SPORTS ATTACK Crick Attack Cricket Bowling Machine Instruction Manual

SPORTS ATTACK Crick Attack Cricket Bowling Machine

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this Sports Attack LLC. equipment.
Proper assembly, careful operation and consistent maintenance of this equipment will ensure that it gives you the very best performance and a long, economical service life.
This manual contains the information needed to properly set up the Crick Attack, and to use, care for and maintain the Crick Attack in a manner which will ensure its optimum performance.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Up to 200 ft. from power source, use a minimum #14/3 grounded 3-wire 15 amp minimum rating extension cord.
• Over 200 ft. from power source, consult a licensed electrician for required power cord size.

OPERATING SAFETY
CAUTION: Never reach down near moving throwing wheels for any reason! If it is necessary to reach into the throwing wheels, ALWAYS:

1. Turn all three speed dials to “0”.
2. Turn on/off switch “OFF”.
3. Unplug Crick Attack from power source
4. Wait until the throwing wheels have come to a complete stop before reaching hands or fingers anywhere near the throwing wheels.

CAUTION: Carefully check Crick Attack for completeness and condition before connecting to electrical power:

1. Throwing wheels must be tight on the motor shafts
2. Wheel guard and ball chute must be tightly fastened to the throwing head.

Carefully check the throwing wheels frequently for cleanliness, chips and cracks. Do not use the machine if the throwing wheels are damaged, or if chips or cracks appear in the wheels. (For damage within Warranty period, see Warranty Statement, page i.)
ALWAYS set the speed controls to “0” before connecting the machine to power. Check that the speed controls are at “0” before turning the on/off switch “ON”.
Do not allow anyone to walk in front of the machine if it is connected to electrical power.

WARNING PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD

• Carefully read all instructions in this manual, and all labels and warnings on Crick Attack before using this machine.
• Use machine only under adult supervision. Failure to operate CrickAttack as described in this manual can result in severe personal injury or death.
• Never loosen the horizontal swivel lock while pitching to a batter. If the lock is not secure, the throwing head could pivot.
• A loose swivel lock can allow a pitch to be inside which could hit the batter.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD

• Crick Attack must be connected to a properly grounded electrical receptacle. Do not operate on wet ground.

CAUTION: PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD
Keep hands away from throwing wheels anytime the machine is connected to a power source.
Carefully check Crick Attack for completeness and condition before connecting to electrical power.

EQUIPMENT ELECTRICAL DAMAGE
Keep hands away from throwing wheels anytime the machine is connected to a power source.
Carefully check Crick Attack for completeness and condition before connecting to electrical power.

BALL SELECTION

• Never mix cricket balls with synthetic Bowling machine balls.
• Be careful not to mix new with old balls or balls from different manufacturers.
• Balls must be consistent in type and amount of wear to produce repeatability.
• Never use wet balls!

BATTING PRACTICE
The horizontal swivel lock must be securely tightened before the batter enters the net. ALWAYS test and adjust the Crick Attack before a batter enters the net:

1. Adjust so that Crick Attack throws a ball straight at first, then read just for variations.
2. Throw test balls until required velocity, swing or spin are reached.
3. Throw several balls to verify repeatability.

• DO NOT make any changes while the batter is in the net.
• Batter and machine operator must wear batting helmets.
• Only one person at a time should operate the machine.
• Always present the ball to the batter before feeding the ball into the machine.
• Operator must stand behind a protective screen to prevent injury from balls off the bat. Screen is not included with Crick Attack.

FIELDING PRACTICE

• Both the elevation control and swivel lock must be released so that the throwing head moves freely through the intended range of motion.
• Never reach up chute to push ball into the throwing wheels.
• Keep hands and fingers well away from the throwing wheels.
• Be careful to keep all persons away from in front of Crick Attack.
• For best accuracy, use dimpled bowling machine balls.

NOTE: Vertical (elevation control) must be adjusted whenever you change deliveries. Never put machine on 10,10, 10, it is very dangerous.

CAUTION PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD
Always use a protective screen to protect the operator from the ball off the bat. (Screen not included with Crick Attack.)

