Commercial mixers play a vital role in various industries such as bakeries, restaurants, and food processing plants, as they can quickly and efficiently mix and knead large amounts of dough and other ingredients. However, ensuring that your commercial mixer operates smoothly and safely requires regular maintenance and inspections. Neglecting this important aspect of machine care can lead to costly repairs, downtime, and safety hazards. On the other hand, a well-maintained commercial mixer can provide years of reliable service. This checklist outlines the daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance tasks that you should perform to keep your commercial mixer in excellent condition.
Using the following checklist can help in identifying some of the most potential issues that may arise between inspections.
Note: To enhance your company‘s preventive maintenance checklist, you may consider incorporating these general suggestions. Please bear in mind that the checklists required for your equipment and asset inventory will be determined by your particular facility and industry regulations. Although the items listed in this article serve as a strong foundation, they do not constitute a comprehensive list, and the checklist should be customized to meet the specific requirements of your organization and environment.
Before Each Use
- Check that the mixer is on a stable and level surface.
- Examine the mixer’s power cord and plug for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, do not use the mixer and have it repaired by a qualified technician.
- Inspect the mixing bowl for any signs of damage or cracks.
- Ensure that the mixer is properly grounded to prevent electrical shock.
- Check that the mixer’s attachments are properly secured in place.
- Check the speed settings of the mixer to ensure they are appropriate for the task at hand. Adjust as necessary.
- Verify that the on/off switch is functioning correctly before using the mixer. If there are any issues, contact a technician.
Daily Maintenance
- Clean the mixer after each use. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and wash the attachments and mixing bowl with hot, soapy water.
- Check for any signs of wear or damage to the mixing attachments and replace them as necessary.
- Check that the mixing bowl is properly seated on the mixer and that it locks securely in place.
- Inspect the power cord for any signs of damage and ensure that it is properly plugged in.
- Check the mixer’s speed settings and adjust them as needed for the task at hand.
- Check the mixer’s oil level and add more if necessary.
- Check the mixer’s splash guard for any cracks or damage and replace it if necessary.
- Check the mixer’s feet for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s transmission and gears for any signs of wear and lubricate as needed.
Weekly Maintenance
- Inspect the mixer’s gears for any signs of wear or damage. If the gears appear worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
- Lubricate the mixer’s gears as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Check the tightness of the mixer’s belts and adjust them as necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s electrical components, including the motor and switch, for any signs of wear or damage.
- Check the mixer’s power cord for any signs of wear or damage.
- Inspect the mixer’s agitator shaft seal for any signs of wear or leaks and replace if necessary.
- Check the mixer’s bearings for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s control knobs and switches for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Check the mixer’s overload protection system and test it to ensure that it is functioning properly.
- Inspect the mixer’s feet and leveling bolts and adjust as necessary to ensure that the mixer is level and stable.
Monthly Maintenance
- Inspect the mixer’s bearings for any signs of wear or damage. If the bearings appear worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
- Clean the mixer’s air vents to prevent dust and debris from clogging the motor.
- Inspect the mixer’s feet for any signs of wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s electrical wiring for any signs of wear or damage.
- Check the mixer’s speed control settings and adjust them as necessary to ensure that the mixer is running at the correct speed.
- Inspect the mixer’s drive belts for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s splash guard for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
- Test the mixer’s emergency stop button to ensure that it is functioning properly.
- Inspect the mixer’s power switch for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s timer settings and adjust them as necessary to ensure that it is working properly.
Quarterly Maintenance:
- Inspect the mixer’s power cord and plug for any signs of wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
- Check the mixer’s speed settings and make sure they are functioning properly.
- Inspect the mixer’s on/off switch for proper function and replace it if necessary.
- Check the mixer’s planetary gears for proper lubrication and wear.
- Check the mixer’s planetary and agitator shafts for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s on/off switch and speed control knobs for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s safety guard and interlock system to ensure that they are functioning properly.
- Clean and inspect the mixer’s bowl lift mechanism for any signs of wear or damage and lubricate as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Inspect the mixer’s control panel for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
- Check the mixer’s electrical connections and wiring for any signs of wear or damage and tighten as necessary. Inspect the mixer’s overload protection system and adjust it as necessary to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Yearly Maintenance:
- Disassemble the mixer to clean and lubricate all components.
- Inspect the mixer’s electrical wiring for any signs of wear or damage.
- Inspect the mixer’s switches and controls for proper function and replace if necessary.
- Check the mixer’s alignment and adjust as necessary.
- Test the mixer to ensure proper function.
- Check the mixer’s electrical connections and wiring for any signs of wear or damage.
