?

Theme park equipment are mechanical structures for parks with the sole purpose of creating entertainment.

There are different types of theme park equipment you can buy for your park. Some are small, while others are extra-large. However, the goal is to ensure people are happy.

With theme park equipment available in different sizes, you can start any sized park. Whether you are investing in indoor or outdoor parks, there are many equipment to choose from.

The equipment ranges from gravity, vertical and flat rides. Therefore, you can always enjoy giving your customers superb entertainment.

Theme park Equipment

 What Type of Theme Park Equipment Should You Buy for Your Business?

There are many theme park equipment you can get for your business. It all depends on the location, budget, and target group.

With equipment available for kids and adults, you can give your park a variety of rides. Depending on your park size, you can go for roller coasters, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and teacup rides.

Mixing a variety of theme park equipment always ensure your park is ideal for all ages. It helps you maximize profits since everyone can enjoy spending time in your park.

As a general thumb of rule, the size of your park will influence equipment to buy. It’s best to start with small equipment for new parks. They are easy to acquire and maintain. As you grow, incorporate larger equipment.

How do You Choose Theme Park Equipment?

Choosing the right theme park equipment is vital. One of the primary considerations is the consumer group. Researching for the target group before buying theme parks is critical. It helps in maximizing traffic and profit.

Apart from the visitor traffic, the manufacturer is also another thing to look. These days there are thousands of theme park manufacturers. Buying from reputable makers offers confidence and safety.

There are manufacturers reputable for certain theme park equipment. When you are investing in park rides, it’s ideal to check known makers of the target equipment.

Even before you choose theme park equipment, ensure the manufacturer can offer the best services. This gives you a great start without worries of problems after the installation of rides.

Is it Costly to Invest in Theme Park Equipment?

Investing in theme park equipment is an expensive venture. These structures feature high technology and a lot of workforce.

According to experts, buying theme park equipment are expensive. Therefore, before you invest, it’s ideal to do proper planning. The pre-planning and budgeting ensure you make the right equipment investment.

The bigger the park equipment, the costly it will retail. Actually, some of the most expensive ones are roller coasters, drop towers, and such.

Apart from the size, the type of park equipment matters. Outdoor park equipment are much bigger. They cost more but don’t need shelter. For instance, a single roller coaster can cost up to $500,000. This is costly comparing bumper cars that can cost less than $1000.

Where Can You Buy Theme Park Equipment?

You can buy theme park equipment from different manufacturers. They have various ways you can purchase your equipment hassle-free.

Buying theme park equipment directly from the manufacturer is the best option. The buying option is excellent since you can enjoy different benefits. Whether its delivery, maintenance, and spare parts, there are no difficulties.

Besides, some suppliers can source equipment from manufacturers. Although suppliers facilitate smooth buying, there are limits in services.

China is one of the largest theme park equipment manufacturing hubs. There are numerous manufacturers where you can always buy theme park equipment.

Also, there are other countries with reputable sellers for park equipment. Therefore, you have broad options when it comes to sourcing park structures.

Who are the Leading Theme Park Equipment Manufacturers?

There are many leading theme park equipment manufacturers around the world. It, therefore, requires great consideration when choosing your supplier.

In China, Sinorides is one of the leading theme park equipment manufacturers. With a variety of equipment, it offers a one-stop buying station. Therefore, building your theme park is now easy.

There are also other manufacturers from China with a global reputation. They are superb choices since they make international standard equipment.

Amazingly, there are other companies making theme park equipment. They are scattered all over the world hence offering you the ease of buying.

How Much Does Theme Park Equipment Cost?

The issue of the cost of theme park equipment is a concern to most people. The structures vary in size, capacity, and performance. Therefore, the price also has a significant variation.

Small theme park equipment are not costly. The kids’ equipment are cheaper since they are small. Actually, some like theme park trains can range from $8,000 to $50,000.

Medium-size park equipment also have an average price. Therefore, when you are starting a park, these are great options. Some equipment like carousels and swing rides can get some retailing from $40,000 to $100,000.

When you consider large park theme equipment, they can cost over $500,000. It is always advisable to invest in equipment within your budget. This helps in avoiding huge debts and offers fast profit realization.

Theme park equipment bumper cars

Which Materials are Used in Making Theme Park Equipment?

Construction of theme park equipment consists of different materials. Most of the modern equipment have galvanized steel. The steel is mainly for the support structure.

Apart from the steel, other materials are wood, plastic, fiberglass, among others. The cabins these days have fiberglass and strong plastic. They are strong and lightweight hence safer than earlier materials.