Always wait for all three throwing wheels to come to a complete stop before transporting Crick Attack, lifting the throwing head or performing any repairs.

CRICKET FEATURES & OPERATING CONTROLS CRICK ATTACK PITCHING MACHINE

PATENTS APPLIED FOR

Detail A control panel frame here with labels

Travel lock must be secure prior to movement.
Figure 1 Position Crick Attack Tip up onto Wheel Guard; Insert two front legs Figure 2 Set Crick Attack upright Carefully tilt Crick Attack up onto its legs

SAFETY HINT
Keep your back straight and lift with your legs. Be ready to grab the wheel guard and guide Crick Attack into the upright position.

CRICKET SET-UP & PREPARATION

1. Install the rear leg (Note: the leg has a push button, which locks the leg into the socket). Roll Crick Attack into position at the bowlers end.

2. Be sure the horizontal swivel lock is tightened securely.

3. Tilt Crick Attack forward until it rests on the throwing wheel guard.

4. Insert the two front legs into the front sockets in the undercarriage
   (Note: the front legs also have locking push buttons).

5. See Figure 2 on page 4.
   Walk around to the front of Crick Attack, and, with your back to home plate, reach down and grasp the wheel guards. Then, lift Crick Attack up and over the front legs and set it gently onto the rear leg.

6. Position Crick Attack:

   • To approximate the release point of a live bowler, position Crick Attack so that the rear leg is level with the stumps (TBC).
   • Then, sight down ball chute. Move the swing control right or left to adjust machine so that it is pointing directly at home plate.
   • Check the horizontal swivel lock to make sure it remains tight.

7. Unlock the travel lock. Turn the handle of the elevation control counter-clockwise until the bar of the travel lock snaps back out of the way.

8. Adjust the throwing head:

   • Turn the handle of the elevation control clockwise. Raise the throwing head until it will throw somewhere near the required height.
   • This initial adjustment will come through experience. To start, turn the elevation adjustment 10 turns clockwise.

9. Examine Crick Attack for condition and completeness:

   • Be sure the horizontal swivel lock is secured.
   • Throwing wheels must be tight on the motor shafts. Check that the keyway retaining bolts are tight.
   • Wheel guard and ball chute must be securely fastened to the throwing head.

10. Be certain on/off switch is turned “OFF”, then plug Crick Attack into an extension cord or other power source. (See generator information at right if applicable.)

WARNING HAZARD FROM HIGH-SPEED PROJECTILES
Being struck by a pitched ball can cause serious injury or death. Make sure that no one steps in front of Crick Attack while it is connected to electric power.
Clear all hitters away from home plate, the batter’s box and the backstop area before connecting Crick Attack to electric power.
GENERATOR INFORMATION

1. Crick Attack requires a generator capable of providing clean electric-ity 2000 watts at 120 volts 60hz.

2. Be sure the on/off switch is “OFF” before plugging Hack Attack into the generator.

3. Start the generator and allow it to reach full speed before turning the on/off switch “ON”.
   IMPORTANT: Generator speed fluctuations can damage the electronic speed control. Maintain adequate fuel in the generator at all times.

4. Turn the on/off switch “OFF” before shutting off the generator and before unplugging Crick Attack.

INSTALLING EXTENDED LEGS ONTO YOUR CRICK ATTACK CRICKET BOWLING MACHINE

(Requires two people)

1. FRAME LOCK the throwing head (see manual for instruction; ref. Shutting Down) Figure 1

2. Remove all three standard legs by laying down the machine.
   NOTE: See Figure 2. After standard legs are removed insert the extended legs.

