JUGS MVP Z7400 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Instructions for the
JUGS
MVP
®
Pitching Machine
Part No. Z7400
SAVE THIS MANUAL

1
Introduction.............................................................................................2
Product Safety Signs and Labels .........................................................3
Rules for Safe Operation .......................................................................5
Electrical..................................................................................................8
Terminology ..........................................................................................10
Unpacking ............................................................................................. 11
Set Up .................................................................................................... 11
Transporting..........................................................................................12
Operating Instructions.........................................................................13
Fielding Practice...................................................................................16
Maintenance..........................................................................................17
Product Specifications ........................................................................18
Operator Notes .....................................................................................19
Warranty Information ...........................................................................21
ATTENTION: Coaches and operators of the JUGS MVP
®
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 MVP
®
Pitching Machine. Call 1-800-547-
6843 or 503-692-1635 if you need more copies.
Table of Contents

2
Introduction
Your new JUGS pitching machine has been checked for quality and crafts-
manship. It’s innovative design is backed by three decades of research, develop-
ment 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, mak-
ing 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.

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.
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
!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

WARNING: JUGS pitching machines are intended for use by opera-
tors 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 instruc-
tions, 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 continu-
ing 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 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 ser-
vice technician.

• 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.
7
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.

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.
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

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.
Figure 2
9
GROUNDED GFCI
OUTLET BOX
GROUNDING PIN

Figure 3
10
Terminology

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 pitch-
ing machine should never be connected to a power supply
when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, clean-
ing, servicing, or when not in use.
• 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.
11
Unpacking
1. Remove T-clamp screw and leg clamp from plastic pack with wheel laying flat
on the ground.
2. Insert T-clamp through the middle of the leg clamp with “claws” of leg clamp on
same side as threads of T-clamp.
3. Screw T-clamp into base of pitching machine two full turns.
4. Holding the leg clamp with one hand, use other hand to insert one leg at a
time into base, making sure you insert legs as far as possible.
5. Tighten T-clamp hand-tight and lift pitching machine up onto legs.
Set Up

• To move the pitching machine, slowly tip it over until the tire rests on the
ground. Grasp and lift it by two legs and roll it on the tire to the new position as
you would a wheelbarrow. The JUGS pitching machine will fit in the trunk of a
car by removing its legs.
• Do not roll the tire 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 18.)
WARNING: Never leave pitching machine unattended.
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.
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 the pitcher’s
screen in front of the pitching machine to protect the operator and the pitching
machine from batted balls.
! WARNING: All T-clamps must be tightened securely before using the
pitching machine and throwing pitches.
12
Transporting

13
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 watch-
ing 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.
Operation

14
Operation
6. To adjust the height of the pitch or trajectory for flyballs and pop-ups, loosen
the vertical adjustment, T-clamp, (located underneath the motor) a half turn.
Grab the grip on the rotating plate and pull back toward you (the operator)
to raise the height. Push forward away from you (the operator) to lower
the height and tighten the handle securely. (You will have to practice this
targeting so you will know how to set the machine for each pitch.)
7. 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.
8. Use only JUGS dimpled style, Lite-Flite®, Softie®, one-ounce poly baseballs,
high quality leather baseballs (9" Wilson A1010 or better) or tennis balls in
this machine.
9. Do not permit more than one or two persons around the pitching machine
during its operation.
BATTING HELMETS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
10. Operators of JUGS Pitching Machines must wear safety glasses and batting
helmets at all times.
NOTE:
We suggest that each operator spend a couple of hours experimenting with the
JUGS MVP
®
pitching machine. (You may want to jot down the wheel position
and speed dial settings in the space provided on page 19 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.
WARNING: A pitching screen must be used to protect the operator and
the machine from batted balls.

