JUGS Sports M1700 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Instructions for the
JUGS
Football-Passing Machine
Part No. M1700
SAVE THIS MANUAL

ATTENTION,
Coaches and Operators
of the Football Passing machine:
This manual must be kept with the machine
AT ALL TIMES.
Each coach and/or operator
must read and understand the instructions in this manual
BEFORE USING
the JUGS Football Passing Machine.
Call 1-800-547-6843 or 503-692-1635
if you need additional copies.

1
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................2
Product Safety Signs and Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
RulesforSafeOperation...............................5
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Terminology ........................................10
Unpacking.......................................... 11
Assembly...........................................12
Transporting........................................13
OperatingInstructions................................14
Drills...............................................19
Maintenance........................................25
ProductSpecifications ...............................26
OperatorNotes......................................27
WarrantyInformation.................................31

2
Introduction
Your new JUGS football machine has been checked for quality and
craftsmanship. Its innovative design is backed by three decades of
research, development and manufacturing experience. It has many
features, designed to make your practices more efficient and enjoyable.
Safety, performance and dependability have been given top priority in the
design of all JUGS ball throwing machines, making them easy to operate and
maintain. With proper care, your JUGS football machine will give you many
years of enjoyable service.
At JUGS, we are committed to providing our customers with safe, dependable
products. Your comments are always welcome and they help us to continue
to be the #1 producer of ball throwing machines in the world. Call or write to
JUGS.

Safety Alert Symbols
Safety Alert Symbols indicate DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. These
symbols may be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of electric shock
and personal injury.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This signal word
is to be limited to the most extreme situations.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also
be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Product Safety Signs and Labels
The purpose of product safety signs and labels is to attract your attention to
possible dangers. The safety symbols, signal words and the explanations with
them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings
do not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they
give are not substitutes for proper accident-prevention measures.
Product Safety Signs & Labels
3

Figure 1
4
Carefully read all safety sign decals affixed to machine before operating your
JUGS Football Machine. See some typical examples below.
Safety Signs and Labels
!DANGER
-SHOCK HAZARD- THIS MACHINE SHALL BE USED
AND STORED IN DRY LOCATIONS ONLY.
CJC-2
WARNING
-PINCH POINT HAZARD- DO NOT PLACE HANDS OR
OTHER BODY PARTS INTO AREA NEAR MOVING TIRE(S).
CJC-3
!DANGER
-SHOCK HAZARD- ALWAYS UNPLUG MACHINE
BEFORE CHANGING FUSES.
CJC-5a
CAUTION
-STABILITY HAZARD- “T” HANDLE MUST BE IN PLACE
AND TIGHTENED BEFORE USING MACHINE.
CJC-7
DANGER
-MECHANICAL HAZARD- READ ALL
OPERATING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE
USING THIS MACHINE. ONLY INSTRUCTED
PERSONNEL SHALL OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
CJC-1
!DANGER
-IMPACT HAZARD- MAKE SURE PATH OF BALL IS
CLEAR TO THE BATTER BEFORE FEEDING THE BALL.
CJC-4
WARNING
-MECHANICAL HAZARD- ALL TIRE LUG BOLTS MUST
BE CHECKED FOR TIGHTNESS BEFORE EACH USE.
CJC-9

Rules For Safe Operation
WARNING: JUGS Football Machines are intended for use by
operators who are at least 18 years of age and who have
been instructed in their use.
WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this machine until you have
read thoroughly and understand completely all instructions,
safety rules, machine labels, etc. contained in this manual.
Failure to comply can result in accidents involving electric
shock or serious personal injury. Save this Owners Manual
and review frequently for continuing safe operation, and for
instructing others who may use this machine.
WARNING: Do not connect your pitching machine to a power source until
you have assembled and adjusted the machine as described
in this manual and have read and understood all precautions
and operating instructions in the manual and printed on the
machine.
READ THIS MANUAL:
•
Know your football machine. Read the Owner’s Manual carefully.
Learn the machine’s capabilities, features and limitations—as well as the
specific potential hazards related to this machine.
•
Guard against electrical shock by preventing body contact with
grounded surfaces. For example: radiators, pipes, fences or other
enclosures.
•
Keep the operator’s area free of clutter. Pick up all loose balls around
the machine and keep ball supply in a pail, bucket or other suitable
container. Cluttered operating areas invite accidents.
•
Do not allow children to operate the football machine. You must be
at least 18 years of age or older and instructed in the proper operation,
maintenance, care and storage of this machine before operating it. Close
supervision is necessary when this machine is used near children.
5

