We are coming to the end of another bowling season. Now is a good time to
start going through your machines to get a list of parts that you need for summer
rebuilds. Avoid backorders and order your summer rebuild products today.
Summer service schedule is filling up quick. Make sure to schedule and service
you need as early as possible to avoid any delays.
Lane Machine Tip
Fighting your machine at the foul line?
Does it seem that pulling your machine off of the lanes is difficult? Does pushing it onto the lane seem like a tough task as well? Perhaps the momentary wheels have come out of adjustment. The momentary wheels raise the front of the machine when going into and out of the lanes. If these are too high, the duster cloth and squeegee blades are pushed into the lane surface thus creating more resistance. The adjustment of the momentary wheels is often overlooked. Most assume that “the wheels are there so they must be doing their job”. Adjusting the momentary wheels takes only a few minutes and is best done when the lino-cloth is out of the machine. So the next time your changing the cloth you might want to check the momentary wheels for adjustment.
Checking the Momentary Wheels Adjustment
-Place machine on the lane. Making sure that it is fully seated.
-Using a .030” feeler gauge (or credit card) check the gap between the bottom of the wheel and the lanes surface.
-The gauge should fit snuggly between the wheel and the lane.
-If not then adjustment is needed.
Adjusting the Momentary Wheels.
-With the lino-cloth out of the machine
-Place machine on lane.
-Loosen the two bolts that hold the momentary wheel bracket to the front wall of the machine.
-Place the feeler gauge (or credit card) between the bottom of the wheel and the lane surface.
-Tap down gently on the momentary housing until the gauge is snug between the wheel and the lane.
-Tighten the two momentary housing bolts.
-Repeat this step for the other momentary wheel.
As a check. Run the machine and watch the momentary wheels. They should never spin while the machine is moving. If so, then the wheels need to be raised, to allow the machine to run freely. This may also be a sign of topography issues with the lane surface.
If the machine is still difficult to get in and out of the lane, check the adapter block in the gutters, at the foul line. If the blocks are missing or too steep, the front lane-to-lane casters will hang up on the approach causing you to jerk the machine onto the approach. You will also notice the machine will slam into the lane as you are trying to enter the lane. If you have any questions regarding the maintenance of your lane machine call one of our lane machine experts. Alex Smith and David Rue are always happy to answer questions and address your concerns.