Vintage Hobart conveyor DW in action

[whirlykenmore78]

A nice older C-44 washing and sanitizing away. If you look at the water pattern as the salad plates are going in you will see the rotating upper wash system in action which dates this machine as an early C-44. This was common in all XM and early C-Line machines. The dual drive conveyor system still exists in some form today. It pulls the racks through the DW from the side rails rather than a center chain or pawl drive. This increases exposure to the wash/rinse/sanitize action and reduces jam-ups which can cripple the dishwasher. Later C-line, all C-lineA, and the current CLe machines all use stationary upper wash arms. Enjoy this historical look at one of the best dishwashers ever made.
WK78

 

[toploader55]

That is sooo Cool.

Thanks for posting that vid.

My restaurant really needs a upgrade to that machine. Just Love the sound of that pump and motor.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Thanks Eddie

I love these old guys. It's also nice to see the smooth action of the Dual-Drive rack conveyance system. My new job has a C-44A tall hood machine. This Dw thinks it's wash chamber is Niagra falls.
WK78

 

[toploader55]

Hey...

I just noticed that pot under the pump. Leak ???

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Most likely

A failing pump seal. Not sure if they are available for a DW this old. If not some JB-Weld could possibly fix it.
WK78

 

[stevet]

Stop it!!!!

Enough with the JB weld!!! Yes, the seals are available from Hobart and even if they weren't they are readily available from any reliable bearing shop or motor rebuilding shop. They are a standard size and due to the sheer volume of Hobart machines built thru the ages, they have become an industry standard so to speak as have most of the seals for every other major dishwasher manufacturer's machines.
That machine in the video is an ancient example of a C44. Those black door guides were obsoleted in the late 70's, early 80's I sold loads and loads of the upgrade kits for them. The last of the machines of that design came off the lines in late 1989 even while the newer Cline-A series were being produced.One of the last ones happens to be in a hospital in Daytona Beach.

 

[toploader55]

Steve...

There is talk in my restaurant about upgrading the "Dish Pit". I want to replace the AM-14 with a C-44. I would love to find a beauty like these CL finds. Parts and seals still OK ? I would love a CRS - 66, but don't have the room. I don't want to spend the money for a New C-44 or whatever they're called. Ideally, I'd like an old one with the revolving upper wash. We're only open for 5 months.

We are serving approx. 600-780 per day. And I'm sorry to see the AM-14 get it's ass kicked everyday.
I respect your judgement. Thanks, Eddie

 

[stevet]

C44a or CLE-44

Ed, The AM14 will still do the job but the conveyor machine eases some of the labor that needs to happen. You will need at least one loading and unloading table on each side and maybe a table long enough to accomodate 2 racks on the unload end.

It all depends on your space as you know.
If you go with the 44a, try to get one with the opti-rinse jets as the water consumption is much less than the conventional C44A. If you are not religious about changing the water out and breaking down the unit every 2 hours or so, then get the conventional C44A.They are much more forgiving on the final rinse with more water being sprayed on the dishes and glasses. For a place that uses alot of wine glasses and tall glasses, I recommend replacing the lower fan jet nozzles with the v-jet nozzles like the top arm has. You have to replace the nozzles and the pipe they thread into to do that but it's an easy upgrade. Definitely worth the extra bit of water usage.

A nice CL-e SERIES is the best! It has 2 front doors like cabinet doors that swing out and you have a full length opening to the machine. But they are not easy to find yet on the used market.

You may still be able to lease a machine thru one of Hobart's leasing partners. Call the local office in Dedham and select the prompt that sends you to machine sales and ask them about it.

Meanwhile, DO stay away from the old C44. Parts are becoming scarce for them not to mention very expensive. A pump for it is well over 2 grand now! And it is just really old now.If you get a machine in decent condition, the C44A's will be just as reliable as the older units.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

@ Stevet

HOLY SHIT I HATE THE JB WELD FIX TOO! But I have seen it done all too often in older AM series DW's. It will work but is not the best way to go.
I agree that a C44A or CLE44 is the best way for Eddie to go.
Steve you are the Hobart GURU i am always glad to hear what you have to say.
WK78