AMF 90XLi User manual

PBL ASSEMBLED (REVISED)
POSITIVE BALL LIFT (PBL)
AMF 90XLiPinspotter Manual Supplement
400-088-011 Rev. A

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
All rights to this manual including the diagrams, figures, and technical specifications are
the property of AMF Bowling Products, Inc. Reproduction or transmission of any of the
material contained in this manual without the prior written permission of AMF Bowling
Products, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All of the product information in this manual was
carefully prepared based on the latest information available and was believed to be
correct at the time of printing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy,
this publication may inadvertently contain typographical errors, inaccuracies, or errors of
omission. AMF Bowling Products, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any claims
resulting from these errors.
4 DOCUMENT UPDATES
AMF Bowling Products, Inc. reserves the right to revise and/or update this manual at
any time without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revision. The
document number, revision level, and date below indicate the edition of this manual.
5 TRADEMARK NOTICES
AMF and the AMF logo are the registered trademarks of AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.
6 AMF TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Technical Support: (International) 804.730.4000 - (Domestic) 1-800-342-5263
AMF Bowling Products, Inc.
8100 AMF Drive
Mechanicsville, Va. 23111
Copyright © 2001, 2004 AMF Bowling Products, Inc.
Document #400-088-011 Rev. A
Issued Date: 10/29/2004

AMF
Positive Ball Lift (PBL) Manual, Rev. A
400-088-011
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Change No. ECR No.
List of Effective Pages
Page Change No. Effective Date
All Original 10/29/2004

Table of Contents
SAFETY ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 How To Use This Manual ............................................................................... 1-1
2.0 POSITIVE BALL LIFT OPERATION & ADJUSTMENT .............................................. 2-1
2.1 Positive Ball Lift Description ......................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Positive Ball Lift Removal .............................................................................. 2-2
2.3 Positive Ball Lift Installation .......................................................................... 2-2
2.4 Positive Ball Lift Belt Adjustment ................................................................. 2-3
2.5 Sensor Assembly Operation .......................................................................... 2-4
2.6 Sensor Adjustment ......................................................................................... 2-4
2.7 Rudder and Sensor Adjustment .................................................................... 2-5
2.8 Trip Cam Adjustment ..................................................................................... 2-7
2.9 Reset Cam Adjustment .................................................................................. 2-7
2.10 Checking the Reset Cams .............................................................................. 2-8
2.11 Positive Ball Lift Assembly Adjustment ....................................................... 2-9
2.12 Lift Arm Adjustment .................................................................................... 2-10
2.13 Rubber Bumper Adjustment ....................................................................... 2-11
3.0 LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Lubrication ...................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Lubricant Symbols ......................................................................................... 3-1
3.3 Lubrication Points .......................................................................................... 3-2
3.3.1 Positive Ball Lift .................................................................................. 3-2
3.3.2 Positive Ball Lift .................................................................................. 3-3
3.3.3 Belt Tensioner ..................................................................................... 3-4
3.3.4 Light Ball Sensor ................................................................................ 3-5
3.3.5 Ratchet Wheel ..................................................................................... 3-5
4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................. 4-1
4.1 Ball idles at exit - will not enter lift ................................................................ 4-1
4.2 Ball lift fails to elevate ball ............................................................................. 4-2
4.3 Ball fails to roll up track rails ......................................................................... 4-3
4.4 Ball yo-yos on track rails ............................................................................... 4-4
4.5 Ball becomes airborne at top of track rail assembly ................................... 4-5

Table of Contents
4.6 Ball wobbles on track rail assembly ............................................................ 4-6
4.7 Ball lift belt leaves V-groove of sheaves ...................................................... 4-7
4.8 Rudder slaps ball back onto carpet ............................................................. 4-8
4.9 Sensor fails to clear pin jams ....................................................................... 4-9
5.0 DRAWINGS & PARTS LISTS ..................................................................................... 5-1
Positive Ball Lift - assembled ............................................................................. 5-2
Positive Ball Lift - exploded view ....................................................................... 5-4
Positive Ball Lift - exploded view (continued) ................................................... 5-6
PBL Belt Tensioner Assembly ............................................................................ 5-8
PBL Belt Tightener Assembly .......................................................................... 5-10
PBL Ratchet Drive Assembly ........................................................................... 5-12
PBL Light Ball Sensor Assembly .................................................................... 5-14
PBL Light Ball Sensor Assembly (continued) ................................................ 5-16
PBL Track Rail Assembly ................................................................................. 5-18

