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BEAVER Rounds and Southerns- A review and comparison


Thrifty

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Hey guys, a couple weeks ago I got my new machines delivered from Beaver. I have also seen requests for a topic like this. I know when I started I was looking around for reviews of the round and southern. Now I finally have them assembled and have also taken pics. I have been using and benefiting from this forums information and I want to contribute by reviewing these machines. I know I will miss some aspects of these and they are also not placed yet. But, I will try my best to give an honest opinion of the machines. Also, I will update you guys as I have it implemented into my route and actually service it.

Alright, now for the machines:

The machines are:
1 beaver double round on a chrome beaver stand 215
1 beaver double southern on a chrome beaver stand 215

Specs: new generation coin mech, cashbox, color: poppy red, poppy red with black trim,

Wheels: 1 gum, 1 candy for both machines. (I kind of wish I would have gotton some capsule now)

Total cost shipped from beaver $445 (Yes, kind of steep I know)
I believe the round heads cost me 30 more. 15 more a piece I think.

The looks: I can definitely say that these machines are the nicest doubles in my town. If you put this thing next to a generic machine, it will outcompete. My pics are pretty nice, but in person the machines look twice better. the pics don't do it justice. (my camera is crap) I also would like to disclose that I own other machines (nw 60s, vendstars, older beavers, nw tripleplays) Overall in the looks department, the nicest double money can buy. Also about my color choice, I feel I made a really good choice. Poppy red is a great color and looks classic with the chrome. My second choice would have been black. Also the southerns in poppy red with black trim look amazing. Once again my pics don't do the colors justice(pics make the red seem lighter, in person it is a sharp bold red). The round plastic globes are very eye catching and I like them better than square ones, looks wise. The roundness really makes the product "pop" out. The stand looks very nice as well, very shiny; best stand money can buy. btw, I like the looks of the round beavers a hair better. (love chrome)

Durability/Quality: Of course only time and use will tell ultimately. But for now, the build quality seems top notch. The new generation coin mechs are the very solid and are drop through. I played with the mech and could not do anything funny like force it or break it backwards. Something that concerned me was the southern's powder coated parts. I don't know if they will last as long as the chrome on the rounds. we'll see. I would definitely say the most vulnerable part of a beaver is the abs plastic body. It is sturdy but if hit or bumped really hard, I feel there might chipping, especially where the plastic sticks out near the door flap. The plastic globes are very well made and sturdy. Even the locks and keys seem to be on another level. When I lock and unlock it is the smoothest and easiest experience. The whole double machine on stand is very heavy and with product in it would be cumbersome to steal. The beaver stand even comes with a steel restraint to attached to a wall. I have seen the used market and beavers are hard to find. I can see why, as these machines will probably last for several decades.

Functionality/Usability: When it comes to functionality, I think the beavers are slightly more complicated to service. I felt that the round globes were less easy to fill and handle than a nw super60. What I really thought handy was the cash box feature. It only costs 2-3 bucks more but is worth it so you don't have to scrap coins of the base. Its basically a plastic dish glued onto the bottom of the body, so you just grab the body and dump the quarters into the bag. (You can see it in my pics) I also like to say how precise the machine is, the way the coin mech works, locks/keys, way it vends, is like clockwork.

Value/Price: Seeing how we are in business. It depends. I think it is a little pricey. However, If one was in this business for the very long term, the extra cost would stretch out and be cheap for the quality that you got. Value wise it is decent. Payback period wise, it would take quite longer in the near term. There is no doubt that this machine would compete favorably compared to rival machines. There is also value in that these machines are so tough that break downs may be minimal thus offsetting the premium you pay. I also think that these beavers are very eye catching and will reel in more sales. All in all, I will be looking for used beaver products first. Then If I can't find any, I would not mind buying new again.

Customer service: I almost forgot to mention the service from Beaver. The representative I dealt with was Ryan. He was very thorough and professional. Always returned calls. Dealing with Beaver was pleasant and the ordering process was easy and they delivered the product as promised.

Summary: I am extremely pleased with my machines. They are HOT and are the nicest bulk vending machines I have seen. (and I have seen many types of machines in town)
Well, I hope everyone enjoys my review. As said before, I will update on the performance and serviceability.

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You forgot to ask them to add the Base Collar into the machine. It is very practical when you servicing the machines in tight spaces. All you need to do is unluck the lid, lift and turn the body resting it on the collar and get the coins without having to remove the globe and base.... ^-^

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-quotealex that is a good point. how much does this spec cost?

-Kelly,it seems strange that the cashbox is glued but oh well, it was only 3 bucks and I think it is worthit.

Thanks for the feedback guys! Took me 40 min to write this.

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It is $7 extra when you order it at the same time as the machine. Twice the amount when you order it separate.

-quotealex that is a good point. how much does this spec cost?

-Kelly,it seems strange that the cashbox is glued but oh well, it was only 3 bucks and I think it is worthit.

Thanks for the feedback guys! Took me 40 min to write this.

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I am not sure about your coin tray if it is attached to bottom of body, seems awkward.[/img]

There are easy to pop off. I'm not a big fan of the cash box. I prefer to have a collar base. I would love to have a Cash Drawer on each of my machines but it a bit too expensive and some say a makes it easier for people to steal the coins!
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There are easy to pop off. I'm not a big fan of the cash box. I prefer to have a collar base. I would love to have a Cash Drawer on each of my machines but it a bit too expensive and some say a makes it easier for people to steal the coins!

So other than the chrome parts, is there much of a difference between the Southern Beaver or the Round Beaver? They look almost identical in your pictures.

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...
  • 2 months later...

Beaver machines are probably the best machines on the market. I have the least problems with my Beaver machines. However, I only place Beaver machines at my higher end locations because they are such classy looking machines.

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  • 5 months later...

I have many rb16s and I had to drill out a lock to get in one, trust me the cash drawer makes it no easier to get in the machine

There are easy to pop off. I'm not a big fan of the cash box. I prefer to have a collar base. I would love to have a Cash Drawer on each of my machines but it a bit too expensive and some say a makes it easier for people to steal the coins!

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I have all RB-16 and Southern Beavers in 85 locations for 4 years and no service problem. I really believe the RR16 will generate more sales. My locations are about 1/2 RB and 1/2 SB. I think the SB does great in kid friendly locations. the red and blue does catch the eye.

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  • 1 year later...

Beavers are very nice machines no doubt. They are the Rolls Royce of bulk machines and they are priced to match. When I first bought my business I ordered up a full rack (4- 2 inch, 5- 1 inch, and 2 stickers on each end) and it looked nice. It was a beast of a set up and it cost about $2500 if I remember correctly. It looks great but it earns just like all the rest of my Northwestern set ups but they cost a lot less. Durability wise my Northwestern's have been just as tough as the Beaver.

Bottom line: I like the looks of the Beaver but can't justify the extra expense.

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  • 2 years later...

We recently received a review on our Facebook page from one of our clients, and I thought I would share it here:

 

"I've been using Beaver machines (Southern and the Round variety) for over 10 years and they are reliable and indestructible. Just today one of my Round Beaver "heads" managed to fall out of my truck and onto the road. A passing car ran over it before I could retrieve it. Except for a bent rod, this "head" is still intact: Lid, hopper and globe! Thank you, Beaver." (Found at https://www.facebook.com/BeaverVending "Posts to Page")

 

We would love to hear more about what everyone likes about our machines, and any suggestions regarding future adjustments or improvements! 

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