I'm in the market for a smallish enrobing line
Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted
Hey Paul~
I don't have much experience using any enrobing line, I aquired this enrober this summer along with a package equipment purchase from a local business that had closed some time ago. I really REALLY wanted the melters, and figured that the enrober would be a bonus! I can tell you that with the help of the previous owner, I got it up and running at my facility and it really is a workhorse. BUT, totally not the direction that I want my (small hand dipped business model) business heading. The way that the previous owner used it was to start it running early in the morning and by afternoon, using it to enrobe (not sure if this is common practice) but it seems that by watching the way that the chocolate draped over the enrober, and as it got thicker, the closer that it was in temper? I dont' have the time for that....I would rather buy another hilliard melter/temperer and dip out of that.
The Pros that I've seen are: Fast and Steady production, the tanks hold a large amount of chocolate and it's easy to refill with a heated side spout, Easy access to every side of the machine including the loading area, chocolate enrobing area and unloading areas. This machine has a very small footprint ( 3' wide by 16 ' long)...it can serve as a table when not in use 
I've timed the belt speed to run from start to finish at 10 minutes, which is pretty fast moving when you are loading, unloading and shuffling around trays! Its got 2 detailers one after the bottomer and one at the end of the line, helps to minimize the "foot" of the chocolate piece. It uses 2 water heated jackets which are easy to maintain, just ensure that they are topped off each day/use and the machine holds temperature very well. Both the bottomer and the enrober have seperate water jackets and thermostats. The center cooling unit can be turned on and off as needed manually. It breaks down into 3 different pieces of machine. It's a cute machine.
Cons: uses a roll of paper at the end of the line, after enrobing, which is then transfered onto trays (con is the disposables cost), another con that I had not anticipated is needing more than just "me" to run it. obviously need someone to load and a very fast one person or two to unload and rack the chocolates. Anyone else know any cons specific to this unit?
The plastic belt is going to need to be replaced, probably sooner rather than later, I scrubbed the crap out of it when I got it...the belt has some black spots on it and I may have been a bit harsh on it...I have the name of a local company who does this and I could totally get a price for you, replacement was my next step, then I just decided to sell.
I have a bunch of pictures...not 