The construction of some parts requires premium quality materials. For instance, wheels, bearings, and other movable parts require super-strong materials. Most wheels these days for moving equipment features polyurethane.

The choice of material by manufacturers ensures your equipment offers the best performance. Mostly, materials should be durable and noise-free.

Theme park equipment drop tower ride

 Are Theme Park Equipment Safe?

Theme park equipment are safe. However, no machine is 100% perfect. There are a lot of safety features and testing before the equipment gets into parks.

Mostly, thrill ride equipment have the latest sensors that detect the slightest change. Whether it’s a change in pressure, grip, or others, they can trigger rides to stop automatically.

Apart from the safety features, the equipment must have certification from different agencies. The most reputable agencies include Gost, CE, ISO, and BV, among others.

The cases of accidents in theme parks are minimal. The chance you will get an accident in theme park equipment is one in 16 million.

Can You Get Cheap Theme Park Equipment from China?

China is a big manufacturing hub. You can get quality and cheap theme park equipment.

Whether you are looking for small or large equipment, you have a large selection. Additionally, most companies in China offer high-quality equipment. The quality and cost ensure you can enjoy a great entertainment park.

The ability to get equipment in china gives you high reliability and the best services. With affordable prices and rigorous testing, there is no quality compromise.

With numerous companies, competition ensures you get the best prices. Besides low prices, you also get superb services.

Do Theme Park Equipment from China Meet Global Standards?

Most of the manufacturers in China make equipment that meets global standards. Actually, manufacturers boast certification from international agencies.

Apart from certification, the sourcing of accessories is from reputable companies. Whether it’s motors and other high-performance spares, they are super high quality.

The equipment comes with a high guarantee and have the necessary certifications. Thus, theme park equipment are acceptable all over the globe.

Although most of the manufacturers meet international standards, you need to be careful. Buying equipment from a reputable maker ensures reliability. Researching a lot helps in dealing with reliable manufacturers.

Does Theme Park Equipment Require a lot of space?

The space requirement depends on the park size. Small parks don’t require a lot of space. Actually, even the space requirement for indoor parks differs from outdoor ones.

In most cases, investing in small theme park equipment means less space. However, for colossal park equipment, the space needed is enormous.

The space requirement doesn’t mean more space. Tower rides need lesser space compared to roller coasters.

In the case of Ferris wheels, they come in different sizes. This translates even the area needed for installation differs.

Your park generally will determine the type and size of theme equipment to get.

Theme park equipment carousel

 Does Theme Park Equipment Need Strong Foundation?

Installation of most theme park equipment requires a super-strong foundation. Actually, the process involves many experts to ensure the equipment doesn’t suffer damage when in action.

The size of equipment determines the foundation. Some like drop towers or swing tower rides need massive foundations. This ensures they can support the tower structure perfectly.

Constructing a theme park equipment foundation needs a lot of concrete. This means even the extreme rides can work perfectly without compromising the structural integrity.

Apart from the structure assembling, anchoring the equipment needs a strong foundation.

Does Theme Park Equipment Need a lot of Maintenance?

The performance and safety of theme park equipment depend on your maintenance. All equipment needs constant and timely maintenance. Regular servicing is ideal since you can save your overall cost.

Conducting regular maintenance is recommended to avoid compromising safety. Also, it eliminates the need to replace parts which can be expensive.

The ability to deliver outstanding reliability and high performance relate to how frequently you service equipment. Especially since most involved a lot of movements, there is a need to have necessary maintenance.

Besides the vital parts repairs, and servicing take into account other minor issues. Whether it’s a painting and related repairs, they ensure equipment remains aesthetic.

Theme park equipment  pendulum ride

Which are the Top-selling Theme Park Equipment?

There are some of the theme park equipment that are popular that every park has them. Mostly, the small equipment are most common since they are cheaper and require less space.

Among the most popular are kiddie equipment. Since kids love to visit playgrounds, you must ensure your park has kid rides. Besides, some are small yet can serve all ages.

Whether a park is large or small, some equipment like swings, carousels are mostly present. They can also fit in indoor parks.

In large parks, some of the top-selling equipment are roller coasters, flying swings, drop towers, and Ferris wheel. Although other equipment, some of these are iconic and offer higher traffic.

Theme park equipment thrill ride

Which are the Best Theme Park Equipment for Small Parks?

Theme parks aren’t equal in size. Also, theme park equipment comes in various sizes. Therefore, it is possible to get the right one depending on your park size.

Small parks are great for you when you are in the initial startup. However, you need to consider the most popular equipment before setting it up. The taste and choice depending on the area you are starting a park.

