Fermo Vending Posted October 16 Share Posted October 16 I got a call from one of my locations telling me "it was hard to reach into the machine to grab your snacks". I went and checked it out and noticed that the delivery flap was not sitting flush in the delivery door, so when the customers tried opening it the delivery flap was hitting the anti-theft flap too early resulting in a hole far too small to fit a hand in. I thought I fixed it, left, and then went back the following week to stock up and noticed the same problem had occurred. This time I unscrewed the arm hinges that connect the two flaps and re-attached them, and everything seemed to work again. Anyone have an idea what might have initially caused this? I should say the screw on the left arm hinge that connects the flaps had become loose. The machine is a Crane National 157. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted October 16 Share Posted October 16 Once all the bin hardware starts to wear out you basically need to replace it all on each side of the bin. IF Crane still sells it. Yes, the screws coming loose cause this issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted October 16 Author Share Posted October 16 Is there anything I can do if Crane doesn't still sell it? I'll know for sure this Saturday if my fix worked when I go back to re-stock the machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted October 16 Share Posted October 16 Well, lucky for you a simple tightening of the linkage got it all lined up again. Just be sure there is a lock washer under the screw head and keep an eye on it. Don't overtighten it but if the screw comes out again you can put a dab of weak Loctite on it. If the parts aren't available then you're only choice is to disconnect the linkage which will leave the anti-pilfer door hanging loose. That or find a parts machine that has good linkage on it, however it doesn't sound like your linkage is damaged. What usually happens is forcing open of a bin door will bend the linkage and then it's toast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted October 16 Author Share Posted October 16 How much force does it take to bend the linkage? I have a feeling the customers at this location would try to force the flap open if they can't reach their products. Will the flap and anti-pilfer flap continue to function as they should as long as the arm links match up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted October 17 Share Posted October 17 As long as everything is working fine, especially the anti-pilfer door then you are fine. What will happen should the door bind up is someone will force it with their forearm or kick it with their foot which can then bend the linkage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted October 18 Author Share Posted October 18 I got a text this morning saying the flap was stuck again. I'm going to check it out, but I have a feeling the linkage arms have been damaged. I have a few other crane nationals on location- are linkage arms a 1-1 swap? Thinking I could replace the arms on one machine for another. The machine I'm considering taking the arms from has the 5th tray removed, so it'll be harder to reach the products even if the anti-pilfer door isn't working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted October 18 Author Share Posted October 18 EDIT-- Turns out the text was for the machine right NEXT to the one that I've been having the issue with. Same deal though, delivery flap is getting stuck. Coincidence that two machines next to each other have the same issue within a week of each other? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vendo Mike Posted October 18 Share Posted October 18 Someone is heavy handed getting items out of the bucket. If this continues, they're gonna have to buy a lot of Snickers to offset the cost of these repairs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted October 18 Author Share Posted October 18 I made the site manager aware of the first delivery bin, but other than that I don't seem to have many options. Should I look into installing a camera? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vendo Mike Posted October 18 Share Posted October 18 If there's someone that likes to chat you up while you load the machine, I'd take that opportunity to ask a couple questions and make it known that a machine that costs more in repairs than it makes gets pulled and moved to a profitable location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted October 18 Author Share Posted October 18 Well, that's the thing. It's my number one location. The snacks along grossed 1,100 last month. The location doesn't know it, but I can't afford to pull them, but I also know I can't afford to keep fixing them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted October 18 Share Posted October 18 I would just disconnect the anti-pilfer doors and run with it. Is there any sign of them shaking the machines? If so then bolt them together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fermo Vending Posted October 18 Author Share Posted October 18 No signs of shaking that I can see. I'll check the second machine for any loose screws just in case, but it was fine on Saturday when I checked it. If I have to run without the anti-pilfer doors then that's what I'll have to do. Hopefully no-one notices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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