FAQ for Golf Ball Pickers

• My front wheel keeps breaking on my picker, what can I do?
  • This happens because the baskets sit in front of the picker discs, as the weight of the golf balls grows as you pick, the weight pushes forward.  To prevent the baskets from dragging, a front wheel was installed, and the weight of the golf balls pushes on the front wheel, creating a pressure point.
    
    The Thrasher Golf® Innovator® Pickers put the baskets behind the picker discs, so that the weight of the golf balls push toward the back, where the utility cart is.  The utility cart is designed to carry a load.  Therefore, a front wheel is not needed with the Thrasher Golf® Innovator® Picker.  (That's just one of the reasons we call it the Innovator®).
    
    
    
• What maintenance do I need to do on my golf ball picker?
  • Maintenance on Innovator® Pickers by Thrasher Golf® vary based on the conditions of your range and the volume of picking that is required.  Here's a general guideline:
    • Before Every Pick:
      • Remove any lodged objects in the picker. 
      • Check that all ball combs are parallel with one another.  If you find that one is bent out of place, use pliers, a scredriver, or a vice, to push it back into place. 
      • Check that all ball combs are aligned BETWEEN the discs evenly, so they are not rubbing on the discs.
    • Weekly:
      • Examine the grease zerk fittings, be sure the grease levels are maintained to avoid unnecessary wear.
    • Monthly:
      • Check if discs are loose/can be wiggled easily.  If loose, tighten the nylock not at the end of the disc drum. Tighten only one full turn at a time.  Note: overtightening will cause ball jamming. 
      • Check the axle bracket (on each side of the drum) for any adjustment/tightening needed.  Keeping the axle bracket tight will help extend the life of the discs.
    • Every 18 Months:
      • Innovator® Picker - Replace Disc Drums & Axles
      • Innovator® Plus Picker - Replace Disc Drums & Axles
    • Every 2 Years replace the following parts, universal for all Innovator® models:
      • Replace the Articulating Picker Joint 
      • Replace the Cart Bracket Pin
      • Replace the Mount Bar
    • PRO TIP! Are you receiving maintenance emails that guide you step by step to see if you need the above noted maintenance?  If not, please send us a note about maintenance notices and we'll get you set up.
      
      
• Can I replace the discs individually?
  • Yes!  We supply individual discs for the Innovator® and Innovator® Plus Pickers. 
    
  • If you have another brand of picker, but we've already supplied you with a replacement disc drum set; you can also buy individual 12" discs or 14" discs.
    
    
• Can I replace discs as a full set?
  • Yes! We just need to know how many discs you need:
    • 21 Picker Disc Set
    • 22 Picker Disc Set
    • 23 Picker Disc Set (Innovator®)
    • 34 Picker Disc Set (Innovator® Plus)
    • Not seeing what you need?  Send us a note.
      
      
• Are picker discs interchangeable between other picker companies?
  • Yes, sometimes.  Thrasher Golf® can custom make any 12" picker disc set (you just tell us how many discs you need in the set).  Once you've done this, you can use the Thrasher Golf® individual discs for replacement.  In general, the design of discs are different enough that you need to replace the full set first.
    
    
• Can I leave my picker outside at night?
  • Yes! The Innovator® Pickers can be left outside; they are designed to survive exposure to the conditions because of their protective coating.  Be sure to evaluate your security.  We also recommend securing your picker when there are chances of flooding.
    
    
• Why are my baskets on my picker dragging?
  • Baskets are not supposed to drag, even when they are filled with golf balls!  Baskets typically drag because the articulating joint has come out of round (or has worn).  Sometimes you can replace the Yoke to fix this, and sometimes, depending upon the age of the picker and the wear, you'll need to replace the full Articulating Joint.
    
    
    
• Is it true that I need a special soft white picker discs for my Titleist golf balls on the range?
  • No! This is a farce! In fact, golf balls leave markings on the discs before the discs leave marks on the golf balls.  The coverstock is designed to be more forgiving than a picker disc.

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FAQ for Golf Ball Washers

• How often do I need to replace my golf ball washer brush?
  • Replacement times vary based on volume and seasonality of the range.  In general, a Twister® Golf Ball Washer brush will last 18 months - 2 years with normal use.  
    
    
• What is the difference between the Twister® 3 and Twister® 4 Golf Ball Washers?
  • The Twister® 3 and 4 are built similarly (i.e. same motor, same brush specs, etc.).  The Twister® 4 includes an elevator/loader mechanism, which is often used to load golf balls into a golf ball machine (dispenser) after the wash cycle.  The two units wash the same amount of golf balls, but the Twister® 3 does not include this added feature.  So, if you don't have a golf ball dispenser, you really only need the Twister® 3.
    
    
• Can I get the Twister 3 with the larger Twister 4 hopper?
  • Yes - just call to order it; (800) 571-6143.
    
    
    
• Can I install wheels on my Twister® Golf Ball Washer?
  • Yes, each leg is pre-drilled with a hole, so you can visit the local hardware store to pick your wheels; or you can order them through our website.
    
    
    
• Can I leave my golf ball washer outside in the weather?
  • Yes, the Twister® Golf Ball Washers are built to withstand the conditions.  We recommend unplugging it at night and removing any standing water, if you live in areas where it may freeze.
    
    
    
• How often do I need to replace the water in the tub of the Twister®?
  • If your golf balls are no longer looking clean, the most likely culprit is that you're washing with dirty water.  If you replace the water and they are still not clean, it may be time for a new brush.  We recommend replacing the water daily but if you have extremely muddy conditions you may need to replace the water more frequently.
    
    
    
• What soap do you recommend I use with my golf ball washer?
  • The Twister® Golf Ball Washers are designed for use without detergent.  Using a corosive cleaner will also strip the golf ball washer of its galvanized finish.  If you desire to use a detergent, we recommend Simple Green, which you can buy at your local hardware store.  Only a capful per tub-fill is needed.  If you see bubbles overflowing the tub, there's too much soap.  The bubbles will take water with them and soon you will not have enough water in your tub to adequately clean the golf balls.  Use any detergent sparingly for this reason.
    
    

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