JUGS Jr. User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Instructions for the
JUGS Jr.
™
& JUGS Softball
Pitching Machine
Part No. Z7200
SAVE THIS MANUAL

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

1
Product Safety Signs and Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
RulesforSafeOperation............................................5
Electrical........................................................8
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Unpacking......................................................13
Assembly.......................................................13
Operating Instructions
General Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Pitching Baseballs or Softballs to Batters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Fielding Practice for Baseball or Softball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Using JUGS for Lacrosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
UsingJUGSforFieldHockey...................................25
Transporting ....................................................26
Maintenance....................................................27
Product Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
OperatorNotes..................................................29
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Table of Contents

2
Introduction
Your new JUGS pitching 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 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, 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.

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
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
!WARNING
-MECHANICAL HAZARD- ALL TIRE LUG BOLTS MUST
BE CHECKED FOR TIGHTNESS BEFORE EACH USE.
CJC-9
!WARNING
-PINCH POINT HAZARD- DO NOT PLACE HANDS OR
OTHER BODY PARTS INTO AREA NEAR MOVING TIRE(S).
CJC-3
!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
!DANGER
-SHOCK HAZARD- ALWAYS UNPLUG MACHINE
BEFORE CHANGING FUSES.
CJC-5a
!DANGER
-SHOCK HAZARD- THIS MACHINE SHALL BE USED
AND STORED IN DRY LOCATIONS ONLY.
CJC-2

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
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.

6
• Use the right ball. Use only JUGS dimpled style, Lite-Flite, Softie, one-ounce
polyball baseballs, high-quality leather baseballs (9-inch Wilson A1010 equal or
better), or tennis balls in this machine.
• 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 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 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 (or the edge of the
sleeve in the case of fly ball or pop-up practice).
• 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.

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.
• Tighten lock knobs and T-clamps securely after adjusting trajectory.
• To protect the operator, a pitcher’s 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.
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.
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.
Electrical

Figure 2
9
GROUNDED GFCI
OUTLET BOX
GROUNDING PIN
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.
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.

Figure 3
10
Terminology
Straight Leg Assembly

Figure 4
11
Terminology
Curved Leg Assembly

Figure 5
12
Terminology
Top of Machine
Feed Chutes
Curved Leg Straight Leg
Low Profile
High Profile
Baseball, Lacrosse
and Field Hockey
Softball

• Carefully lift machine from carton and place on level surface.
• 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.
13
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
Assembly
JUGS is shipped with the base secured tightly to the “top” of the machine.
1. Separate the “top” from the base casting.
a. Loosen the horizontal T-clamp.
b. Grasp the lifting handle and pull the “top” off the base.
This can be done very simply with one person holding the “top” and a
second person holding the base casting.

Your JUGS Jr. pitching machine comes with two sets of legs depending on how
you will use it. Use the straight legs for baseball or lacrosse. Use the curved set
of legs for softball or field hockey. Please read carefully.
2. Installing the legs:
a. Screw the base T-clamp clockwise into the bottom of the base casting,
until the T-clamp engages the threads (see Figure 6).
b. Slide the three legs into place. Be sure the end of each leg is completely
inserted and in contact with the back of the casting slot.
c. Hand tighten the base T-clamp and set the “bottom” of the machine on
its legs.
d. If the legs appear wobbly:
• Make sure the legs are snug and properly placed in the base.
• Make sure the base T-clamp is turned as tightly, by hand, as
possible.
• Be sure the legs are equidistant from one other (Figure 7).
Assembly
Figure 6 Figure 7
14

There are two ways to install the curved legs; the low profile position or the high
profile position.
Low Profile Position:
Install the three legs with the curved part closer to the base (see Figure 8).
Use this position for softball or field hockey.
High Profile Position:
Install the three legs with the curved part closer to the ground (see Figure 9).
Use this position for softball drop pitches.
NOTE: When using JUGS indoors, be sure the
white rubber leg caps are on the legs.
3. Re-connecting the “Top” of JUGS onto the Base Assembly:
a. Loosen the horizontal T-clamp.
b. Place the “top” of JUGS onto the shaft of the base assembly. (see Figure
10).
c. Turn the “top” of JUGS so the horizontal T-clamp is lined up directly
OVER the red dot at the base.
d. Hand tighten the horizontal T-clamp.
IMPORTANT:
The horizontal T-clamp will fit snugly into the indentation in the shaft only if
you have the horizontal T-clamp lined up directly over the RED DOT. This is
important for maximum accuracy.
Assembly
15
Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10
High Profile
Base Assembly
Low Profile
Base Assembly
Red Dot

4. Attach the feed chute.
a. Remove the bolts holding the rubber pad bracket to the rotating plate.
b. Select the correct feed chute for your intended use. Your JUGS comes
with two feed chutes: the larger one is for softball, the smaller is for
baseball, lacrosse and field hockey (see Figure 11).
c. Attach the selected feed chute to the rubber pad bracket by using the
two bolts provided.
5. Attach the rubber pad bracket to the rotating plate.
The rotating plate has 3 sets of bolt holes (see Figure 12). Use the bolts
provided to attach the rubber pad bracket to the rotating plate described
below.
• The upper set of bolt holes is for positioning the rubber pad bracket (and
attached feed chute) for both 11 and 12-inch softball use;
• the lower set of bolt holes is used for baseball, field hockey and
lacrosse.
Assembly
16
Figure 12
Figure 11
Baseball, Lacrosse
and Field Hockey
Softball
Upper Bolt Holes
Lower Bolt Holes

17
GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT:
Always position the pitching machine so that two legs are facing the pitching
screen and batter, and one leg is facing back, towards the operator, except as
noted in Figure 14, page 23.
1. Be sure the control switch is in the “OFF” position.
2. Position the dial pointer on the control panel at zero (see Figure 13).
3. Select the correct set of legs for your use (refer to page 14):
a. Use the straight legs for baseball and lacrosse use.
b. Use the curved set of legs (low profile) for softball or field hockey.
4. Select the correct feed chute for your use (see Figure 11).
5. Position the rubber pad bracket until the bolt holes line up with the upper bolt
holes in the rotating plate for softball use, or the lower bolt holes for baseball,
field hockey or lacrosse use (see Figure 12).
6. Connect a 3-wire extension cord (3-prong) into a grounded (3-prong) 110 volt
AC outlet (see Figure 2).
7. Move control switch to “ON” position.
Operation
CAUTION: Never loosen the vertical T-clamp without holding the chute
handle.

18
Operation
Figure 13. Control Panel
JUGS Jr. Pitching Machine Speed Chart
Dial Setting Approx. M.P.H. (Baseball)
20 23
30 29
40 35
50 39
60 44
70 48
80 56
90 56
100 60
NOTE: The above speeds are approximate miles per hour (MPH) taken at a
distance of 45 feet.
Figure 14