2TR85CF

Overview

The Vulcan Hart 2TR85CF is a freestanding PowerFry3 TR-series commercial gas fryer with two frypots and integrated KleenScreen PLUS filtration. Each vat is rated for 85–90 lb. of capacity. It uses natural gas and has a listed total input of 180,000 BTU, supplied by two 90,000 BTU sections. Separate computer controls let an operator set cooking parameters for each vat, which can help keep products with different cooking requirements or flavours separate.

The fryer measures 42 in. wide by 34 3/8 in. deep by 47 1/4 in. high. Its cabinet and frypots are stainless steel. The unit is intended for commercial foodservice use; the manufacturer’s residential-use notice says residential or other non-commercial installation can void warranty coverage.

Key Features

• Two independent vats: Two 85–90 lb. frypots provide separate cooking areas. The product description notes that separate vats can help reduce the risk of flavour transfer.
• Programmable computer controls: Each frypot has corresponding controls, a digital display with Fahrenheit or Celsius readout, three melt modes and 10 menu timers that can display a product name and cook time. The controls support compensating time or actual time, and a USB interface supports offline programming with included software.
• Temperature range: The operating range is 200–390°F.
• ThreePass heat transfer: The system evenly distributes heat through the oil. The product description gives 60 percent cooking efficiency and 72 percent thermal efficiency.
• SoftStart ignition: The ignition system warms oil using a 45,000 BTU-per-hour output. In idle temperature mode, the stated output is 5,575 BTU per hour to maintain heat.
• KleenScreen PLUS filtration: The pull-out filtration assembly includes a 110 lb.-capacity stainless steel filter pan and a stainless steel mesh filter screen with a 270 sq. in. filter area. Push-button activation runs the pump and motor at 8 GPM. A hands-free oil-return tube returns filtered oil to the vats when the drawer is closed.
• Basket setup: Two baskets with plastic-coated handles are provided per frypot, four total.
• Mobility and safety details: Four adjustable 6 in. casters are included, two with locks. The fryer has a hi-limit shutoff and a 1 1/4 in. port ball-type drain valve. The stated flue temperature does not exceed 750°F at maximum production rate.

Specifications

• Brand: Vulcan Hart
• Model: 2TR85CF
• Series: PowerFry3 TR85
• Equipment type: Freestanding commercial gas fryer, floor model, two-vat battery
• Fuel: Natural gas
• Number of frypots: 2
• Capacity per frypot: 85–90 lb.
• Gas input: 180,000 BTU total; two 90,000 BTU sections
• Dimensions: 42 in. W x 34 3/8 in. D x 47 1/4 in. H
• Depth with doors open: 54 1/2 in.
• Working height: 36 1/4 in.
• Electrical listing: 115 V, 60 Hz, single phase; 6 A; 1/3 HP; cord with NEMA 5-15P plug. The service manual for the VK/TR family states a 120 VAC supply; verify the fryer data plate for the unit being installed.
• Gas connection: 1 1/4 in. NPT common rear gas connection
• Controls: Computer control, electronic ignition, digital Fahrenheit/Celsius display, three melt modes, 10 menu timers and USB offline programming
• Temperature range: 200–390°F
• Filtration: KleenScreen PLUS; 110 lb. filter pan; 270 sq. in. mesh filter area; pump circulation at 8 GPM
• Construction: Stainless steel cabinet and frypots
• Casters: Four adjustable 6 in. casters, two locking
• Drain: 1 1/4 in. port ball-type drain valve
• Listings stated for this product: CSA, NSF and ENERGY STAR
• Warranty stated in the product listing: 1-year limited parts and labour; 10-year fry tank

Installation & Requirements

The installation and operation manual covers the VK/TR/VFRY gas fryer series and lists the 2TR85 model family. Confirm the individual unit’s data plate for its gas type and electrical requirements before connection. The 2TR85CF product specification identifies natural gas and a common rear 1 1/4 in. NPT gas connection. The manual gives recommended building supply pressure of 7–9 in. water column for natural gas and a maximum building supply pressure of 14 in. water column (1/2 psi). It states that a step-down regulator must be installed if incoming pressure exceeds that maximum. The manual gives a natural-gas manifold pressure of 0.08 in. water column and cautions against field adjustment of the gas valve.

For the installation clearances stated in the manual, allow 6 in. at the sides and rear from combustible construction; it lists 0 in. from sides and rear for noncombustible construction. Maintain 16 in. between the fryer and adjacent open-top flame units. The manual calls for sufficient air for gas combustion and says not to obstruct combustion or ventilation airflow.

The fryer is to be located under a hood connected to an exhaust duct. The hood should extend 6 in. beyond each side of the fryer, with at least 18 in. between the fryer flue vent and hood filters. The manual says not to connect the flue directly to the fryer or obstruct its exhaust, and warns that a ventilation-system downdraft at the flue can prevent proper exhaust and cause overheating.

The product listing specifies 115 V, 60 Hz, single-phase power, 6 A and a 1/3 HP motor, with an attached cord and NEMA 5-15P plug. The family service manual lists a 120 VAC supply and the installation manual requires a properly grounded three-prong receptacle. Because the published voltage details differ, use the data plate on the specific fryer and applicable local electrical requirements to confirm the connection. The unit’s casters must be installed by the end user according to the product information; the manual also calls for the fryer to be level in its final position and caster wheels locked after levelling.

