AFE424

Overview

The Scotsman AFE424 is an undercounter commercial flake ice machine with an insulated storage bin. It produces up to 395 lb of flake ice per day and holds up to 80 lb, giving operators access to ice at the point of use. The machine fits beneath counters up to 40 inches high. Its three-piece Rotocast plastic cabinet is durable and rust-free; the cabinet can be removed to provide service access from the front without moving the machine from its installed location.

Production depends on operating conditions. The published figures are 180 kg per 24 hours at 21°C ambient and 10°C water, and 136 kg per 24 hours at 32°C ambient and 21°C water. The product information also describes a steady ice flow for quicker recovery of the supply.

Key Features

• Produces flake ice continuously for commercial use.
• Daily production of up to 395 lb, with up to 80 lb of built-in storage.
• Undercounter placement beneath counters up to 40 inches high.
• Front airflow supports placement in tighter spaces. The manual identifies the right front grill as the air intake and the left front grill as the exhaust on air-cooled models; do not block this airflow.
• Three-piece, rust-free Rotocast plastic cabinet can be removed for front service access.
• Includes a 7-foot power cord.
• Air-cooled and water-cooled condenser options are listed.
• Published warranty information describes two years of parts and labour coverage for components and five years of parts coverage for the compressor. Refer to the applicable warranty document for its terms and conditions.

Specifications

• Model: Scotsman AFE424.
• Ice type: Flake ice.
• Maximum production: Up to 395 lb (180 kg) per 24 hours.
• Production at stated conditions: 180 kg per 24 hours at 21°C ambient and 10°C water; 136 kg per 24 hours at 32°C ambient and 21°C water.
• Storage capacity: Up to 80 lb (36 kg).
• Dimensions: 24.25 inches wide x 24 inches deep x 33 inches high.
• Shipping dimensions: 27 inches wide x 27.5 inches deep x 38 inches high.
• Shipping weight: 185 lb (84 kg).
• Condenser options: Air-cooled or water-cooled.
• Electrical supply: 115 V, 60 Hz, single phase.
• Maximum fuse: 15 amps.
• Electrical circuit: Two wires; the unit must be grounded.
• Heat output: 3,000 BTU per hour.
• Water use: 12 gallons per 100 lb of ice.
• Refrigerant: R-134a.
• Cabinet: Three-piece Rotocast plastic, rust-free.

Installation & Requirements

The AFE424 is for indoor installation in a controlled environment, not outdoor use. The manual specifies an ambient air temperature range of 50°F to 100°F, water temperature of 40°F to 100°F, and water pressure of 20 to 80 PSI. Operating outside these limits may damage the machine and may void warranty coverage. The unit can be installed in the open or under a counter. The manual states that no additional side or top clearance is required beyond what is needed to position the cabinet, but the rear must remain accessible for utility connections. It also calls for 1/8-inch clearance at the left and right so the removable cabinet can be taken off while the machine is in place.

Air-cooled models draw air through the right front grill and exhaust through the left front grill. Keep both paths unobstructed. The machine is supplied with a power cord and must be connected to a separate, dedicated single-phase supply matching the nameplate. The circuit has a maximum fuse size of 15 amps. Ground the unit, follow local codes, and do not use an extension cord or bypass the grounding plug.

For the water connection, the manual specifies cold potable water connected to the 3/8-inch male flare at the top rear of the cabinet. Flush the supply line before connection; a water filter is recommended. Connect the drain to the drain fitting. The bin drain fitting is 3/4-inch F.P.T.; drain tubing must be rigid and comply with local code. Drains operate by gravity and require a fall of at least 1/4 inch per foot of horizontal run. A long horizontal bin-drain run of 5 feet or more must be vented, and an air gap must be maintained as required by local code. Insulate drain tubing to limit condensation. On water-cooled installations, run the drain tubes separately. The manual also calls for an accessible hand shutoff valve on the water supply and a building drain inlet below the machine’s drain outlet or outlets.

Operation

The AFE424 automatically maintains the ice level in its insulated bin: it starts making ice as the level falls and shuts off when the bin is full. The published product information describes a continuous ice flow and a steady supply for recovery. After utility connections, the manual instructs the installer to level the cabinet using the leg levelers, wash the bin and hood, and wash the scoop before use. The machine is then placed into automatic operation using its master switch. Keep the unit within the stated environmental limits and ensure the water supply is available during operation.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The manual identifies two areas that need regular attention: the water system, including the reservoir, auger and evaporator surface, and, on air-cooled models, the air filter and condenser. It calls for washing the inside and outside of the cabinet frequently with soap and water, sanitizing the bin interior once a month, and cleaning the water system and air-cooled condenser at least twice a year. In areas with high mineral concentration in the water, clean the water system four times a year. Mineral deposits can accumulate on the evaporator and auger, so water quality and cleaning affect reliable operation. The manual recommends filtering the incoming water and advises consulting a water-treatment specialist about testing and treatment.

For the air filter, the manual directs the operator to remove the right front grill, take off the filter bracket, remove the filter, and wash its surface with cold water. Replace a torn filter or one too dirty to clean, reinstall it and its bracket, and replace the grill. Do not run the machine without the filter in place. The manual also says to clean the condenser and water system as part of scheduled cleaning. Follow the machine’s cleaning and sanitation instructions and the cleaner’s label; Scotsman ice machine cleaner contains acids and can cause burns.

The MaintainX AFE424 flaker checklist also identifies the water system, ice storage bin and air-cooled condenser as preventive-maintenance areas. It notes that mineral-heavy water can require maintenance more often than twice yearly and lists auger and top-bearing inspection every 12 months. This checklist is community-provided maintenance information, not a substitute for the machine’s own manual or service instructions.

Troubleshooting

If the machine is not making ice, the service information identifies several areas a technician may need to check: water supply and water pressure, the bin thermostat, refrigeration components, the gear reducer and auger drive, and the condition of the evaporator. The AFE424 uses a water-pressure switch. The manual’s technical characteristics list a 10 PSI cut-out and 20 PSI cut-in for that switch. Check that the water supply is available; the manual’s installation instructions also call for an accessible shutoff valve and a flushed supply line.

A gear reducer or auger drive overload can be associated with low water level, mineral scale on the evaporator or auger, worn bearings, or a damaged gear reducer. Scale buildup can reduce ice-making capacity. The service information also lists low refrigerant charge, a restricted expansion valve or capillary tube, an open pressure control, a failed contactor, or compressor failure among possible refrigeration-related causes of no ice. These checks involve machine components and refrigeration systems; have a qualified service technician diagnose and repair them.

If the machine is noisy, the AFE424 service manual advises checking whether mineral staining is present on the auger or evaporator, whether the coupling needs grease, whether the bearings are worn, and whether the evaporator shows wear. It notes that a chipped gear tooth or worn gearmotor bearings can cause noise in that area, and identifies the fan motor and compressor as other possible noise sources. Do not treat these possible causes as a diagnosis without inspection.

Applications

Flake ice is suited to commercial operations that need accessible ice for foodservice or other process needs. Scotsman’s product information names restaurants, bars, hotels, hospitals, laboratories and food processing facilities as settings where ice machines are used. The AFE424’s undercounter format and built-in storage make it a practical option where a compact footprint and a ready supply of flake ice are priorities.