FP400i

Overview

The Hobart FP400i is a floor-model continuous-feed food processor for commercial kitchens preparing vegetables, fruits and cheese. It can slice, shred, grate, cut julienne and dice using compatible cutting tools. Hobart lists production capacity of up to 88 pounds per minute, with plate speeds of 240 and 480 RPM. The machine has a two-speed motor and gear transmission, and its stainless steel housing supports routine wipe-down cleaning.

The FP400i is offered with different feed arrangements. Hobart lists a cutting cylinder, stacking cylinder, manual push feed assembly, tubular feeder and bulk feed hopper and cylinder among the available choices. Feed components and cutting plates should be selected for the products and preparation tasks at hand; the machine’s feed configuration affects how ingredients are loaded.

Key Features

• Continuous-feed processing: Processes up to 88 pounds of product per minute, according to Hobart’s FP400i specification sheet.
• Two-speed operation: Plate speeds of 240 and 480 RPM support different cutting tasks. Hobart describes the lower speed for more delicate products, such as tomatoes, and the higher speed for durable products, such as potatoes.
• Gear transmission: The gear-driven system transfers power to the cutting tools.
• Safety interlocks: Triple hopper/cover interlocks prevent operation when relevant feed components are not in their operating position. A No Volt Release prevents automatic restart after a loss of power.
• Floor-model mobility: Two stationary front legs and two rear casters support stability and movement for setup or storage. The front legs are adjustable for levelling.
• Stainless steel construction: The housing and cutting surfaces are stainless steel. Hobart specifies stainless steel cutting plates with cutlery-grade stainless steel knives.
• Operator controls: A green ON button and red OFF button operate the machine.
• Included components: Hobart’s specification sheet lists the basic unit with a deflector plate, decoring screw and cleaning brush. It also notes that the FP400i includes a tray assembly; machines purchased before May 2020 may not include that tray.
• Cutting tool range: Hobart lists more than 40 individual plates, with options for slicing, soft slicing, julienne cutting, dicing, French fries, grating and shredding.

Specifications

• Product: Hobart FP400i continuous-feed food processor
• Production capacity: Up to 88 lb. per minute
• Motor: 2 HP, two-speed
• Plate speeds: 240 and 480 RPM
• Transmission: Gear driven
• Electrical: 208–240 V, 60 Hz, 3 phase
• Current: 7.5 A
• Power cord: 6 ft., 3-conductor, 16 AWG
• Plug: NEMA L15-20P locking plug; Hobart specifies a 3-pole, 4-wire grounding configuration
• Dimensions: 22 3/4 in. W × 27 3/4 in. D × 47 1/2 in. H
• Weight: Base unit, 139 lb.; feed cylinder, 13 lb.; manual push feeder, 17 lb.; continuous-feed hopper, 32 lb.
• Housing: Stainless steel
• Cutting surfaces: Stainless steel, with cutlery-grade stainless steel knives
• Standard equipment listed by Hobart: Basic unit, deflector plate, decoring screw and cleaning brush
• Feed options: Cutting cylinder; stacking cylinder; manual push feed assembly; tubular feeder; bulk feed hopper and cylinder
• Certifications stated in the sources: NSF and UL
• Warranty stated in Hobart’s specification sheet: One year on parts, labour and mileage against manufacturer’s defects

Cutting tool options

• Slicer plates: 1/32 in. (1 mm), 1/16 in. (1.5 mm), 1/8 in. (3 mm), 5/32 in. (4 mm), 7/32 in. (6 mm), 5/16 in. (8 mm) and 3/8 in. (10 mm).
• Soft slicers: 5/16 in. (8 mm), 3/8 in. (10 mm), 1/2 in. (12 mm) and 5/8 in. (15 mm).
• Julienne cutters: 5/64 in. (2 mm), 5/32 in. (4 mm), 7/32 in. (6 mm) and 3/8 in. (10 mm).
• Dicing grids: Options listed include 6 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm and 25 mm sizes, including low-style versions for some sizes. Dicing requires a suitable slicer plate paired with the grid.
• French fry grid: 3/8 in. (10 mm); pair it with a 3/8 in. (10 mm) slicer plate.
• Graters: Fine (1.5 mm) and cheese options.
• Shredder plates: 1/16 in. (1.5 mm), 5/64 in. (2 mm), 1/8 in. (3 mm), 5/32 in. (4.5 mm), 7/32 in. (6 mm), 5/16 in. (8 mm) and 3/8 in. (10 mm).

Installation & Requirements

The FP400i is a floor-mounted machine. Hobart’s manual describes two front levelling legs and two rear wheels; turn the adjustable feet to level the unit side to side and front to back. Leave working space at the sides for access to the controls and at the rear for the pusher plate attachment to swing and the feed cylinder to open. The manual does not give a numerical clearance dimension.

