TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR RENTALS

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PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSES
SOLUTION

Mix Not Frozen

Machine outdoors:

  • Really High Ambient * Temperature,
  • Machine placed in direct sunlight,
  • Circuit overloaded,
  • Wrong type of extension cord,
  • Another appliance plugged into the same plug,
  • Not enough time given for freezing,
  • The machine switch is in the "Clean" position,
  • Machine vents are blocked/poor air circulation,
  • Too much alcohol used.

Machine indoors:

  • Circuit overloaded,
  • Wrong type of extension cord,
  • Another extension cord added to the one provided,
  • Not enough time given for freezing,
  • Machine switch is in the "Clean" position,
  • Machine vents are blocked/poor air circulation,
  • Another appliance plugged into the same plug,
  • Too much alcohol used.

*Ambient Temperature is the combination of Heat and Humidity.

Machine indoors & outdoors:

  • Keep the machine as cool as possible. Provide plenty of air circulation and DO NOT place the machine in direct sunlight.
  • These machines need a DEDICATED 15 - 20 Amp Circuit. Many builders string several plugs on one circuit. Make sure your plug is the only one being used on the circuit provided.
  • ONLY USE THE EXTENSION CORD THAT WE PROVIDE. It is a 12 gauge, 25 foot extension cord. Do not plug another cord on to our cord. Your cord will possibly burn and the machine's compressor won't turn on. Worst case you could have to pay to rewire the machine. The machines MUST be placed within 25 feet of a regularly wired (commercial or residential) plug using our extension cord.
  • DO NOT USE A GENERATOR.
  • Make sure that there are no major appliances plugged in near the machine (refrigerator, deep freeze, microwave, window a/c, guitar amp etc.
  • Time Rule of thumb for the machines:
  1. Taylor: 7 minutes indoors
  2. Wilch/Crathco: 20-30 minutes indoors
  3. SaniServ: 20-30 minutes indoors
  4. 2 head Visual Machines: 1.5 hours indoors. Keep in mind that you must allow for at least TWICE the normal time to freeze the product when the machine is OUTDOORS especially during the months of June - August in TN, TX, OK or FL.
  • Make sure the machine switch is turned to the "ON" or "AUTO" position (Not the "Clean" position).
  • Don't put anything (i.e. crepe paper, boxes, table cloth, tape, balloons, signs etc.) on the machine that could block the air vents.
  • Remember, if you add alcohol to the mix, the freeze time will increase. Alcohol is like "antifreeze"…it won't freeze.
  • Make sure the unit is plugged into a 3-prong grounded circuit only. Do not use a 3-prong to a 2 prong adapter.
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Machine won't turn on
  • Overloaded circuit,
  • Breaker tripped,
  • Machine (or extension cord) unplugged,
  • Power switch not in the "ON" or "AUTO" position
  • See above solutions for keeping the circuit dedicated to the machine.
  • Go to your breaker box and turn the breaker back on. See above electrical solutions.
  • Make sure a guest didn't trip on the cord and accidentally unplug it from the wall.
  • Make sure the machine is turned on.
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Lights on the machine dim dramatically when the compressor comes on
  • LOW VOLTAGE SITUATION!!!
  • Immediately turn off the machine and find a plug on a dedicated circuit.
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Lights in the house or building dim dramatically when the machine is on
  • Too many high energy appliances running at the same time,
  • Surge in power courtesy of your Electricity Provider.
  • Turn off any unnecessary appliances.
  • Call your electricity provider.

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Machine makes a knocking sound and shakes a little while it is running
  • Not enough mix in the freezing chamber,
  • Machine is freezing and the thicker product has "shifted" in the freezing chamber.

  • Always make sure the machine is full while you are using it. If this occurs at the end of the party, go ahead and shut the machine off.
  • There isn't enough product in the freezing chamber to run properly.
    When the product equalizes the machine's augers will be more centered. Think of this as a washer that became slightly off balance. It will correct itself if there is sufficient product.

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The little red (Mix Low) light is on

  • Mix Low Light is on.
  • If it is during the course of the party, replenish the machine with more product. If it is at the end of the party, then turn the machine off.
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