I have a new Titan Ace Pickleball machine. The rotors accumulate yellow ball fragments. Is there a recommended way to clean those? Also, does the machine need to be oiled, etc. for ongoing maintenance and, if so, how can these maintenance items be done?
No worries You can use a blower to blow off the dust and yellow bal fragments. No need to oil anything. If there is balls left inside the machine, you can take it out from front or back openings.
how do you suggest cleaning the throwing wheels?
While not necessary, you can also use sandpaper to clean any residue on the wheels.
@Terry McCarthy it's best to at least wash new balls in the washing machine or lightly sand the balls which will drastically reduce ball residue on the wheels.
Agreed! Washing machine technique helps. After a recent drill session I used the air dry mode with 80 balls and two beach towels in our dryer after balls getting wet. Worked like a champ. This Titan machine has been way more forgiving on ball wear and tear than my previous two machines. I'm still on my original 80.
@Terry McCarthy how long have you had it? I've just switched from a PB tutor and testing my new Ace tomorrow. Any newbie tips? The instructions seem minimal.
@James Mckoy About one month. About 10 hours of use so far. I too had a Tutor, sold it, bought a Spinshot and sold it. They just didn't do what I wanted very well so didn't get much use. I really, really like the Titan and use it about two to three times a week. I did start with a new set of balls, I did wash them in our washing machine before using. Another tip: I keep some flat rubber target disks and yellow stripes in the top pouch... and one more: I bought a Ryobi P193 battery for a spare. All available on Amazon.
I'm intrigued by the washing machine technique. Is this just a quick way to add wear to new balls?
Hi, my machine is being shipped as we speak. I am intrigued by the washing machine treatment for the balls. Do you just put them in a mesh bag and wash them as normal in the machine?
@Terry McCarthy Can you share the technique you use for washing them in the machine and drying them? Has this greatly reduced or eliminated the balls marking the throwing wheels?
The marking is actually from wear on the balls and I don't believe it will ever stop. But I have been told cleaning your wheels will extend the life of your machine! I'm still waiting for the prices on how to clean the wheels just because I'm not about to put a soaking wet cloth in my machine.
Sand paper has a minimal affect on removing debris from the wheels. It doesn't work to any extent. This was true on my 2 previous Tudor machines also. I use a small wood scraper on my Titan and this has been the most effective method I have found to date. Wood scrapers have a sharp edge. This edge safely removes the build up without causing damage to the wheels. Machine is not running when scraper is used.
What I've used and it works perfectly is a paddle eraser. I just rub the eraser on the wheels and it takes the yellow plastic off easily with out damaging wheels.
@Victor Salinas Totally agree with you! That typical Pickleball Paddle eraser removes the plastic bits and color without any damage at all to the wheels.
My Titan One Tennis ball machine is on the way, here in 2 days.
Any advice on how to clean/maintain the tennis ball version? Should new pressureless tennis balls be washed before use?