6
• Inspect extension cords periodically and replace them if damaged.
•
Use the proper extension cord. Make sure your extension cord is in
good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy
enough to carry the current your machine will draw. An undersized cord
will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating.
A wire gauge size (AWG) of at least 16 is recommended for an extension
cord 25 feet or less in length. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The
smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
•
Do not abuse the cord. Never yank a cord to disconnect it from
receptacle. Keep the cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges. Stay
constantly aware of cord location and keep it well away from the rotating
tires.
•
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings,
bracelets, or other jewelry. They can get caught and draw you into the
moving parts. Long hair should be tied up and tucked under hats and
helmets. Severe physical harm may result if loose clothing, jewelry or hair
is caught in rotating tires.
•
Any person near this machine must always wear safety glasses and
football helmets while the wheels are rotating. Debris on the tires can
fly off and cause physical harm. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-
resistant lenses; they are NOT safety glasses.
•
Never touch rotating wheels. While pushing the passing/kicking slide,
hands and fingers should not go beyond feed-bar bearing.
•
Inspect the machine before every use. If damaged, have it repaired by
a qualified JUGS service technician.
•
Inspect the wheels before every use. Be sure the wheels are free of grit
and debris before turning on the machine.
•
Do not use machine if the ON/OFF switch does not work. In the
unlikely event that the switch becomes defective, have it replaced by a
qualified JUGS service technician.
Rules For Safe Operation

7
• Keep the machine clean, and free of grit and dirt. With the machine
unplugged, use only a clean, damp cloth for cleaning. Never use brake
fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products or any solvents to clean the
machine.
• Tighten all T-Clamps securely after adjusting the trajectory.
• To protect the operator , a pitcher’s screen must be placed in front of the
pitching machine.
• Operate and store this pitching machine only in a clean, dry location.
Do not use it outdoors if it is raining. If machine becomes wet, do not use
it. A potential shock hazard exists if this machine is used while or after
it has been exposed to water. Hand-dry surface water from the machine
with a clean cloth and allow the machine to completely air dry before its
next use.
• Avoid awkward operations and hand positions where a sudden
slip could cause your hand to move into the rotating wheels.
ALWAYS make sure you have good footing and balance.
• Use only JUGS technicians and JUGS replacement parts. All repairs,
whether electrical or mechanical, should be made by a qualified JUGS
service technician. When servicing, use only JUGS replacement parts.
• Do not operate this machine under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or any medication.
• Stay alert and exercise control. Watch what you are doing and use
common sense. Do not operate this machine when you are tired. Do not
rush.
• Avoid accidental starting when reconnecting to a power supply.
Always turn off the machine before disconnecting it from a power source.
Never leave the machine running unattended. Turn the power off. Do
not leave the machine until the wheels come to a complete stop.
• Always unplug the machine when it is not in use.
Rules For Safe Operation

WARNING: Do not allow your familiarity with the machine to cause you to
be careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second
is enough time to inflict severe injury on yourself or others.
SAVE THIS MANUAL. Refer to it often and use it to instruct other users. Do
not loan your football machine to anyone who has not been instructed in its
use. If you do loan your machine, be sure this manual goes with it.
Grounding Instructions
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down,
grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the
risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord having an equipment-
grounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug must be connected to an
appropriate GFCI outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all local codes and ordinances.
Do not modify the plug provided. If it will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician. Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. The conductor with
insulation having an outer surface that is green with or without yellow stripes
is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair or replacement of the electric
cord or plug is necessary, do not connect the equipment-grounding conductor
to a live terminal.
Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if the grounding
instructions are not completely understood or if you are in doubt as to whether
the pitching machine is properly grounded.
Extension Cords
Use only 3-wire 16 AWG or larger grounding-type extension cords that have 3-
prong grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept the machine’s plug.
When using the machine at a considerable distance from a power source,
use an extension cord heavy enough to carry the current that the machine will
Electrical
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9
draw. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting
in a loss of power and causing the motor to overheat. Only round-jacketed
cords listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) should be used.
When working with the machine outdoors, use an extension cord designed for
outside use. This is indicated by the letters “WA” on the cord’s jacket. Before
using the extension cord, inspect it for loose or exposed wires and cut or worn
insulation.
WARNING: Keep the cord away from the rotating tire area. Repair or
replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.
Electrical Connection
Your JUGS pitching machine is powered by a 90 volt motor(s). Do not operate
this machine on direct current (DC). A substantial voltage drop will cause a
loss of power and the motor will overheat. If the machine does not operate
when plugged into an outlet, double check the power supply. Your pitching
machine will operate under a standard 110 voltage AC outlet. Do not use an
adapter with this product.
This machine is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet like the one
shown in figure 2. It also has a grounding pin like the one shown.
GROUNDED GFCI
OUTLET BOX
GROUNDING PIN