SAFETY
Safety
400-088-011 Page 1 Rev. Date 10/04
SAFETY
General Safety Guidelines
AMF believes strongly in its commitment to safety. Proper service and repair are
important to the safety of the mechanic as well as the safe, reliable operation of
the pinspotters. Please read, understand, and follow all of the recommended
safety procedures presented in this manual.
The procedures recommended and described in this technical manual are
effective methods of performing service and repair. Some of these procedures
require the use of tools specially designed for this purpose.
•Properly trained personnel should be present whenever maintenance is being
performed on a pinspotter.
•No unauthorized personnel should be allowed in the pit area.
•Keep in mind that the pinspotter performs a series of mechanical motions and
electrical actions during each cycle, and that bodily injury could result should
personnel enter the machine when power is on. When working in a
pinspotter, it is recommended that power also be turned off on adjacent
machines.
•The belts and pulleys of the Positive Ball Lift can present a severe pinching
hazard. Whenever possible, turn off both associated pinspotters before
performing maintenance, and exercise caution when working around
operating equipment.
•Remember that safety must remain your first priority at all times.
•Safety goggles, ear protection, and steel-toed shoes are recommended
whenever any work is being performed on a pinspotter.
•Wearing loose clothing or jewelry is NOT RECOMMENDED when operating or
maintaining the machinery.

AMF 90XLiPINSPOTTER
400-088-011 Page 2 Rev. Date 10/04
Safety Labels and Symbols
It is important to understand the safety labels and symbols used in this manual set.
Three of these labels are used to show the relative risk associated with a particular
activity or instruction. These labels are shown below in order of decreasing importance.
Be aware that taking shortcuts or failing to heed applicable safety information can result
in serious injury or damage and can render the pinspotter unsafe for you as well as for
others who follow in your place.
indicates a hazardous situation that presents a potentially
crippling or life-threatening situation.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation that could result in
serious injury or equipment damage.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation that could result in
minor to moderate injury if not avoided. It may also be used to
alert against potentially unsafe practices.
Other warning labels are conspicuously located on the pinspotter and are designed to
warn against possible hazards. These labels, some of which are shown below, are
there for your protection. Removing or disregarding these labels can result in serious
injury.

SAFETY
Safety
400-088-011 Page 3 Rev. Date 10/04
– Refer to the Service Manual before performing
maintenance or repair.
– Caution! Severe pinching hazard - belts.
It is also important to understand that the use of these symbols and labels is not all-
inclusive because it is impossible to warn of all the possible hazards and consequences
that could result from failure to follow these instructions. Trained and competent
bowling center mechanics are able to recognize and avoid potentially hazardous
situations.

AMF 90XLiPINSPOTTER
400-088-011 Page 4 Rev. Date 10/04
Guards and Safety Precautions
All safety guards must be in place before operating the machine. When
maintenance is required, the following steps must be followed:
1. Disconnect the power plug before working on the pinspotter.
2. Remove guards only as required to perform the maintenance.
3. Once maintenance is complete, replace all guards.
4. Reconnect the power plug.
The Positive Ball Lift has two guards (see Figure 1) designed specifically to limit access
to the ball lift’s moving parts. These guards must remain in place during pinspotter
operation.
•The Upper Ball Lift Upper Guard (item 1) limits access to the main lift belt and upper
wheel and to bowling balls exiting the lift.
•The Rear Ball Lift Guard (item 2) limits access to the many belts, pulleys, and other
moving parts of the ball lift mechanism.
Figure 1
2
1