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There are some popular equipment that will fit any park, whether small or large. Some like bumper cars, kid park trains, swings, and carousels are among the best.

The equipment takes less space and remains ideal even as you add more structures. Actually, most small equipment enjoys more riders since they are easy to access rides and not scary.

Are Theme Park Equipment Installation Complex?

Not everyone can install theme park equipment. They are complex structures that require you to look for experts. The installation process involves a combination of engineers.

The installation is a complex process since it involves foundation, assembling as well as testing. Therefore, experts with different expertise are necessary.

There are specialists in theme park installation. However, some manufacturers sell and ensure you get your equipment installed.

Having an equipment maker with installation services is great. It means you can enjoy professional installation from the manufacturer. Since they are the original equipment maker, understanding, installation are more reliable.

Does Theme Park Equipment Need Regular Inspection?

Regular inspection of theme park equipment is vital. It means your visitors will enjoy great confidence and safety. Besides assuring your customers, it ensures you can get the real condition of your equipment.

Having inspections is necessary and helps in improving the reputation of your park. Some agencies like ISO, BV, Gost, and others help to give your playground an excellent reputation.

Apart from reputation, you can also be able to compete with other parks. Regular inspection, therefore, gives you the ability to know where to upgrade or modify.

Who Regulate Theme Park Equipment Manufacturing Quality?

Manufacturing theme park equipment is not a simple task. The industry has many regulations to maintain quality and safety standards. Also, the quality has to conform to set international rules.

Apart from the global standards, other rules govern the manufacturing process. In every country where equipment manufacturing takes place, the government has agencies that oversee the process.

Theme park equipment swing chair

Does Theme Park Equipment Come with Digital Controls?

The control panels in most modern theme park equipment are simple. There is a lot of synchronization, which means easy operation. Even the largest drip tower or roller coaster needs one operator.

With most park rides having a combination of features, they have excellent integration. The central processing unit in a control panel analyzes every process going on.

Whether its speed, rotations, and other aspects, the computer is capable of monitoring everything. Therefore in case of a mishap, there is an efficient shutdown.

Apart from the computerized controls, most equipment have camera monitoring. Therefore, you can view everything that is happening on the ride.

Theme park equipment Ferris wheel

Are Theme Park Equipment Weather Resistant?

Theme park equipment have superb construction and protection against weather elements. Since the metals used can corrode due to humidity, the equipment have thick coatings.

In most cases, manufacturers use weatherproof paint to protect the structures. The coating keeps the equipment also looking appealing. There is a lot of chemistry to keep equipment looking great and protected.

Apart from the metallic structure, others like plastic and fiberglass are superb. They don’t need a lot of treatment since they can resist weather conditions.

Manufacturers always use materials that can withstand outdoor conditions. Therefore, your theme park equipment will not need special treatment even when weather conditions change.

What Precautions Should You Always Consider to Ensure the Safety of Your Theme Park Equipment?

Rule number one in maintaining your theme park safety is ensuring they have regular maintenance. This ensures there are minimal accidents hence excellent safety for your visitors.

The operation should consider all the safety measures. For instance, the operator should run the equipment at a reasonable speed. Mostly, you should note whether it’s adults or kids who are on the ride.

Choosing the appropriate age for the equipment is vital. You can be sure riders will adhere to the set rules with the least supervision.

The proper maintenance of straps, bars, belts, and latches helps to keep riders safe. Unmaintained restraints systems can cause incidents in your park.

Generally, ensuring proper maintenance and general rules observance ensure high safety.

Theme park equipment Drop tower

Are there Regulations before Installing Theme Park Equipment?

Before establishing and installing theme park equipment, there are different regulations you need to follow. Mostly, you need a license from local authorities as well as site evaluation and verification.

Each Country has various rules that govern the establishment of theme parks. Also, there are rules that govern the park equipment installation process.

Besides government regulations, there are international regulations, especially from ISO. The process and rules try to ensure the highest safety standards.

There are available regulations that state every party’s responsibility. They take care of installation, certification, and testing to ensure park equipment are super safe.

Is it Possible to Customize my Theme Park Equipment?

Customization of theme park equipment isn’t a new thing. You can request different customization to achieve a great park. Whether it’s small aspects or major changes, it’s possible to customize.

One of the areas you can easily request customization is the theme. Color customization is vital and gives the equipment an appealing look. Whether it’s the graphics or general color, you can ask the manufacturer for customization.

The animated lighting is also another aspect where you can customize. It is possible to request manufacturers or customize them at your park equipment.

There are different features you can customize or order customization from the manufacturer. This gives your park desired look hence more fun.

