FD3-125

Overview

The Hobart FD3-125 is a commercial food waste disposer identified in the manual as model ML-110329. It belongs to the FD3-50, FD3-75 and FD3-125 disposer group covered by the same installation and operation manual. During operation, food waste is forced against the shredder ring by the cutter blocks and centrifugal force from rotation. Flushing water assists grinding and carries the ground waste into the waste line.

The disposer is self-feeding, so operators do not need to force food waste into the grinding mechanism. According to the manual, it may be filled with waste while idle and will start and operate at full load. Control groups and accessory groups are available for different installations; the selected controls affect how the disposer and water flow operate.

Key Features

• Grinding action: Cutter blocks force food waste against the shredder ring. Rotation and centrifugal force contribute to the grinding action, while flushing water helps move ground waste into the waste line.
• Reversible grinding: The manual describes removable hardened steel components and rotation that permits grinding in both directions.
• Self-feeding operation: The disposer does not require food waste to be pushed into the grinding mechanism. The manual states that it can start and operate at full load when filled while idle.
• Motor overload protection: A thermal, resettable overload protector trips if the motor is overloaded. Reset instructions are provided in the manual.
• Installation flexibility: The manual describes a regular-duty cone connection and notes that control and accessory groups are available to suit an installation.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hobart.
• Product type: Food waste disposer.
• Model: FD3-125.
• Model number in manual: ML-110329.
• Motor, single phase: 110–120/200–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1 phase.
• Motor, three phase: 200–240/380–415 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 phase.
• Grinding components: Removable hardened steel components, including cutter blocks and a shredder ring as described in the manual.
• Overload protection: Thermal, resettable motor overload protector with a manual reset button.

The manual lists separate motor part numbers for the single- and three-phase options. Check the disposer data plate and the wiring diagram supplied with the machine to identify the electrical configuration for the unit being connected.

Installation & Requirements

Before installation

After unpacking, inspect the disposer for shipping damage. If damage is found, the manual instructs the recipient to retain the packaging and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery. Before installation, check that the electrical service agrees with the disposer data plate. Provide temporary support, such as blocking, during installation to avoid excessive stress at a welded or soldered cone-to-table connection.

Cone assembly

For the regular-duty cone installation shown in the manual, the top clamp ring has drilled holes and the bottom clamp ring has threaded holes. Attach the rear halves of the clamp rings to the back of the disposer flange with five screws. Lift the disposer into position on the cone flange, then fit the front halves of the clamp rings with the remaining five screws. Tighten the screws finger tight, rotate the disposer to the desired position, and tighten the screws evenly to form a water-tight joint.

Water and electrical connections

The manual describes water-control arrangements that can include a solenoid valve, pressure-reducing valve and pressure switch. For Control Group 3, the furnished pressure switch is installed between the solenoid valve and pressure-reducing valve. If there is no pressure-reducing valve in the water supply line, the manual places the pressure switch between the solenoid and shut-off valve. Install a vacuum breaker as required by local plumbing codes. If local codes prohibit a vacuum breaker, the manual specifies an air-gap water inlet, not supplied, installed in accordance with local codes.

Electrical and grounding connections must comply with the applicable National Electrical Code and/or local electrical codes. Disconnect the electrical supply and tag the disconnect switch before working on the circuit. The disposer must be connected to a dedicated, acceptable motor control switch with a marked OFF position that disconnects the appliance from all ungrounded supply conductors. The switch must be within sight of the disposer or sink opening. Knockouts are provided in the motor junction box, and the manual calls for flexible conduit to permit moving the unit for periodic service and maintenance. Select the wiring diagram supplied with the machine that matches the disposer and electrical service.

Operation

Before starting, make sure the disposer is clear of foreign objects such as metal or wire clippings, screws and nails that may have entered during installation. Check that the flywheel rotates freely. Never use a hand to check flywheel rotation or remove foreign matter. The manual says to use a stick or similar object to turn the flywheel; foreign matter can be removed with tongs or pliers.

Start the disposer before feeding food waste, and make sure water is flowing. With typical optional controls, the water flow and disposer start occur simultaneously and automatically. Feed food waste into the disposer. Do not put china, metal, rags, clam shells or similar material into the unit, and do not put grease or oil into it because these can clog the drain.

After grinding is complete, allow the disposer to run for a short period to flush the disposer and waste line. Certain optional controls provide automatic flushing. The operating sequence and control functions depend on the control devices selected for the installation; the manual directs operators to the relevant control-group data sheet.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Keep the disposer clean and sanitary. After disposing of food waste, allow it to run for a few minutes to flush the interior. The manual warns that food waste left to accumulate because of improper cleanup can produce offensive odors. If buildup occurs, clean with a stiff brush and a strong soap-and-hot-water solution. For light cleaning, grind ice and a lemon through the disposer.

Do not use chemical solvents or drain-cleaning compounds through the disposer. No lubrication is required. If cutter-block cutting edges become worn, the manual says a qualified Hobart Service Technician may rotate the cutter blocks.

Troubleshooting

Motor overload trips

If the motor overload protector trips, allow approximately five minutes for cooling, then press the manual reset button on the motor shell, opposite the motor junction box. An arrow on the motor shell indicates the button location. Restart the disposer using the normal operating procedure. If the overload protector continues to trip, contact a Hobart Service Office.

Water at the weep hole

A small weep hole in the side of the lower housing vents the dry side of the water seal. Water leaking from the hole indicates water-seal leakage; the manual says the water seal should be replaced. Do not plug the weep hole or put grease in it.

Applications

The FD3-125 is for grinding food waste and flushing the ground material into a waste line in a commercial kitchen installation. Its manual describes fitting the disposer to a cone and notes that control and accessory groups are available to suit the installation. The disposer may be used where food waste is collected at a kitchen work area, with the installed controls and water arrangement determining how the unit is started and flushed.