Lobster Ball Machine Pneumatic 201/301/401 Detent Part #P0338
- Thread starter gotwheels
- Start date
TnsGuru
Professional
1. Detent - The rubber bladder inside this metal sleeve may become worn causing the ball to eject with reduced velocity or become trapped. This is a simple part to replace. To order, call LOB-STER.
http://tennis-ball-machines.net/lobster-pneumatic-owners-manual/ Owners manual for Lobster ball machines.
http://tennis-ball-machines.net/lobster-pneumatic-owners-manual/ Owners manual for Lobster ball machines.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
How old is the ball machine? Parts already out of production?
Age dunno. Bought it used 10 or so yrs ago. I suspect that they ran out of NOS parts, esp the ones that wear out, like the detent. That said, models like this one out there in the world may be out of luck if something unique like the detent goes South. Motors and blowers may not be a problem since they're more " off the shelf" and not unique to the Lobster.
no one makes pneumatic machines anymore. OP might be able to find some on local classifieds, but they still run $100-200 from what i've seen
Update on my attempt to repair the detent. After removal of the detent I noticed a small tear in the rubber tube at the inner edge of the steel detent tube. My assumption is that “leak” allowed the tube to fill with air when the blower was on, making it more difficult for the ball to pass through. Removed the tube by untaping the wrap, and removing the outer hose clamp which allowed the steel tube to spring open enough to remove the inner band that hold the rubber tube’s other end inside the detent tube. While I had the rubber out I measured it: appears to be 2.125” ID and 5” long. Reinserted the rubber and stretched it a little more toward the outer edge so that the tear was outside the detent tube and would be covered by tape. After completing reassembly and testing it worked fine. Ran a tub of balls through with no issues. I don't expect the fix to last forever though. So, knowing the concept of the rubber tube and detent fit, I ordered a 16”x 2.125” bicycle inner tube, which I suspect, when a piece cut to 5” long is used to replace the tube it should work fine. No guarantee though, but short of buying a used parts machine may the only way to salvage an otherwise usable ball machine.
Hard to described how the detent is assembled (should have taken a few pix) but its not brain surgery and anyone with a detent problem should attempt this repair before throwing in the towel and buying a new machine.
Hard to described how the detent is assembled (should have taken a few pix) but its not brain surgery and anyone with a detent problem should attempt this repair before throwing in the towel and buying a new machine.
I have the same problem but I can’t find anyone who sells a new detent. Did the bicycle inner tube work?
Haven’t had the chance to actually use the inner tube plan. Purchased one but the temp fix using the old piece - stretching it a bit so the slit was outside the area of air flow - seemed to work. But it doesn’t get a lot of use and then winter set in. I’d say that if youre in serious need of a fix and the old tube is too far gone, purchase of the bike tube is worth a try and is cheap.
Gary Hurewitz
New User
Hi, I have a Lobster 301 and it is in good shape. Lobster does not sell the detent anymore which is very surprising and disappointing. Has anyone had any luck in finding the part or replacing the diaphragm that holds the balls in the detent? It is crazy that a $2000 machine does not have a $50 replacement part and is useless without it. Lobster should have made enough parts to last many years of replacement since in the manual it says replace every 3 years. Thanks for any help. Gary
I posted a possible solution somewhere else on this forum. Search for anything originated by my handle: M1n1fan. The “solution, admittedly unproven, involved a bicycle inner tube of the same size. (I was able to work around a small hole in the detent here but while it was out I measured it and purchased a tube just in case.)
Gary Hurewitz
New User
Hi M, thanks for the info. What is the size of the tube's diameter? Were you able to get that inner metal ring in and out?
Lobster was very unhelpful and said it was an obsolete model. I told them it was really incompetent of them not to keep enough parts for the future.
Gary
Lobster was very unhelpful and said it was an obsolete model. I told them it was really incompetent of them not to keep enough parts for the future.
Gary
Gary Hurewitz
New User
Would you sell me a Piece of the bicycle tube you have so I can try it. The diaphragm in my Detent is completely ripped.
