"Why is sportsequip's focus on Lobster machines rather than a bigger range?"

We have done a lot of research into ball machines and constantly monitor what’s on the market. As the UK's leading reseller of Lobster Elite machines we tend to be amongst the first to be offered any new machine by other manufacturers, but we know the Lobster Elite battery machines account for over 75% of all machine sales in the UK. The other 25% can be regarded as very basic entry level, very top end coaching specialist machines or 'branded' machines and not best suited for the club, school or domestic market we aim to supply. In addition only certain makes and models are suitable for importation to the UK and Europe as they are required to be designed and manufactured to the higher UK and European electrical standards than are not in place in many other parts of the world. As always with such things, be wary of direct cheaper foreign imports. They may not meet UK voltages or regulations.

"Why did Lobster end production of their Mains operated pneumatic machines?"

The older style pneumatic machines were great, but they had very limited functionality and did need to have their rubber throat diaphragm - the 'detent' - replaced regularly. Unfortunately new replacement components including detents are no longer available. At one point, battery operation meant limited machine usage in a day, perhaps 3-4 hours. If this was insufficient then the 'mains' machine was a suitable alternative. Since the arrival of the Lobster Elite range (providing 6-8 hours of on court usage) this is no longer an issue. Portability and strict charging requirements are the other considerations as these may determine the type you purchase.

"Can I leave the machine outside?"

NO! No ball machine in production will withstand this. Although we sell the Lobster Shower Cover, even that and other supposed 'All-Weather' covers do not offer sufficient protection to allow machines to be stored outside. Machines must be kept and stored dry, otherwise the warranty is invalidated and/or serious damage will occur.

"Do I charge an Elite machine only when I need it?"

NO! The machine must be put back on charge the same day of use regardless of how long it has been used for (5 minutes or 5 hours). Leaving it in a state of part-charge for days will ruin the battery. Also always top-up the battery for storage and charge again at least once a month during extended periods of inactivity.

"Can I leave an Elite machine on charge?"

YES! The charger is intelligent and won't overheat/charge and it is always recommended that it is left connected when in storage.

"So what are the recommended charging instructions?"

The battery types used in the UK are described by the manufacturers as being 'Suitable for Cyclic and Standby use'. To explain the jargon, when regularly discharged and subsequently recharged, the battery is said to be in 'cyclic use'. When fully charged and ready to be used it is said to be in 'standby use'.

When not in use the battery is best left plugged in and on charge at all times using a 1 amp smart trickle charger (supplied as standard with Lobster Elite machines bought from sportsequip). This is referred to as constant trickle charging and there is no risk of overcharging the battery. If preferred, when the machine is not being used for a prolonged period, the battery should be fully charged prior to storage but then must be topped up at least once a month.

The lights on the machine only indicate battery power when the machine is on and in use. During charging the light on the charger shows the charging status - red when charging and green when fully charged.

"Are machines checked before despatch?"

YES! Not a single machine is despatched without a series of inspections and checks being undertaken. That means there may be evidence of some usage such as ball fluff when you first open your new machine. A link to the latest updated operation manual is provided for each model of machine.

"How are repairs undertaken?"

sportsequip work closely with the main UK import agents who maintain a servicing workshop. It is requested that the customer keeps the box that the machine is delivered in. Any problems requiring the return of the machine are taken seriously but collection is only arranged once the machine is properly boxed by the customer.

"Do the machines have any maintenance requirements?"

No regular maintenance other than good housekeeping, storage and charging is required. Annual servicing is not a requirement.

This is how good housekeeping is described in the user manual:

Always turn the power OFF when cleaning the machine. The outside of the machine may be wiped down with a mild detergent. The inside of the machine may be vacuumed to remove dirt and debris (i.e. ball fluff, leaves, sand particles, dirt, etc). To help keep the inside of machine clean, remove all small debris from the balls before refilling the hopper.

"What is the best tennis ball machine?"

The one that best matches the customer's budget, requirements and application!

 

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