Pattern Troubleshooting - Kegel IKON Lane Machine Operation Manual

Pattern Troubleshooting

Now that you have determined the machine is in perfect working order, here are
some tips to common questions about lane conditioning, which should help you make
proper adjustments.
Q: What should I do if I have too much carrydown?
A: Shorten the applied oil distance. Too much oil in the middle and at the end of the
pattern can cause excessive carrydown. Change only the buff-out distance. Do not
shorten the pattern as this only creates more transition and possibly more moves.
Make sure the machine is cleaning properly before making any pattern adjustments.
Q: What should I do if the back ends are too strong?
A: Lengthen the pattern to tone down the back end reaction. Tamer back ends
provide predictable ball reaction and makes spare shooting much easier. Be aware
of potential carrydown problems when the pattern length is increased.
Q: What should I do if I do not have enough hold?
A: The distance of the applied oil on the return pass creates hold. This area is known
as the mid-lane (from about 18-32 feet). The mid-lane provides direction to the
breakpoint and dictates the score-ability of a pattern. Starting the reverse oil loads
farther down the lane will help increase hold.
Q: What should I do if the heads hook?
A: The amount of oil in the lay down area or a lane surface in poor condition can
cause the heads to hook. In both instances the lane machine should run slower in the
heads. This is better controlled on the return oil due to the direction of travel and the
rotation of the buffer brush. Apply oil loads during the return travel that finish closer to
the foul line (but not less than 4 feet).
Q: What should I do if I have no swing?
A: The amount of oil on the outside boards or adverse lane topography can affect
swing. Reducing the length (or volume) of the applied oil will increase the amount of
swing. If this is a topography issue the pattern should be adjusted by reducing the
amount of oil on the outside boards to allow the bowlers to play a more direct line to
the pocket. This should create more area where ball reaction is concerned.
Q: What should I do if the track dries up too quickly?
A: Many bowling centers do not apply enough oil to the track on both forward and
return passes. The volume (in units) at the end of the pattern should be slightly more
than the outside boards. Applying oil to the track on the return pass provides
longevity and stability. This application of oil can be started further down the lane on
the return without drastically affecting the forward oil readings and ball reaction.
Q: What should I do if there is no taper to my pattern?
A: The easiest way to create taper in the pattern is to make adjustments to your drive
speeds during the forward loads only. Increasing the drive speed on your forward run
should allow the lane condition to taper properly.
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