15
Operation
11. 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.
12. Throw balls at speeds the batter can learn to hit. As the batter’s skills
increase you can throw faster pitches. The JUGS MVP
®
is equipped with a
digital speed readout (Figure 4) with an accuracy index of approx. 2 mph.
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.
13. 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.
14. Do not permit the pitching machine to fall on its wheel. This could result in
non-warrantied damage.
15. Check tightness of all bolts and nuts at regular intervals. If any looseness,
vibration, or rattle is noticed, correct immediately before further use.
16. Always turn the speed dial to the full counter-clockwise position when
throwing is completed or temporarily stopped. Then turn toggle switch to the
OFF position.
CAUTION: The wheel will continue to spin for up to two minutes after
the power has been shut off. Stay clear of the wheel until it
has come to a complete stop before stepping into the line of
flight of the pitch or transporting the pitching machine.
Figure 4. Control Panel

16
Fielding Practice
Fielding Practice
Your JUGS pitching machine can be locked in one position or you can
loosen the vertical adjustment T-clamp which will allow you to tip the pitching
machine up and down.
Grounders
Position the wheel so it points downward. The greater the downward angle, the
bigger the hop will be on the groundball.
Flyballs and Pop-ups
Position the wheel pointing upward. The greater the upward angle, the steeper the
angle of the flyball or the pop-up will be.
WARNING: Keep hands and fingers away from tire side edges of ball
chute. When throwing pop-ups, the operator must wear a
catcher’s mask.

17
Maintenance
Review the following instructions carefully to maintain maximum
accuracy with your JUGS Pitching Machine.
• Maintain tire pressure at 16 to 17 psi (25 psi for tennis balls).
NOTE: If you have an older MVP
®
model with an uninflatable tire, disregard tire
pressure criteria.
Cleaning
• Keep machine clean, and free of grit and dirt. Always use a clean damp
cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
products, or any solvents to clean machine.
• Periodically, you must clean the tires to help maintain their maximum
performance. A dirty tire can easily be distinguished by either a dark ring
around the tire surface or when the surface itself has turned yellow and has a
very glossy or shiny finish.
• Take medium grade sandpaper (sometimes an even coarser grade is
necessary depending on the amount of soil buildup) and begin to scrub the
tire surface as you would a very dirty frying pan. This process can be very
tedious and could take up to 10 minutes per tire. However, it is necessary
in order to completely clean the rubber of all foreign substances, as well as
prepare it for better machine performance. You should sand the tires when-
ever you notice the soil build-up forming. Always sand tires with the power
switch OFF and the machine unplugged.
Once you complete this operation the tire surface will, in most cases, take on
the white color it was originally. Maintaining the tire in this fashion will not only
maximize the performance and accuracy of your machine, but it will extend the
life of the tire.
Storage
• Always store machine and extension cord in separate, clean, dry secured
areas. Cover the machine with a suitable dust cover that does not retain
moisture. Do not use plastic.

IMPORTANT:
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge of the machine and should be
performed only by JUGS. For service, we suggest you return the machine to
JUGS for repair. Always use original factory replacement parts when servicing.
Product Specifications
Motor Specifications:
Variable Speed
Maximum developed horse power ...................................................... 1/4 hp
Volts.....................................................................................................90vDC
Amps ..................................................................................................3 amps
Hertz................................................................................................50/60 Hz
RPM (no load) ................................................................................ 1900 rpm
Overload protection ................................................................................. yes
Tire Specifications:
Size.............................................................................................. 4.00/4.80-8
Pressure .........................................................................................16-17 lbs.
Frame Specifications:
Legs............................................................................................. steel tubing
Motor Mount and Leg Clamp Casting .................................... cast aluminum
Ball Feed Chute...................................................................... cast aluminum
Overall Height........................................................................................53 in.
Overall Width.........................................................................................56 in.
Overall Weight.....................................................................................70 lbs.
Recommended Generator................................................. Yamaha
®
EF1000
Recommended Balls ..... JUGS Balls, Wilson leather 9-inch A1010 or better
18
JUGS MVP®Product Specifications:

19
Operator Notes