JUGS Sports SP3 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
Operating Instructions
for the JUGS®SP3™
Baseball Pitching Machine
SAVE THIS MANUAL

ATTENTION: Coaches and operators of this pitching machine.
This manual must be kept with the pitching machine at all times.
Each coach and/or operator must read and understand this manual
before using the JUGS SP3™ Baseball Pitching Machine.
Call 1-800-547-6843 or 503-692-1635 for additional copies
of this manual if necessary.

1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Product Safety Signs and Labels . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Rules for Safe Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–7
Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Set Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–12
Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13–19
Pitching to Batters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16–17
Throwing Different Pitches . . . . . . . . . . .18
Operation—Fielding Practice . . . . . . . . . . 20–23
Fly Balls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Ground Balls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Catcher Pop-ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
SP3™ Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Table of Contents

2
Introduction
Your new JUGS SP3™ Baseball Pitching Machine has been checked for quality
and craftsmanship. Its innovative design is backed by four 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 pitching
machines, making them easy to operate and maintain. With proper care, your
JUGS pitching machine will give you many years of enjoyable service.
At JUGS Sports, 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.
Please call 1-800-547-6843, email to [email protected], or write to JUGS
with your comments.

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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.
!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.
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.
Product Safety Signs & Labels
3

Figure 1.
4
Carefully read all safety sign decals affixed to machine before operating your
JUGS pitching machine. See examples below.
Safety Signs and Labels
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!DANGER
-MECHANICAL HAZARD- READ ALL OPERATING
AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS MACHINE.
ONLY INSTRUCTED PERSONNEL SHALL OPERATE THIS
MACHINE.
CJC-1
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!DANGER
-IMPACT HAZARD- MAKE SURE PATH OF BALL IS CLEAR
TO THE BATTER BEFORE FEEDING THE BALL.
CJC-4
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!DANGER
-SHOCK HAZARD- ALWAYS UNPLUG MACHINE
BEFORE CHANGING FUSES.
CJC-5a
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!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
!WARNING
-MECHANICAL HAZARD- ALL TIRE LUG BOLTS MUST BE
CHECKED FOR TIGHTNESS BEFORE EACH USE.
CJC-9

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! WARNING: JUGS pitching 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.
Rules For Safe Operation
Read this Manual:
• Know Your Pitching 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 pitching 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
• Use the right ball. Use only JUGS Sting-Free® Dimpled-Style Baseballs,
Pearl®, Lite-Flite®, Softie®, one-ounce polyball baseballs, regulation size
baseballs, or tennis balls in this machine. It is important to adjust trajectory
of pitch when changing balls because different ball weights will produce
significant changes in trajectory.
• Inspect extension cords periodically and replace 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 more 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 cord to disconnect it from receptacle.
Keep 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.
• Always wear safety glasses and batting 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 tires. Do not put hands or fingers into ball feed
chute. Hands and fingers should only go to the edge of the chute.
• Inspect machine before every use. If damaged, have repaired by a
qualified JUGS service technician.
• Inspect tires before every use. Be sure tires are free of grit and debris
before turning on machine.
• Do not use machine if 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 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
machine.
• To protect the operator, a protective screen must be placed in front of
the pitching machine.
• Only operate and store this pitching machine in a clean, dry location. Do
not use outdoors if it is raining. If machine becomes wet, do not use. A
potential shock hazard exists if this machine is used while or after it has
been exposed to water. Hand dry surface water from 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 tires. ALWAYS make
sure you have good footing and balance.
• 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 machine before disconnecting it from power source. Never leave
machine running unattended. Turn the power off. Do not leave machine
until tires come to a complete stop.
SAVE THIS MANUAL: Refer to it often and use it to instruct other users.
Do not loan your pitching machine to anyone who has not been instructed in
its use. If you do loan your machine, be sure this manual goes with it.
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! 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 to yourself or others.
Rules For Safe Operation

8
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 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
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.
Electrical

9
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!WARNING: Keep the cord away from the rotating tire area. Repair or
replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.
Electrical Connection:
Your JUGS SP3™ Baseball Pitching Machine is powered by three 90 volt motors.
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
Electrical
Figure 2.

