YARDBIRD 21833 Manual

FEATURES

SPECIFICATIONS

WIRING DIAGRAM

UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY

Tools Required for Assembly:

• 10mm wrench (2)
• 13mm wrench (2)
• 17mm wrench (2)

ASSEMBLY

1. Open top of carton and remove the Styrofoam inner pack with the hole in the middle.
   
2. Place Styrofoam on a level surface in your assembly area. Remove the gear-motor/feather pan assembly and place it shaft down (motor up) through the hole in the Styrofoam.
3. Remove the remaining contents of the package and verify that you have received:
   1. Carton contents:
      • Axle (2)
      • Feather plate
      • Feather tub
      • Long Legs (2)
      • Short leg
      • Wheel (2)
   2. One parts bag containing:
      • Bolt M8 x 1.25 x 45 (6)
      • Bolt M8 x 1.25 x 20 LEFT HAND THREAD (1)
      • Bolt M6 x 1.0 x 30 (2)
      • Washer M8 x 30 Domed (1)
      • Nut M6 x 1.0 Nylock (2)
      • Nut M10 Nylock (2)
      • Nut M8 Nylock (6)
4. Assemble wheel to axle (SEE FIGURE 2). For each axle component:
   
   1. Install wheel onto threaded end of axle component.
   2. Install M10 washer against outside of wheel, then a M10 nut against the washer. Use a 17mm wrench to tighten the wheel nut until it bottoms out on the washer and the nylon locking feature on the nut is fully engaged by the axle thread.
5. Assemble legs to gear-motor/feather pan assembly.
   
   1. Assemble two long legs on either side of the motor junction box and align holes. Insert short leg in the remaining leg post.
      NOTE: Each leg is unique and not interchangeable. The long legs with the axle brackets attached should be assembled so that the axle brackets are parallel with each other. (SEE FIGURE 3)
   2. For each leg, install two M8x40 bolts and two M8 nylock nuts on the opposite side. Tighten using two 13mm wrenches.
6. Assemble axle to legs.
   
   1. Slide axle components through each axle bracket and align holes. Assemble two axle components together using two M6 bolts, and two M6 nylock nuts.
   2. Flip gear-motor/feather pan right side up so it stands on the legs.
7. Remove feather plate from tub.
   NOTE: Removal of feather plate is easiest if plate is turned on its side and lifted out at an angle.
8. Insert key in output shaft.
   
9. Apply grease to motor shaft.
10. Align keyway in feather plate with key in shaft and push down into place.
11. Assemble M8 bolt, and 8mm domed washer over shaft. Tighten with 13mm wrench. (SEE FIGURE 6)
    NOTE: Bolt has left hand thread.
12. Assemble tub to base:
    1. Place tub in feather pan.
       NOTE: Magnetic read switch in feather pan MUST align with magnet in tub. Align arrow label on tub to arrow on feather pan.
       
    2. Lock latches into place. Carabiners are included for secure locking.
    3. Place bucket (not included) under feather chute.
    4. Attach garden hose (not included).
       NOTE: It is recommended that you attach a valve to tub and then attach a garden hose. This allows the operator to shut the water off locally and not at the spigot. If a "Y" valve is used, a second hose can be used for washdown and scalder filling.

OPERATION

Pre-Start Inspection

1. Make sure all safety features are opeartional, including the GFCI and tub proximity switch.
2. Check that all nuts and bolts are secure.
   NOTE: All hardware (nuts, bolts, etc) should be checked for tightness before each use. Vibration of machine can cause them to loosen.
3. Keep electrical connections out of areas where water can pool.

Start Up

1. Each time the chicken plucker is plugged in, you must press the reset button on the GFCI. The machine will not start without this step.
   NOTE: Never disable the GFCI. The operator is often standing in a pool of water while operating this electrical device. The GFCI ensures that all of the power is used by the motor and none of the power becomes a shock hazard.
2. Flip the toggle switch to the ON position before putting the birds into the plucker. Starting the plucker with birds in contact with the feather plate add to the current draw of the machine and lessen the life of the electrical components.
3. Turn irrigation ring on.
4. Drop one or two properly scalded birds into plucker and let machine process until feathers are removed.
   A properly scalded bird will pluck in about 15 seconds.

Shut Down

1. To shut down the chicken plucker, flip the toggle switch to the OFF position.
   NOTE: Do NOT retrieve bird unless unit has come to a complete stop.
2. Unplug when you are done using the machine.

