HS9

Overview

The Hobart HS9 is an automatic heavy-duty slicer in Hobart’s HS Series. It is equipped for commercial slicing of meat and cheese, with a 13-inch CleanCut knife, an automatic product carriage and a 1/2 HP knife drive motor. The HS9 has a removable-knife option; the HS9N is the related model with a non-removable knife. Hobart describes the HS Series as suitable for demanding meat, cheese and vegetable slicing work.

The slicer combines variable carriage settings with features intended to support safe operation and cleaning. Its carriage tilts and can be removed, the removable ring guard cover helps capture debris around the knife, and lift assist helps provide access underneath the machine. The HS9 specification sheet identifies the slicer as NSF rated.

Key Features

• 13-inch CleanCut knife: The knife is specified as 304L stainless steel with a high-performance Stellite alloy; the spec sheet describes its edge as cobalt alloy. Hobart states that the super-alloy edge stays sharp longer than conventional carbon-coated or stainless-steel knives.
• Automatic product carriage: Four carriage speeds and three stroke lengths let operators adjust the carriage for different products and slicing tasks. Controls are front-mounted.
• Double-action indexing: The first full revolution of the indexing knob provides control for shaving, chipping and thin slicing. The second revolution opens the gauge plate for thicker slices, and the gauge plate holds its position for consistent slicing.
• Grooved surfaces: Machined grooves on the gauge plate and knife cover reduce drag during slicing.
• Top-mounted sharpener: The single-action Borazon sharpening system uses two stones to sharpen and hone the knife. Hobart specifies a five-second sharpening cycle in the HS9/HS9N sheet; another product description states 15 seconds. The Borazon stones have a lifetime guarantee.
• Cleaning access: The carriage tilts and is removable, the meat grip assembly is removable, the ring guard cover is removable, and lift assist helps users reach underneath the slicer.
• Operator safeguards: The HS9/HS9N sheet lists six interlocks, including no-volt release, home-to-start, close-to-stop, a 30-second shutoff, a gauge plate interlock and a carriage-system interlock.

Specifications

• Model: HS9 automatic slicer with removable knife. HS9N is the non-removable-knife model.
• Knife diameter: 13 inches.
• Knife material: 304L stainless steel with high-performance Stellite alloy; the knife edge is also described as cobalt alloy.
• Knife speed: 430 RPM.
• Carriage: Variable four-speed automatic carriage with three stroke lengths.
• Maximum slice thickness: Up to 1 inch in the HS9/HS9N specification sheet.
• Carriage capacity: Food up to 5.75 x 10.75 inches rectangular or 7.5 inches in diameter.
• Gauge plate: Heavy aluminum extrusion with machined grooves.
• Base and product tray: Sanitary anodized aluminum. The knife cover is stainless steel.
• Dimensions: 24 5/8 inches wide x 30 5/16 inches deep x 27 1/4 inches high.
• North American electrical rating: 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase, 5.6 A. The spec sheet lists a 1/2 HP knife drive motor and a six-foot, three-wire cord and plug.
• High-voltage versions: HS9-HV50C is listed at 220–240 V, 50 Hz, single phase, 2.8 A; HS9-HV60C is listed at 220–240 V, 60 Hz, single phase, 2.8 A.
• Shipping weight: 142 lb on the HS9/HS9N specification sheet.
• Controls: Moisture-protected push-button switch.
• Accessories available at extra cost: Full fence, food chute and debris deflector.
• Warranty stated in the spec sheet: One year of parts and service coverage, including the knife; lifetime guarantee on the Borazon stones.

Installation & Requirements

Before installation, check the machine data plate on the left side of the slicer base and verify that the electrical service matches the rating on that plate. The HS Series installation guide specifies placing the slicer on a suitable counter or tabletop. The supplied manual does not state a required clearance or ventilation specification.

The machine cord has a three-pronged grounding plug. The manual says to connect it to a properly grounded receptacle and not to remove the grounding prong. If the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, the manual directs the user to contact an electrician. Electrical ratings and plug configurations vary by HS9 version and market, so use the data plate for the specific machine.

To install the product tray, lower the bottom of its support arm onto the carriage hinge pins. Tilt the tray toward the gauge plate, then turn the support-arm knob until it is tight against the arm.

Operation

The HS9 uses an automatic, variable-speed product carriage with four speeds and three stroke lengths. Operators can select among the carriage settings using the front-mounted controls. The gauge plate adjusts for slice thickness; the HS9/HS9N specification sheet states a maximum of 1 inch.

The double-action indexing system provides finer control for shaving, chipping and thin slices on the first full revolution of the indexing knob. A second revolution opens the gauge plate for thicker slices. The carriage must be in its home position before the slicer starts. The machine also has no-volt release, so it will not automatically restart after a power interruption, and it shuts off after 30 seconds of non-use. Closing the gauge plate turns the slicer off.

Other interlocks prevent the carriage from tilting away or being removed unless the gauge plate is closed. The gauge plate must be closed and the product tray in its home position before the carriage arm can be removed. The slicer also has a zero-knife-exposure feature and a magnetically secured knife cover.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The HS Series installation guide says to unplug the power cord and turn the index knob fully clockwise to close the gauge plate before cleaning. Use extreme caution when working near the knife. The slicer must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before its first use.

For cleaning, remove the removable parts and follow the operation manual for the specific model to remove and reinstall them. With the parts removed, wipe all machine surfaces using a cloth soaked in mild detergent and warm water. Rinse with a fresh cloth and clean water, then apply sanitizing solution. Use only products formulated to be safe on stainless steel or aluminum. Let all removable parts dry fully before reassembling the slicer.

The HS9 supports access for cleaning through its tilting, removable carriage, removable meat grip assembly, removable ring guard cover and lift-assist feature. Hobart states that the removable knife can be taken out for cleaning in a sink or dishwasher; the removable meat grip assembly and top-mounted sharpener are also described as dishwasher-safe. Follow the model’s operation instructions for removing and reinstalling parts, and take care around the sharp knife during cleaning and maintenance.

Applications

The HS9 is suited to commercial kitchens, delis and other foodservice operations that slice meat and cheese. Hobart also describes HS Series slicers as handling vegetable slicing. The automatic carriage, multiple speeds and stroke lengths accommodate a variety of products and slicing tasks.