It’s an ordinary tube - 20”x2.125”, available via Amazon. Search Oregon 71-106. $12.24. Again, I have no idea whether it will replace the OEM detent. But it appears to be the correct size. And I cant imagine Lobster Inc. designing and sourcing a custom piece of rubber. But I could be wrong. Try it; you only have $12.24 + tax to lose. As far as fit, looks like if the ID is too small, you stretch the piece tighter in the tube. I dont recall any serious difficulty with the process. Like you, I was put out with them, since the lack of detent makes the lobster worthless except for parting out. They were gracious enough to offer me a discount on a new lobster... Like I’d buy from them again.
Gary Hurewitz
New User
Hi M, Thanks for your help and patience. I took out the inner tube and it says Kenda on it. the diameter seems to be 2.5 inches. You said 2.125. How did you get that diameter? It is a bicycle inner tube. Do you have anymore suggestions? Gary
Gary Hurewitz
New User
Thanks for your help. Going to bicycle store to get the tube. All good. $5 to repair a $2000 machine. Yeah!
Been too long since I had mine apart, but I don't recall it being hard to do. (I was able to “salvage the detent in mine; the hole was close to the edge of the tube. So a little stretch moved the hole out of harms way. But I suspect at some point I will have to replace it with the innertube I purchased at the time. If so, I’ll take notes and share.) But that is a good suggestion for someone doing one now. Take notes and share.
Gary Hurewitz
New User
Will do.
Gary Hurewitz
New User
M, It worked. I got the bicycle tire and rebuilt the Detent. But I did not take pictures of the front pieces before I took them apart about 6 months ago. And I want to be sure I put it together right. Would you do me a favor and take some close up pictures of the front where the black house goes into the Detent all the plastic holders from several angles. You can text them to me at 917-509-2042. Thanks in advance so much. Gary
It worked? Was just on lobster website an they had a detent to order for $50.00. We ordered the bicycle tire this week- 8 or so dollars from Target. Doubtful that the detent will really ship form Lobster. Any advice on replacing?Did you glue the rubber? thank you
Gary Hurewitz
New User
The Detent on Lobster website is and old Website. I called them and they said they did not sell them anymore.
So I bought a bicycle inner tube and replaced the old rubber one that was ripped. But I did not take pictures of the assembly before I took it apart so I need some close ups of all the angles of the plastic holders and the wide black tube that comes out of the machine. You can text it to me at 917 509 2042 or email it to me at gary@hurewitz.com. Iphone pictures would be great. Thanks so much. Gary
So I bought a bicycle inner tube and replaced the old rubber one that was ripped. But I did not take pictures of the assembly before I took it apart so I need some close ups of all the angles of the plastic holders and the wide black tube that comes out of the machine. You can text it to me at 917 509 2042 or email it to me at gary@hurewitz.com. Iphone pictures would be great. Thanks so much. Gary
Gary Hurewitz
New User
I can also give you step by step instructions on how to replace the rubber in the Detent. Gary
Gary Hurewitz
New User
HI all you guys with the old type lobster ball machine. So I put my machine together and it all went well. The only problem now is that there is a flap the comes up to cover the hole that the ball drops down through the ball wheel that i guess created the suction to spit the balls out. That flap no longer comes up. Does anyone have any idea what is going on? Thanks so much. Gary
Gary Hurewitz
New User
Thanks.
Gary Hurewitz
New User
I tried the detent with a 2.5 inner tube and the ball spits out every 10 seconds which is not good. I think the tube is too wide and does not build up the air pressure. I am going to try using a 2.125 and let you know what happens.
beingstuck
New User
I ordered the 2.125” inner tube, but it appears way too small to put on the steel tube. How did you guys put it on?
Also, on the old tube took down from the detent, it seems has a word of 3.25, is that supposed to be the needed size? I have the picture on the phone, but do not know how to post it here (this chat seems allow inserting pictures from weblink only).
Also, on the old tube took down from the detent, it seems has a word of 3.25, is that supposed to be the needed size? I have the picture on the phone, but do not know how to post it here (this chat seems allow inserting pictures from weblink only).