Tips and Recommendations

1. Yardbird recommends handling birds by the feet and slitting the carotid artery while the bird is contained in a Yardbird restraining cone to limit bruising and trauma. The birds will also pluck better if they are not stressed.
2. Scalding water should be approximately 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit. Scald water is hot enough to burn the operator. Using Yardbird^® scalding gloves is recommended. Plunging the birds in and out of the water allows the water to penetrate to the skin of the bird.
3. Mixing dish soap with the scald water allows the hot water to penetrate to the skin. Birds have oil on their feathers and breaking down the oil allows the hot water to get to the skin. The hot water relaxes the muscles holding the feathers in place.
4. Change the scald water when it gets dirty and/or oily.
5. The birds should go directly from the scalder to the plucker. The more time between the two steps allows rigor to set in and the wings and legs will shield portions of the bird if they get too stiff.
6. For poultry, use the largest feathers to test the scalding process. Once the largeset feather can be pulled out easily by hand, the plucker will rapidly remove all of the feathers. Large feathers are on the wings and tail.
7. If the plucker is ripping the skin of bird, the bird was scalded too long or the scald water is too hot.
8. The Yardbird can handle up to two eight pound birds at the same time.
9. There are many resources for dispatching, scalding, and eviscerating. One technique does not fit the needs of every user and over time you will hone the process to your needs.
10. Waterfowl are much more difficult to pluck than poultry. However, waterfowl have been plucked successfully with the Yardbird plucker.
    Waterfowl are extremely oily and require more soap in the scald water to break down the oil. Unlike poultry, test feathers on waterfowl should be pulled from the regions that hold feathers fast (breast and pelvis).
    When plucking waterfowl, monitor the build up of oil in the scald water. Change the water or add dish soap accordingly.

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning
Clean chicken plucker after every use.
To clean chicken plucker:

1. Run the plucker for one minute with the irrigation ring on. This will flush most of the feathers on the plate and in the feather pan out of the unit through the feather chute.
2. Unplug the unit.
3. Disassemble tub from feather pan. Remove feathers and debris.
   NOTE: Water and bleach are recommended as cleaning agents.
4. Tip remainder of unit away from user and spray water under feather plate to remove any feathers or debris between the feather plate and the feather pan.
5. Disassemble feather plate, inspect area around shaft and clean out feathers and debris.
   NOTE: This step only needs to be done once a year.
   • The Yardbird has no belts and the motor and the gearbox are sealed and maintenance free.
   • Whenever the feather plate is disassembled (once a year) grease the shaft with a food grade grease so that the feather plate can be disassembled with ease the next year.
   • Inspect natural rubber plucker fingers for cracks and tears. Replace with Yardbird plucker fingers.
   • Even though the plucker is designed to run outdoors, exposed to water and sunlight, it is best to keep the unit stored indoors or covered with a Yardbird^® plucker cover. This will preserve the life of the rubber fingers and motor components.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR

In the event you experience trouble operating your plucker, follow the suggestions in the troubleshooting guide in this section. The guide will help you pinpoint the causes of common problems and identify remedies.
In case of a service problem, DO NOT send unit back to retailer. Contact Yardbird, at 800-345-6007, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.

WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Owner's Responsibility
Accurate assembly, and safe and effective use of the plucker is the owner's responsibility.

• Read and follow all safety instructions.
• Carefully follow all assembly instructions.
• Maintain the plucker according to directions and schedule included in this Yardbird operator's manual.
• Ensure that anyone who uses the plucker is familiar with all controls and safety precautions.

Special Messages
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential safety concerns, machine damage as well as helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all the information carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual that may help the operator in the operation or service of the machine.

Important Safety Precautions
Please read this section carefully. Operate the plucker according to the safety instructions and recommendations outlined here and inserted throughout the text. Anyone who uses this plucker must read the instructions and be familiar with the controls. Learn how to control the chicken plucker at all times.
This symbol points out important safety instructions which if not followed could endanger your personal safety. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this equipment.

• Do not allow children to operate this chicken plucker. Keep small children away from the area while chicken plucker is in use. Do not allow adults to operate the chicken plucker without proper instruction.

DANGER INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY WILL RESULT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.

WARNING INDICATES A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

CAUTION INDICATES YOU OR YOUR EQUIPMENT CAN BE HURT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.

IMPORTANT INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT.

