JUGS Z7100 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Part No. Z7100
Instructions for the
JUGS
Combination Pitching Machine
SAVE THIS MANUAL
REV 5

ATTENTION:
Coaches and Operators of the
Combination (Combo) 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 Combination Pitching 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..........................................12
Transporting........................................12
SetUp .............................................13
OperatingInstructions................................16
SpeedChart ........................................25
Fielding Practice.....................................26
Maintenance........................................27
ProductSpecifications ...............................28
OperatorNotes......................................29
WarrantyInformation.................................31

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 about your pitching machine.

Product Safety Signs & Labels
3
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.

Figure 1
4
Carefully read all safety-sign decals affixed to your JUGS pitching machine
before operating it. 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
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.
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.

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•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 it 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.
Rules For Safe Operation

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•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
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.
Rules For Safe Operation

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
Electrical
8
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.

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.
Figure 2

COMBO BASEBALL
DIAGRAM
Figure 3
Terminology
10

COMBO
SOFTBALL
DIAGRAM
Figure 4
11
Terminology

Transporting
12
Unpacking
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 machine from carton and place on level surface.
2. Make sure you have all the parts. (See Figures 3-4.) 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 switch until the damaged or missing parts are obtained and are
installed correctly.
•To move the pitching machine, slowly tip machine over until tires rest on
the ground. Grasp and lift two legs and roll on wheels to new position as
you would a wheelbarrow. The JUGS pitching machine will fit in the trunk
of a car by removing it’s legs.
•Do not roll tires on surfaces that might damage the tire. If the tire becomes
deformed, flat, or damaged, it must be repaired or replaced before using
the machine. (See tire specifications, Page 28.)
WARNING: Never leave pitching machine unattended.

Setup for Baseball Use:
1. With the tire side down, place the triangular leg clamp in the leg clamp
casting. (See Figure 3.)
2. Insert the threaded end of the Leg T-Clamp through the center hole in the
leg clamp casting and start the threads.
3. 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.
4. Place rubber leg caps on lower end of legs if JUGS is to be used indoors.
The leg caps are not recommended for outdoor use.
5. Lift the pitching machine upright.
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. Check both speed dials and make sure they are in the full counter-
clockwise position (pointer at “0” setting) and the toggle switch is in the
OFF position.
7. Loosen Handle Bar Lock Knob on top of handle bar and position machine
to aim at desired target. Tighten the lock knob. (You will have to practice
this targeting so you will know how to set the machine for each pitch.)
8. Slide the right wheel toward the left wheel and position the base ball
feed chute assembly so that its two mounting holes line up with the two
mounting holes on the pitching machine. See red stripe on the casting for
proper hole alignment. Insert and securely tighten the two lock knobs into
their appropriate mounting holes. You are now ready to throw baseballs,
tennis balls, or poly baseballs.
Set Up
13

Set Up
14
9. 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.
For Poly Baseball (Whiffle type only) Use:
Set dials no more that five (5) digits apart. Be sure to reset speed dials 35
digits apart before use with baseballs.
WARNING: Leg and Base T-Clamps must always be tightened securely
before throwing pitches. All lock knobs must also be
tightened firmly before using the pitching machine.
DANGER: Do not throw pitches without the correct size ball feed chute
assembly properly secured.
Setup for Tennis Use:
Tennis balls can be thrown by this machine. Follow setup instructions
as outlined above in “Setup for Baseball Use.” However, you must first
inflate the tires to a pressure of 25 pounds per square inch (psi). Be sure
to deflate tires to 16-17 pounds for baseball use and reset the speed dials
35 digits apart before using baseballs.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
See page 24 under “Operation: Tennis Balls” for tennis ball settings BEFORE
using this machine with tennis balls.

To Convert Setup from Baseball to Softball Use
1. Place JUGS upside down, with tires flat on ground or floor and legs
pointing upwards.
2. Loosen Leg T-Clamp, which secures legs in place, and remove long legs
from sockets.
3. Place the curved ends of the three short legs in sockets so that the
distance between the legs is the same. (See Figure 4.)
4. Firmly tighten Leg T-Clamp to hold the legs in place very snugly.
5. Lift the pitching machine upright. Two legs should be facing toward the
batter, with one leg facing backward.
To switch from baseball use to softball use or vice versa, you must adjust the
distance between the tires and attach the appropriate-size ball-feed chute
assembly.
6. To adjust the distance between the tires, loosen and remove the two
locking knobs under the right wheel and ball feed chute.
7. After the lock knobs are removed, slide the right wheel away from the
left wheel and position the softball feed chute assembly so that its two
mounting holes line up with the two mounting holes on the pitching
machine. See red stripes on the casting for proper hole alignment. Insert
and tighten securely the two lock knobs into their appropriate mounting
holes. You are now ready to throw softballs.
NOTE:
To make the mounting of the ball feed chute assembly easier, always insert
and secure the lock knob located directly under the ball feed chute first before
inserting and securing the lock knob located under the right wheel.
15
Set Up

Your JUGS Combination (Combo) Pitching machine has the versatility to
throw baseballs, softballs, tennis balls and polyballs.
1. Operators of JUGS Pitching Machines must wear safety glasses and
batting helmets at all times.
2. Check speed dial and make sure it is in the full counter-clockwise position
(pointer at “0”) and the toggle switch is in the OFF 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. Loosen Base T-Clamp and aim machine at desired target. Re-tighten
Base Clamp. To adjust trajectory, loosen Handle Bar Lock Knob (Figure
3) and adjust until desired trajectory is attained, then tighten securely. For
fine adjustments, loosen lock knob slightly and adjust Handle Bar down,
or sideways. (It is normal to throw five or six test balls before arriving at
the setting and aim point you desire).
5. Place toggle switch in the ON position. Gradually turn speed dials to
desired speed.
6. Have all batters and observers stand well clear of the target as you throw
practice balls to adjust trajectory. Tighten Handle Bar securely. 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, 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.
8. Throw balls at speeds the batter can learn to hit. As the batter’s skills
increase you can throw faster pitches.
Operation
16

17
Operation
9. When you increase speed of any pitch, you must lower elevation of aim;
when you decrease speed, you must increase the aim elevation.
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 or she 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 dials to the full counter-clockwise position when
throwing is completed or temporarily stopped. Then turn toggle switch to
the OFF position.
WARNING: A pitching 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 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.

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 leather balls, hold the ball the same way
every time. Across the seams is best, especially for curveballs.
•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 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.
•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.
•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.
18
Operation