Gary Hurewitz
New User
HI B. Yes that must be the size. My tube only had the manufactures name on it and no size. I guess it depends on what part of the tube they cut to make the tube. That is very helpful. Text the picture to me at 917-509-2042. I am out of town and I got a new tube but I think it is a 2.75. The fact that you saw 3.25 is the answer. I called Lobster many times and they could not tell me. So send a picture and also take a measurement of the width and see if it is about 3.25 in the narrowest part. Thanks. Gary
beingstuck
New User
Just a thought: the diameter of 2.125" was accurately measured at the detent by you guys. I think this is the inside diameter of the tube when the rubber tube was at its resting status (no air pressure to expand it). However, the normal bike inner tube's sizing is for the INFLATED status, eg. the 20”x2.125” means the diameter will be 2.125" when it in INFLATED (or I could be wrong, 2.125" could be the width when the tube is flatten. But, anyhow, 2.125" tube will not give 2.125" of insider diameter when it is held circular shape and not infrared).
Therefore, I think we should look at the rubber inner tube that gives 2.125" diameter when it is not inflated. I will order a 3.25" tuber to give a try, hope it will give 2.125" diameter when it is NOT inflated.
Therefore, I think we should look at the rubber inner tube that gives 2.125" diameter when it is not inflated. I will order a 3.25" tuber to give a try, hope it will give 2.125" diameter when it is NOT inflated.
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Gary Hurewitz
New User
Is that true that the measurement of the inner tube is when it is inflated? I did not know that.
Gary Hurewitz
New User
two important things: Is the 2.125 measure in inches? Also is that measured while inflated or deflated?
beingstuck
New User
I measured the new 2.125" bike tube. When it is flattened, its outside side-to-side size is 2.125". When is held circular shape, the inside diameter would be only about 1.3~1.4".
Guys,
I have been following your posts and have the same issue. I asked Lobster about the tubing as a replacement and they said the original detent was made from a motorcycle inner tube. If the previous note above about it being a 3.25 diameter tube is correct I see on Amazon there is a motorcycle inner tube of that diameter. I have not taken mine apart yet but will today.
I have been following your posts and have the same issue. I asked Lobster about the tubing as a replacement and they said the original detent was made from a motorcycle inner tube. If the previous note above about it being a 3.25 diameter tube is correct I see on Amazon there is a motorcycle inner tube of that diameter. I have not taken mine apart yet but will today.
Matt Giovrnco
New User
Does anyone have the measurements of the parts that holds the inner tube? My machine is missing everything, almost like someone took it apart to replace the detent then did not put together right. All I have is the metal sleeve that meets the flexible tube; but its completely bare (making an otherwise working machine nothing more than an expensive paper weight). Found in my family's barn so it is likely that the missing parts are gone 
Matt, it may be all you are missing is the internal "SS Retaining Collar" for want of a better description. This ring is about 1/2" wide SS the same thickness as the SS tube you have. I've written a repair process to keep with our machine, I can send you a copy if you'd like it.Does anyone have the measurements of the parts that holds the inner tube? My machine is missing everything, almost like someone took it apart to replace the detent then did not put together right. All I have is the metal sleeve that meets the flexible tube; but its completely bare (making an otherwise working machine nothing more than an expensive paper weight). Found in my family's barn so it is likely that the missing parts are gone
Matt Giovrnco
New User
That would be great if you don’t mind! Sorry that I never replied to your earlier thread. My email is [Redacted]
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Although you directed your response to Matt, I'm hoping you meant me, or would send me the link as well. My email is rlfilion@gmail.com.
Hi, I could use help also. I have a 301 and it will send the first 2 balls out but then jams up. I'm guessing it's the detent. Any information on a fix or a tutorial would be appreciated. Email is dsamps15@yahoo.com
Hi RLC_III, I have a full process sheet for the repair with details around required parts. Shoot me your email address and I'll send you a link to my Dropbox that contains a bunch of info.
Brian
brian.ream54@gmail.com
Brian
brian.ream54@gmail.com
Hi Brian, thank you. I just sent you an email. Thank you
Let's see if this works for future inquiries. This is a link to my Dropbox folder containing info on repairing the Detent on a Lobster ball machine. If this link doesn't work for anyone, feel free to contact me and I'll add you manually to share the folder.
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