Common Crane Grabber Machine Problems

Problems with the grabber claw not picking up?

If you maintain grabber crane machines, we suggest you keep  spare working looms in stock so that you can swap them in to check the working order of those on the machine. Although looms can be checked with a multi meter, it is a time consuming process.

Things to check when your claw is not grabbing...

• Firstly check that the flex and looms are all connected securely.
• Check the Curly Flex, the Side to Side Loom and the Front to Back Loom.
• Next test the curly flex wires for continuity. Unscrew the connectors and check the wires with a multi meter. It should provide some resistance.
• Next unplug the Side to Side Loom either end. Test the continuity of each wire in the plug.
• To do this you test each of the connections within the plugs with a multi meter. Test number 1 connection either end, then number 2 connection and so on until they are all complete.
• Next unplug the Front to Back Loom either end and repeat the process again, testing each of the pins. All the pins are numbered and so it is easy to check you are testing the right pins.
• Next check the fuses on the PCB.
• There is a 5amp grab fuse and a motor fuse. Take off the fuse cover and then remove the fuse from the clips. Test each end of the fuse at the same time with the multi meter. If the multi meter beeps, then the fuse is fine.
• Repeat this process for each fuse.
• When fitting the fuses back, make sure you squeeze the clips in slightly together first, this will ensure the fuse is snug and connecting properly. Replace the fuse cover.
• Next check that the hyper coil and flex is not damaged. The unit on the right is damaged and the wires are not connecting correctly to the coil. Re-solder the wires or replace the coil unit if it is burnt out.

All of our help videos are on our Youtube Channel

Payment accepted, but joystick will not move gantry and grabber.

When a sensor is blocked, usually the crane accepts the payment for play but may show zero credit on the display and the joystick will not operate the gantry and claw.

Occasionally payment is accepted, credit given and the game starts but may end before full play has completed.

To solve this issue, check the sensors in the machine and ensure it is not obscured:

How to do this:

• While the machine is not in operation, open the door under the main crane play area.
• Check that the red sensor indicator light is not flickering or blocked on the meter pack.
• If it is then check the sensors. These can be fitted in various locations, depending on the type of machine. Some have a switch (or opto-sensor) activated by a physical flap, some have reflective sensors and some have “strip” barriers. Be aware that those machines with strip barriers are affected by strong ambient light like sunlight, illuminating the win area and interfering with the infra-red receivers.

All of our help videos are on our Youtube Channel

The grabber claw just keeps going up and down 

If your grabber claw is continuously going up and down, it is most likely that the gantry cord is too short. 

• Because the cord is too short, the rocker doesn’t move.
• The cord goes back up and is wound in the wrong direction because the microswitch hasn't detected the down position.
• To correct this, restring your gantry with cord 1.2 meters in length.
• We have a video on how to re-string your gantry.