Figure 3
Terminology
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11
WARNING: To prevent accidental starting or electrical shock that could
cause possible serious injury, assemble all parts to your
machine before connecting it to the power supply. The
pitching machine should never be connected to a power
supply when you are assembling parts, making adjustments,
cleaning, servicing or when not in use.
1. Carefully lift the machine from its carton and place it on a level surface.
2. Make sure you have all the parts (see figure 3). If any parts are missing,
do not operate the machine until the missing parts are replaced. Failure
to do so could result in possible serious personal injury.
3. Do not discard the packing materials until you have carefully inspected the
machine, identified all the parts and satisfactorily operated the machine.
NOTE:
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not attempt to plug in the power cord
and turn on the switch until the damaged or missing parts are obtained and
are installed correctly.
Terminology

1. With the tire-side down, place the triangular leg clamp in the leg clamp
casting (see figure 3).
2. Place the lock washer on the threaded end of the Leg T-Clamp,
3. Insert the threaded end of the Leg T-Clamp through the center hole in the
leg-clamp casting and start the threads.
4. Install one leg in each round hole in the center piece of the leg clamp
casting. Tighten the Leg T-Clamp sufficiently to hold the legs in place very
snugly.
5. Place the rubber leg caps on the lower end of the legs if your JUGS
machine is to be used indoors. The leg caps are not recommended for
outdoor use.
6. Lift the football machine upright and onto its legs.
IMPORTANT:
Always set up the machine so that two legs are positioned in front,
facing the target, and one leg facing back toward the operator.
1. Check the speed dial and make sure it is in the full counter-clockwise
position (pointer at the “0” setting) and the toggle switch is in the OFF
position.
2.
Plug a heavy-duty, no.16-gauge three-prong, extension cord into a
110-volt GFCI outlet and connect it to the short cord on the pitching
machine.
3. Loosen the Horizontal T-Clamp and position the machine to aim at the
desired target. Re-tighten the T-Clamp. Adjust the desired height of the
machine by using the Elevating T-Clamp. (You will have to practice this
targeting to learn how to set the machine for each pass).
Assembly
12

Transporting
The JUGS Football Passing Machine can be moved quickly and easily by
using the black Transport Tire attachment.
1. Make sure your JUGS machine is turned off and the wheels are NOT
spinning.
2. Remove the Kicking or Passing Slide from the machine.
3. Loosen the Elevating T-Clamp and rotate the Motor Mount Assembly
completely back. Tighten the Elevating T-Clamp.
4. Place the black Transport Tire attachment into its proper place on the front
of the machine as shown below.
5. Raise the black Transport Tire attachment into the moving position (the
highest position possible). Tighten the Lock Handle securely.
6. Slowly tip the machine over, onto the black
tire. Lift up the legs and push the wheelbarrow.
• Do not use the white ball-throwing wheels for
moving this machine.
To remove the black Transport Tire attachment,
completely unscrew and remove the Lock Handle
and lift black Transport Tire attachment away from
the machine.
WARNING: Never leave a pitching machine unattended.
13

