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Cluster Bucker Model: CB1 Operator’s Manual Please read the operator’s manual and all included warnings carefully and make sure you fully understand the instructions before using the machine...
WARNING The operation, servicing and cleaning of the Cluster Bucker by MUNCH Machine is hazardous and could cause severe injuries or worse. These machines are solely intended to be used for the harvesting and processing of cannabis, hemp and hops. Do not operate, service...
Introduction Thank you for your purchase of the Cluster Bucker built by MUNCH Machine. Welcome to the best bucking team around! Our products are designed around years of real-world use for maximum reliability and durability. Every product we bring to market is designed, tested and manufactured 100% in the USA.
Operator Safety Training Operators must be properly trained in the correct use of this machine before taking part in any operation. It is up to the facility to determine guidelines based on these instructions for use. It is up to the organization’s management structure to implement training programs, written procedures, and supervision that are compliant with local regulations.
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▪ ATTENTION – It is possible that the machine has shifted during shipment, ensure the equipment is supported when strapping is removed, continue to do so until the machine is out of the crate on a flat level surface with the casters locked. Using a forklift insert the forks under the lower frame with the forks as wide as they can be set while still passing between all four casters.
Machine Transport Handles The Cluster Bucker has Handles built into the Frame located on both the right and left sides of the machine. Only these two Handles and the lower frame are to be used for moving the machine. ▪ WARNING –...
▪ WARNING – Operation of equipment without the proper guarding installed could result in serious injury and possibly death Contact MUNCH Machine Customer Service if you need further assistance.
The Cluster Bucker comes equipped with an Accessory Outlet that is protected by its own circuit breaker; this plug is located on the front side panel. This can be used to power any 120V accessory or our MUNCH Machine Conveyor products. o 120V - 10amp breaker...
A Circuit Breaker is contained within the Electrical Panel, if for any reason your machine becomes unresponsive, open up the panel and check to be sure your Circuit Breaker has not been tripped. If this breaker continues to trip please contact Munch Machine Customer Service immediately as it may indicate a larger problem.
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Button Enclosure Power Selector Switch OFF / FWD / REV Mode selection switch allows the user to turn the machine on (FWD), turn the machine off (OFF) and also to reverse (REV) the machine to clear any blockage. Variable Speed Control Adjusts the Belt revolutions per minute to allow the user to balance throughput and quality.
Machine Operation Daily Inspection o Check that the Left and Right Side, Rear and Top Shields are installed properly, and the thumbscrews are hand tight o Faceplate is installed and secure o Die plate is installed, clean and free of debris. o Belts are clean and free of debris.
Direct Contact Surfaces The food-grade stainless steel Face Plate and Die Plate are designed to be the only machine surfaces in contact with the product and are compatible with a cGMP compliant workflow. Daily cleaning of these plates with the proper cleaning products (See: Cleaning the Cluster Bucker) will reduce the potential for contamination of your product Faceplate The Faceplate of the Cluster Bucker is designed to protect the user from moving internal parts of...
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Faceplate Removal The Faceplate has two Thumb Screws at the top corners left and right side of the machine. While supporting the front of the Faceplate against the machine, unthread the two Thumb Screws until the Faceplate is loose. Allow the top of the Faceplate to pivot away from the machine and lift the bottom of the Faceplate off the Lower Mount Pegs.
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Keyhole Die Plate (Included) Developed to process larger branches and clusters of branches, the Keyhole Die Plate uses 5 strategically placed holes that let gravity assist in pulling the branch cluster down and through the tapered slot. This design allows for torn or uneven ends to pass through a larger slot, then as the machine bucks the material the branches are forced down into the slots.
▪ CAUTION – Supporting the Die Plate with one hand while installing the bolts is critical to prevent dropping the plate and possibly causing injury. Shielding The Shields of this machine are designed to protect the user from moving internal parts of the machine while allowing access for cleaning and maintenance.
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While still supporting the Rear Shield, place one hand on each left and right side of the Rear Shield using the lower edge for additional support, lift upwards on the rear shield while shifting it towards your body (away from the machine) to allow the Rear Shield to clear the two lower mount locations.
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Installation of Shields Installation order of operations 1. Left or Right-Side Shields 2. Top Shield 3. Rear Shield Side Shield Installation Unplug the machine. The Side Shields need to be installed prior to installation of the Rear Shield, or Top Shield. Prior to lifting, determine left and right parts, and the proper orientation for each.
Top Shield Installation Unplug the machine. Ensure Side Shields are installed with the Thumb Screws halfway threaded, not tight. Note the front of the Top Shield, and where the Button Enclosure and Indicator Light align with this Shield prior to lifting. The Shield may need to be installed by two people due to location and weight.
