Pitching Machine Maintenance

One of the keys to maintaining your baseball or softball pitching machine is to check parts that could become loose. Nuts and bolts need to be examined on a regular basis to make sure they're tight. Keeping the pitching machine relatively clean is also important. Those simple tasks will ensure better operation and a longer life for your machine.

Keep the Machine Dry It isn't necessary to keep a pitching machine indoors when not in use, but it is important to keep the machine dry. Because the machine is electric with solid-state components in the control box, you'll want to avoid allowing moisture to damage it. Just make sure your machine is covered securely if it remains outside. It's a good idea to place a screen in front of your pitching machine. Even though most machines have a heavy-duty steel plate in front, a line drive can cause damage, especially to the machine's auto-feed component. By not installing a protective screen when using an auto feeder, your warranty will be void.

Keep the Machine Dry
It isn't necessary to keep a pitching machine indoors when not in use, but it is important to keep the machine dry. Because the machine is electric with solid-state components in the control box, you'll want to avoid allowing moisture to damage it. Just make sure your machine is covered securely if it remains outside.

It's a good idea to place a screen in front of your pitching machine. Even though most machines have a heavy-duty steel plate in front, a line drive can cause damage, especially to the machine's auto-feed component. By not installing a protective screen when using an auto feeder, your warranty will be void.

There will be wear on the machine's pitching wheels, and the amount of wear depends on what type of balls are used. Dimpled balls are easier on the wheels than leather balls. Higher speeds also put more wear on the wheels. An average of 150,000 pitches is a normal lifespan for wheels.

What Components Wear Out Faster?
Pitching machines are no different than any other product with moving parts. Wheels, motors, speed control circuit boards and switches, and the adjustment lock handles are the most likely parts to wear out over time. Most motors, however, are built to last more than 10 years with normal use.

Many pitching machine consumers erroneously assume that machines must be returned to the manufacturer's service department for routine maintenance after a few years of use. Performing routine maintenance like checking the air pressure in the tires and keeping the machine from getting wet should be done by the consumer. Storing the machine indoors if possible helps add to the machine's lifespan.

Keeping the pitching wheels clean also can keep the machine running at peak performance. To clean the wheels, first unplug the machine, then brush the entire surface of the tire with a steel wire brush until short rubber strands appear. Next, use 40 Grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the tire, making the rubber strands disappear. Using clean balls also will help keep the tires from getting dirty sooner.