3. See Figure 3- 7. 2 people need to lift it up.

Figure 1 Frame Lock
Figure 2 Insert new extended legs into sockets Figure 3 Stand the machine up – 2 people lift Figure 4
Figure 5 Figure 6 **Figure 7**

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT LEGS

CRICKET BATTING PRACTICE SET UP

1. Turn the on/off switch “ON”.
2. Set the speed control dials*: Top Left to “4” Top Right to “4” Bottom to “4”
3. Check again to make sure no one is in front of Crick Attack or anywhere near the net. Then, feed a ball down the ball chute to bowl the first ball.
4. Note where the ball goes in relation to the stumps. Adjust the ball to the left or right by shifting the rear leg:
   • To move the ball left, move the swing control to the right.
   • To move the ball right, move the swing control to the left.
   • Final fine horizontal adjustment (inside/outside) is made using the Horizontal Control Handle. First loosen the Horizontal Swivel Lock than adjust using Horizontal Control Handle. And finally re-tighten the Horizontal Swivel Lock Handle.
5. Adjust the length:
   •  Turn the elevation control clockwise to bowl fuller.
   • Turn the elevation control counter-clockwise to bowl shorter.
6. Adjust the speed control dials to produce the required speed. Larger numbers equal higher speed.
7. Feed a second ball.
8. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 until the desired swing, spin, accuracy and speed are achieved.
9. Refer to “Selecting the Type of Bowling”, page 7.
10. Feed several more test balls to ensure the machine is set correctly.
11. After you are sure desired delivery is repeating, allow the batter to step into the net.
12. See Figures 3 and 4 at left.
    • Before each feed present the ball to the batter.
    • Drop the ball into the ball chute.

WHEN FEEDING TO A BATTER

Proper feeding technique is important to take advantage of Crick Attack’s life-like vision and timing.
When feeding:

1. Be sure batter is ready.
2. Present the ball to batter by raising it so batter can clearly see it, then place ball at the top of the ball chute, seating it firmly against the ball chute. The ball should be held back against the chute to ensure a smooth consistent feed.
3. Release the ball to roll down the ball chute and into the throwing wheels.

WARNING HAZARD FROM HIGH-SPEED PROJECTILES
Being struck by a thrown ball can cause serious injury or death. Make sure that no one steps in front of Crick Attack while
it is connected to electric power.
Clear all hitters away from the backstop area before connecting Crick Attack to electric power.
NOTE: As wheel speeds are changed for different velocities and spins, the ball will be pitched to differing locations.
Compensate for these changes by turning the elevation control, and by moving the rear leg.
Figure 3 Present the ball to the hitter Figure 4 Feeding the Ball IMPORTANT: Hitter should stride the instant he sees the ball release from the feeder’s hand at the upper end of the ball chute.

SELECTING THE PITCH

NOTE: Vertical (elevation) and horizontal (swivel) must both be adjusted whenever you change speed or spin.
Always have the batter step away from the wicket area before adjusting speed or spin.

BALL SELECTION

1. Never mix different type of cricket balls.
2. Be careful not to mix new with old balls, or balls from different manufacturers.
3. Balls must be consistent in type and amount of wear to produce repeatability.
4. NEVER USE WET BALLS!

Real leather OR balls designed to work in cricket machines are best.
Discard old or soft leather balls from your Crick Attack batting sessions. Similarly, discard older worn cricket pitching balls. Figure 5 Bowling Style Selection Chart – These settings are a general guideline for professional bowling for professional batters only. Adjustments for players of lesser skill can be made from these settings.

WARNING PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD

Never reach down near throwing wheels for any reason! Always turn all three speed control dials “OFF”, turn the on/off switch “OFF”, unplug Crick Attack from the power source and wait until the throwing wheels have come to a complete stop before reaching hands or fingers anywhere near throwing wheels.

CRICKET SHUTTING DOWN TURNING CRICK ATTACK “OFF”

1. Set each speed control dial to “0”.
2. Turn the on/off switch “OFF”.
3. Unplug Crick Attack from the power source.

PUTTING CRICK ATTACK AWAY

1. Be absolutely sure that the throwing wheels have completely stopped turning.

2. See Figure 7 at right:

   • Turn the elevation adjustment counter-clockwise until the throwing head is all the way down against the elevation control nut.
   • Push and hold the travel lock all the way in.
   • Turn the elevation adjustment clockwise until the throwing head is held tightly against the travel lock. Tighten just enough to secure the throwing head. It is not necessary to over tighten.