YOU MUST READ, UNDERSTAND AND COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SETUP AND OPERATE YOUR PLUCKER.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF MACHINE CONTROL, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO YOU AND/OR BYSTANDERS, AND RISK OF EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE TRIANGLE IN THE TEXT SIGNIFIES IMPORTANT CAUTIONS OR WARNINGS WHICH MUST BE FOLLOWED.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.

SAFETY DECAL
If this decal is lost or damaged, replace at once. Contact Yardbird directly for replacements.

1. WARNING
   Indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury and/or property damage.
2. READ MANUAL
   Before operating unit, read the operator's manual.
3. ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
   Do not use without functional GFCI or with damaged electrical components.
4. ROTATING PARTS HAZARD
   Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing away from moving parts.

GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the unit before starting
• Dress appropriately when operating the machine. Always wear sturdy footwear. Never wear sandals, sneakers or open shoes, and never operate the plucker with bare feet. Do not wear loose clothing that might get caught in moving parts.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the unit.
• Do not allow children to operate this machine. Adults should not operate the machine without proper instruction.
• Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate the machine without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.

PRODUCT-SPECIFIC SAFETY

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine.
• Keep all screws, nuts and bolts tight.
• Never leave the machine running unattended. Always move the unit to a safe storage area when not in use.
• Unplug the unit before performing any maintenance, repairs, or adjustments.
• Never put live birds in the plucker. All birds must be properly dispatched and scalded before processed in the plucker.
• Turn off machine and wait for plucker to come to a complete stop before removing birds or feathers from the machine. Do not place arms, hands, or other body parts inside machine while processing or spinning.
• Keep hands out of feather chute. Do not attempt to clear feathers or other debris from feather chute with the unit plugged in. Unplug unit before cleaning or removing foreign matter, such as bird heads, from the plucker.
• Never tamper with, disable, or remove the GFCI (Ground- Fault Circuit Interupter).
• Keep all electrical cords and connections away from pools of water. Electrical cords and connections should never be submerged in water.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A GFCI (GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERUPTER) THAT PROTECTS THE OPERATOR. NEVER TAMPER WITH, DISABLE, OR REMOVE THE GFCI.

THIS PRODUCT HAS A HIGH TORQUE MOTOR. TO PREVENT SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING. HAIR MUST BE PULLED BACK.

NEVER OPERATE MACHINE WITHOUT THE PLUCKING TUB IN PLACE, AS BODY PARTS CAN GET WRAPPED BETWEEN THE FEATHER PLATE AND THE FEATHER PAN. A SAFETY PROXIMITY SWITCH DOES NOT ALLOW OPERATION WITHOUT THE TUB. DO NOT DISABLE THIS SWITCH. IF SWITCH DOES NOT STOP UNIT OPERATION WHEN TUB IS REMOVED FROM FEATHER PAN, REPLACE SWITCH.

KEEP HANDS CLEAR OF THE MOVING PARTS. NEVER PUT HANDS OR ANY OTHER BODY PARTS BELOW THE TOP PLANE OF THE PLUCKING TUB WHILE THE PLUCKER IS RUNNING.

KEEP HANDS OUT OF FEATHER CHUTE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAR FEATHERS OR OTHER DEBRIS FROM FEATHER CHUTE WITH THE UNIT PLUGGED IN. UNPLUG THE UNIT BEFORE CLEANING OR REMOVING FOREIGN MATTER, SUCH AS BIRD HEADS, FROM THE PLUCKER.

KEEP ELECTRICAL CORDS SUSPENDED ABOVE SURFACES THAT COLLECT WATER. THIS DEVICE USES ELECTRICITY AND WATER TO EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY PLUCK BIRDS. TAKE NOTE OF WHERE THE WATER IS POOLING AND KEEP ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AWAY FROM POOLS OF WATER. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND CORDS SHOULD NEVER BE SUBMERGED.

REGISTRATION AND SERVICE

Record the product model number and serial number in the space provided for easy reference when ordering parts or requesting technical support. The warranty is valid only if the completed registration is received by Yardbird within 30 days of purchase. You can register your warranty online by visiting www.yardbirdpluckers.com, or by mailing it to: Yardbird, 1730 Industrial Avenue, Cumberland, WI 54829. You may also call our customer service department at (800) 345-6007 Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.

Check for parts online at www.yardbirdpluckers.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-4:30 CST