Is the Drop Pit Right for My Driving Range?

The Drop Pit by Duchell is the final piece of the puzzle for a truly automated golf ball handling system. When paired with the Range Picker by Relox Robotics, it eliminates the need for manual ball handling—freeing up your team to focus on tasks that drive more value for your range. If your goals include reducing labor costs, reallocating staff to higher-impact responsibilities, boosting operational efficiency, and delivering a top-tier customer experience, then yes—the Drop Pit is right for you.

What Is the Drop Pit?

Designed and built by Duchell, the Drop Pit is a smart receiving and transition station in an automated golf range setup. It’s where collected balls are deposited, sorted, and lifted into your ball washer or dispenser—completing the cycle without human intervention.

How Does It Work?

Ball Collection: The Range Picker collects balls and unloads them into the Drop Pit.
Debris Filtering: Built-in systems remove grass, debris, and damaged balls.
Vertical Transport: An integrated elevator lifts balls into the washing or storage system.
Full Automation: From ground to dispenser—balls are ready for reuse without lifting a finger.

Key Benefits

Hands-Free Operation: Works seamlessly with the Range Picker for true automation.
Operational Efficiency: Handles high volumes quickly and reliably.
Labor Savings: No more ball pick-up shifts or manual sorting.
Low Maintenance: Robust construction minimizes service calls.

Installation Requirements

When you purchase a Drop Pit as part of your solution, Duchell handles the installation. Here’s what to expect:

Concrete Pad: Level and reinforced for stability.
Electrical Hookup: Typically 230V (check model specs).
Drainage: Essential for water management if paired with a washer.
Accessibility: Positioned for easy access by The Range Picker.
Space Planning: Must accommodate depth, width, and elevation lift needs.

Dimensions & Capacity

While models may vary, most Drop Pits follow this general profile:

Length: 2–3 meters
Width: 1–1.5 meters
Depth: 1 meter
Ball Throughput: Several thousand per hour

We recommend a site assessment to tailor the fit for your specific layout and volume. Reach out to OnPar Automation to talk through your driving range needs.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to streamline range operations and give your staff more time for higher-value tasks, the Drop Pit is a no-brainer. And with Duchell handling installation, you don’t need to sweat the technical setup.

Combined with the Range Picker, it turns a labor-heavy routine into a smooth, self-sustaining system.