The Essential Pinsetter Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Lanes Running Smoothly
A proper pinsetter maintenance checklist isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns — it ensures consistent gameplay, protects staff, and improves every bowler’s experience. Whether you manage a small family-run center or a larger chain, this guide gives you the daily, weekly, and monthly routines your technicians should follow to keep lanes operational and safe.
Daily Pinsetter Maintenance Checklist
These quick checks take minutes but prevent costly downtime:
- Clear debris from the pit area — Look for fallen pins, dust, and lane scuffs that can jam the system.
- Visually inspect belts and chains — Check for fraying, misalignment, or tension issues.
- Test sweep arm operation — Ensure it resets fully without lag or bounce.
- Confirm pin table alignment — Prevents mispositioned or dropped pins during setup.
Performing this daily checklist takes less than 10 minutes per lane and can save hours of repair work.
Weekly Pinsetter Maintenance Tasks
Focus on deeper mechanical elements to prevent wear-related failures:
- Lubricate key moving parts — Including distributor arms, belt bearings, and lift rods. (Use the OEM lube chart.)
- Check and adjust clutch tension — Prevents erratic motion or binding.
- Inspect elevator and ball return systems — Remove any buildup or worn-out rubber parts.
Pro Tip: Use a CMMS like MaintBoard to auto-schedule these weekly PMs.
Monthly Pinsetter Maintenance Tasks
These deeper inspections help identify long-term wear patterns:
- Inspect motor performance — Listen for odd noises, heat, or delayed startup.
- Check distributor timing — Ensures smooth pin placement.
- Tighten frame bolts and fasteners — Vibration can loosen internal structures over time.
Use your CMMS to log findings, spot trends, and track maintenance per lane.
Common Mistakes in Pinsetter Maintenance
- Skipping daily checks during busy weekends
- Forgetting lubrication schedules
- Allowing untrained staff to reset jammed machines
- Not tracking recurring issues with a digital system
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
- Before peak season: Deep clean the machine room, refresh lube points, and inspect spare part stock.
- After league finals: Perform a full audit of all pinsetter components and reset PM schedules.
- During closures or off-peak: Schedule electrical inspections and full motor overhauls.
Pinsetter Safety Reminders
- Always follow lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) protocols
- Post laminated safety checklists in the machine room
- Train all staff on emergency shutoffs and restricted zones
How to Get Started with a Pinsetter Maintenance Plan
If you’re starting from scratch or want to improve consistency across your team, here’s a quick 3-step setup to put this checklist into action:
- Document Your Equipment
List all pinsetter models by lane, including make, model, and any known quirks. You can do this in Excel or load them directly into a CMMS. - Assign Responsibilities
Decide who’s doing what: daily checks might be assigned to shift openers, while weekly and monthly tasks go to your lead technician. - Use Digital Reminders
Maintenance gets skipped when it’s not visible. Use a CMMS to auto-assign tasks and send reminders — especially for weekly/monthly items.
Bonus Tip: Start with 2 lanes this week. Expand next week.
Download the Full Pinsetter Maintenance Checklist
Want a printable version of this pinsetter maintenance checklist?
[We’re preparing it — this link will be updated shortly.]
Why Use a CMMS Like MaintBoard?
MaintBoard is built for busy facilities like yours, where downtime hurts revenue. With MaintBoard, you can:
- Assign tasks per lane — so techs know exactly where to go
- Attach digital checklists — no more clipboards or lost papers
- See which lanes break down most often
- Generate maintenance reports — useful for insurance, audits, or management reviews
One bowling center reduced their pinsetter downtime by 38% just by tracking PMs through MaintBoard.
No more whiteboards or missed checks. Just structure, clarity, and fewer breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I inspect my pinsetters?
Daily visual checks, weekly lubrication, and monthly deep inspections are ideal.
Do all pinsetters use the same checklist?
Not exactly. AMF and Brunswick systems have specific intervals — always follow the manufacturer’s lube and timing charts.
Can I track this with an app?
Yes! MaintBoard lets you digitize checklists, assign tasks, and get mobile alerts.
What’s the biggest benefit of using a digital pinsetter maintenance checklist?
Consistency. When every tech follows the same steps and records completions, you avoid gaps, missed PMs, and surprise breakdowns.