3. Using the rear leg as a handle, tip Crick Attack up and over onto the wheel guard.

4. Remove (un-socket) both front legs and store by inserting in the travel storage sockets.

5. See Figure 8 at right:
   Again, using the rear leg as a handle, tip Crick Attack back until machine can be comfortably rolled on the travel wheels. Crick Attack can now be rolled and maneuvered off of the field.

6. To transport Crick Attack in a car, remove the throwing head:

   •  Be sure the travel lock is engaged and the throwing head is tightly secured to the yoke.

   • Loosen the horizontal swivel control. Turn it counter-clockwise until the throwing head is free to lift out of the swivel.

   • Lift the throwing head straight up and clear of the undercarriage.
     SUGGESTION: The throwing head, while awkward, can be carried for short distances by gripping the top section of the wheel guard and balancing the piece against your thighs as you walk.

   • To prevent damage in transport, rest the throwing head on the wheel guard and yoke; motors should be down, and the control panel pointing up.

Storing Legs in Travel Socket
Figure 7 Secure the Travel Lock Figure 8 Maneuvering

CARE, CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

LUBRICATION (once per season, or as required):

1. Elevation Control

   • Apply fresh grease.
   • Reinstall, making sure that the tension spring is around the threads.
     (See item 30, 30B and 31 on page 13).

2. Travel Lock

3. Apply a small amount of grease where the pin passes through the fitting. Make sure the travel lock operates freely.

4. Horizontal Swivel Lock

   • Completely remove the horizontal swivel lock nut. Clean all old grease, dirt, etc. from the threads.
   • Wipe the threads with a very small amount of fresh grease.
   • Reinstall.

THROWING WHEEL MOTORS

Motors are sealed and require no lubrication. Check bolts for tightness once a season. Tighten bolts securely, but do not over-tighten. See Figures 7 and 8 on page 11.

CLEANING THE THROWING WHEELS

The throwing wheels must be kept clean to maintain accuracy. Clean the wheels periodically to control the build-up of grass and dirt.

• Turn the on/off switch “OFF” and allow the wheels to come to a complete stop. Unplug Crick Attack from electric power.

Dampen a rag with soap and water. Turn the throwing wheel by hand and scrub the wheel until the build-up is removed. For very heavy build-up, a synthetic scouring pad, such as a Scotch-Brite® scouring pad, or medium sandpaper may be used sparingly. Acetone may be
required to help loosen the build-up of dirt or ball residue.

EXAMINE THE MACHINE

Examine Crick Attack for condition and completeness before every use:

1. For batting practice, be sure the horizontal swivel lock is secured.
2. Throwing wheels must be tight on the motor shafts. Check that the keyway retaining bolts are tight.
3. Wheel guard and ball chute must be securely fastened to the throwing head.

CAUTION PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD

Never attempt to clean the throwing wheels while they are turning. Rags or implements caught in spinning wheels can cause serious injury.
Unplug the machine before cleaning the wheels or performing any service.

CHEMICAL HAZARD

Acetone
Read and follow the directions and safety instructions on the acetone container.

FIRE HAZARD
Acetone
Acetone is flammable. Do not use acetone around a fire or flame. Do not use acetone near a running generator or other source of ignition.

COMPONENT REPLACEMENT

THROWING WHEEL REPLACEMENT

1. Turn the on/off switch “OFF” and unplug the power cord. For the bottom throwing wheel, remove 6 bolts holding the wheel guard to the main casting.
2. Hold the wheel so that it cannot move. Turn the keyway retaining bolt counter-clockwise using a box end wrench.
3. Remove the bolt and washers.
4. Work the wheel off of the motor shaft. Be sure to catch the key as it is freed from the keyway.
5. Ball throwing wheels are machine balanced. Small holes in the side of the wheel are applied at the factory and are normal. A slight wobble is normal.

Reassemble in reverse order.

• Install wheel to motor shaft with key slots aligned.
• Be sure the key is in place, and inserted so that it is flush with the boss at the wheel center.
• Be sure the washer and lock washer are installed in the right order, and that the keyway retaining bolt is tightened.
• Test the wheel by spinning it by hand and making sure that it spins freely without wobble before turning the unit “ON”.
• Be sure the wheel guard is properly and securely reinstalled.

