About second-hand Drum / barrel washing machines for vegetables

A drum washing machine is used to wash potatoes, carrots and other tubers like parsnips, red beets, celeriac and swedes. These machines are generally made from stainless steel and/or steel. The heart of a drum washing machine consists of a rotating washing machine drum, which can be suspended from belts or runs on wheels, and is provided with holes or slots through which water and fine dirt particles pass. The drum rotates, thus putting the potatoes and carrots in motion: they rub against one another. This friction, in combination with the water, ensures that they are scoured clean. 

The advantages of a drum washing machine with a water bath

Some washing machines are equipped with a water bath, in which the washing machine drum rotates. Other drum washing machines are built so that the water runs out of the bottom of the drum. The advantage to a drum washing machine with a water bath is that vulnerable products are supported by the water and are less prone to scour against one another, thus minimising damage. A water bath or catch basin is needed for water reuse. The dirty water is discharged to a water basin, where the sand and soil can settle at the bottom. The water can then be reused for washing. A drum washing machine is usually equipped with a sprinkler hose that sprays water over the washed products at the end of the cycle.

The capacity of the drum washing machine for potatoes and carrots

The capacity of the drum washing machine depends on the product that needs to be washed and how dirty it is. The dirtiness strongly depends on the type of soil (light or heavy) in which the potatoes, carrots or tubers were grown. Long and wide drums have a larger capacity, but the dimensions will, in most cases, vary from one machine to another.

Removing other unwanted materials

In addition to soil, other unwanted materials can cling to a batch of products, such as rocks, clods and haulm. There are several types of machines that can be used to remove these, such as de-stoners, salt baths and pintlebelts. There are also combination drum washing machines available that have a de-stoner or haulm separator mounted onto the drum.

Would you like to be advised about our second-hand drum washing machines? Drop by at Duijndam Machines or give us a call. We will be happy to help you!