FP300i

Overview

The Hobart FP300i is a floor-model continuous-feed food processor for commercial food preparation. Hobart describes the FP300i and FP400i line as a way to process foods and vegetables in minutes. The FP300i is rated for production of up to 88 lb. per minute, making its stated capacity a useful point of reference for kitchens handling large volumes of produce and other suitable foods.

The FP300i is identified in its installation and operation manual as model ML-136363. It is used for slicing, shredding, grating, julienne cutting and dicing vegetables, fruits and cheese. Optional cutting plates and grids provide different cut styles and sizes; check the tool guide and the intended product before selecting a combination.

Key Features

• Continuous-feed processing: The listed production capacity is up to 88 lb. per minute.
• Feed choices: Manual push feed, tube feed and bulk hopper options are listed for the FP300i.
• Multiple prep cuts: The manual covers slicing, shredding, grating, julienne cutting and dicing. French-fry cutting is also supported with the appropriate tools.
• Safety interlocks: The manual describes interlocks that stop or prevent operation when relevant feed components are not correctly positioned.
• Mobility and levelling: The manual identifies two rear wheels and two front levelling legs.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hobart
• Model: FP300i
• Hobart model number: ML-136363
• Equipment type: Floor-model continuous-feed food processor
• Production capacity: Up to 88 lb. per minute
• Electrical supply: 208–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 phase, as stated for the FP300i and FP400i family in the manual
• Feed options listed: Manual push feed, tube feed and bulk hopper
• Food and cuts identified in the manual: Vegetables, fruits and cheese; slicing, shredding, grating, julienne cutting and dicing
• Manual-identified mobility and levelling features: Two rear wheels and two front levelling legs

Dimensions, amperage, weight, plate speed and plug type are not specified here because the available listings do not consistently identify those figures for the FP300i without a model suffix.

Installation & Requirements

The manual specifies an electrical supply of 208–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 phase for the FP300i and FP400i family. It also states that the machine’s electrical cord has a four-pronged grounding plug, which must be connected to a properly grounded receptacle. Do not remove the grounding prong. If the receptacle is not properly grounded, the manual directs the operator to contact an electrician.

Position the machine so there is adequate space at the sides to operate the controls and at the rear for the pusher-plate feed attachment to swing and the feed cylinder to open. The manual identifies two front levelling legs and two rear wheels. Adjust the feet to level the machine side-to-side and front-to-back. Before installation, check that the electrical service agrees with the machine’s data plate.

The manual also instructs the installer to verify knife-shaft rotation. Looking down into the feed cylinder, the shaft should rotate clockwise. If rotation is incorrect, unplug the cord before any adjustment; the manual directs a qualified person to interchange two non-grounding supply leads inside the plug and then verify rotation again.

Operation

Use the correct cutting tool and assemble the processor as described in the manual. The cutting tools have sharp knives, so use extreme caution when handling them. Press the red STOP button before changing cutters. The manual’s startup test includes checking that the machine stops when the locking handle is pulled forward and that the interlocks function. If these checks do not work as described, contact a local Hobart Service office.

Installing cutting tools

1. Press the red STOP button before changing a tool.
2. Open the locking handle fully, then raise and swing the pusher-plate attachment aside.
3. Release the feed-cylinder or hopper lock as applicable and open the feed assembly.
4. Fit the ejector plate or other required base component onto the knife shaft as directed in the manual.
5. Select the appropriate cutting tool. For dicing, use a suitable slicer together with a compatible dicing grid; the manual’s dicing guide lists combinations.
6. Close and lock the feed assembly before operating the machine.

During operation, load prepared product into the appropriate feed assembly. For stacking in the feed cylinder, the manual advises placing product in one pile against an internal guide for consistent results. For round items such as lemons and tomatoes, position the product against the divider wall. Removing the tops and tails of items such as lemons, limes and onions and placing them perpendicular to the intended cut can improve the result. The manual says light pressure on the pusher is sufficient.

Use the tube feed for suitable long or narrow products or small items, following the pusher instructions. Always use the pusher; keep hands away from the cutting tools. Do not operate the processor with the feed components unlocked or out of position.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Turn off the machine and unplug its electrical cord before cleaning or maintenance. Clean the processor immediately after use: food juices left to dry on the machine may cause discolouration. Do not use steel wool or sharp objects on the machine surfaces, and do not leave cutting tools wet when they are not in use.

Remove the removable parts and wash them in warm water with a mild detergent solution, then rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry. The manual also describes cleaning removable parts in a three-compartment sink or dishwasher. Wipe the knife chamber with a clean, damp cloth and then dry it with a clean, dry cloth. If a dicing grid has been used, push remaining food through the top of the grid with the supplied nylon brush before removing it; pushing from the underside may damage the grid. Return cutting tools to the wall rack if one is fitted.

Routinely inspect the machine to confirm it is in proper working order. Cutting plates should be clean, intact and sharp. The manual instructs operators to lubricate the knife shaft and hinge pins regularly with a drop of mineral oil; do not use cooking oil. Dicing grids wear with use, have an average life expectancy of 8 to 18 months depending on usage, and cannot be resharpened. Replacement grids are available through a local Hobart Service office. For repairs or adjustments, contact a Hobart-authorized service office.

Troubleshooting

Machine will not start or stops and will not restart

• Check that the machine plug is securely installed in the receptacle.
• Confirm the feed cylinder is locked correctly and the feed-hopper locking knob is in its locked position.
• Check that the pusher-plate attachment is centred over the feed cylinder and lowered, and that the locking handle is locked.
• If a fuse or circuit breaker has interrupted power, check for a blown fuse or an incorrect fuse rating as directed in the manual.
• If there is a broken wire or connection, unplug the cord and call a local Hobart Service office.

Low output or poor cutting results

• Check the cutting-tool guide and confirm the tool suits the intended cut.
• For dicing, verify that the slicer and dicing grid are a suitable combination; the manual warns that an incorrect gap between the tools can produce poor results.
• Confirm the decoring screw or agitator device is installed where required.
• Inspect blades and grating plates to make sure they are intact and sharp.

Applications

The FP300i manual identifies vegetables, fruits and cheese as foods processed by the machine. With the appropriate cutting tool, operators can slice, shred, grate, cut julienne and dice. The tool guide includes slicer plates for firm products and soft slicer plates for softer vegetables, fruits and mushrooms; julienne cutters for firm products; dicing grids used with a suitable slicer; grater plates for products such as cheese and cabbage; and shredder plates for different shred sizes. A French-fry grid is intended to be used with a 3/8-inch slicer. Cutting plates and grids are accessories, and the manual provides tool options rather than confirming that every listed tool is included with the processor.