Adjusting Suspension Pressure Depending on the use case, plant type, and weather conditions the user may want to adjust belt pressure. The four Suspension Towers have a built-in Rule with a visible Force Plate to determine adjustment level. At the top of each Suspension Tower will be a Pressure Adjustment Bolt.
The green Flex Element should be replaced if noticeably worn. Two additional Flex Elements are included with each machine, and additional Flex Elements can be purchased from MUNCH Machine Customer Service. It is recommended to keep a spare Flex Element on hand at all times.
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Simple Green Crystal, or a citrus based cleaner in a spray bottle 70% Isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle - Do not use on Belts Stiff Plastic Bristle Brush Lint Free Towels or Shop Towel Rubber Gloves Optional Tools: ( The process can also be completed without the Optional tools) Adjustable Height Work Table -...
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5. Once loose, slide both black Nylon Coupler Cover Rings towards each Motor leaving them resting on the outside Coupler Cog out of the way for Cassette removal. 6. The green Flex Element can then be removed by finding the split and then peeling the teeth out of the Coupler Cogs.
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Lower Cassette Removal 1. Ensure the Cassette Locking Bolts have been removed. Insert two of the four Locking Cassette Bolts into the Lower Cassette Lifting Inserts located on the bottom of the Lower Cassette Tracks towards the front of the machine. Using a 7/32” hex key, drive the Cassette Locking Bolt to lift the front end of the Cassette off the Cassette Locking Pins, but not so high that the Cassette Bearing contacts the...
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Lower Cassette Installation 1. Ensure the black Nylon Coupler Cover ring is positioned out of the way, but on the motor side Coupler Cog. 2. Establish which Cassette will be the Lower Cassette - Coupler Cog oriented to the Left and away from the Cluster Bucker 3.
If you find you are losing traction and unable to adjust the suspension to regain traction it is time to replace the belts. MUNCH machine keeps Belts in stock, to purchase please contact MUNCH Machine Customer Service.
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Cleaning Cluster Bucker Belts It is essential to never use alcohol or alcohol-based cleaners to clean Belts, this will void the warranty. Citrus-based cleaners or products such as Simple Green Crystal will clean the Belts properly without causing additional damage. •...
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center rib that will cause resistance, sometimes rolling the belt back and forth will help it clear the edges of the cassette. Reinstalling Belts on Cassettes 1. Tilt the Cassette up onto its side, be cautious as some parts will be able to move. Pull the belt down over the top edge of the cassette while simultaneously squeezing the center of the belt.
Cleaning the Cluster Bucker This machine will perform at its best when cleaned after each use. The machine is built to wash- down rated specifications, but some precautions need to be adhered to. This guide is broken out into two main sections, Daily Clean and Deep Clean. Daily Clean ●...
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1. Make sure that the machine is turned off and unplugged. 2. Remove all shielding and faceplate (see section “Shielding” & “Faceplate” for instructions on removal) ● CAUTION – Shields are made of steel and need to be handled carefully due to their weight.
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9. Use 70% alcohol in a spray bottle, Simple Green Crystal, or a citrus based cleaner, to spray and wipe off all dirty metal components: (Do not spray the Belt with the 70% alcohol) a. Upper Frame b. Motor and Coupler components c.
Deep Clean This cleaning process will provide a full breakdown of Cassettes and access to all interior components for thorough cleaning and inspection. This process is intended to meet GMP compliance for most facilities. It is up to the user and management team to determine a cleaning procedure that meets regulations pertinent to each facility.
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box wrench or adjustable wrench until the Force Plate is at the top of the rule but still visible. Repeat this process on all four Suspension Towers. 4. At the back of the machine, Locate the two Couplers (1 per Cassette) using a 2.5mm hex key loosen but do not remove the two locking bolts on each black Nylon Coupler Cover ring.
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All metal parts and the Cassette Pulleys can be cleaned with up to 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. The Belt material must not be cleaned with alcohol. If Isopropyl Alcohol is used on your Belts the Warranty will be voided. 1. Spray Simple Green Crystal or a citrus based cleaner on all Belt surfaces. Allow the belt to sit with cleaner while you wipe down other parts of the machine.
Pressure Washers The entire machine may be washed using water from a hose. The Cassettes, Faceplate, Shielding, Die Plate, and Frame may be cleaned using a high-pressure washer. Do not direct a high-pressure stream at any electrical components, Control Buttons, Control Panel, Motors, Cables, Belts, or Bearings.
Cassette Pre-Installation Checklist The following checklist is to help the installer ensure all parts of the Cassettes have been reassembled correctly. Please go through this checklist on each Cassette individually. • Belt is centered in the Cassette and sitting in the Pulley Groove •...
Compliance Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Compliance MUNCH MACHINE Bucking equipment supports compliance to cGMP requirements through the use of food-grade materials for the portion of the machine that contacts the usable plant material. Detailed use and cleaning instructions are provided with the equipment to assist plant...
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