How to Maintain Your Bowling Equipment for Longevity

Bowling equipment gets a lot of use, so it's important to keep it in good nick. Flying Bowling is one of the top brands in the bowling industry and is well known for its top-notch products. But even the best equipment needs looking after. If you don't keep your Flying Bowling bowling equipment in good nick, it won't perform as well, and it won't be safe either. This means fewer happy customers and more money you'll spend on operating costs.

Maintenance of bowling equipment

Keeping bowling equipment in good nick means knowing your stuff when it comes to all the bits and bobs that make it work. Let's have a look at how to look after each of these parts of a bowling centre.

If your team requires any of the recommended training or guidance, please contact us. Our experienced service and support team can provide advice and training on a variety of equipment, including flying bowling.

1. Bowling lanes

The bowling lanes are the most important part of the facility and must be kept flat and consistent. Over time, the surface can get damaged for various reasons, such as wear and tear, not being cleaned properly, or being hit with a ball too hard. Here are some ways to look after it:

Cleaning every day: Use approved lane cleaners and oil conditioners to remove dust, dirt, and lane oil stains. The right products make sure the ball responds well, protect the equipment, and make the lanes last longer.
Re-oiling: Re-oil the lanes regularly, depending on how they are used. This protects the surface and makes sure you can always play the same game.
Inspection: Check it regularly for scratches, dents, or warping, and fix it straight away to stop it getting worse.

You may also want to read our blog post on the 5 reasons to clean and maintain your lanes regularly.

2. Pinsetters

The pinsetter is the most important part of any bowling alley or facility, as it makes sure that the pins are put back in place neatly after each throw. Pin setters have a lot of moving parts, so they get worn out over time. Here's how to look after them:

Lubrication: Keep all the moving parts lubricated to stop them from sticking and breaking.
Cleaning: Remove any dust or other small bits of debris that could block the mechanical parts.
Regular inspections: Check that everything is working properly and replace any loose or worn parts, like gears and belts.

3. Ball return system

The ball return system is very important for making sure that the game is smooth. If something goes wrong, you might have to wait, and it could be frustrating. Here are some important maintenance tips:

Check the belts and rollers: Check that the belts and rollers in the ball return system are in good condition and not worn out.
Make the tracks clean: Dust and debris can build up inside the ball return system, which can block it. So, it's really important to clean it regularly.
Check the sensors: Modern ball return systems usually include sensors. Make sure the sensors are working properly and change or replace them when needed.

For extra safety, it is recommended that the ball return system automatically stop when an object (usually a child's hand) enters the top.

4. Gutters

Although often overlooked, the fairway plays an important role in ensuring that the game runs smoothly. Keeping the fairway in good condition ensures that stray balls are effectively guided to the ball recovery system.

Regular cleaning: remove debris and dust to prevent clogging and damage.
Check for cracks: over time, strong ball impacts can cause cracks in the fairway. Inspect regularly and repair as needed.

5. Pin deck

The pin deck is where the ball-bottle movement happens, so it is constantly being hit. Here's how to keep the bottle platform in top condition:

Maintaining the surface: make sure the pin deck surface is clean and smooth. If you clean it regularly, it will not slide and will move more smoothly.
Check for wear and tear: check the surface of the pin deck for cracks or chips, and replace any damaged parts to make sure the bottle continues to move smoothly.

6. Bowling ball racks

The purpose of a bowling rack is to keep balls neatly arranged and ready for use, but over time, the rack may become worn or misaligned.

Clean the rack regularly—remove any accumulated dust or grease, as these can affect the balls and the rack itself.
Check the rack for damage—look for any bending or breakage, especially in metal racks, and repair them promptly.

7. Scoring system

The Flying Bowling automatic scoring system is essential for player convenience. However, system failures can lead to dissatisfaction among customers and players.

System updates: Make sure that the software you use to score your work is always up to date. Flying Bowling regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve functionality. If you want to change your system or hardware, talk to your Flying Bowling account manager first. They can tell you about updates to the automatic scoring system.
Troubleshooting: Make sure that your scoring system is working properly by testing it regularly.

8. LCD screens

Nowadays, many bowling alleys rely on a variety of LCD screens, including player terminals, management centres, lane reservation screens, and lane displays. It is crucial for both players and staff to keep these screens clean and in good working order.

Cleaning screens: Gently wipe all LCD screens with a flannel or microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to ensure there are no streaks or damage. Take care to avoid exposing any electronic components to moisture.

Maintaining player terminal structures: For the metal components of player terminals, wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth dampened with neutral soap, taking care not to get any electronic devices wet. After cleaning, dry the structure with a soft towel to prevent water spots or damage.

The importance of regular maintenance of bowling equipment

Regular maintenance of your Flying Bowling equipment offers numerous benefits, protecting your investment and ensuring customer satisfaction. Below are several reasons why it is crucial to maintain bowling equipment:

1. Stop expensive breakdowns.
If you look after your bowling equipment, you can spot small problems before they get worse and become expensive to fix.
2. Make the customer's experience better.
If you take care of your equipment, it will work well. This makes it more enjoyable for your customers, and they'll want to come back to your bowling centre.
3. Make equipment last longer.
Regular maintenance will make bowling equipment and lanes last longer, so you won't need to replace them as often.
4. Make it safer.
Bowling involves heavy equipment, moving parts, and interaction with customers. If you regularly check and look after your equipment, you can stop accidents and keep everyone safe.
5. Make your business more efficient.
If you take care of your bowling equipment, you won't have to stop as often. This means games can continue without unnecessary delays.

Our technical support team performs hundreds of on-site services annually. As each centre has unique requirements, each service agreement is customised to meet its operational needs. You can learn more about our service maintenance options in our online store.

Why work with bowling equipment experts?

Hiring professionals specializing in Flying Bowling bowling equipment, such as our Flying Bowling team, offers numerous advantages. While basic maintenance tasks can be performed in-house, expert teams like Flying Bowling possess the specialized knowledge required to ensure long-term success.

1. Expertise  
Flying Bowling-certified technicians understand the complex inner workings of your equipment. They know how to inspect the equipment, quickly diagnose issues, and effectively resolve them.
2. Access to Genuine Parts  
Experts can source genuine replacement parts from Flying Bowling. This helps ensure optimal compatibility and performance.
3. Advanced Diagnostic Technology  
At Flying Bowling, we have the tools and experience to conduct detailed inspections. We also use specialized diagnostic tools, enabling us to identify issues that may go unnoticed during routine checks.
4. Reduce downtime
When equipment malfunctions, our expert team can resolve issues more quickly. This helps minimize downtime and ensures your lanes remain operational.
5. Adhere to manufacturer guidelines
Following Flying Bowling's specific maintenance guidelines ensures your warranty remains valid and your equipment performs at its best.

Keep your bowling equipment in top condition

It's really important to take care of your bowling equipment if you want it to last and keep your customers happy. Servicing the main components will make your equipment last longer and create a safer, more enjoyable experience for your guests or customers.

As a leading global manufacturer of bowling products and equipment, Flying Bowling also offers installation and technical support services for a variety of environments, from commercial venues to home entertainment centres. Contact us today!