|
J-Mo Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which pitching machines can I use with the J-Mo? The J-Mo attaches to all of the single wheel Jugs machines which have the digital speed read-out box (see photo); this includes the current series of the "Super Softball" "Softball" and "Jugs Jr.". It does not attached to any of the 2 wheel Jugs machines.
There is an older model Jugs, Jr. (which does not have the digital speed read-out box). The J-Mo can be mounted on this machine with a slight modification to the older Jugs Jr. The older Jugs Jr. has a speed control box, facing to the left, located approximately where the handle is shown in the photo. And, above the speed control box is a smaller handle (or 2 finger holds). This small handle must be removed for the J-Mo to properly fit onto this model of the Jugs, Jr. You can remove the handle with a hack-saw or metal cutting tool. But, if your Jugs machine has the digital speed read-out box, the J-Mo attaches with no modifications.
2. What type of balls can I use with this device? The J-Mo is designed to use both 12 inch and 11 inch dimpled pitching machine balls but, a manual adjustment is required to switch between the two sizes, they cannot be fed into the machine interchangeably. Seamed (leather or synthetic leather) balls cannot be used. The ball is fed or rolled through the feeder loop at a very high speed. Dimpled pitching machine balls with no seams work beautifully but seamed balls tend to bounce and not perform properly, either "hanging-up" in the feeder loop or bouncing out of the ball track.
3. Will I have to modify my pitching machine, how difficult is it to attach the unit? You do not have to make any modifications to you pitching machine to use the J-Mo (unless you have the older model Jugs Jr. as discussed in #1 above). Installation is fairly simple, you remove the ball feeder chute and ball bumper pad from the pitching machine (4 bolts), place the J-Mo on the machine and then re-attach the ball bumper pad and ball feeder chute, bolting the J-Mo to the pitching machine. The entire installation procedure takes only 3 to 4 minutes. The only tool required is a wrench (1/2" end-wrench or socket/rachet).
To Install:
4. Does the J-Mo use a battery, how is it powered? The J-Mo uses 110/115v AC. You plug it into the same electrical source as the pitching machine; battery powered units are not available at this time.
5. Are there warranties or guarantees offered with this product? The J-Mo is covered by a 2 year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
6. How is it constructed; how big is it; how much does it weigh? The J-Mo is built with a steel frame and ball track. The track is constructed with heavy steel rod and is approximately 3 feet in diameter. The unit weighs about 30 pounds. All metal parts are power coated. The ball feed mechanism consist of a 1/8th HP variable speed DC motor, a custom 6" ball feed wheel and a variable speed control unit.
7. Are there models for other pitching machines, such as ATEC machines? At this time the J-Mo is only designed to be used with Jugs softball machines. However, in the future we do plan to offer models for other pitching machines (such as ATEC or Wilson machines). Also, the patent application for the J-Mo discloses a baseball machine feeder and we plan to offer a baseball version of this device in the future too.
8. Does the J-Mo restrict or change the operation of the pitching machine? No; operation of the pitching machine does not change (except that you feed the ball into the the J-Mo instead of directly into the pitching machine). Pitch elevation, left/right aiming and pitch speed adjustments on the pitching machine all operate fully, the same as they would without the J-Mo. However, the J-Mo attachment is designed to throw batting practice and you will have to remove it in order to use the pitching machine for fly balls and/or "top spin" type ground balls.
9. Is it difficult to transport the pitching machine with the J-Mo attached? Because of its size, it is difficult to transport the pitching machine from location to location with the J-Mo attached. To move the machine a few feet is not a problem but, if you have to move the pitching machine to a new location you will need to take a few extra minutes to remove the J-Mo. If you move your pitching machine, such as from a storage shed to a batting cage and back, every day, we would recommend a cart. The Jugs Company (www.thejugscompany.com) and Velocitech (www.softballassistant.com), both offer a cart that can be used to move your pitching machine with the J-Mo attached. And, of course, we also recommend our cart, The J-Kart, as a convenience for moving the pitching machine and The J-Mo together.
10. What is the most common problem users have had with the J-Mo? The most common issue we have seen is the ball feeder track being bent or dented by a hard line drive. The rails on the track are made from 3/8" steel rod; they don't bend easily but, if hit really hard, they can be dented. Our warranty does not cover the feeder loop if it is damaged from the impact of a ball (or other object) so, to protect the J-Mo (and protect the operator of the machine) a pitcher protection screen, properly placed, should be used. |
||||
|
