Introduction

This premium basketball system features a robust 54-inch shatterproof backboard and a professional-grade Slam-It Pro Rim. Its adjustable height mechanism ensures it suits players of all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect addition to any driveway or backyard for recreational or competitive play.

Before you start
Decide where you would like to mount your system. A mounting kit is required for Roof and Wall mounts and is available through our Customer Service Department (see page 9).
Recruit friends and family
Assembly should take 2 people about 2–3 hours to complete.

Save this instruction in the event that the manufacturer has to be contacted for replacement parts.

Backboard Brackets (included with the Lifetime Universal Mounting Kit, sold separately) are required to complete the assembly as instructed in this manual.

TOOLS REQUIRED

ICON LEGEND

• Indicates special heed should be taken when reading.
• Indicates the parts to be used for a section.
• Indicates no parts required for a specifi c section.
• Indicates the hardware to be used for a section.
• Indicates no hardware required for a specifi c page.
• Indicates the tools to be used for a section.
• Indicates to use/not to use an electric drill for a specifi c step.
• Indicates the use of a center lock nut. A nut with this marking will require some effort to tighten. This hardware was designed with this feature in order to prevent loosening later.

Detailed Specifications

The Lifetime Backboard & Rim BasketBall System 71526 has the following key features:

• 50-inch shatterproof fusion backboard
• Slam-It rim with double-compression springs
• Adjustable height from 7.5 to 10 feet
• Rust-resistant portable base with 35-gallon capacity
• All-weather nylon net

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE AND WILL VOID WARRANTY. The owner must ensure that all players know and follow these rules for the safe operation of the system.

To ensure safety, do not attempt to assemble this product without following the instructions carefully. Check the entire box and inside all packing material for parts and/or additional instruction material. Before beginning assembly, read the instructions and identify parts using the hardware identifi er and parts list in this document. Proper and complete assembly, use, and supervision are essential for proper operation and to reduce the risk of accident or injury. A high probability of serious injury exists if this product is not installed, maintained, and operated properly. 

• If using a ladder during assembly, use extreme caution.
• Two capable adults are recommended for this operation.
• The minimum operational height is 6 ft 6 in (1.98m) to the bottom of the backboard.

Most injuries are caused by misuse and/or not following instructions. Use caution when using this product.

Description

Recreational and competitive play can both benefit from the adaptable and robust Lifetime Backboard & Rim BasketBall System 71526. Excellent for outdoor use, the backboard is composed of shatterproof plastic that can resist severe weather. While the Slam-It rim with double-compression springs guarantees that the system can manage vigorous play and slam dunks without any damage, the adjustable height feature lets players of several ages and skill levels use the system. Sand or water can be used to fill the rust-resistant foundation to give stability and stop tipping, so offering homes a safe and secure choice.

BACKBOARD TO RIM ASSEMBLY

HARDWARE REQUIRED

Hardware Bag

PARTS REQUIRED

Metal Parts

TOOLS REQUIRED

TOOLS AND HARDWARE REQUIRED

Before beginning this assembly, follow the instructions included with your Mounting Kit (or original basketball system if this is to replace an existing system) to assemble the Backboard Brackets. To ensure a good fi t, use the U-Bolt (AOU) included with this system when assembling the brackets. 

Backboard Brackets are included in the Mounting Kit (sold separately) and may vary from those shown here.

1. Lay the backboard on a table or bench. Insert the U-Bolt (AOU) through the upper part of the opening on the backside of the Backboard (AJI) as shown.

   

   The Backboard Brackets shown represent Lifetime Products components and are for illustration purposes only. If using Brackets other than the Lifetime Products models shown here, refer to the instructions provided with the Brackets.
   TOOLS AND HARDWARE REQUIRED

   

2. Slide a Carriage Bolt (ABC) into the crimped slot in each backboard channel.

   

3. Bend the Backboard Brackets (not included) so the lower holes go over the Carriage Bolts. Lifetime Backboard Brackets are designed to be bent by hand. Secure the Brackets to the Carriage Bolts through the lower of the two holes in the Bracket.

   

   TOOLS AND HARDWARE REQUIRED

   

4. Use the 1/2” socket head from the socket-head wrench to press one Push Nut (AAQ) onto one end of the Axle (ABQ).

   

5. Turn the backboard on its back and position the Rim (ALX) inside the Plastic Guard as shown. Slide the end of the Axle (ABQ) through the Rim and the Rim Pivot Bracket (APY). Press the Push Nut (AAQ) onto the end of the Axle. Use the 1/2” (13 mm) socket head to secure the Push Nut if needed.

   

   TOOLS AND HARDWARE REQUIRED

   

6. Thread the Jam Nuts (AAV) as far as they will go on the ends of the U-Bolt. Then slide the Springs (AJW) into place and secure them with the hardware shown.

   

7. Attach the Rim Cover Plate (AMA) to the Rim.

   

   TOOLS AND HARDWARE REQUIRED

   

8. Remove the plastic fi lm from the Backboard (AJI), and attach the Center Frame Pad (AJQ) to the Backboard in the location shown with the hardware indicated. Make sure that the Center Frame Pad is oriented and centered on the metal piece of the Backboard.

