I just heard back from Forest-Master.
The public relations guy who emailed me said that the missing parts was in part, a misunderstanding, because the company that actually manufactures them sent out the old manual, when they had updated the item "based on users' feedback" and that the quick links and backing plate had been discontinued because they were unnecessary
I am skeptical in particular about the backing plate... how did they know it was unnecessary? Was it because the units had not failed with it on? Or did they forget them in some prior kits and not have any liability suits result?
He did admit that the chain should have been sent and promised to ship that out ASAP.
I have assembled the unit, after I made a backing plate for it, which I attached with grade 5 1/4-20 bolts, which are larger than those originally included. The chain stop bolts to a rectangular tube of a not very heavy gauge, so I think backin it is a better idea.
I won't be able to use it for a bit, until after my knee is replaced, but I will post about it once I use it for a while.
Thomas
PS: When I looked again at the website, it said that the saw tree horses were no longer available for online sales.