SECTION 1.0
Introduction
400-088-011 Page 1-1 Rev. Date 10/04
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 How To Use This Manual
This manual is provided for use by trained and authorized bowling center mechanics in
conjunction with the adjustment, operation, and maintenance of Positive Ball Lift units
installed in AMF pinspotters. The purpose of this manual supplement is to consolidate
all of the applicable PBL information into one easy-to-use document making finding the
information you need simpler and faster when compared to having the information
scattered throughout the pinspotter manual.
This manual does not cover the initial installation of the Positive Ball Lift, but does cover
removal and reinstallation of the unit for maintenance and adjustment. Refer to the
drawings at the back of this manual for detailed views of the Positive Ball Lift’s
construction.
There are six parts to this manual supplement: Safety, Introduction, Operation &
Adjustments, Lubrication, Troubleshooting, and Drawings and Parts Lists.
•The Safety section provides information on precautions that should be taken when
working in and around the Positive Ball Lift, including examples of safety labels and
symbols used on the pinspotter to indicate potential hazards.
•The Introduction Section outlines the manual.
•The Operation and Adjustment Section gives step-by-step instructions for setting up
and adjusting the PBL, as well as information related to the operation of the unit.
•The lubrication Section provides drawings and information concerning the proper
lubrication of the PBL. Maintaining the PBL in accordance with this section can help
attain maximum component life and trouble-free operation.
•The Drawings and Parts Lists Section is designed to be an invaluable tool for
identifying parts and part numbers for maintenance and repair of the unit.
This manual is intended to be a supplement to, and is included with, the AMF 90XLi
Pinspotter Manual Set.
Refer to the Safety Section of this manual before
proceeding with Ball Lift maintenance.

AMF 90XLiPINSPOTTER
400-088-011 Page 1-2 Rev. 10/04
This Page Intentionally Left Blank

SECTION 2.0
Operation & Adjustment
400-088-011 Page 2-1 Rev. Date 10/04
2.0 POSITIVE BALL LIFT OPERATION & ADJUSTMENT
Figure 2-1
Ball Lift Assembly
Track Rail Assembly
Belt Tensioner
Belt Tightener
Ratchet Drive
Assembly
Light Ball
Sensor
PBL ASSEMBLED (REVISED)

AMF 90XLiPINSPOTTER
400-088-011 Page 2-2 Rev. 10/04
2.1 Positive Ball Lift Description
The purpose of the ball lift is to raise the ball high enough to permit a gravity return to
the bowler. The 90XLi Pinspotter’s Positive Ball Lift is equipped with AMF’s Gripper Ball
Lift system ensuring reliable operation even with today’s heavily oiled lanes. The ball lift
consists of a number of separate assemblies that work together to achieve the desired
result. These assemblies are (refer to Figure 2-1):
•Ball Lift Assembly
•Light Ball Sensor
•Ratchet Drive Assembly
•Track Rail Assembly
•Belt Tensioner
•Belt Tightener
2.2 Positive Ball Lift Removal
1. Turn off power to both pinspotters.
2. Remove the upper and rear ball lift guards.
3. Remove the two springs and extension rods, the two belt tightener springs, and the
ratchet drive belt tensioner spring from between the pinspotters.
4. Remove the carpet drive belts, the ratchet drive belt, and the upper paddle drive
belt from the PBL pulleys.
5. Remove the clamp studs from the upper and lower ball lift shaft mounting brackets,
and lift the ball lift assembly out of pinspotter.
2.3 Positive Ball Lift Installation
1. Place the upper ball lift assembly shaft in the upper support brackets on the
kickback plates.
2. Place all V-belts in position on the lift pulleys.
3. Put the lower ball lift shaft in the lower support brackets.
4. Install the clamp studs keeping the nuts loose.
5. Adjust the upper and lower shafts to center the lift with the track rails in accordance
with Section 2.11
6. Verify that the ball lift is aligned with the track rails. Adjustment is required when
the ball lift shaft support brackets on the kickback plates are not aligned directly
across from each other or are not at the same height.

SECTION 2.0
Operation & Adjustment
400-088-011 Page 2-3 Rev. Date 10/04
7. If the ball lift is not aligned with the track rails:
a. Rotate the ball lift support shafts so that the slots in the adjustable plates are in
line with the direction of offset between the support brackets on the kickback
plates (see Figure 2-2).
Figure 2-2
b. Tighten the nuts on the clamp studs.
c. Loosen the nuts on the upper and lower adjustable shaft assemblies, and
adjust the ball lift support shafts within the slots of the adjustable plates until
the ball lift and track rails are in alignment.
d. Tighten the nuts on the upper and lower adjustable support shaft plates.
8. If an offset adjustment was made, or if a different ball lift is being installed, verify
correct bumper height adjustment in accordance with Section 2.13.
9. Install all drive belts, springs, and spring extensions.
10. Reinstall the upper and rear guards.
11. Test the ball lift by running several balls through it to verify smooth operation, that
the belt does not slip, and that the unit remains properly aligned.
2.4 Positive Ball Lift Belt Adjustment
1. If the lift belt rubs against the tube assembly
when a ball is being elevated, adjustment is
necessary. Use a spanner wrench and
rotate the upper spring retainer until the
length of the spring between the lower
retainer and the upper washer is 4-1/8
inches (see Figure 2-3). This should result
in the correct belt tension.
Figure 2-3
PBL SHAFT ASSEMBLY
Offset
4-1/8”