Theme park equipment pendulum

Which Transportation Mode is Safe When Shipping Theme Park Equipment from China?

Transportation of theme park equipment from China to your destination is a process. Since the equipment are heavy, mostly the transportation involves different modes of transport.

Most of the equipment comes in parts. Therefore, they are easy to pack in specialized containers. This eases the amount of space needed and reduces transportation stress.

When the park equipment are in containers, it’s easy to use roads and rail when offloaded from ships. Therefore you can get your equipment wherever you are in the world.

With different transportation modes, you can always get the ideal one to get your equipment home.

Which Season is the Best to Purchase Theme Park Equipment?

Theme park equipment are costly to purchase. Timing on when to buy the equipment is vital. It gives you time to get the rides at lower prices. Therefore, going by seasons, winter is the best time to buy these equipment.

When the weather is extreme, people won’t be visiting theme parks in numbers. Therefore, the demand for equipment s is low hence low prices. When it comes to installation, it’s best during the winter end and in springs.

The other best time to time buying park equipment is when there are no holidays. Manufacturers this time don’t have a lot of orders.

Buying theme park equipment during the summer and holiday seasons is expensive.

What Factors Should You Consider when Budgeting for Theme Park Equipment?

Investing in theme park equipment is costly. However, understanding different steps in budgeting is vital. Each equipment has its own budget needs. This is depending on how big or complicated it is.

Generally, small equipment have less price compared to large ones. The cost, however, doesn’t end at purchasing equipment. You need to factor out every expense you will incur.

Apart from buying, you need to add transportation, labor, and other related costs. This will ensure everything is captured in the budgeting preparation.

Before you budget for theme park rides, you need to answer these questions.

• What is the size of theme park equipment?
• What are the materials used?
• How much does the transportation cost?
• What does the labor cost?
• When is the best time to purchase?
• Where to buy park equipment?

Theme park equipment Ferris wheel

How Long Does it Take to Ship Theme Park Equipment from China to my Country?

The shipment duration from China to other countries depends on different factors. When shipping using air freight, it can take up to 10 days to get your equipment. However, it will cost you a considerable amount.

Apart from air transport, the ideal and cheap way is using ocean shipment. Although this mode can take 30-60 days depending on location, it’s a bit cheaper.

The shipment can take longer if your theme park equipment needs some customization.

To avoid delays, it’s essential to ensure you place your order early enough. This will give you time to prepare for the arrival of your theme park equipment.

What are the Steps of Installing a Large Theme Park Equipment?

Despite the extensive nature, large theme equipment installation is not very complicated. Actually, with experts, it should not be rocket science.

The process starts with selecting the site where the installation will happen. With other steps following, it means your park will be live without a lot of struggles.

Some of the essential steps in the installation of theme park equipment include

• Site preparation
• Surveying and layout designing
• Box opening and verification of equipment parts
• Inspection and cleaning of parts
• Start of the installation process
• Theme park equipment assembling
• Lubricating park equipment
• Electrical installation and wiring system
• Testing the electrical system
• Full equipment testing

Does Theme Park Equipment have Emergency Safety Features?

No theme park equipment runs without safety features. Accidents are unpredictable, and that is why every manufacturer must install emergency features.

The most reliable features are sensors that detect changes in the equipment. They are connected to the central processing unit, which controls every function.

When the sensors sense abnormality, they alert the operator or initiate the corrective measures.

Besides the electronic sensors, there are other measures like emergency brakes and others.

By keeping riders well restrained in seats reduces the chance of accidents. Actually, automatic harness systems and safety belts help to maintain safety. The combination of safety features in theme park equipment helps to keep riders safe.

Theme park equipment swing tower ride

Why do You Need Operators for Theme Park Equipment at Your Park?

Currently, there is the capability of creating automatic running theme park equipment. However, there is great importance to have an operator in your park.

Experienced operators are essential since they allow smooth equipment running. Whether its speed, entertainment, and other functions, the operating person knows when and what to do.

The operators are part of the park since they allow smooth running. They ensure there is general safety for visitors. Besides, operators are the reason the park runs without a lot of issues.

Besides, theme park equipment operators collect tickets, check kids’ age, and others. Above all, they guide riders on different steps in parks.

Are Theme Park Equipment Durable?

Theme park equipment, just like other machinery, have a lifespan. However, the durability differs depending on your maintenance.

Giving your equipment proper and timely maintenance gives more running life. The moving parts are ones that wear out easily. Thus, ensuring lubrications, part replacement provides the equipment with more lifespan.

