Instructions
for Assembling the
WHEELER-DEALER

Automatic Toss Machine
The Wheeler Dealer is shipped as the following:
 1.The Wheeler Dealer Machine
2. The Electronic Control Box
3. Training Video
     

The Hood/Ramp is opened by gripping its front edge and pulling upward. Released it is folded over 180 degrees, thereby forming the one continuous six foot ramp (as shown in photo).

NOTE: With time the Ramp hinges may loosen. Using a 9/16" wrench and a large screwdriver they can be retighten.
The Leg is opened by pushing the Release Button found on the right side of the Leg Hinge. The Leg is then rotated 90 degrees, making sure the button locks firmly in the second hole. To fold the leg away, the process is reversed.

NOTE: IF Battery Operated disregard Step 3 and refer to Battery Instruction Sheet.

Download Battery Instruction Sheet

The Control Box is attached to the bracket on the right side as you face the machine.  Initially, some force may be necessary. The Power Plug is fully inserted into the three-pronged Power Connector found also on the right side. NOTE: With time the bracket may loosen. Bowing it in with a slight tap or two with the nose of a bat will correct the problem.
The Plunger is purposefully free floating to allow for its easy cleaning. Should it be found out of the solenoid, it is simply dropped back in.
 
MAINTENANCE
THE WHEELER-DEALER by ATHLONIC is designed to need little maintenance. That required is: 1. The Ball Stops, front and rear, must be kept lubricated to insure perfect function. For best results any greasy substance such as all-purpose grease, bearing grease, Vaseline, etc. should be used. "3-in-1 Oil", "WD-40", and other lightweight lubricants should be avoided as they're effectiveness is short lived. 2. The Plunger (the metal slug that comes up and strikes the ball) is specially coated, enabling it to self-clean the Sleeve in which it slides. Absorbing grime, it must occasionally be cleaned off. Inverting The Wheeler-Dealer, allowing it to drop out, easily accesses it. A fine sand paper or any abrasive pad such as that used to clean pots and pans is rubbed over it until all the grit is removed. It is then dropped back into the Sleeve. NOTE: WD-40 should NEVER be sprayed into the solenoid. 3. All moving parts are pre-greased at the factory. But about every 6 months (depending upon usage) they should be checked to see if re-greasing might be necessary. Should greasing be necessary, the types mentioned in Paragraph 1 may be used. Removing the black plastic Housing surrounding the workings of the machine more easily facilitates greasing and cleaning. This is accomplished by gripping the bottom edges of the Housing on both sides with each hand and pulling outwards. 4. Except for the Control Box, all other parts of Wheeler-Dealer are waterproof. Hence, after removing the Control Box, it can be washed down with a hose, though it is recommended that water not be allowed to enter the Sleeve of the Plunger.
 
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Solution
Switch is turned on but nothing happens.
Is the Red Light on the Control Box lit? If not: Is the Power Cord plugged in? If so: Is the Solenoid Wire securely connected? If so: Is the Plunger in the Solenoid? If still nothing happens: call the factory.
The balls don't index properly. They sometimes jam up at the Front Ball Stop. Grease both chromed Ball Stops. If problem persists: Pull off Housing. Are all the moving parts in place? If not: call the factory.
Softballs don't pass through the ramp hinges. The chromed heads of the hinge bolts hangs them up. Bend the walls of the metal ramp outward at the hinges. Somehow they have been bent inward.
     
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Question
Answer
How many balls does it hold? 28 Baseballs; 17 Softballs.
What kind of balls can I use? Baseballs, Softballs, Dimple balls, Wiffle balls, Safety Balls, and Tennis balls.
How about a generator? Yes, but call factory first!
What kind of fuse does it take? 1/4" x 1 /4", 7 amp-slow blow (Radio Shack # 270-1029). Battery: 30Amp Slo Blow. Call factory if not sure.
Can I use it in the sand or dirt? Not at all recommended.
Why? Sand and moving parts is always a bummer. The sand absorbs all the lubricants then wears down the components.
How about on grass? No problem.
How come sometimes some balls go higher than others? The force striking the ball remains constant. Any variable in the ball such as weight and hardness (just like the ball coming off a bat) will have an effect on height and distance. If the same height is desired, new balls of the same type should be used.

The Wheeler-Dealer Automatic Soft-Toss Machines are manufactured under US Patent No. 5294109 by:

3223B La Cienega Ave; Culver City, CA 90232