Extractor maintenance

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BeeKeyPlayer

From Rainham, Medway (North Kent) UK
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Rainham, Medway (North Kent) UK
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44 plus 17 managed for another
I'm a bit concerned that I do nothing to maintain my Konigin 12-frame extractor except good cleaning. I looked up the manual and found this:

Care and maintenance of the machine
No special preparation is required for general cleaning. After removal of the honey, clean the unit with warm water or use a jet washer after opening the lid of the unit. Always remove the lid before performing the annual cleaning of the honey extractor. It is fixed by three screws on opposite sides. After removing the screws, remove the V-pulley retained by a screw on the axis from the bottom of the machine. Then the honey extractor basket can be pulled from the barrel together with the axis. Before cleaning, remove the angular bearing (no. 7203 2RS or 6003 2RS) from the bearing house located at the bottom of the machine. Check its condition and lubricate it at least once a year, but if possible, every time when cleaning is performed. Since this bearing is exposed to an extreme load, it is recommended to replace it every second year. After washing use a soft cloth to wipe the interior of the machine.

I don't even know what the V-pulley or angular bearing is but I guess I'll find out when I get down there. (A long journey. I never look forward to the way back.)

Happy to hear of any hints or experiences any of you have had. Apart from having to get a replacement controller twice, the machine has performed well. I've used it for a few seasons now so It's time I looked at the deep cleaning and lubrication mentioned above.
 
I'm a bit concerned that I do nothing to maintain my Konigin 12-frame extractor except good cleaning. I looked up the manual and found this:

Care and maintenance of the machine
No special preparation is required for general cleaning. After removal of the honey, clean the unit with warm water or use a jet washer after opening the lid of the unit. Always remove the lid before performing the annual cleaning of the honey extractor. It is fixed by three screws on opposite sides. After removing the screws, remove the V-pulley retained by a screw on the axis from the bottom of the machine. Then the honey extractor basket can be pulled from the barrel together with the axis. Before cleaning, remove the angular bearing (no. 7203 2RS or 6003 2RS) from the bearing house located at the bottom of the machine. Check its condition and lubricate it at least once a year, but if possible, every time when cleaning is performed. Since this bearing is exposed to an extreme load, it is recommended to replace it every second year. After washing use a soft cloth to wipe the interior of the machine.

I don't even know what the V-pulley or angular bearing is but I guess I'll find out when I get down there. (A long journey. I never look forward to the way back.)

Happy to hear of any hints or experiences any of you have had. Apart from having to get a replacement controller twice, the machine has performed well. I've used it for a few seasons now so It's time I looked at the deep cleaning and lubrication mentioned above.
I assume you have the same machine as me Archie and I’ve only ever jet washed mine and dried it. Maybe I should do a proper job after 3 years!!!
 
And yet the thornes extractor is so easy to take apart and clean. So glad I gave my konigin back. 🤣🤣
 
I use a Lyson basics range. The only thing I do is lubricate the ball bearing with food grade grease. It's jet washed clean, dried and wrapped shrink wrap for storage.
 
I assume you have the same machine as me Archie and I’ve only ever jet washed mine and dried it. Maybe I should do a proper job after 3 years!!!
Yup, we're thinking the same thoughts Neil. I'm going to put it in the winter jobs list.
 
I have a 9 frame SAF Natura (same as The Apiarist). Having cleaned and dried it, the only maintenance I do is grease the bearing with food grade vaseline and then store for the winter in the garage.
 

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