AMF 90XLiPINSPOTTER
400-088-011 Page 2-4 Rev. 10/04
2.5 Sensor Assembly Operation
The cam follower roller must be
low enough so that it will slide
under the rudder cams when
paddle movement is blocked,
but high enough so that the
rudder cams will lock behind it
in the power drive position (see
Figure 2.4). Washers are
included in the assembly for
fine tuning the height of the cam
follower roller.
Figure 2-4
2.6 Sensor Adjustment
1. If the height of the cam follower must be
adjusted:
a. Remove the light ball sensor from the
machine.
b. Disconnect the support plate tension spring.
c. Add or remove washers, as needed,
between the cam follower and the support
plate.
d. Reconnect the support plate tension spring.
e. Reinstall the light ball sensor in the
pinspotter.
2. The ball lift sensor support arm should be
centered between the side plates. Measure
with a ruler. Loosen the mounting bolts and
adjust if necessary (see Figure 2-5).
Figure 2-5
SENSOR - BACK VIEW
Support Arm
Mounting Bolts

SECTION 2.0
Operation & Adjustment
400-088-011 Page 2-5 Rev. Date 10/04
2.7 Rudder and Sensor Adjustment
1. Remove the retaining nut from the crank pin and save (see Figure 2-6).
2. Remove the rod assembly from the crank pin and swing it out of the way so that the
sensor assembly can be moved manually.
Figure 2-6
3. Remove both reset cams.
4. Loosen the pivot crank nut and turn the adjusting plate to the full clockwise position,
then tighten the pivot crank nut to prevent the adjusting plate from moving.
5. Move the rudder arm back and forth, so that it touches the rubber bumper on each
side plate. The arm should move freely with no interference. If the paddle is not
centered in the door opening, it may be necessary to adjust the length of the rudder
arm for front-to-back alignment and/or shim the rudder arm support bracket for
vertical alignment as shown in Figure 2-7.
SENSOR - ADJUSTMENTS
Pivot Crank Nut
Crank Pin
Rod
Assembly
Reset Cams
Adjusting Plate
Sensor
Assembly
Rudder Drive Pulley

AMF 90XLiPINSPOTTER
400-088-011 Page 2-6 Rev. 10/04
Figure 2-7
6. If not done previously, disconnect the spring from the belt tensioner and remove the
belt from the rudder drive pulley.
7. Reattach the rod assembly to the crank pin and pivot the sensor assembly by
manually rotating the rudder drive pulley to observe the travel of the rudder arm.
8. Adjust the length of the rod assembly so that the rudder arm swings equally to the
left and right of the center position. Tighten the rod’s jam nuts.
NOTE: Lengthening the rod provides more travel towards the odd machine while
shortening the rod provides more travel towards the even machine. The
rod assembly has right-hand threads on both ends, so the rod end must
be removed from the crank pin to make adjustments.
9. Loosen the pivot crank nut on the crank plate and rotate the plate in a
counterclockwise manner to increase the overall stroke of the rudder arm. The
correct adjustment is achieved when the rudder arm touches each rubber bumper
on the left and right side plates with equal force without actuating the trip cam
follower when the drive pulley is rotated. There should be a little overtravel (1/8
inch) on each side. Tighten the pivot crank nut.
10. Rotate the rudder drive pulley to recheck travel. If the rudder hits one bumper and
not the other, repeat Steps 8 & 9.
Shim Here to
Lower Rudder Arm
SENSOR - BACK VIEW
Shim Here to Raise
Rudder Arm
Rudder Arm Length
Adjustment Bolt