10
Terminology
JUGS SP3™ Baseball Pitching Machine
TIRE
BASE
BALL CHUTE
HORIZONTAL MACRO-
ADJUSTMENT LEVER
GOOSE
NECK
VERTICAL MACRO-
ADJUSTMENT KNOB
HORIZONTAL MICRO-
ADJUSTMENT KNOB
LEG PINS
SELECT-A-PITCH™ DIAL
SPEED DIAL
LCD DISPLAY
MOTOR
SHIELD
MOTOR
MOTOR
MOTOR
SHIELD
MOTOR SHIELD
MOTOR CORD
TIRE
LEGS
Figure 3.
VERTICAL MICRO-
ADJUSTMENT KNOB
MOTOR CORD
MOTOR CORD
POWER CORD
CONTROL BOX
MOTOR
TOP ASSEMBLY HANDLE
CRUTCH TIP
BOTTOM TIRE

11
• Carefully lift machine from carton and place on level surface. This should
be done by more than one person.
• 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.
• 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 switch until the damaged or missing parts are obtained and are
installed correctly.
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! 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.
Unpacking
1. With the machine flat on the ground, attach legs by inserting pinned end
of legs (3 total) into base until pins are completely engaged (see Figure 4
and 4a below.)
Set Up
Figure 4a.
Figure 4.

Figure 5a.
Setup
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• To move the SP3™, lock the machine in the popup position (Figure 5) using
the Vertical Macro-Adjustment Lever. Slowly lean machine forward and
carefully lower until the Bottom Tire rests on the ground. For safety, we
recommend 2 people to lower machine. Grasp and lift two legs and roll on
wheel to new location as you would a wheelbarrow (Figure 5a.) The JUGS
SP3™ will fit in the trunk of a car by removing its legs.
• Do not roll tires on surfaces that might damage the tire. If the tire becomes
deformed, flat, or damaged, it must be repaired before using the machine
(see tire specifications, Page 24 and 25.)
Transporting
2. Place rubber crutch tips on lower end of legs if SP3™ is to be used indoors
or on any hard surface. The leg crutch tips are not recommended for
outdoor use on dirt or grass.
3. Lift the pitching machine upright. For safety, we recommend 2 people to
raise machine.
IMPORTANT: Always set up the pitching machine so that the two legs are
positioned in front, facing the pitching screen and batter, and one leg facing
back toward the operator.
4. Check speed dial and make sure that it is in full counter-clockwise position
—pointer at MINIMUM position (see figure 7, Control Panel.)
5. Position antenna in down position (see Figure 3.)
6. Plug heavy-duty, No. 16 gauge three-prong, extension cord into 110-volt
GFCI outlet and connect to short cord on pitching machine. Place a
pitcher's screen in front of the pitching machine to protect the operator
and the pitching machine from batted balls.
Figure 5.

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1. Operators of JUGS Pitching Machines must wear safety glasses and batting
helmets at all times.
2. Check speed dial and make sure that it is in full counter-clockwise position
—pointer at MINIMUM position.
3. Plug heavy-duty, No. 16 gauge three-prong, extension cord into II0-volt
A/C outlet and connect to short cord on pitching machine. Place the
pitcher's screen in front of the pitching machine to protect the operator
and the pitching machine from batted balls.
4. Position machine at desired distance from target.
5. Select Pitch, and speed (See page 18–19.)
6. Have all batters and observers stand well clear of the target as you throw
practice balls. To adjust trajectory, use the Vertical Micro-Adjustment
Knob. To adjust in and out (right or left), use the Horizontal
Micro-Adjustment Knob, (see Figure 6.) It is normal to throw five or six
balls before arriving at the setting you desire. Always have the batter stand
clear while adjusting your JUGS pitching machine.
7. At the beginning of practice, or after any change in speed, curve, trajectory,
or type of ball, have the batter stand well clear while at least one test ball
is thrown to make sure the ball is thrown at the desired target. If you move
the machine for any reason, repeat this process.
8. Throw balls at speeds the batter can learn to hit. As the batter's skills
increase you can throw faster pitches.
Operation
Figure 6. Micro-Adjustment Knobs.
HORIZONTAL VERTICAL