MOTOR REPLACEMENT

1. Turn the on/off switch “OFF” and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the throwing wheel (see above).
3. Remove four screws holding controller into main casting. Note the position of the motor wires on the controller, then disconnect the wires. See Figure 10 on page 12.
4. Note the routing of the motor wires. Loosen any wire clamps.
5. Remove four bolts holding the motor to the main casting. See Figures 7 and 8 on page 11.
6. Reassemble in reverse order.

NOTE: Check bolts for tightness once a season. Tighten bolts securely, but do not over-tighten.

Figure 7 Shown using a 6” extension with 1/2” socket. Figure 8 Shown using a 6” extension with 7/16” socket.Hold wheel while loosening bolts. NOTE: On the bottom wheel, the Front wheel guard (part 43 on page 13) must be removed prior to the removal of the motor or ball-throwing wheel.

When replacing the motor, you will see two sets of bolts:

• 2 – 1/4” x 1 1/4” coarse thread bolts
• 2 – 5/16” x 1 1/2” coarse thread bolts
• The wrench or socket size needed for the 1/4” bolt is a 7/16”.
• The wrench or socket size needed for the 5/16” bolt is a 1/2”.

CONTROLLER REPLACEMENT

1. Turn the on/off switch “OFF” and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove four screws holding controller faceplate into main casting. Note the position of the main power and motor wires on the controller, then disconnect the wires. See Figure 10 on page 12 for the three motor wires. See Figure 11 on page 12 for the main power cord wires.
3. Loosen the nuts holding the three speed control shafts to the faceplate, then remove the controller.

Reassemble in reverse order.
Be sure wires are correctly reinstalled. Motor wire connectors are different sizes. Be sure they are installed on the correct size terminal. See Figure 10 for the motor wires and Figure 11 for the power cord wire.

Figure 9 Wiring diagram from the control board side. Figure 10 Wiring diagram for all three motors. Figure 11

POWER CORD WIRE

• Black (#1): Circuit breaker
• White (#2): N on green control board
• Green (#3): Grounds to machine

CONNECTING WIRES

Motor| Black

Wire

| White

Wire

---|---|---
Right| A-| A+
Left| A+| A-
Bottom| A-| A+

Black motor wires are 3/16” female disconnect and white wires are 1/4” female disconnect.

EXPLODED VIEW

• 1 Cane Tip
• 2 Leg, Cricket
• 5 Undercarriage
• 13 Horizontal Swivel Lock Handle
• 14 Swivel Lock Pivot Bolt Assembly
• 17 Leg Spring, Dual Snap
• 19 Travel Wheel (with axle, bolt, not, washers)
• 21 Yoke
• 26 Frame Lock Pin
• 27 Spring, Lock Pin
• 30 Elevation Control Nut Assembly
• 30B Tension Spring, Elevation Control
• 31 Handle, Elevation Control
• 34 Main Casting, Throwing Head
• 35 Upper Clamp
• 37 Motor, Variable Speed
• 38 Throwing Wheel (with key, bolt, washers)
• 39 Ball Chute
• 43 Wheel Guard
• 49 Grommet, Wiring
• 60 Control Face Plate
• 61 Knob, Speed Control
• 63 Controller
• 64 Safety Reset
• 65 On/Off Switch
• 67 Swing Control Handle
• Decal Set, Safety and Operating Info