Operation
14
GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The following instructions are detailed steps you should follow to get the most
out of this football machine.
IMPORTANT:
When the right wheel is mentioned, it is
the wheel on your right when you are
standing behind the machine, as shown
in figure 4.
When the left wheel is mentioned, it is the
wheel to your left when you are standing
behind the machine.
1. Be sure the control switch is in the “OFF” position.
2. To adjust the wheel for passing and kicking, loosen the Adjustment
Wrenches that lock the wheels in place (see figure 5).
WARNING: The horizontal-adjustment and T-Clamps must always be
tightened securely before throwing passes. All lock knobs
and T-Clamps must also be tightened firmly before using the
Football machine.
Figure 4
Figure 5

Operation
15
IMPORTANT:
Always throw balls at speeds suitable for the age and skill level of the receiver.
Throws or kicks which are too fast for the receiver will be counterproductive
and dangerous.
CAUTION: Football Helmets must be worn at all times.
Figure 6. Control Box with Speed Dial

16
Follow all safety performance instructions in this manual. The following ball-
feeding instructions should be used to insure accurate and efficient operation
of the JUGS Football Machine.
Important Football Machine Feeding Instructions:
1. Hold the ball seams (leather stitching) up every time.
2. At the beginning of practice, or after any change in speed or trajectory,
have the receivers stand well clear while a sufficient number of test balls
are thrown to make certain the machine is properly aimed at the intended
target. If you move the machine for any reason, repeat this process.
3. Do not permit more than one or two people around the football machine
during operation.
4.
VERY IMPORTANT: Before you place the ball on the passing or kicking
slide, you should look up at the receiver and make absolutely sure he or
she is watching you and is ready to receive the ball. It is extremely impor-
tant that you make sure that the immediate area in front of the football
machine and the flight path of the ball is clear before you feed the balls
into the football machine.
5. When the receiver has indicated he or she is ready, hold the ball high in
the air where the receiver can see the ball. Then bring the ball down to
the slide. Watch the ball as it slides toward the wheels, then look up at
the receiver. The whole feeding operation should be smooth and without
interruption.
6. Throw balls at speeds at which players can effectively learn the desired
skills. Balls thrown too hard will be counterproductive and dangerous. You
can adjust the speed as the player’s skills increase. Generally speaking,
passes can be timed about 6 seconds apart.
7. Deformed, soft, mushy, or wet balls will affect accuracy of tosses and
must not be used. Mixing different types of balls (leather, rubber, etc.)
will affect consistency of throws or kicks. Throw only one type of ball at a
time.
Operation

NOTE: We suggest that each operator spend a couple of hours experimenting
with the JUGS Football Machine. (You may want to jot down the wheel
position and speed-dial settings in the space provided on page 27, for
future reference.) Try many different speed settings. Do not be afraid
that any setting you make will harm the machine; however, you should
use a wide backstop when experimenting with faster speeds.
Throwing Right-Handed Spirals
1. To throw a right-handed spiral,
tilt the left wheel to its maximum
forward position and the right wheel to
its maximum backward position (see
figure 7).
2. Make sure you lock both handles after
you have shifted the wheels to the
proper positions (see figure 8).
3. Follow these four steps for passing or punting spirals:
a. Place the ball into the cone.
b. Hold the ball in place with one hand placed lightly on the top.
c. Push the plunger towards the wheels.
d. The ball will spiral smoothly towards the target.
17
Operation
Figure 8
Figure 7

Throwing Footballs End Over End (non spirals)
Use the following to set up JUGS to throw end-over end, to practice kick-off
returns or field goal attempt returns.
1. Remove the nut and bolt on the front of the Passing
Slide assembly (figure 9).
2. Take off the Passing Slide assembly, by removing
the cone-shaped piece (figure 10).
3. Insert the Kicking Slide assembly. Note that the
Kicking Slide assembly has no cone shaped piece
(figure 11).
4. Replace the nut and bolt on the front of the assembly.
5. Tilt the wheels so they are exactly level. The wheels
will be parallel to the ground when you are throwing
end-over-end (figure 12). There are black marker
lines, underneath each tire, to help you line up the
tires so they are exactly parallel to the ground (figure
13).
6. Follow these 5 steps for throwing footballs end-over-
end:
a. Make sure you are using the “kicking” slide.
b. Place the ball onto the slide as shown in figure
14. The ball must be positioned at a 45-degree
angle to get perfect end-over-end tosses.
c. Hold the top of the ball with one hand.
d. Push the slide towards the tires.
e. The ball will travel in an end-over-end fashion
towards your target.
Operation
18
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14