KEEP IT CLEAN

One of the most overlooked areas of the cleaning system on your Kegel lane machine are the vacuum hoses and recovery tank filter.

Symptoms of a clogged filter and or hose will be cleaner residue left on the lane. This will be in the center of the lane and depending on the amount of air flow restriction can continue down the lane to the pin deck.

This residue not only looks bad visually, it will cause your lane condition to degrade quickly. Depending on the amount that is pushed down the lane, backend ball reaction can also be drastically reduced. Pins may start sliding off spot causing pinsetter calls.

Most recovery tanks are equipped with a filter. This blue filter media is used to capture dirt and lint before it can reach the vacuum motor. You should inspect the filter by looking into the end of the recovery tank once per week. Typically, the filter can be cleaned by backflushing with clear water while it is still installed in the tank. Depending on the linage and cleanliness of the center, this should be done at a minimum of once per month.

If the filter is extremely clogged, you will need to remove it from the tank. If this is the case it may be difficult to get the filter clean and it may need to be replaced.

One of the most overlooked areas of the cleaning system on your Kegel lane machine are the vacuum hoses and recovery tank filter.

Symptoms of a clogged filter and or hose will be cleaner residue left on the lane. This will be in the center of the lane and depending on the amount of air flow restriction can continue down the lane to the pin deck.

This residue not only looks bad visually, it will cause your lane condition to degrade quickly. Depending on the amount that is pushed down the lane, backend ball reaction can also be drastically reduced. Pins may start sliding off spot causing pinsetter calls.

Most recovery tanks are equipped with a filter. This blue filter media is used to capture dirt and lint before it can reach the vacuum motor. You should inspect the filter by looking into the end of the recovery tank once per week. Typically, the filter can be cleaned by backflushing with clear water while it is still installed in the tank. Depending on the linage and cleanliness of the center, this should be done at a minimum of once per month.

If the filter is extremely clogged, you will need to remove it from the tank. If this is the case it may be difficult to get the filter clean and it may need to be replaced.

Please note that there are several different configurations for this filter. Please consult the Kegel Products and Parts Catalog for the correct part number for your machine: KEGEL PRODUCTS AND PARTS CATALOG

A clogged or damaged vacuum hose will reduce the cleaning efficiency of your lane machine. This hose is easily removed from the tank and the squeegee assembly by removing the hose clamp on the squeegee. Once it is removed, inspect the hoses for damage then use warm water to flush the debris from the hose and attached elbows at least once per month. If neglected, the hose can become very restricted. Also check the area where the hose attaches to the squeegee assembly.‍

Look over the squeegee blade after every use to ensure that they are clean and there is no damage. Even a small nick can reduce the amount of suction between the blades and can leave a streak of dirty cleaner on the lane. If the leading edge of the blade is starting to become round as shown in the photo above, it is time to either replace or reverse the blades. You can find several videos on Kegel’s YouTube channel regarding changing squeegee blades: KEGEL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Take a few minutes out of each week to look over the vacuum portion of your cleaning system. A little preventive maintenance each week can increase the life of your lane machine parts and help keep your bowlers happy.