PARTS LIST

EM          PART NO.                                     DESCRIPTION QTY PER

1| 280-1000| Cane Tip| 3
2| 532-0026| Leg, Cricket| 3
5| 513-1309| Undercarriage, Crick Attack| 1
13| 533-0500| Horizontal Swivel Lock Handle| 1
14| 533-0501| Swivel Lock Pivot| 1
17| 270-0002| Leg Spring Dual Snap| 1
19| 281-0002| Travel Wheel (with axle, bolt, not washers)| 2
21| 533-1302| Yoke| 1
26| 531-1506| Frame Lock Pin| 1
27| 270-0005| Spring Lock Pin| 1
30| 531-1505| Fitting, Elevation Control| 1
30B| 310-0021| Tension Spring, Elevation Control| 1
31| 531-1504| Handle, Elevation Control| 1
34| 290-0014| Main Casting, Throwing Head| 1
35| 533-0002| Wire Clamp| 1
37| 210-1803| Motor, Variable Speed 180V| 3
38| 531-0001| Throwing Wheel (with key, bolt, washers)| 3
39| 533-1307| Ball Chute| 1
43| 533-1306| Wheel Guard| 1
49| 280-3007| Grommet, Wiring| 1
60| 533-1503| Control Face Plate| 1
61| 280-2003| Knob, Speed Control| 3
63| 530-0031| Controller| 1
64| 232-0002| Safety Reset| 1
65| 223-0004| On/Off Switch| 1
67| 533-0600| Swing Control Assembly| 1
 | 281-0001| Travel Wheel, Extra-Heavy Duty|
 |  | Decal Set, Safety and Operating Info| 1
 |  | Power Cord (240v-AU)| 1

WARRANTY STATEMENT

What is most important to Sports Attack is that your machine meets your expectations of quality and performance. We stand behind the material and workmanship of our machines for five (5) years from the date or original purchase for institutional and residential use and one (1) year for commercial environments, with the following exceptions:

• Throwing Wheels are warranted for two (2) years;
• Electronic Controller is warranted for two (2) years; and,
• Throwing Wheel Motors are warranted for two (2) years.

This warranty excludes any cosmetic issues or normal wear and tear of the unit, and is not in effect if the machine has been misused, misapplied, improperly assembled, or modified without the express written permission of Sports Attack. In addition, this warranty does not apply to damage in transit, in any accident unrelated to the direct operation of the equipment, or by fire, flood or act of God.
If you encounter any issues during the warranty period, Sports Attack will quickly get your machine back in working order. If the warranty repair involves a replacement part, we will make sure you get both the part and easy instructions for replacement at no cost to you. If a service person is needed, Sports Attack will pay the pre-approved labor charge to get your machine back in working order.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Warranty components such as motors, etc. now require a picture of the component when submitting replacement request. Please know that any problem can quickly be resolved with a phone call to our experienced, responsive customer service department at 800.717.4251. We are here to answer your questions and to make sure your machine provides you years of service.
RETURNS
Sports Attack manufactures the highest quality sports training equipment in the world.
If for any reason you are not satisfied, a machine can be returned within 30 days of receipt for any reason for a full refund less a 10% restocking fee. Cost of shipping the unit back to Sports Attack will also be the responsibility of the purchaser. Please note that the refund amount may be reduced by any non-cosmetic damage to the machine.
If you have any questions or concerns, please give our experienced, responsive customer service department a call at 800.717.4251.
SHIPPING DAMAGE CLAIMS PROCEDURE
NOTE: For your protection, please note that equipment in this shipment was carefully inspected and packaged by skilled personnel before leaving the factory.
Upon acceptance of this shipment, the transportation company assumes full responsibility for its safe delivery.
IF SHIPMENT ARRIVES DAMAGED:

1. VISIBLE LOSS OR DAMAGE: Be certain that any visible loss or damage is noted on the freight bill or express receipt, and that the note of loss or damage is signed by the delivery person.
2. FILE CLAIM FOR DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY: Regardless of the extent of the damage.
3. CONCEALED LOSS OR DAMAGE: If damage is unnoticed until the merchandise is unpacked, notify the transportation company or carrier immediately, and file
4. “CONCEALED DAMAGE” claim with them. This must be done within fifteen (15) days from the date the delivery was made to you. Be sure to retain the container for inspection.

Sports Attack LLC. cannot assume liability for damage or loss incurred in transit.
We will, however, at your request, supply you with the necessary documents to support your claim.

To order additional parts, please contact:
Sports Attack
Customer Service Dept.
Ph 800.717.4251
Fx 775.345-2883

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