Lobster Lob Ster 401 Tournament Model Tennis Ball Machine Logo

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Posted on Jul 04, 2011
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I have Lobster 401 Tournament tennis ball machine. The balls keep getting stuck between the rotor and the hole that they're supposed to drop into. This in turn jams the machine and the rotor cannot turn. Eventually the rotor cracks from all the pressure put on it when a ball jams. The balls shoot out of the machine just fine when the balls are not jamming.

  • 2 more comments 
  • glangmaid351 Jul 05, 2011

    There isn't anything blocking the hole and the size of the hole is correct. Several balls - approximately 3 to 10 will shoot out of the ball machine just fine and then one will get stuck. We've tried brand new balls and old balls and the results are similar.

  • glangmaid351 Jul 07, 2011

    I had the same problem last season so I ordered a new rotor and cleaned out all debris and dirt when I installed it a few weeks ago but the problem persists.

    Would it help if I took a picture of the stuck balls and sent it to you?

    Thanks.

  • glangmaid351 Jul 13, 2011

    I put in a new rotor and it is seated properly as there is only one possible way for the screw to fit through the rotor and the center post it fits on.

    There is no debris or obstructions in or around the ball hopper,rotor or hole that the balls drop through.

    I could provide a picture of a stuck ball but don't know how that would help you see what the problem is.

  • glangmaid351 Jul 29, 2011

    Just back from vacation and would like to send some pics to you that show the stuck balls but can't see how to add an attachment to this comment.
    Can you please tell me how to send pictures?
    Thanks.

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  • Master 2,006 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 05, 2011
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The most likely cause is that dirt and debrie in your hopper has affected the operation of the rotor. Have you cleaned it out and inspected it closely? I would look for any sticky substance close to the rotor also.

But it could also mean that your rotor screw or bolt that hold the rotor on work themselves up even slightly it could cause your problem.

Overall, the operation of the Lobster 401 is pretty simple so it is probably something simple that is wrong.

  • Anonymous Jul 07, 2011

    You should be able to post the photos here, by pushing pictures.

    Are you sure you got screw and bolt torqued down so that the rotor isn't able to tilt any? However, you might want to take the rotor off and make sure that it has been damaged either from pressure of the stuck balls or heat.

    Generally, the rotor is the most likely suspect.

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  • Master 670 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 04, 2011
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Hi there,

Try to take power off the machine and try to check if there is no clog in the hole where the ball drops to make sure that it's not causing the balls to jam.

Check the size of the hole and see if there's an intrusion or if the size and the shape was changed causing the balls not to fit properly.

Hope this helps!

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