Does A Manitowoc Ice Machine Have A Defrost Cycle?

Manitowoc ice machines, like most commercial ice makers, have what is called a harvest cycle.  This takes the place of a defrost cycle, that is most commonly found in other pieces of refrigeration.  Instead of defrosting a coil or condenser, the ice machine defrosts(harvests) the evaporator.

The harvest cycle allows the evaporator, where the ice forms, to heat up and allow the ice to melt and fall off.  This is considered the harvest cycle and will terminate once the ice drops.  Typically, once the ice breaks the contact of the bin switch, through the water curtain, the ice machine will go back into freeze mode.  The freeze, then harvest cycle will continue until the storage bin fills up and the machine shuts down.

There is also a warm water rinse on newer Manitowoc ice machines.  This typically takes place once every 500 cycles.  During the warm water rinse, all lights on the clean light and harvest light will be illuminated on the control board.  Water will cascade over the evaporator, but will not freeze.

The warm water rinse allows any ice formation behind the evaporator to melt off.  This will reduce maintenance costs and prolong the life of the evaporator and ice machine.  To cancel the warm water rinse, simply turn the switch from ICE to OFF, then back to the ICE position.  Otherwise, allow this cycle to continue and it'll go back to making ice once completed.

If you are looking for more tips on troubleshooting a Manitowoc ice machine, be sure to view the Service section on Ice Maker Parts Shop.

Blown Fuse On Manitowoc Control Board

Why does the fuse keep blowing on my ice machine?  There are a number of reasons that the fuse on the control board of your ice machine is blowing.  However the most common reason is a leaking dump valve.

Typically a dump valve will leak out of the top, allowing water to come in contact with the terminal on the coil.  This will blow the fuse located on the Manitowoc control board.

To repair, simply replace the Manitowoc dump valve and then replace the blown fuse.  Manitowoc only makes two different types of dump valves, which come complete with valve and coil.  There is a 115v dump valve, part number 000001767 and a 208-230v dump valve, part number 000001768.

Both Manitowoc dump valves can be purchased from Ice Maker Parts Shop for $56.35 each.  IceMakerPartsShop.com ships every part same day, if the order is placed before 3:00 CST.  In addition, they only ship via UPS ground, to allow for faster transit times and tracking ability.  Fix that commercial ice machine yourself, buy Manitowoc replacement parts online at IceMakerPartsShop.com.

Ice Maker Water Filters, Reduce Maintenance Costs

Keeping your commercial ice maker clean is a proven method to reduce maintenance and service costs.  Having an ice machine on a regular cleaning schedule will help, but part of your plan should include an ice maker water filter.  Properly treating water before it enters your ice maker will help limit the amount of scale build up, thus lowering cleaning times and saving on preventative maintenance costs.

A proper ice machine water filter system will not only filter out particulates, but also treat the water for scale.  The best water filters will include a chemical called siliphos, which is a chemical that reduces scale, without affecting water taste or odor.

In addition, ice machine water filters, like those made by Arctic Pure, also reduce chlorine, taste, and odor.  This treatment of the water will make your drinks taste better and keep customers happy.

Be sure to purchase a filter that contains siliphos, filters particulates down to 1 micron, and has enough capacity to treat the water consumption needs of your maker.  Improperly sizing your water filter system will lead to costly early change outs and poor performance.  Please see the filter systems below to properly size an Arctic Pure Water Filter System for your commercial ice machine.

AR10000 For 0-600lb Per Day Production Ice Machines

AR20000 For 600-1000lb Per Day Production Ice Machines

AR40000 For 1000 + lb Production Ice Machines