Connect the machine’s four-pronged grounding plug to a properly grounded receptacle. Do not remove the grounding prong. If the receptacle is not properly grounded, the manual directs the user to contact an electrician. The machine is specified for 208–240 V, 50/60 Hz, three-phase electrical supply in the manual; Hobart’s FP400i specification sheet lists 208–240 V, 60 Hz, three phase. The cord is 6 feet long and is furnished with a NEMA L15-20P locking plug.

After connection, the manual calls for verification of knife-shaft rotation: viewed down into the feed cylinder, the shaft should rotate clockwise. If rotation is incorrect, the manual instructs unplugging the cord and interchanging any two non-grounding power leads inside the plug, then checking rotation again. The manual also calls for start-up testing of the machine’s stopping and interlock functions. There are no gas or ventilation requirements specified in the supplied material.

Operation

Choose the feed arrangement and cutting tools for the product. The stacking cylinder accommodates large and small products; its Ergo-loop provides leverage when pushing larger, harder items such as root vegetables, cabbage and cheese. The cutting cylinder has four tubes for feeding long or round products, including cucumbers and leeks, and for bunching herbs. Hobart also lists a bulk feed hopper and cylinder for high-volume continuous filling, primarily with round products. Manual push feed is another available setup.

For processing, the FP400i supports slicing, shredding, grating, julienne cutting and dicing. The manual describes standard slicers for firm products such as root vegetables; soft slicers for soft vegetables, fruit and mushrooms; julienne cutters for firm products used in soups, salads, stews and garnishes; and grater or shredder plates for products such as cheese and cabbage. Pair a suitable slicer with a dicing grid to make dice. Use the French fry grid with the specified 3/8-inch slicer plate for straight fries.

Use speed setting 1 for dicing and setting 2 for other cutting operations, as stated in the manual’s troubleshooting guidance. Hobart’s specification sheet describes the lower plate speed as suitable for more delicate products and the higher speed for more durable products. For uniform results with the manual push feed, the manual advises light pressure on the pusher. It also gives product-positioning guidance: place round products against the divider wall in the feed cylinder; for julienne potatoes, stack the product against an internal guide in a single pile.

Press the red STOP button before changing cutting tools. The cutting tools have sharp knives, so handle them with care. The machine’s safety interlocks are intended to stop operation when the hopper, cover, feed cylinder or pusher arrangement is not in its required position.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Turn the machine off and unplug the electrical cord before cleaning. Clean the machine immediately after use; dried food juices may discolour surfaces. Do not use steel wool or sharp objects on the machine, and do not leave cutting tools wet when they are not in use.

Remove the detachable parts and wash them in a three-compartment sink or dishwasher. The manual also describes washing removable parts in warm water with mild detergent, rinsing thoroughly and allowing them to dry. If a dicing grid has been used, use the supplied nylon brush to push food remnants through the top of the grid before removing it. Pushing remnants through from the underside can damage the grid. Remove and clean the dicing grid and ejector plate, then wipe the knife chamber with a clean damp cloth and dry it with a clean dry cloth. Return cutting tools to the wall rack if one is fitted.

Before maintenance, turn off and unplug the machine. Routinely inspect the unit and check that plates are clean, intact and sharp. Lubricate the knife shaft and hinge pins with a drop of mineral oil; do not use cooking oil. Hobart states that dicing grids typically last 8 to 18 months depending on use. They cannot be resharpened and are expendable replacement parts. For repair or adjustment, the manual directs users to a local Hobart-authorized service office.

Troubleshooting

Machine will not start, stops during operation or will not restart

• Plug not seated securely: Check that the machine is securely plugged into the receptacle.
• Feed cylinder not locked: Check that the cylinder is correctly locked in position.
• Feed hopper locking knob not set: Turn the knob counterclockwise to the locked position.
• Pusher plate attachment not in position: Centre it in the feed cylinder and lower the pusher plate.
• Locking handle not in position: Raise the handle to the locked position.
• Fuse or circuit breaker interruption: Check for a blown fuse or a fuse with the wrong amperage.
• Broken wire or connection: Pull the cord from the receptacle and contact a local Hobart Service office.

Low output or poor cutting results

• Check that the correct cutting tool is being used.
• For dicing, check that the slicer and dicing grid are a compatible combination; an incorrect combination can leave too much space between the tools.
• Check that the decoring screw or agitator device is installed.
• Check that blades and grating plates are intact and sharp.
• On the FP400i, use speed setting 1 for dicing and setting 2 for other cutting operations.

Applications

The FP400i suits commercial kitchens that prepare large batches of produce or cheese, including restaurants, institutional kitchens, delis and catering operations. Depending on the selected feed setup and cutting plate, operators can prepare sliced vegetables, shredded cheese or cabbage, julienne cuts, diced produce and straight-cut fries. Examples in Hobart’s material include potatoes, carrots, onions, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, leeks, herbs, mushrooms and cheese. Confirm the correct plate combination for the desired cut before processing.