HS7-1R

Overview

The Hobart HS7-1R is an automatic heavy-duty slicer in Hobart’s HS7 series. It has a removable 13-inch CleanCut knife and a variable-speed automatic product carriage. Its combination of adjustable carriage movement, an adjustable gauge plate and a removable knife suits frequent slicing in commercial kitchens and food retail settings.

The knife has a cobalt alloy edge and is made from 304L stainless steel and high-performance Stellite alloy. Hobart states that the CleanCut edge stays sharp longer and can last two to three times longer than carbon-coated or stainless steel knives. The knife is driven by a Hobart Poly V-Belt.

Key Features

• Automatic carriage: Four carriage speeds and three stroke lengths let the operator match carriage movement to the product. The Select-a-Stroke feature allows the stroke length to be selected for the product.
• Removable knife: The HS7-1R has the removable knife option. Hobart describes the knife as removable for cleaning in a sink or dishwasher.
• Adjustable slicing: The double-action indexing cam provides fine control for shaving, chipping and thin slices on the first revolution, then opens the gauge plate quickly for thicker slicing on the second. The gauge plate holds its position for consistent slicing.
• Cleaning access: The product carriage tilts and can be removed. The removable ring guard cover helps prevent debris build-up around the blade, and the top knife cover is magnetically secured.
• Operator safeguards: Zero knife exposure, a no-volt release and a home-to-start interlock are listed features. The slicer must be restarted after a power failure or unplugging, and it will not start until the carriage is in its home position.
• Sharpener: The top-mounted Borazon sharpening system is removable for cleaning. The spec sheet describes its single-action operation as sharpening and honing in five seconds; the operation manual’s sharpening procedure specifies holding the KNIFE ON button for 15 seconds while pulling the sharpener lever fully forward.
• Base construction: The one-piece burnished aluminum base has fewer crevices where debris may collect. The product tray and gauge plate are also burnished aluminum, and the top cover is stainless steel.

Specifications

• Model: Hobart HS7-1R
• Type: Automatic heavy-duty slicer with removable knife
• Knife diameter: Approximately 13 inches
• Knife construction: 304L stainless steel with a high-performance Stellite alloy and cobalt alloy edge
• Knife speed: 430 RPM
• Knife drive motor: 1/2 HP
• Drive: Hobart Poly V-Belt
• Power: 120V, 60Hz, single phase; 5.6 amps
• Service current requirement: 15 amp
• Cord and plug: 6-foot, three-wire power supply cord and plug; NEMA 5-15P plug configuration and NEMA 5-15R receptacle configuration
• Carriage: Four automatic speeds and three stroke lengths
• Maximum slice thickness: Up to 1 inch
• Carriage capacity: Food up to 5.75 by 10.75 inches rectangular, or 7.5 inches in diameter
• Dimensions: 26-3/8 inches long by 30-5/16 inches deep by 27-1/4 inches high
• Shipping weight: 138 lb
• Listings: The source specifications identify the slicer as NSF rated and ETL US & Canada Listed.
• Warranty stated in the spec sheet: One year of parts and service coverage, including the knife; the Borazon stones have a lifetime guarantee.

Installation & Requirements

Place the slicer on a suitable counter or tabletop. The manual says to allow enough space around the unit for the product carriage to move freely forward and back. The slicer’s electrical service must agree with the specifications on its data plate, located on the left side of the base.

The power cord has a three-pronged grounding plug and must be connected to a properly grounded receptacle. Do not remove the grounding prong. If the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, the manual directs the operator to contact an electrician. The spec sheet lists the HS7/HS7N electrical supply as 120/60/1 at 5.6 amps, with a 15 amp service current requirement. No gas connection is listed for this slicer.

Before installation, inspect the shipment for damage. The manual instructs the recipient to notify the carrier within five business days, contact the carrier’s local terminal immediately upon discovering damage, keep the original packing materials for inspection, and not move, install or modify a damaged slicer. It also directs the recipient to notify Hobart customer care.