- Inspect the mixer’s bearings and bushings for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s drive belt for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
- Inspect the mixer’s motor and motor mounts for any signs of wear or damage.
- Inspect the mixer’s feet and make sure they are secure and in good condition.
- Check the mixer’s alignment and adjust as necessary.
- Test the mixer to ensure proper function.
Note: Always consult the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines for specific instructions on maintaining your commercial mixer.
Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Commercial Mixer
Important Safety Tips: Always make sure that the mixer is turned off and unplugged before attempting to adjust, clean, or service the machine. This can help prevent accidental activation of the mixer and potential injuries to the user or others nearby.
Avoid wearing loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories that can get caught in the mixer’s moving parts. It’s also recommended to tie back long hair and avoid wearing gloves to prevent any potential hazards.
Safety Guards and Shields: Make sure that all safety guards and shields are in place before turning on the machine. These guards are designed to prevent users from accidentally coming into contact with the mixer’s moving parts and can help avoid injuries or accidents.
Agitator Height: Ensure that the agitator height is properly adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the agitator is too low, it can damage the bowl and if it’s too high, it won’t properly mix ingredients.
Oil The Moving Parts: You don’t have to oil the mixer every day, but it’s important to establish a schedule. Components like the sliding bowl height adjustor should be oiled twice per year. As soon as the gear housing starts to squeak, that needs oil too. A well-lubricated machine is less prone to breakdowns.
Use The Right Attachments: Use the right attachments for the job and make sure they’re properly secured in place. Using the wrong attachment or improperly securing attachments can cause damage to the mixer and affect the quality of the mix.
Don’t Overload The Mixer: Make sure not to overload the mixer beyond its capacity. Overloading the mixer can cause damage to the motor and gearbox and shorten the lifespan of the machine.
Take It Apart On Occasion: Wiping down the mixer after each use is a good practice, but performing a deep clean on a daily basis may not be feasible. However, it is important to not let too much time pass without cleaning the mixer thoroughly. To ensure a thorough cleaning, make it a routine to disassemble the mixer periodically in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, preferably on a day when the restaurant or bakery is closed. This is the only way to achieve a truly clean mixer, both inside and out.
Ensure It Stays Dry: Ensuring the mixer stays dry is crucial, as water can damage the internal components. When cleaning the mixer with hot, soapy water, it’s important to dry it thoroughly and immediately. Avoid using high-pressure cleaning techniques, as water could penetrate the inner workings and cause rusting, leading to premature failure.
Worn Belts: Worn-out belts are prone to breaking, which is why it’s important to replace them before they fail. Regular inspections are essential to detect any signs of wear, and it’s recommended to replace the belts as soon as possible to prevent the need for repairs.
Leaky Seals: If you notice that the seals are leaking, it’s important to take action immediately and replace them. If you are unsure about how to proceed, it’s recommended to seek the assistance of a certified repair technician.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Regularly oil any moving parts of the mixer that require lubrication, such as gears and bearings. This will help prevent wear and tear, and keep the mixer operating smoothly.
Use The Mixer For Its Intended Purpose: Avoid using the mixer for tasks it wasn’t designed for, such as grinding meat or mixing heavy loads beyond its capacity. This can cause damage to the mixer’s components and lead to costly repairs.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations: To keep your mixer running smoothly and prolong its lifespan, it’s essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. By performing regular maintenance tasks as recommended by the manufacturer, you can ensure that your mixer operates at its best and avoid potential breakdowns or malfunctions.
Maintenance Management Software for Commercial Mixer Maintenance
Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software can be a valuable tool for managing and tracking maintenance tasks for commercial mixers and other equipment. With eWorkOrders CMMS, maintenance managers can schedule preventive maintenance tasks, assign tasks to technicians, and track the completion of work orders in real time. The software can also generate reports on equipment maintenance history and provide insights into maintenance trends, allowing managers to identify areas for improvement and optimize maintenance schedules. In addition, maintenance management software can help reduce downtime by alerting managers to potential issues before they become major problems. By implementing maintenance management software, businesses can streamline their maintenance processes, improve equipment reliability, and ultimately increase productivity and profitability.
Other Resources
Maintenance Terms and Definitions Glossary
Preventive Maintenance: The Importance Of Lubrication
Please note that any procedure, checklist, or other documents available in Information Professionals, Inc. (eWorkOrders) Library is provided for general education and information only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. By using any such materials, you assume the risk that they may not be appropriate for your specific situation and agree that you are solely responsible for any such use, including compliance with applicable law and with meeting any conditions of product warranties.
