pjnielsen Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 I am looking to buying a soda machine and was wondering which brand was better? I am looking for a used can and bottle machine, multi pricing and coin or bills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe101us Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 Dixie Narco vendo royal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngryChris Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 For a starter, i recommend a dixie narco 501e simply due to its reliability and ease of use. It will vend cans or bottles with the proper shims, it is a well-known machine, and it is easily a top 3 all-time best vending machine. Many will argue that a royal 650 is better but i believe a dn 501e is easier to learn from and troubleshoot. When properly setup in the hands of a seasoned vendor, a royal might be better depending on the circumstances and preference. Just make sure it is a 501E and not a 501T, 501R, 501MC, etc.. it must have an E right after the 501 and could say something like 501E or 501ER. The E standes for Extended-cabinet as it will vends bottles 2-deep. Other non-E models will not. There are many many other good makes and models but you can probably get a refurbished 501E for $900-$1500, setup for you and ready to be delivered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjnielsen Posted April 15, 2018 Author Share Posted April 15, 2018 Thank you very much for your response! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Central Kentucky Vending Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 501e is the way to go live display Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57thTom Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 The live display was cracked on the 501E by the guys that beat on machines where I work. So far I like the 501E and the Vendo V721 live display. Both nice machines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlindVending Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 Royal 650 Great beginner's machine. Simply menu, easy to read and operate. No sold out paddles, no shims. Can vend both cans and bottles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lacanteen Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 19 minutes ago, BlindVending said: Royal 650 Great beginner's machine. Simply menu, easy to read and operate. No sold out paddles, no shims. Can vend both cans and bottles. I agree. Make sure it's a Merlin III or IV, nothing older. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkinthepark Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 53 minutes ago, BlindVending said: Royal 650 Great beginner's machine. Simply menu, easy to read and operate. No sold out paddles, no shims. Can vend both cans and bottles. I also agree. I learned on Royal machines and I really like them. I find them easy to service, program, and use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngryChris Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 The only reason I think 501e's are better for beginners is because even seasoned route drivers get confused with STS on royals, even when they load them regularly. On top of that, troubleshooting the drop sensor can be confusing and just knowing how to load the machine properly can be a learning curve. That's just my opinion. Obviously, a royal 650 is an excellent machine. Just make sure to get one with all black motors and a board with a blue button if possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corvus Corax Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 501e if you have skinny arms, Royal 650/660 if your arms are diameter challenged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjnielsen Posted April 17, 2018 Author Share Posted April 17, 2018 I am looking at used machines and they are over 10 yrs old. Is that normal for a machine to be that old being used? Sorry for the stupid question? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngryChris Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 Not a stupid question. Even the big dogs out there have machines that are 10 or even 20+ years old with upgrade kits. The Royal Merlin IV (650) has been in production for a while for example. Soda machines do what they do very well, so many good models have stayed relevant for a long time. Plus, they can be refronted and upgraded to look and work like new again. Snack machines can also be refronted and upgraded depending on the model. Some aren't worth it, but most name-brand machines made in the last 15 years can be upgraded, in addition to several 20+ year-old models. USI machines can be hit or miss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orsd Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 Yes. In terms of vending machine 10 years is barely mid-life. This is because vending machines are designed like industrial equipment: durable, long lasting, reliable, and easy to service. I have machines that are 30 years old still working great and making me money. Even the bottlers rebuild 20 year old equipment and use them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Central Kentucky Vending Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 snacks the ap 6600 and 7600 were the best ever build. still being used today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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