KMK NEWSLETTER
JULY 2025
ROUND GUTTER MAINTENANCE
With the influx of new maintenance personnel in the bowling industry, many standard procedures have not been passed on. One area that seems to be forgotten is the maintenance of the round gutters. Most bowling center today have a synthetic type of material for their gutters, along with bumper systems. Wood round gutters are still in the industry and need a little more maintenance than the plastic style gutters.
Here are some specific areas to focus on to keep your round gutters maintained:
Check the gutter couplings to prevent ball damage.
Check the gutter attaching system to insure they are holding the gutters solidly to prevent balls from jumping out of the gutter.
Removing dust and dirt from the gutters will not only prolong the surface of the gutter but can also prevent ball damage.
Keeping the gutter clean will present a pleasant visual to your customers.
If you have a bumper system, you can inspect it while doing the gutter maintenance.
When dusting the gutters, you can also dust the capping.
Make sure that you have the proper tools to keep your gutters in top condition. A pair of good gutter mops is essential. The Kegel part number 159-4400C is a great gutter mop complete with a mophead. Also, a large dustmop such as the Kegel 159-4432C will help to sweep up the lint, dust and other items.
The procedure to accomplish the routine maintenance might vary depending on the number of lanes. Not long ago, it was recommended that gutters be dusted every day. While this is ideal, for most bowling centers it is not practical. Dusting the gutters should be done at a minimum of twice per week.
When dusting the gutters you would normally walk in the gutters towards the pins while using a gutter mop to clean the capping. Once you reach the masking unit, push the mops as far back as you can in each gutter. Walk backwards a few feet and turn to face the foul line. Push the mops to the foul line. While walking, inspect the items from the list above. When you reach the foul line, shake the mops onto the approach well away from the lane surface.
Once the gutters and caps have been dusted, use the large dustmop for a thorough cleaning of the approach and dispose of the dirt.
In some cases, the gutters and caps will have a tacky film or residue of lane cleaner on them from the older spray jet lane machines. This film can be removed using very warm water with a little diluted lane cleaner and a floor mop. Change the water often. The mop must be wrung thoroughly (especially when cleaning wood gutters) to remove excess water. Use caution when doing this if you have wood approaches.
What’s new on kmk
Flow Charts
7 PIN ADS ERROR
10 PIN ADS ERROR
REVERSE TRAVEL ERROR AT THE FOUL LINE
CUSHION ROLLER WILL NOT RAISE EVENLY
more tips, videos, and troubleshooting
Using the interactive flowcharts
Have you seen how awesome these are? Check them out!
Calling all mechanics Submit your tips and tricks!
Have a suggestion for a great tip or trick to be added to our website? We welcome suggestions as we grow the information on this site. Submit your ideas below!