4352

Overview

The Hobart 4352 Mixer-Grinder combines a mixing arm and grinder attachment in one machine. The manual specifies a 10 HP motor, with the mixing arm turning at 29 RPM and the grinder worm at 222 RPM. In Mix mode, the arm turns while the worm remains still. In Mix-Grind mode, the arm and worm operate together, so mixing continues as the product is ground.

The 4352 uses a #52 size knife and plate. Knives and plates are available separately, and the manual warns not to use a plate with holes smaller than 3/32 inch. The grinder attachment can be removed for cleaning.

Key Features

• Two operating modes: Mix starts the mixing arm; Mix-Grind starts both the mixing arm and grinder worm.
• Hopper guard interlock: The hopper guard must be closed for the machine to operate. Raising it opens the electrical circuit and makes the machine inoperative.
• Hopper configurations: The manual lists right-hand and left-hand standard hoppers without a side-feed opening, plus right-hand and left-hand optional hoppers with a side-feed opening. The side feed can be factory-installed to accept product from a companion first-cut grinder. A plug assembly is available to close the opening when it is not in use.
• Optional equipment: The manual lists a pneumatic foot switch and legs with or without casters. A foot switch operates Mix-Grind only when its control is selected. Machines ordered with casters are supplied with a flexible power cord and plug, according to the manual.
• Grinder connection options: With the proper adapter ring, the 4352 can connect to other grinders with a #32 (42/46), #52, or #56 chopper end, provided the side-feed inlet height can be met.

Specifications

• Model: Hobart 4352 Mixer-Grinder.
• Motor: 10 HP.
• Mixing-arm speed: 29 RPM.
• Grinder-worm speed: 222 RPM.
• Knife and plate size: #52.
• Minimum plate hole size: 3/32 inch; the manual says not to use a plate with smaller holes.
• Normal batch capacity: 230 pounds with 80% fresh product and 20% frozen chips; 275 pounds with 100% trimmings; or up to 300 pounds for a second grind through a 1/8-inch plate.
• Hopper load guidance: Up to 275 pounds for a first grind, depending on product, and up to 300 pounds for a second grind.
• Fresh boneless beef grinding rate: 80 to 100 pounds per minute, first or second cut through a 1/8-inch plate.
• Pork grinding rate: First cut through a 3/4-inch breaker plate at up to 80 pounds per minute; second cut through a 3/16-inch plate at 40 to 80 pounds per minute.
• Frozen meat: Temper to 24°F or higher before grinding. The manual says frozen meat can be in flake or stick form.

Installation & Requirements

After unpacking, check the machine for shipping damage. The manual instructs the installer to check the electrical service against the machine data plate before installation. Electrical and grounding connections must comply with applicable electrical codes. Where the machine is supplied without a cord and plug, the power supply connects to the leads in the electrical junction compartment, which has a tapped opening for 1-inch trade-size conduit. Machines ordered with casters are supplied with a cord and plug and require an appropriately sized grounding-type receptacle, as specified by the data plate.

The manual says to check worm rotation with the grinder attachment in place and the hopper guard closed before making a permanent electrical connection. Press Mix-Grind and then Stop to perform the check. If there is no worm rotation, the manual directs the installer to disconnect power before correcting the supply connections; electrical work should follow the applicable codes. The manual also describes attaching the optional pneumatic foot switch to the barbed fitting near the electrical supply junction compartment, securing its tube with the provided clamp, and avoiding kinks in the tube.

For machines fitted with legs or casters, the manual instructs that the unit be securely elevated and the assemblies bolted through the base-frame corner holes. Adjust the feet or caster legs to level the machine front-to-back and side-to-side. The manual specifies no clearance or ventilation dimensions.

