Downsweep Rails

[Guest]

This is a nasty one that is causing ball damage. It seems to occur every so often across the centre on both PBLs and Kickers.

Sometimes when the ball reaches the top of the ball lift it jumps slightly and the ball rattles down the rails sometimes hitting the downsweep enclosure. It is not specific to any type or weight of balls and can cause some pretty nasty damage as well as undergrounds. All the ball lifts are centered, correctly tensioned, the rail covers are good and everything is aligned.

Cheers
Kelvin

[andy-m]

Re: Downsweep Rails

Had this problem especially with 6 and 8 lb. balls. Took some tension off the lift belt and it cured the problem. Too much tension on the belt seems to "throw" the ball upwards and down the rails.

[doc1who-R]

Re: Downsweep Rails

Centering the rails YES!!!

Also check to see if they are level too!!

Ball lift belt tension - spring too tight -
agree.

Doc

[Coors]

Re: Downsweep Rails

there are two size ball lift clutch sheaves...3 1/2 & 4 1/4...if your currenly using the 3 1/2's....may want to use the 4 1/4 on your problem lanes...this will slow the balllift down...as well as the paddle

[showdon]

Re: Downsweep Rails

check your metal down ramp at the top. could have a broken weld
on one side. this will cause the ball to wobble down the ramp.
hope this helps anyone.

[maister]

Re: Downsweep Rails

A nice easy fix is to wrap a towel or rag round the TOP ball wiper ring.This slows the ball as it enters the downsweep and stabilises it.A lot of times the downsweep is not level and the ball oscilates as it travels towards the downsweep enclosure and can kick just enough to throw it towards the enclosure or off the rail.
This works I assure you. Put a level on the downsweep and see if it is level you may be surprised!!!!
maister.

[DarkDays]

Re: Downsweep Rails

What’s with people bringing up problems form 8 - 10 years ago lately?

[HilltopBowling]

Re: Downsweep Rails

Actually there were 3 size pulleys the first PBL was 3 1/2 " pulley.then they went to a 4 1/2 " pulley the original pulley was 5 1/2 " part # 000024811 & 4812 this size seemed to work best as ball lift layed ball onto downsweep easily.Also it seemed with smaller pulleys the bearings & shaft didnt last as long.I have seen a lot of downsweeps rails not welded properly and one side slitely higher than other rail.

[Alastair]

Re: Downsweep Rails

Oh well, there we go.

Finally got some closure! [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

[Alastair]

Re: Downsweep Rails

Hey.... this bowltech is real quick. Only takes between 7 - 10 years to get an answer. [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

[Gym]

Re: Downsweep Rails

I believe we have entered the "Bowltech Zone". Que Mr. Serling.