How to Set Up a Wooden Construction Site with Hape Cranes

Start with a clear site plan

Before you unpack anything, pick a flat, open area where your child can move around the cranes without knocking into furniture. A rug or play mat helps define the site and keeps small parts from rolling away.

Decide where the ‘cargo’ will be loaded and unloaded. A couple of cardboard boxes or laundry baskets make simple drop zones. Keep the layout simple: one area for the crane, one for loose construction accessories, and a clear path between them.

Know your two cranes

• Hape Mobile Crane & Construction Set: Hape Mobile Crane & Construction Set is suitable for ages 2Y and above and features a fully rotating crane arm with a manual winch and long cord. The rotating arm and winch let your child lift and move cargo, which is the core action for pretend construction play.

  

• PINToy Wooden Crane: PINToy Wooden Crane is suitable for ages 3Y and above and requires adult assembly. The age difference and assembly requirement mean you should set up the PINToy crane yourself before play begins, and keep it for older preschoolers.

  

Set up the Hape Mobile Crane first

1. Unpack and check: Remove all packaging material before giving the toy to your child. The Hape crane does not require adult assembly, so it is ready to play after unpacking.
2. Position the crane: Place the crane on a flat surface with room for the arm to rotate fully. The long cord on the manual winch needs clear space to avoid tangling.
3. Load the cargo: Use the included construction-site accessories as cargo. Show your child how to hook or place a load, then turn the winch to lift it.
4. Practice the lift-and-move: Encourage your child to rotate the crane arm and lower the load into a drop zone. This builds hand-eye coordination as they problem-solve where to place each load.

Assemble and introduce the PINToy Wooden Crane

1. Assemble before play: The PINToy Wooden Crane requires adult assembly. Follow the supplied instructions and keep small parts and hazardous points away from babies and toddlers during assembly.
2. Check the finished build: Once assembled, make sure all parts are secure. The crane is suitable for ages 3Y and above, so keep it out of reach of younger siblings.
3. Set up a second work zone: Place the PINToy crane a short distance from the Hape crane to create two work areas. This encourages turn-taking and lets your child describe the scene as they plan each lift.
4. Demonstrate the moving parts: Show your child how to operate the crane’s moving parts steadily. The toy is designed to build balance and coordination while moving parts, so let them practice slowly.

Play ideas that use both cranes

• Cargo relay: Load a block onto the Hape crane, lift it, and have your child carry it to the PINToy crane for a second lift. This adds trips and storytelling to the site.
• Describe the scene: Ask your child to narrate what each crane is doing. The PINToy crane’s open-ended design supports pretend play and planning.
• Sort the accessories: Use the Hape construction accessories as loads of different sizes. Your child can decide which crane handles which load, building concentration and focus.
• Rotate roles: Take turns being the crane operator and the site planner. This keeps the play going and gives you a chance to model steady hands.

Keep the site safe and tidy

Both cranes have specific safety notes. The Hape Mobile Crane meets European and American safety standards EN 71 and ASTM F963, and its packaging should be removed before play. The PINToy crane requires adult assembly and, unassembled, contains potentially hazardous points and small parts—so keep it out of baby’s reach.

After play, park the cranes in a designated spot and collect loose accessories in a bin. Keeping the site tidy makes the next setup faster and reduces the chance of stepping on small parts.