A new comprehensive testing procedure has been established for Drake Loaders. All loaders will now ship with this certification prior to installation.

The development of this practice was inclusive of all departments. The team consisted of representatives with expertise in electrical, mechanical, and assembly functions.

Based on your company’s needs and expectations, ten different areas of your loader will be examined with up to 28 points of comprehensive testing in each. The focus is broken down into four major categories.

Initial Design and Layout

Overall Construction and Craftsmanship

Functionality and Safety

Performance and Reliability

You will be assured that product will run at the maximum speed for the required time, in the package configurations requested. The highest sanitary standards will be maintained with our finishes. An integral part of the process is the verification that CE and UL requirements are met with our electrical systems and controls. Not only is the testing done on the broad functionality of the loader, but data is collected at the nuts and bolts level. Has Loctite and Neverseez been applied?

With this, we maintain our personal commitment to quality and the desire to exceed previous expectations. Individual members of the Drake team grant approval on each of the points with their signature. Contact Drake Sales for line item details of the new DAT Test procedures. Testing will evolve as technology and customer needs continue to advance.

VICKIE MARTIN EARNS CERTIFICATION AS A PROFESSIONAL IN HUMAN RESOURCES

The certification, awarded by the HR Certification Institute, signifies that Ms. Martin (shown receiving congratulations from Steve Nunn, Drake President) possesses the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field.

"Certification as a human resource professional clearly demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the human resource profession," said Mary Power, CAE, Executive Director of the HR Certification Institute.

To become certified, an applicant must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate a strong background of professional human resource experience.

The HR Certification Institute is the credentialing body for human resource professionals and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest organization dedicated exclusively to the human resource profession. The Institute's purpose is to promote the establishment of professional standards and to recognize professionals who meet those standards.

Finger Wheel Adjustment

The finger wheels must be aligned correctly to ensure proper transfer of the franks from the Intermediate Conveyor chain to the Head. To adjust the finger wheel, use the following procedure:

• Press the E-STOP switch.
• Per company procedure, lockout/tagout the machine.
• Loosen the lock bolts indicated in the photograph on the right.
• Move the top finger wheel unit until it is positioned as indicated in the drawing to the left.
• Tighten the lock bolts.
• Reset the E-STOP.

Finger Wheel Replacement

To replace the finger wheels, use the following procedure:

• Press the E-STOP switch.
• Per company procedure, lockout/tagout the machine.
• Remove the Head cover.
• Remove all the hinge gates.
• Remove the left and right top rod assemblies.
• Remove the Stripper Feet Assembly.
• Remove the Pusher Chain Assembly.
• Remove the Pusher Chain prox bracket and prox.
• Remove the left and right front rod assembly bracket for the front rod and lower the front rod assembly as one piece.
• Remove the pickoff assembly.
• Loosen the setscrews on the right finger wheel bearings for both the top and bottom finger wheels.
• Slide the right-side shafts of both the top and bottom finger wheels to the right.
• Remove both finger wheels at the same time, noting the position of the fingers in relation to each other.
• Repeat the steps 3 through 14 in reverse order to re-install a new set of finger wheels.

Otto Hoffman

Drake is proud to introduce Otto Hoffman as the newest member of the Technical Service team. Born in Puerto Rico, he is bilingual in English and Spanish. He comes to this position with years of experience maintaining Drake Loaders.

Our Service Team offers:

Technical Experience

With Responsive and Expert Knowledge

Areas – Operation, Maintenance, Sanitation

Frees Your Personnel for Other Responsibilities

Reduced Down Time Resulting in Increased Productivity

Maximum Efficient Production

Availability on Weekends

Quickly Informed of Innovations

Reduced Machine Operating Costs

Loaders Examined on an Individual Basis for Potential Part Failure

Recommended Course of Action Proposed

Maintenance Performed Proactively

Pssst! What’s the pickle doing here? I thought this party was for Drake products only!

It’s okay, they do pickle packin’ too!