On average, well-maintained amusement park equipment will last 10-20 years. It depends on how busy your park is and other factors.

Some of the equipment runs over 10 hours a day which means wear and tear are massive. Therefore, the durability of your theme park equipment differs depending on a variety of factors.

Theme park equipment roller coaster

Does Theme Park Equipment Come with a Warranty?

Theme park equipment are serious investment. Therefore, they need to have an extended warranty period. The warranty covers different parts as well as materials.

The steel structure gets the most extended warranty. However, some materials like plastic, wood, and rubber have a shorter lifespan. Therefore, the equipment comes with different warranties for parts.

Some of the manufacturers offer over 20 years warranty for steel structure. Also, aluminum and fiber composite can come with over 15 year warranty.

For parts featuring wood, they can go up to 3 years warranty. However, vulnerable materials like plastics and electronic components mostly come with a 1-year warranty.

During the warranty period, the manufacturer can replace parts in case of breakdown.

Which Certifications Should you Look for While Choosing Theme Park Equipment Manufacture?

Each manufacturer has different certifications for the manufacturing process. The certification is essential since you can be sure about the quality. The more certifications by known bodies, the more reliable the equipment.

One of the certifications you need to look is ISO. The organization has different certificates that park rides makers need to obtain.

The other certifying body is BV. Bureau VERITAS  also is at the forefront in ensuring high-quality theme park equipment.

Other certificates to check when purchasing theme park equipment are Gost, as well as CE.

Besides the international bodies, check whether the equipment complies with your Country’s standards.

How to Reduce the Maintenance Cost of a Theme Park Equipment Monthly?

The maintenance cost can eat up your significant amount of profit. Coming up with safe ways to minimize the maintenance of theme park equipment is a great move.

One way to reduce monthly costs is by keeping the equipment clean. Dirt accumulations can lead to corrosion or malfunction. With cleaning being the cheapest maintenance, it means you won’t spend a lot doing regular repairs.

Even when the equipment have no mechanical issues, it’s ideal to conduct minor checkups. This will ensure problem detection is early before a breakdown happens.

Instead of doing a full equipment checkup, focus on the venerable parts. This reduces the overall cost while ensuring your equipment and always functioning.

Theme park equipment kid train

How to do a Mechanical Inspection of Theme Park Equipment?

Mechanical theme park equipment inspection is the most common way to identify problems. Mostly, it’s a simple way of visually diagnosing structures to detect changes.

Performing mechanical inspection is the cheapest ad is efficient in theme parks. Experts can detect a flaw or abnormal structures and take appropriate measures.

The process involves checking the vital parts and examining them visually. Even without complicated devices, experts can see any abnormal behavior.

The process is possible tracks, cabins, and other structures. Apart from inspecting motors, hydraulics, and electrical systems, your technicians have to write a report.

How to do Electrical Inspection of Theme Park Equipment?

Performing electrical inspection doesn’t mean there must be a problem. However, to mitigate accidents and mishaps, you need to have inspections of your theme park equipment.

Typically, electrical inspection and testing are done by professionals. This ensures there is no risk of injuries or damage to the equipment electrical system.

The process includes testing the electrical wires, visually inspecting the cables, among others. Using different tools to check for electrical losses and leaks is a vital part of the inspection.

When the inspection is complete, the inspection team has to make a report. Regular inspection also prevents accidents and equipment failure.

How can You Maximize Income from Theme Park Equipment?

The sole purpose of any business is to generate income. Theme park equipment are great and can bring ideal profit. However, you have to go the extra mile.

One of the ways to increase income is setting parks in high-traffic areas. Preferably, places close to residential areas offer superb visitors’ traffic.

Besides, having your park in places with high tourist is impressive. You can generate a lot of income, especially during holidays.

Having efficient ticketing is one way to ensure every penny is collected. An electronic system is best when it comes to ticketing

Adding games, parking, food, and drink joints and others further increases revenue collection. The integration of other businesses means more revenue.

Theme park equipment Frisbee

What is the Procedure to Buy Theme Park Equipment in Bulk?

It is possible and easy to buy theme park equipment in bulk. Especially when you consider sourcing the equipment from China, there are many manufacturers to approach.

Sinorides is one of the manufacturers that sell park equipment in bulk. The manufacturers have a simple procedure since you need to order your number of equipment.

You can order the same type of equipment or different ones without struggles. Especially with the ability to order online, it gives you an easy price comparison.

Apart from purchasing theme park equipment, buying in bulk helps you enjoy huge discounts. Also, you can get the benefit of delivering to your park.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of lifelike animatronic insects. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.