Here is how to move an ice machine without damaging it: stop ice production, empty and clean the bin, shut off the water and drain the supply line and water trough (and the condenser on water cooled units), disconnect power at the breaker, then move the machine upright with at least two people or a lifting device. At the new spot, level it, have the connections made to code, sanitize before you use the ice, and give it time to settle before you power it up. The details below come from Manitowoc, Hoshizaki and Marvel manuals, so check your own model’s manual for its exact steps.
How to move an ice machine: know what you are moving first
A 15 inch undercounter unit is a two person lift on an appliance dolly. A modular head sits on a separate bin and should come off the bin before either piece moves. Water cooled and remote condenser units add plumbing or refrigerant lines that need a technician. Here are units from our catalog with the specs their listings give.
| Model | Style | Dimensions (W x D x H) | Weight | Electrical | Cooling and drain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitowoc IDP0450A | Modular head (needs a bin) | 30 x 24 x 21.5 in | Not listed | Not listed | Air cooled, self contained |
| Manitowoc IYP0450W | Modular head (needs a bin) | 30 x 24 x 21.5 in | Not listed | Not listed | Water cooled, self contained |
| Manitowoc USP0100A | Self contained cube | 19 17/25 x 22 4/5 x 37 1/2 in | Not listed | Not listed | Air cooled, self contained |
| Marvel 15 in clear ice | Undercounter | 14.875 x 26.125 x 33.75 in | 125 lb | 115V, 15A | Front venting, drain pump |
| Viking Professional 15 in clear ice | Undercounter | 14.88 x 25.25 x 33.875 in | 113 lb | 115V, 5A | Front venting, drain pump |
| U-Line 15 in nugget | Undercounter | 14 7/8 x 22 1/4 x 33 9/16 in | 104 lb shipping | 115V, 3.0A running | Drain pump |
| Coyote C115CICE | Undercounter, outdoor | 14.75 x 20.25 x 32.25 in | 85 lb (92 lb shipping) | Not listed | Gravity drain |
| Follett HCD1010NJS | Remote ice delivery (RIDE) | Not listed | Not listed | 115V, 60 Hz, 1 phase | Remote refrigeration |
Read the data plate on your own machine for the voltage and amperage, and look up its weight in the manual. If your unit is water cooled or has a remote condenser, plan on a refrigeration technician. Not sure which type you have? Our guide on what size ice machine you need explains the formats.
How to move a commercial ice machine: shut down and drain
Manitowoc’s “Removal from Service/Winterization” steps in its S3000 and UnderCounter manuals line up closely with what you need before a move:
- Clean and sanitize the machine (the S3000 manual says de-scale and sanitize). Our ice machine cleaning guide covers the full procedure, so we will not repeat it here.
- Turn the machine off at its switch or On/Off button.
- Turn off the water supply, disconnect and drain the incoming ice making water line at the rear, and drain the water trough.
- Energize the machine, wait one minute for the water inlet valve to open, and blow compressed air through the incoming water and drain openings at the rear to clear all water.
- Turn it off and disconnect power at the circuit breaker or electric service switch.
- Spray all interior food zone surfaces with sanitizer, do not rinse, and let them air dry.
- Replace all panels.
For water cooled models, the S3000 manual adds disconnecting the water and drain lines from the condenser, holding the water regulating valve open, and blowing compressed air through the condenser until no water remains. Leave that to a technician if you are unsure.
Drain the ice machine sump and empty the bin
Hoshizaki’s manual for its KM-1400SWH modular crescent cuber describes draining the water tank by removing the drain plug on the lower front of the ice chute, then removing all ice from the bin and cleaning it. On its F-330BAH self contained flaker, the steps are to make ice with the water supply shut off until the unit stops, blow out the supply line, use the DRAIN switch position, then unplug and clean the bin. Hoshizaki recommends a shut-off valve and drain valve on the water supply line, which makes this much easier. Draining fully matters most if the truck could drop below freezing.
Disconnect water, drain and power
Manitowoc says the drain line should have a union or other means of disconnection at the ice machine, and that on units with two power cords, both must be unplugged during movement. Hoshizaki notes that an electrical permit and a licensed electrician are usually required, and a plumbing permit and licensed plumber may be required in some areas. Your local code and those pros have the final word on reconnecting.
How to relocate an ice machine: lifting and transport
- Use enough people. Manitowoc says two or more people or a lifting device are required to lift its undercounter machines, and two or more people are needed to move its S3000 units to prevent tipping.
- Separate head and bin. Lift a modular head off its bin and move them as two pieces. Manitowoc says to remove all panels from the head before lifting it onto a bin, and Hoshizaki says to remove panels to prevent damage during installation.
- Keep it upright. Strap it to the wall of the truck so it cannot tip or slide, and pad the stainless panels.
- Watch casters. Manitowoc warns that a unit on casters can roll uncontrolled on an incline, and that locking the front casters after moving is the owner’s responsibility.
Moving a wine fridge too? See how to move a wine fridge.
Restarting after the move: level, sanitize, wait
Both Manitowoc and Hoshizaki say the machine and bin must be level side to side and front to back. Manitowoc’s S3000 manual says the machine and bin must be de-scaled and sanitized after installation. Hoshizaki’s KM startup has you run the unit for 10 minutes, drain the water tank, clean the bin liner, then start ice making, and to confirm all connections are leak free. If you see water on the floor afterward, our ice machine leaking water guide walks through drain slope, traps and air gaps.
How long to wait before restarting
Marvel’s 30iMT ice machine manual says that if the machine was shipped or has been lying on its back for any period, let it sit upright at least 24 hours before plugging it in, and that plugging it in right away may damage internal parts. Hoshizaki’s KM manual separately says to wait at least 3 minutes before restarting a unit that was turned off, to protect the compressor. Other manufacturers may give different times, so follow your model’s manual.
Frequently asked questions
Can you lay an ice machine on its side to move it?
Keep it upright whenever possible. If it had to lie down, Marvel’s 30iMT manual calls for at least 24 hours upright before plugging in. Check your own manual for its rule.
How do you drain an ice machine before moving it?
Shut off the water, disconnect and drain the supply line, drain the trough or water tank (often through a drain plug or a DRAIN setting), and empty the bin. Manitowoc also has you blow compressed air through the water and drain openings.
Do I need to sanitize an ice machine after moving it?
Yes. Manitowoc says to sanitize before taking a unit out of service and to de-scale and sanitize after installation. Throw out the first ice if your manual says to.
Who should reconnect a commercial ice machine?
Hoshizaki says an electrician is usually required and a plumber may be required by local code. Water cooled and remote units also need a refrigeration technician. A licensed pro and local code have the final word.
Need help with your ice machine?
If you are replacing a machine instead of moving it, browse our Manitowoc ice machines or call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. We offer free freight shipping on orders of $999 or more, with a $200 flat rate below that. You can read our return and refund policy before you order.
