JUGS BP 1 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Instructions for the
JUGS BP®1 Softball Pitching Machine
Model Number: M1101
SAVE THIS MANUAL

ATTENTION, Coaches and Operators of
the JUGS BP®1 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 BP®1 Softball Pitching Machine.
Call 1-800-547-6843 or 503-692-1635
if you need additional copies.

1
Product Safety Signs and Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Operating Instructions:
General Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Pitching Softballs to Batters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Fielding Practice for Softball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Using JUGS for Field Hockey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Operator Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Table of Contents

2
Introduction
Your new JUGS 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, 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.
JUGS Sports
11885 SW Herman Rd.
Tualatin, OR 97062
Ph: 1-800-547-6843
Email: [email protected]

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

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• Use the right ball. Use only JUGS LeatherLast® Softballs, JUGS Sting-
Free® dimpled style softballs, Lite-Flite® softballs, Softie® softballs,
Bulldog™ poly softballs, or high-quality leather softballs.
• 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.
• Keep machine clean, and free of grit and dirt. With the machine

7
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 (See recommended cord gauge notice inside
front cover.) 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. 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.

10
Terminology
Curved Leg Assembly for softball
NOTE:
• JUGS BP®1 Softball
Pitching Machine comes
with 12” softball chute
and curved short legs.
Use “crutch tips” for in-
door machine use only.
Figure 3

• Carefully lift machine from carton and place on level surface.
• Make sure you have all the parts (See Figures 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.
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.
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-Handle.
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.

2. Installing the legs:
a. Screw the base T-Handle clockwise into the bottom of the base
casting, until the T-Handle engages the threads (Figure 4.)
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-Handle 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-Handle is turned as tightly, by hand, as
possible.
• Be sure the legs are equidistant from one other (Figure 5.)
Assembly
Figure 4 Figure 5
12

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
(Figure 6.) Use this position for softball or field hockey.
High Profile Position:
• Install the three legs with the curved part closer to the ground
(Figure 7.) 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-Handle.
b. Place the “top” of JUGS onto the shaft of the base assembly.
(Figure 10).
c. Turn the “top” of JUGS so the Horizontal T-Handle is lined up
directly OVER the red dot at the base.
d. Hand tighten the Horizontal T-Handle.
IMPORTANT: The Horizontal T-Handle will fit snugly into the
indentation in the shaft only if you have the horizontal T-Handle lined
up directly over the RED DOT. This is important for maximum accuracy.
Assembly
13
High Profile Base
Assembly
Low Profile Base
Assembly
Red Dot
Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8

4. Attach the feed chute.
a. Remove the bolts holding the rubber pad bracket to the rotating
plate (½-inch wrench).
b. Attach the selected feed chute to the rubber pad bracket by using
the two bolts provided (½-inch wrench).
5. Attach the rubber pad bracket to the rotating plate.
The rotating plate has 2 sets of bolt holes (Figure 9.) Use the
bolts provided to attach the rubber pad bracket to the rotating plate
described below (½-inch wrench).
• 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 for attaching a baseball chute (this
chute is also used for lacrosse and field hockey.)
Assembly
14
Figure 09
Upper Bolt Holes
Lower Bolt Holes

15
Operation
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 12, page 19.
1. Be sure the control switch is in the “OFF” position.
2. Position the speed dial pointer on the control
panel at MINIMUM (Figure 10.)
3. Install the curved set of legs (low profile)
for softball or field hockey.
4. Attach the softball feed chute (see number 4 on page 14.)
5. Position the rubber pad bracket until the bolt holes line up with the
upper bolt holes in the rotating plate for softball (Figure 9.)
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.
Figure 10
Figure 11. Control Panel

16
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:
1. When feeding the machine with leather balls, hold the ball the same
way every time. Across the seams is best.
2. Have all batters and observers stand well clear of the target as you
throw test balls to adjust trajectory and aiming point.
3. VERY IMPORTANT: Before you place the ball in the feeding chute,
you should look up at the batter 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.
4. When the batter has taken his/her stance and indicates he or she 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. Set the ball in the feed
chute and release. Do not drop the ball into the chute. Watch the ball
into the wheels, then look up at the batter. The whole feeding
operation should be smooth and without interruption.
5. Every batter, after taking his/her 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.
6. 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. For best accuracy, throw
only one type of ball at a time.

17
Operation
7. Use only JUGS LeatherLast® Softballs, JUGS Sting-Free® dimpled
style softballs, Lite-Flite® softballs, Softie® softballs, Bulldog™ poly
softballs, or high-quality leather softballs.
8. Do not permit more than one or two persons around the pitching
machine during its operation.
BATTERS—BATTING HELMETS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
9. Operators of JUGS Pitching Machines must wear safety glasses and
batting helmets at all times.
10. At the beginning of practice, or after any change in speed, or
trajectory, 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.
11. Throw balls at speeds the batter can learn to hit. As the batter’s skills
increase you can throw faster pitches. Always pitch balls at a speed
suitable for the age and skill level of the batter. Pitches thrown too
fast will be counterproductive and dangerous.
NOTE: We suggest that each operator spend a couple of hours
experimenting with the JUGS BP®1. pitching machine. (You may want to
jot down the wheel position and speed dial settings in the space
provided on pages 25- 26 for future reference). 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.
12. Place ball into feed chute and watch the trajectory of the ball.
13. Increase the speed of the pitch by turning the dial clockwise
(Figure 10.)
• When you increase speed of any pitch, you must lower the
elevation of aim; when you decrease the speed, you must
increase the aim elevation.
WARNING: A pitching screen must be used to protect the
operator and the machine from batted balls.

18
Operation
14. To regulate the height of the pitch:
• Hold the feed chute handle and loosen the Vertical T-Handle.
• Move the feed chute TOWARDS home plate for a lower pitch
Move the feed chute AWAY from home plate for a higher pitch.
• Hand tighten the Vertical T-Handle.
15. To regulate the direction of the pitch:
• Loosen the Horizontal T-Handle.
• Grasp the chute handle and move the “top” of the JUGS sideways
until the chute is aimed at the desired target.
• Hand tighten Horizontal T-Handle.
NOTE: When throwing faster pitches (dial setting 45-70 mph), be sure to
line up Horizontal T-Handle over the red dot on the base and then
tighten the Horizontal T-Handle. To make small lateral adjustments (for
example, from “outside corner” pitches to “inside corner” pitches) simply
“shift” the legs of the pitching machine slightly by gently tapping the
legs with your foot.
WARNING: Never loosen the Vertical T-Handle without holding the
chute handle.