Operation

Before slicing, use the meat grip to help secure product on the tray. The automatic carriage has four speeds and three stroke lengths; choose the carriage setting appropriate to the product being sliced. The Select-a-Stroke feature lets the operator choose the stroke length, and the gauge plate can be adjusted for slices up to 1 inch thick. The capacity is food up to 5.75 by 10.75 inches rectangular or 7.5 inches in diameter.

The manual identifies a home-to-start interlock: the product tray must be in its home position, fully forward, before the slicer can start. It also describes a no-volt release, so the slicer must be restarted after a power interruption or unplugging. The slicer automatically stops if the product tray has not moved back and forth for 30 seconds. The gauge plate can be closed by turning the index knob fully clockwise; the manual also describes stopping with the OFF button. When stopping from the knife control, the tray returns to its home position. The OFF button stops tray movement immediately; the manual instructs the operator to lower the lever and pull the tray toward the operator to return it home.

Safety: The knife rotates and is very sharp. Use the meat grip. Unplug the power cord before cleaning, servicing or removing parts, and replace parts before operating the slicer again.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Unplug the machine and turn the index knob fully clockwise to close the gauge plate before cleaning. The manual requires thorough cleaning and sanitizing at intervals that comply with applicable national, state and local health codes, and after the slicer has been idle for an extended period. Clean food soil from surfaces before sanitizing. Use a clean cloth with mild detergent and warm water, paying particular attention to places where food or liquid can collect and to frequently handled surfaces such as handles, knobs and the control pad. Use products formulated for stainless steel or aluminum, and do not exceed the detergent or sanitizer manufacturer’s recommended concentrations. Sanitizer concentration must comply with the cited FDA Food Code provision; other chemical sanitizers must be applied according to their EPA-registered label instructions.

For thorough cleaning, the manual recommends removing parts, cleaning and sanitizing them, and allowing them to dry before reassembly. The sharpener lifts straight off its mount. The meat grip assembly can be removed by loosening its slide rod while holding the handle, pulling out the rod, and removing the handle, arm and washer. To access the product tray, close the gauge plate, pull the tray toward the operator until it stops, loosen the support-arm knob and tilt the tray to the right; the manual says it can be cleaned in this open position or removed. The top knife cover releases by pulling its latch knob, and the removable ring guard cover lifts off. Use extreme care around the exposed knife during cleaning.

For knife sharpening, the manual directs the operator to remove the top knife cover and ring guard cover, clean and sanitize the slicer first, plug in the machine, then hold the KNIFE ON button for 15 seconds while pulling the sharpener lever fully forward. Stop the knife, unplug the slicer, clean and sanitize again, and reinstall the covers. The manual cautions that sharpening too long or too often causes unnecessary knife wear.

Lubricate the carriage slide rod monthly with four to five drops of the supplied Lubriplate FMO-200-AW oil. The manual also directs the operator to lubricate the meat grip slide rod. Hobart recommends an inspection of the entire slicer by the manufacturer or an authorized service agent at least every six months. If a gasket or seal is damaged or missing, the slicer must remain out of service until repaired by the manufacturer or an authorized service agent.

Troubleshooting

• Slicer does not start after a power interruption: The no-volt release requires the slicer to be restarted after power fails or the slicer is unplugged.
• Slicer will not start: Check that the product tray is fully forward in its home position. The home-to-start interlock prevents operation until the tray is home.
• Slicer stops during a pause: The automatic stop feature shuts the slicer off when there has been no back-and-forth product tray movement for 30 seconds.
• Damaged or missing gasket or seal: Remove the slicer from service until it has been repaired by the manufacturer or an authorized service agent.

Applications

The HS7-1R is specified for slicing meat and cheese, with the motor and carriage settings supporting a range of products and slice thicknesses. Its carriage capacity accommodates products up to 5.75 by 10.75 inches rectangular or 7.5 inches in diameter. Hobart lists a food chute as an available accessory for limiting movement of products such as tomatoes and onions; accessories are available at extra cost.