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.