   

9. Attach the Corner Frame Pads (BAA and BAB) to the Backboard in the locations indicated with the hardware indicated.

   

   The Corner Frame Pads (BAA and BAB) will overlap the Center Frame Pad (AJQ).

10. Attach the Net (AKZ) to the Rim.

    

    
    If a replacement Net is needed, please call our Customer Service Department. Our Nets are shorter than average to reduce the risk of entanglement.

MOUNTING THE SYSTEM

For mounting the Backboard & Rim Combo to a roof, wall, or existing pole mount that does not provide an extension, you must use a Mounting Kit designed for this purpose. Lifetime Products offers a Universal Mounting Kit, Model #9594, through our Customer Service Department. Figures A, B, and C show the Universal Extension Bracket mounted to a roof, a wall, and an existing pole. An Adjustable Height Mounting Kit, Model #1044, is also available (fi gure D).
Please refer to the information at the bottom of this page for ordering information.

The Universal Mounting Kit and the Adjustable Height Mounting Kit are not included with this basketball system. See details below to order the kit from our Customer Service Department.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

• Universal Mounting Kit 
  MODEL # 9594
• Adjustable Height Mounting Kit 
  MODEL # 1044

Setup Guide

The Lifetime Backboard & Rim BasketBall System 71526 is set up in a few simple steps:

• Attach the wheels to create the base, then fill it with water or sand.
• Attach the pole to the base and fasteners included will help to secure it.
• Fasten the backboard to the pole using the supplied screws.
• With the provided fasteners, fasten the rim to the backboard.
• Attach the net to the rim and raise or lower the height to suit.

MAINTENANCE

The life of your basketball system depends on many variables. The climate, exposure to corrosives such as salt, pesticides, or herbicides, and excessive use or misuse can all contribute to Pole failure, which may cause property damage or personal injury.
Check your basketball system frequently for loose hardware, excessive wear, and signs of corrosion. For safety reasons, and to prolong the life of your basketball system, you must take the following preventive measures.

1. Check all Nuts and Bolts. If any are loose, tighten them.
2. Check all parts for excessive wear and tear. If necessary, replace any parts that have been worn or damaged through usage. Contact our Customer Service Department for replacement parts.
3. Inspect the Warning Sticker on the Pole. If it is ripped, faded, or illegible, call our Customer Service Department to request a replacement Sticker.
4. Check all Pole sections for visible rust or chipped or cracked paint. If either are present, do the following:
   1. Use an emery cloth to completely remove any rust or chipped paint
   2. Clean the area with a damp cloth and allow it to dry.
   3. Apply two coats of a rust preventative, high gloss enamel paint to the area. Allow the paint to dry between coats.

IF RUST HAS PENETRATED THROUGH THE POLE ANYWHERE, REPLACE IT IMMEDIATELY!

REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT 

At Lifetime, we are committed to providing innovative and quality products. While registering, you will have the opportunity to give us your feedback. Your input is valuable to us.

• You can also opt in to receive new product notifications or promotions.
• In the unlikely event of a product recall or safety modification, your registration provides the information we need to notify you directly.
• Registration is fast, easy, and completely voluntary.

LIFETIME’S PROMISE TO YOU:
Maintaining your privacy is our long-standing policy at Lifetime. And you can rest assured that Lifetime® will not sell or provide your personal data to other third parties, or allow them to use your personal data for their own purposes.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with the Lifetime Backboard & Rim BasketBall System 71526, here are some common problems and solutions:

• The base is tipping over: Make sure that the base is filled with enough sand or water to provide stability. If the base is still tipping over, adjust the height of the system to a lower level.
• The rim is not level: Check the screws and bolts on the backboard and rim to make sure that they are tightened securely. If the rim is still not level, adjust the height of the system to a lower level and try again.
• The net is torn or damaged: Replace the net with a new all-weather nylon net, which can be purchased separately.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Shatterproof backboard
• Adjustable height
• Slam-It rim with double-compression springs
• Rust-resistant base
• Affordable price

Cons

• May require additional sand or water for stability
• May tip over if not filled with enough sand or water
• May require regular maintenance to ensure durability

5-YEAR FACTORY WARRANTY

THE MANUFACTURER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS TO WARRANTY CLAIMS IF PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE OR OBSOLETE.

Lifetime basketball systems are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of fi ve years from the date of the original retail purchase. The word “defects” is defi ned as imperfections that impair the use of the product. Defects resulting from misuse, abuse or negligence will void this warranty. This warranty does not cover defects due to improper installation, alteration or accident. This warranty does not cover damage caused by vandalism, rusting, “acts of nature” or any other event beyond the control of the manufacturer.

Customer Reviews

Consumers who bought the Lifetime Backboard & Rim BasketBall System 71526 usually have nice things to say about it. The shatterproof backboard and Slam-It rim, which let for aggressive play and slam dunks, are much praised. Others value the adjustable height function, which qualifies the system for players of all ages and skill levels. Some consumers have complained about the base's stability, though, which can need for extra sand or water to stop tilting. For those wishing to add a basketball court to their backyard, the Lifetime Backboard & Rim Basketball 71526 is a premium and reasonably priced choice overall.