Cowboyartist

I talked with an engineer at HR and he suggested that when I change oil and flush the pump, to use the used oil to flush. Use a coffee filter to strain the oil and use it for the flush. This way you will not use new oil.

fisherman 2000 I found a IR Laser Thermometer on e-bay for around $ 20. I have been able to measure the chamber temp down to -58 degrees. This was a the end for the freeze cycle.

Erika, I just completed a load of pears, four trays. The freeze/drying time was right at 34 hrs, a lot of moisture in the pears. I also had not flushed the pump after 23 runs. I had changed the oil twice and added oil several times as I drained out moisture. I think that the oil was getting a little old, it was really dark and dirty. As apples go, I have run about 50 lbs of apples and have found that the default settings are ok, 9 hrs freeze time and 7 hrs drying time. I have also pre froze the apples and was able to cut freeze time to 7 hrs. Good luck

I have purchased 40 lbs of pears from bountiful baskets and they are almost ready to fd. Have anyone had experience with pears, if so please advise, should I leave skin on or peal? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Jim, Thanks for the update. I am wondering if any one is having a problem that I just encountered. I am getting oil in the vacuum hose. I talked with HR and they had only encountered it one other time. I have the pump sitting at the same level as the dryer with a loop in the hose. The oil shows up in the lower part of the hose loop. I am guessing about two table spoons of oil. I appreciate any comment. Mike

Jim, you said not to turn the fd off between batches, keep it on so it will be cold. How does one remove the ice build up without turning off. I usually turn my fd off and let it defrost with the room air, usually takes about two hours, I find that I can remove the ice with a knife after it softens and starts to fall off. I don't us the defroster to remove the ice. Thanks everyone for your comments. I am in Dayton, Wyoming and wondering if there are any others on this blog in my area? Let me know if you can.

I just finished my 13th run with my new Harvest Right FD with great success and a few not so successful, Blue berries are a bit of a problem and pineapple. With a few pieces not as dry a I would like. Any suggestions. Thanks, I am looking forward to learning as much as possible.