Product
Maintenance
A brand new Beaver is a beautiful thing – some might say it’s a work of art. Seriously.
But there is one thing even prettier – a 20-year-old Beaver Machine that looks and runs like it’s brand new. Here are some tips to help extend the life of your Beaver Vending Machine:
- Unlock machine and remove the lid. Carefully pour out the product into a suitable clean food grade container, trying where possible to leave any product chippings/dust in the bottom of the globe. Discard these separately.
- Unscrew the two flat head screws that hold the globe tightly to the hopper. The globe will then lift free off the hopper.
- Reassemble and fill ensuring that the flat sides of the top ring sit snugly inside the 4 raised plastic lugs on the top of the globe. Insert barrel lock and tighten with key – DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN LOCK.
- All moving parts should be maintained using FDA approved, non-toxic lubricants such as Vaseline™.
Appearance and Hardware
What you need to know about your machine in order to perform appropriate product maintenance.
Stands
Appearance
All stands should be polished with 303™ Protectant, which can be purchased from Beaver, or a reputable substitute every time the machines are serviced. This will help to protect the stand against corrosion and maintain its shine to keep up a steady flow of new and repeat business.
Hardware
Be sure to check all nuts and bolts on the stand assembly to ensure that all hardware is secure. A loose stand assembly may not be able to support the machines in a safe manner.
Machines
Appearance
The exterior of all machines should be polished with 303™ Protectant or a mild soap solution in order to remove dirt and smudges. The use of 303™ Protectant will bring out the glossy finish of the various components, including the globe exterior, display panels and all chrome plated parts. This product is especially good for plastic and powder coated parts as it helps reduce the static that tends to attract dust. The interior of the machine should ONLY BE CLEANED USING FOOD GRADE PRODUCTS. A dry cloth is recommended for cleaning the interior of the globe.
Hardware
DISPENSING CONVERSIONS: Whenever the dispensing conversion is removed or exchanged in the machine, it is very important to add a brush of lubricant to the centre hub of the hopper prior to installing the new wheel. This hub acts as a bearing for the various dispensing wheels and must have lubrication at all times. We suggest an FDA approved petroleum jelly such as Vaseline™. All service head components can be washed in warm water with dish soap. They include the following items:
- Top Ring
- Side Rods
- Globe
- Adaptor Ring
- Dispensing Wheel
- Brush Housing
On reassembly, the threads on the side rods should be coated with petroleum jelly. This will make future removal much easier.
COIN MECHANISMS: The coin mechanism should be disassembled, cleaned and all moving parts re-lubricated at least every 5,000 vends, or 12 months. This procedure will help ensure a smooth operation as well as help reduce wear on the various working components, extending service life. The slip clutch handle is a maintenance free component. It has permanently lubricated bearings inside which do not require re-lubrication unless the handle is disassembled.
LOCK ASSEMBLIES: The locks are low maintenance components of the machine assembly requiring only occasional lubrication. Every 6 months apply a drop of thin multipurpose oil (such as sewing machine oil) into the top opening of the lock, then insert the key, lock. This procedure will help in keeping the locks operating smoothly, as well as reducing the wear over time.
Prior to each fill of the machine, it is recommended to follow these cleaning instructions:
- Regular cleaning is essential for smooth running of the machine and to maintain the hygienic standard of the product.
- Empty any unused product from the machine, and discard if past the “best before” date provided by the manufacturer of the product.
- The safest way to clean your machine is using dry methods, such as good quality paper towels and nylon brushes for this purpose. Unscented alcohol-based wipes are also suitable. For more information about cleaning and where to purchase suitable cleaning materials, contact your local Environmental Health Office.
- Never use an abrasive cleaner.
- Cleaning by dry methods reduces the risk of product contamination by food poisoning bacteria, and should be the method of choice. If for any reason wet cleaning cannot be avoided, then it is vital that the machine is completely dry before being reassembled and refilled. A minimum of 24 hours drying time is recommended to ensure all moisture is evaporated.
- Pay special attention to the inside corners of the square shaped machines, such as the Northern Beaver, Tower and Square Beaver. Be sure to remove any stale product and thoroughly clean the corners before refilling the machine.
- The outside of the machine can be cleaned using the same materials.
- Buffing the exterior components can help to remove any remaining marks.
- The rough front surface of the coin mechanism is best cleaned using a brush.