Bowling equipment is subject to heavy wear and tear, making consistent upkeep crucial for longevity. Brunswick, a leading name in the bowling industry, is known for its high-quality products. However, even the best equipment requires attention to detail when it comes to servicing and maintenance. Without regular care, your Brunswick bowling equipment can compromise both performance and safety, affecting not only customer satisfaction but also your overall operational costs.
Caring for Your Bowling Equipment
When it comes to maintaining your bowling equipment, a thorough understanding of all key components is essential. Let’s break down how to care for each critical part of your bowling centre. Should your team require training or guidance on any of the recommendations below then get in touch. Our experienced Service and Support Teams are able to give advice and training on a broad range of equipment, not just Brunswick.
1. Bowling lanes
The bowling lanes are the foundation of your facility, and they must be kept smooth and consistent. Over time, the surface can become damaged by wear and tear, improper cleaning, or heavy ball impacts. Here’s how to maintain them:
- Daily cleaning – use approved lane cleaners and oil conditioners to remove dust, dirt and lane oil buildup. The right products ensure proper ball reaction, protection for your mechanical equipment and lane longevity.
- Re-oiling – regularly oil the lanes according to your facility’s usage patterns. This protects the surface and offers consistent gameplay.
- Inspections – routinely check for scratches, dents, or warping and address any issues immediately to prevent further damage.
You might also want to read our blogs on 5 reasons to clean and condition your lanes regularly and 7 reasons to keep your house shoes.
2. Pinsetters
Considered the heart of any bowling lane or facility, pinsetters ensure the smooth resetting of pins after each throw. As they involve multiple moving parts, they are prone to wear over time. Here’s how to take care of them:
- Lubrication – keep all moving parts lubricated to minimise friction and prevent breakdowns.
- Cleaning – remove any dust or debris that might clog the mechanisms.
- Regular inspections – look out for loose or worn components, such as gears and belts and replace them as needed to prevent malfunctions.
It is essential that any staff working on your pinsetters have received appropriate training. We offer technician training for Freefall and String pinsetters.
3. Ball return system
The ball return system is critical to keeping games moving smoothly. Any malfunction here can lead to delays and frustration. Here are key maintenance tips:
- Inspect belts and rollers – ensure that belts and rollers in the ball return system are in good condition and without excessive wear.
- Clean the tracks – dust and debris can accumulate inside the ball return system, potentially jamming the mechanism. This is why regular cleaning is essential.
- Check the sensors – modern ball return systems often include sensors. Make sure these are functioning correctly and adjust or replace them as needed.
For additional safety, it is advisable to ensure your ball return system shuts off should something move into the top (often the hand of a child). If your system doesn’t have this we recommend adding an Intellishield Guarding System.
4. Gutters
Though often overlooked, gutters play a significant role in ensuring the smooth flow of the game. Keeping them in good shape ensures that stray balls are efficiently directed to the ball return system.
- Clean regularly – remove debris and dust to prevent blockages and damage.
- Check for cracks – over time, heavy impacts from balls can cause cracks in the gutters. Inspect regularly and repair as needed.
5. Pin deck
The pin deck is where the action happens, and it’s subjected to constant impacts. Here’s how to keep it in top shape:
- Surface care – ensure the pin deck surface is clean and smooth. Regular cleaning helps prevent pin sliding and ensures better pin action.
- Inspect for wear – check for cracks or chips on the deck surface and replace damaged sections to maintain smooth pin resets.
6. Bowling ball racks
Bowling ball racks keep the balls organised and ready for play, but they can wear down or become misaligned with time.
- Clean racks regularly – remove any buildup of dust or oil, which can affect the balls and the racks themselves.
- Inspect for damage – look out for bent or broken sections, especially if racks are metal, and fix these promptly.
7. Scoring system
The Brunswick automatic scoring system (SYNC scoring) is essential for player convenience. However, a faulty system can lead to customer or player dissatisfaction.
- System updates – ensure that your scoring software is always up-to-date. Brunswick regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve functionality.
- Check for malfunctions – test your scoring system periodically to ensure that it accurately records scores and displays information.
8. LCD screens
Many bowling facilities today rely on various LCD screens, including player terminals, management centres, lane reservation screens and lane displays. Keeping these screens clean and functional is vital for both players and staff.
- Clean the screens – use a flannel or microfibre cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe down all LCD screens, ensuring no streaks or damage. Be careful to avoid getting moisture in any electronic components.
- Maintain the player terminal structure – for the metallic parts of the player terminal, use a soft, damp cloth with neutral soap, taking special care not to wet any electronics. After cleaning, dry the structure with a soft towel to prevent water spots or damage.
Importance of Regular Servicing
Regular servicing of your Brunswick bowling equipment offers several key benefits that will protect your investment and maintain customer satisfaction. Here are a few reasons why it’s crucial:
1. Prevent costly breakdowns
Scheduled maintenance of your bowling equipment can help identify minor issues before they turn into major, expensive problems.
2. Improve customer experience
Well-maintained equipment ensures smooth gameplay. This contributes to a more enjoyable experience for your customers, encouraging them to return to your bowling centre.
3. Extend equipment lifespan
Regular servicing can help prolong the life of your bowling equipment and lanes. This helps delay the need for costly replacements.
4. Boost safety
Bowling involves heavy equipment, moving parts, and customer interaction. Regular checks and servicing prevent accidents and ensure the safety of both staff and players.
5. Increase operational efficiency
When your bowling equipment runs smoothly, fewer disruptions occur. This means games can proceed without unnecessary delays.
Our technical support team carry out hundreds of service visits every year. As every centre is different, every Service Agreement is bespoke to the operational needs of the centre. You can read more about our service maintenance options on our webshop.
Why Work with Bowling Equipment Specialists
Hiring professionals who specialise in Brunswick bowling equipment, such as our team at Bowling Vision, comes with numerous advantages. While basic maintenance can be done in-house, specialists like Bowling Vision bring expertise that ensures long-term success.
1. Expert knowledge
Brunswick-certified technicians understand the intricate workings of your equipment. They know what to look for, how to diagnose issues quickly, and how to fix them efficiently.
2. Access to genuine parts
Specialists can source genuine Brunswick replacement parts. This helps ensure optimum compatibility and performance.
3. Advanced diagnostics
At Bowling Vision, we have the tools and experience to conduct detailed inspections. We also use specialised diagnostic tools that enable us to catch issues that may not be visible during routine checks.
4. Reduced downtime
When equipment does malfunction, our team of specialists can fix the problem faster. This helps reduce downtime and ensures that your lanes remain operational.
5. Compliance with manufacturer guidelines
Following Brunswick’s specific servicing guidelines ensures that your warranty remains intact and that your equipment performs at its best.
Keep Your Bowling Equipment in Tip-Top Shape
Maintaining your bowling equipment is essential for the longevity of your investment and the satisfaction of your customers. By caring for key components, not only can you extend the life of your equipment, but you can also create a safer, more enjoyable experience for your guests or customers.
At Bowling Vision, we are the exclusive supplier of Brunswick bowling products and equipment in the UK and Ireland. We also provide installation and technical support services tailored to a wide range of environments, from commercial venues to family entertainment centres. Get in touch with us today!
