Big Dig Excavator Swingset Plan

Welcome to the Big Dig Excavator Swingset, our bellwether construction themed playset design and one of the most requested builds in our entire lineup. Modeled after a real excavator, this playset transforms your backyard into a miniature construction site where imagination runs wild. Kids can climb, crawl, swing, and explore from every angle as they pretend to operate their very own machine. From the towering cab to the massive tracks below, every part of the structure is designed to feel like a working piece of heavy equipment while still functioning as a versatile backyard playset.

The excavator boom and arm form the centerpiece of the design, doubling as a swingset frame, elevated walkway, and a fun alternate way to reach the main cab. A traditional ship ladder provides another route up front, while a center ladder tucked behind the cab offers quick access from below. The oversized tracks on either side aren’t just for show either. They create tunnel passages that lead to the lower platform and central ladder, encouraging exploration and imaginative play. With space for a spiral slide at the rear and a rock wall for climbing, this design offers countless ways for kids to interact with the structure. The result is a one of a kind backyard playset that captures the excitement of big construction equipment while delivering a highly interactive playground experience kids will return to again and again.

Features:

• Designed to aesthetically resemble an excavator
• 260ft² in usable play space over 3 levels
• 7' deck height mid section designed to accommodate common residential grade accessories
• Four entrance/exit openings for varied interaction and play
• Tunneled out tracks leads to lower floor interior
• Boom arm acts as a swingset and elevated walkway
• Center ladder access
• Designed for children aged 3-12
• 45 page, step by step PDF plan
  

Plan Category:

🚂 Vehicle Playset Plans

Exterior Dimensions:

• 12' Wide
• 30' Deep
  
• 12' Tall

Lumber List:

Make sure to take advantage of any volume discount from your local lumber yard!

Decking:

( 35 ) 5/4” x 6” x 8'

( 43 ) 5/4” x 6” x 10'

( 72 ) 5/4” x 6” x 12'

2x4:

( 31 ) 2” x 4” x 8'

( 35 ) 2” x 4” x 10'

( 23 ) 2” x 4” x 12'
( 4 ) 2” x 4” x 16'

2x6:

( 20 ) 2” x 6” x 8'
( 11 ) 2” x 6” x 10'
( 12 ) 2” x 6” x 12'
( 3 ) 2” x 6” x 16'

2x8:

( 4 ) 2” x 8” x 8'
( 3 ) 2” x 8” x 12'

4x4:
( 10 ) 4” x 4” x 8'
( 2 ) 4” x 4” x 10'

4x6:
( 2 ) 4” x 6” x 12'

6x6:
( 4 ) 6” x 6” x 8'