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!WARNING: A protective screen must be used to protect the operator and
the machine from batted balls.
NOTE: We suggest that each operator spend a couple of hours
experimenting with the JUGS SP3™ Pitching Machine. Try many different
speed settings. Do not be afraid that any setting you make will harm the
pitching machine; however, you should use a wide backstop when
experimenting with faster speeds.
9. When you increase speed of any pitch, using the Vertical Micro-Adjustment
Knob, you must lower elevation of aim; when you decrease speed, you
must increase the aim elevation. Use the Vertical Micro-Adjustment Knob
to change the elevation up or down.
10. Space all pitches approximately six seconds apart. Try to get the batter to
regard each pitch as a “separate” pitch and not to be an “automatic”
swinger.
11. Always “show” the ball to batter. When you are certain the batter has
acknowledged that he is ready, set ball in feed chute and release. Do not
drop the ball into the chute.
12. Do not permit more than one or two persons around the pitching machine
during its operation.
13. Do not permit the pitching machine to fall on its wheels. This could result
in non-warranty damage.
14. Check tightness of all bolts and nuts at regular intervals. If any looseness,
vibration, or rattle is noticed, correct immediately before further use.
15. Always turn speed dial to the full counter-clockwise MINIMUM position
when throwing is completed or temporarily stopped.
Operation
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!WARNING: Never leave pitching machine unattended.

Operation
Pitching to Batters :
Follow all safety performance instructions in this manual. The following
feeding instructions should be used to insure accurate and efficient operation
of the JUGS pitching machine.
Important Pitching Machine Feeding Instructions:
• When feeding the machine with JUGS Pearl® leather baseballs, hold the
ball the same way every time. Across the seams is best, especially for
breaking pitches.
• Have all batters and observers stand well clear of the target as you throw
test balls to adjust trajectory and aiming point.
• VERY IMPORTANT: Before you drop the ball in the feeding chute, you
should look up at the batter and catcher (if one is being used), and make
absolutely sure the batter is watching you and is ready to receive the pitch.
It is extremely important that you make sure that the immediate area in
front of the pitching machine and the flight path of the ball is clear before
you feed the balls into the pitching machine.
• When the batter has taken his stance and indicates he is ready to hit, hold
the ball high in the air where the batter can see the ball. Then bring the
ball down to the chute simulating live action so that the batter can time
the ball correctly. Drop ball in the feed chute. Watch the ball into the
wheels, then look up at the batter. The whole feeding operation should be
smooth and without interruption.
• Every batter, after taking his stance, as well as between pitches, goes
through a personal readiness routine. The ball feeder should adjust the
pitch spacing to each batters' habits accordingly. This will assure that the
batter is ready to receive the pitch and will also help to simulate live action.
The batter can then regard each throw as a separate pitch and avoid
becoming an “automatic swinger”. Generally speaking, pitches can be
spaced between 6 and 10 seconds apart.
15

• Out-of-round, soft, mushy, or wet balls will affect accuracy of pitches and
must not be used. Mixing different types of balls (leather, rubber, JUGS,
etc.) will affect consistency of pitches dramatically. You must throw only
one type of ball at a time.
• Use only JUGS Sting-Free® Dimpled-Style or Seamed Baseballs, Pearl®,
Lite-Flite®, Softie®, one-ounce polyball baseballs, regulation size
baseballs, or tennis balls in this machine.
• Do not permit more than one or two persons around the pitching
machine during its operation.
BATTING HELMETS MUST BE
WORN AT ALL TIMES.
• Operators of JUGS Pitching Machines must wear
safety glasses and batting helmets at all times.
16
Operation

Figure 7. Control Panel.
17
Operation

18
Throwing Different Pitches:
The SP3™ will throw Fastballs, Right- and Left-Handed Cutters, Curves and
Sliders, and Split-Finger Fastballs. To change one pitch to another is done by
simply following these steps.
1. Turn the SELECT-A-PITCH™ Dial to the
desired pitch (Figure 8.)
2. Using Speed Dial, increase or decrease to
desired speed (shown in MPH.) LCD screen
will display the pitch and blink until the
selected speed is reached.
3. Using the Vertical and Horizontal Micro-Adjustment knobs, adjust each
accordingly to achieve the desired pitch location.
Example: To throw a 70 mph right-handed curve, turn the SELECT-A-PITCH™
Dial to RH-CURVE (Figure 8a) and the speed dial to 70 (Figure 8b.)
NOTE: When changing from fastballs to cutters, curves or sliders it is
important to adjust the Horizontal and Vertical Micro-Adjustment Knobs
accordingly.
Example: Changing from a fastball to a right-handed curve would require
adding elevation and aiming more to the right.
Figure 8a. Figure 8b.
Operation
Figure 8.