S
ERVICE
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Ball Return Installation Manual
– 612-860-010
25
Rev. Date 10/07
S
ERVICE
The Ball Lift requires very little maintenance. All of the ball bearings on the lift and in the
motor are sealed and lubricated for life. There are several wear items described below
that should be monitored periodically and replaced as necessary. The most critical
factor in assuring long and trouble-free operation is the transition between the
underlane track and the Ball Lift. The better the alignment of these components, the
smoother the handoff is. Whenever banging is heard as a ball enters a lift, it is a sign
that the alignment is out of adjustment and should be corrected.
The Ball Lift mounting hardware can become loose either where the track joins the lift or
where the lift is secured to the subfloor. If the screwbolts that mount the lift to the subfloor
are loose, tighten them, but do not exceed 50 ft-lbs. of torque. It is a good idea to inspect
these attachments periodically especially for the first few months following Ball Lift
installation.
When the alignment is correct, the Ball Lift will be centered along a continuation of the
centerline of the underlane track, and when a bowling ball is placed on the track where
it joins the lift, there will be equal clearance between the ball and side plates.
W
EEKLY
Observe the operation of each of the lifts.
Wipe down the hood, ball rack, and
transition blocks to remove oil and handprints. Make any necessary adjustments.
Press the 10
th
frame push buttons and verify proper response from the pinspotters.
Verify the operation of the mechanic call button. The three push buttons can be
replaced individually. The blower housing can be disassembled for this purpose.
With the Ball Lift running, verify that the blower is operating. If not, check the fuse
located on the top of the Ball Lift control box. If the fuse is bad and blows again after
being replaced, replace the blower.
M
ONTHLY
Inspect the belt. Some cracks may appear after moderate use. If the cracks are
very deep or the belt starts to split or delaminate, replace the belt. Each bowling
center should develop a belt replacement schedule based on lineage rather than on
the calendar. This method maximizes useful belt life while minimizing inconvenience
to the bowler due to belt failure during play.
With the Ball Lift OFF, check the V-belt tension. You should be able to deflect the
belt approximately 1/3 inch at 3.5 pounds of spring tension when pulled in the middle
of the longest unsupported span using a spring gauge. To adjust the tension, turn
the Ball Lift OFF and loosen the nut on the idler pulley. Slide the idler assembly
along the slot in the side panel to either increase or decrease belt tension. When the
tension is correct, tighten the nut. During operation the belt should not slip or flap.