Operation

Controls and modes

Use Mix to turn the mixing arm without turning the grinder worm. The arm runs in the opposite direction during Mix compared with Mix-Grind. Use Mix-Grind to run the arm and worm together for continuous mixing while grinding. Press Stop to stop mixing or grinding. When the foot-switch activator is set to On, the Mix and Mix-Grind start buttons are inoperable and the accessory foot switch can be used for Mix-Grind only; an indicator light shows when the foot switch is on.

Loading and grinding

For a first grind, fill the hopper, close the hopper guard, and press Mix-Grind. For a second grind, fill the hopper and close the guard, then use Mix to mix the product for the desired time. Press Stop before starting Mix-Grind, or use the foot switch when that control is selected. The manual cautions against overfilling: product should not raise the hopper guard, as overfilling can bend the guard and cause the interlock to open the electrical circuit. Mixing uncut or unground meat is not recommended.

For fresh boneless beef, the manual gives a rate of 80 to 100 pounds per minute through a 1/8-inch plate for either a first or second cut. For pork, it lists up to 80 pounds per minute on a first cut through a 3/4-inch breaker plate, and 40 to 80 pounds per minute on a second cut through a 3/16-inch plate. Frozen meat must be tempered to at least 24°F and may be supplied in flake or stick form. Actual batch capacity depends on the product and grind; the manual lists 230 pounds for a mix of 80% fresh product and 20% frozen chips, 275 pounds for 100% trimmings, and a maximum of 300 pounds for a second grind through a 1/8-inch plate.

Removing the grinder attachment

Cleaning & Maintenance

Disconnect electrical power before cleaning or servicing. The manual says to disconnect the machine for assembly, disassembly, cleaning, or maintenance. Before using the grinder attachment, take it apart and wash it thoroughly. To remove the mixing arm, press Stop, disconnect power, loosen the thumb screw, rotate and remove the bushing retainer, raise the hopper guard, pull the arm from its drive slot, and lift it out of the hopper.

Wash the disassembled grinder components and machine parts with warm water and detergent. For sanitizers, follow the sanitizer manufacturer's instructions. Rinse with clear water and allow parts to air dry. After cleaning, the manual recommends a light coat of food-grade mineral oil on the cylinder, adjusting ring, knife, plate, and worm before reassembly. Before using the grinder attachment, rub tallow or food-grade mineral oil over the cutting faces of the knife and plate. Install the knife with its cutting side facing the perforated plate, and fit the notch on the plate circumference over the pin in the cylinder. The manual says knives and plates must be sharp and true for proper cutting action.

The motor bearings are pre-lubricated and sealed, and need no further lubrication. To check gear-case oil, turn off the machine, wait at least one minute for oil to drain down, and inspect the sight gauge. Maintain the oil at the level shown at the centre of the gauge; the manual specifies Mobil DTE HM oil. Every six months, drain the gear case and refill with approximately 84 fluid ounces of that oil. Replenish the chain-drive reservoir as needed with MPO-30 Multi-Purpose Oil. The manual directs owners to contact a local Hobart Service Office for repairs or adjustments.

Troubleshooting

If the grinder worm does not rotate during the initial rotation check, the manual says to check rotation with the grinder attachment installed and the hopper guard closed, using Mix-Grind and then Stop. If the worm does not rotate, the manual's electrical instructions call for disconnecting the power supply before correcting the supply connections. For electrical checks or adjustments, follow the machine data plate and applicable electrical codes.

If the machine will not operate with the hopper guard raised, that is the intended action of the hopper-guard interlock: raising the guard opens the electrical circuit. If the machine stops after overfilling, check that the hopper is not packed high enough to lift or bend the guard. The manual advises contacting a Hobart Service Office for repairs or adjustments.

Applications

The Hobart 4352 is specified for mixing and grinding meat, including fresh boneless beef, pork, trimmings, and tempered frozen meat. Its separate Mix mode supports mixing second-cut meat before grinding, while Mix-Grind combines mixing with grinding. Use the plate and product procedure appropriate to the intended cut, observing the manual's minimum plate-hole size and product-specific capacity and rate guidance.