DropPit: The total driving range automation system
Latest Installation.
DropPit Ball Management System
The DropPit Ball Management System is a fully automated solution designed to remove manual ball collection, washing and redistribution from your driving range operations.
Working seamlessly with robotic or manual ball pickers, DropPit creates a continuous, 24/7 ball circulation system — improving efficiency, reducing staffing requirements and ensuring golfers always have clean balls available.
The Process
The automated ball system is responsible for washing and transporting the golf balls to the dispenser. It works together with the robot ballpicker that collects the golf balls on the driving range.
When the robot’s collection bin is full, it returns to its charging station and drops the balls via the grid into the Drop-pit. The drop-pit itself consists of a stainless steel tray (dropzone) with a grid for the golf balls. This is placed in the ground at the place we decide together with the customer and is where the ballpicker drops the golf balls.
Next, the golf balls roll into the ball washer, which removes mud and grass from the balls. From that moment on the ball washer starts working and the balls enter the transport chute where they are also counted.
The golf balls are transported through a vacuum system by an air system that can handle up to 300 balls at the time. The PE tube, which is custom made, has an exact wall thickness and structure to give as little resistance as possible to the flow of balls. It forms the ideal balance between diameter and air flow.
The transported and washed balls fall into the despenser and are now ready for use.
How the DropPit System Works
DropPit is installed underground at a designated collection point on the driving range. When the ball picker reaches capacity, it returns to the DropPit and releases the collected balls into the drop zone.
From there, the process is fully automated:
1. Balls are dropped into the stainless-steel DropPit
2. An integrated washing system cleans 400–700 balls per cycle
3. Balls are transported via a vacuum system (up to 100m)
4. Clean balls are delivered directly to the ball dispenser
5. Golfers can access balls 24/7 with no manual handling
The entire system is controlled via an electronic control unit that monitors ball flow, washer cycles and dispenser levels.
ADVANTAGES
Cost Saving
You will soon start saving due to a better management of your staff and unlimited accessibility.
Easy to manage
Unlike other traditional solutions, the Ballpicker robot and Drop-pit is completely autonomous.
Ecological
By converting to a Ballpicker robot and Drop-pit, you are investing in the economy of tomorrow.
Designed to Work with Your Existing Setup
DropPit is installed underground at a designated collection point on the driving range. When the ball picker reaches capacity, it returns to the DropPit and releases the collected balls into the drop zone.
From there, the process is fully automated:
1. Balls are dropped into the stainless-steel DropPit
2. An integrated washing system cleans 400–700 balls per cycle
3. Balls are transported via a vacuum system (up to 100m)
4. Clean balls are delivered directly to the ball dispenser
5. Golfers can access balls 24/7 with no manual handling
The entire system is controlled via an electronic control unit that monitors ball flow, washer cycles and dispenser levels.
Features of the DropPit
Works with a robotic ball collector to automate the movement of balls from the range into the system.
Moves golf balls underground from the collection point back towards the dispenser safely and efficiently.
Balls can be washed during the process so golfers receive a cleaner, more consistent supply.
Can be integrated with a range of existing ball dispensers, helping reduce the need for a full system replacement.
Designed to handle high ball volumes across busy driving ranges throughout the day.
Flexible pricing options – available on enquiry.
Cuts down on manual ball collection, carrying and handling, freeing up staff for other tasks.
Helps keep balls circulating reliably, improving availability and supporting a smoother customer experience.
A powerful vacuum system moves balls smoothly through the underground pipework and back towards the dispenser.
Features of the DropPit
1. Automated Ball Collection
Works with a robotic ball collector to automate the movement of balls from the range into the system.
2. Underground Ball Transport
Moves golf balls underground from the collection point back towards the dispenser safely and efficiently.
3. Integrated Ball Washing
Balls can be washed during the process so golfers receive a cleaner, more consistent supply.
4. Dispenser Compatibility
Can be integrated with a range of existing ball dispensers, helping reduce the need for a full system replacement.
5. High-Capacity Performance
Designed to handle high ball volumes across busy driving ranges throughout the day.
6. Reduced Labour Requirements
Cuts down on manual ball collection, carrying and handling, freeing up staff for other tasks.
7. Improved Range Efficiency
Helps keep balls circulating reliably, improving availability and supporting a smoother customer experience.
8. Vacuum-Powered Transfer
A powerful vacuum system moves balls smoothly through the underground pipework and back towards the dispenser.
9. Flexible, Tailored Pricing
Each DropPit system is quoted around your site, setup and requirements, helping you invest in the right solution without paying for features you do not need.
Washing, Transport & Delivery - All Underground
Inside the DropPit, balls are washed automatically, removing dirt and debris before being transported via a vacuum system to the ball dispenser.
Depending on configuration, the system can:
– Wash 400–700 balls per cycle
– Transport balls up to 100 metres
– Feed one or multiple ball dispensers
By keeping the entire process underground, DropPit maintains a clean, uncluttered range environment while improving operational reliability.
Get In Touch
If you’re looking to reduce manual handling, improve efficiency and future-proof your driving range, the DropPit Ball Management System offers a proven, scalable solution.
Speak to our team to discuss DropPit for your driving range.