Operation

Set each vat using its corresponding computer controls. The listed operating range is 200–390°F; the controls provide three melt modes and menu timers, and can use compensating or actual cook time. The digital display can show Fahrenheit or Celsius. The USB interface allows offline menu programming using the included software.

For normal operation, the installation and operation manual says the fryer must not be used during a power outage. Hot oil and fryer parts can cause burns, and the manual warns not to move the fryer while frying compound remains in the tank. If the high-temperature shutoff turns off the gas valve, do not power the fryer back up until the shortening is below 300°F. If the overheating condition continues, contact a Vulcan service office.

The operator manual says to filter shortening at least once a day and to leave fryer power on during filtering. It advises filtering between 250°F and 350°F because cold shortening drains poorly. Open the tank drain to let oil flow into the filter pan; the gas burner turns off when the drain opens. When the tank is empty, activate the filter pump and allow it to run for a couple of minutes before closing the drain. Follow the control display prompts to refill the vat. The service manual’s drawer-filter sequence specifies an operating oil range of 300–350°F; observe the instructions applicable to the particular control and fryer.

Filter only one fry tank at a time. Never run water or boil-out solution through the filter and motor/pump. When filtering solid shortening, the operator manual says to allow remaining shortening in the return line to drain into the filter tank after the pump is off to help prevent a cooled, solidified blockage.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The installation and operation manual calls for cleaning exterior surfaces at least daily with a tank brush, damp cloth and soft dry cloth. It notes that neglected cleaning can lead to burned-on grease and discolouration. Drain and boil out a freestanding tank weekly or when the oil is replaced. Use a boil-out solid degreaser according to its package instructions, keep the solution between the tank’s MIN and MAX marks, and do not bring the water to an overly active boil. The manual expressly says not to use chlorine or sulfate/sulfide cleaners.

After boil-out, drain the cleaning solution, refill with water and add 1 cup (1/4 L) of vinegar to neutralize alkaline cleaner residue. Drain, rinse thoroughly with clear hot water and dry the tank before adding shortening. Keep cleaning solution and water out of the filter and pump. The manual says the filter pan, crumb basket, metal filter-screen components and filter-screen insert can be washed with dishwashing detergent and warm water; rinse and dry them thoroughly. Do not wash the fabric filter envelope.

For KleenScreen PLUS envelope replacement, the manual recommends changing filter envelopes at each oil change, stated as 10–14 days depending on oil use. First empty the filter vessel and scrape debris from the pan and envelope. Remove the suction tube and closure clip, wash and dry the reusable screen insert, then place it in a new envelope, align the holes, refit and secure the clip, and reattach the suction tube. Position the assembly flat in the pan and ensure the suction tube engages the oil receptacle when the drawer is closed.

Troubleshooting

The VK/TR service manual is written for trained service technicians and warns that some checks involve live electrical measurements. It calls for appropriate electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures. The following are service-manual causes to help identify a problem; gas and electrical repairs should be handled by qualified service personnel.

• Ignition lockout or continuous loud beep: Possible causes include a gas-valve harness connection, gas valve or gas pressure issue, an open or restricted vent hose, an electrode or ignition-module fault, an open high limit or thermostat, a drain-valve switch issue, or faulty interconnecting wiring.
• Initial beep followed by shutdown: The manual lists grounding status and the electrode as possible causes.
• No spark and no blower: Possible causes include loose or faulty harness connections, probe lead wires or probe, the controller, or an open fuse on the ignition/blower control board.
• Puffing at startup: The service manual lists a dirty air filter, incorrect gas pressure, a restricted vent hose, a cracked electrode or an incorrect electrode gap. The air-filter note in the manual specifies VK models, so it should not be assumed to describe the TR85 configuration.
• Burner lights but does not maintain flame: Possible causes include igniter/flame-sense misalignment, insufficient gas pressure, incorrect transformer polarity or an incorrect electrode gap.
• Excessive heat or low heat: The manual lists incorrect temperature offset, a cooking-control or temperature-probe fault, a tripped high limit, interface-board trouble or incorrect gas pressure as possible causes.
• No power to cooking control or fryer does not heat: Check for a switched-off or faulty power switch, a tripped main circuit breaker, transformer failure or interconnecting-wiring fault.
• High-limit thermostat shuts down the system: The manual lists shortening below the minimum fill line, a probe fault or a control fault.
• Shortening takes more than 45 minutes to melt: Possible causes include incorrect melt-cycle timing, insufficient gas pressure, obstructed or incorrect air supply, a probe fault or a control fault.
• Tank appears to dry fire: The listed possible causes are drain-valve interlock switch magnets that are not properly aligned, a control fault or a probe fault.

The service manual specifically cautions never to field-adjust gas-valve settings, as doing so can damage calibration and cause component or combustion problems.

Applications

With two independently controlled 85–90 lb. vats, the 2TR85CF is suited to commercial kitchens handling substantial fried-food volume or preparing separate products at the same time. The product information names french fries, dumplings, fish sticks and mozzarella sticks as examples of foods that can be cooked in the baskets. Separate vats can also help kitchens manage products with different cooking schedules or reduce flavour transfer.