Krak-N-Blo TM PECAN PRO, LLC
OWNER’S MANUAL - Model 1424 Crack and Blow Tower 04/30/2024
And Model 2838 Crack and Blow Tower
Our Made in USA Crack and Blow Towers are all-in-one shelling machines that crack and separate a substantial portion of pecan shells from the kernels. By combining functions our design minimizes floor space, weight, and cost to own and operate. No other machines on the market are known to match our features or performance. Except for the blower and gearmotor there is only one moving part. Our exclusive cracker mechanism and self-lubricating bearing components are molded with specially formulated structural materials. Eash tower frame is constructed with rugged 16-gauge steel. An adjustable blower separates kernels from shell particles. A filter bag is no longer needed as shells are now discharged into a trash container of suitable size when placed behind the machine. Kernels may be recovered if inadvertently blown in with the shells. The shortened tower improves stability and ease of loading. No maintenance is required except for emptying the shells and kernels, and cleaning as necessary.
There are no complicated size adjustments or presorting nut sizes prior to cracking. Randomly mixed nuts ranging in size between 3/4” to 1-1/4” diameter, for example, may be processed simultaneously. The machine can be adjusted to crack a range of smaller nuts as desired by the customer down to nearly 5/8” diameter. An optional rotor for native and small seedling pecans is available for Model 1424 that allows cracking down to ½ inch in diameter. However, smaller adjustment may reduce the percentage of undamaged halves for the largest nuts.
Model 1424 sheller can process up to 150 pounds per hour. Model 2838 can process up to 300 pounds per hour. Results will vary. Small pecans tend to shell faster than large. Due to many variables, some lots will shell nearly all undamaged halves while others will not. We make no guarantees for % of halves because we know it will vary widely depending on variety and from lot to lot. Quality and speed of operation are dependent on many factors including moisture content, shell thickness, tightness of nut meat inside the shell, weight density of the nut meat and shell, average nut size, nut preparation, loading and unloading, etc.
Directions for use:
Handle with care when unpacking. Protect from tipping over or abuse during transport and use. Machine is portable and may be carried or slid in place by adding floor protection skids under the rails. Its compact size fits 16-1/4” X 24” floor space. Model 1424 is 55-1/2” High and weighs about 72 pounds. Model 2838 is 54” High and weighs about 83 pounds. Caution: Be careful to prevent personal injury when transporting heavy loads.
Locate machine on a solid flat surface protected from the weather and other obstructions. When in operation rails may be anchored to the floor if desired. Machine comes fully assembled; just remove packing material, connect power cord to a protected 15-amp, 115V, 60 Hz, single phase power outlet, and it is ready to run. Gearmotor and blower fan together use less than 6 amps. A large trash can may be positioned under the discharge port without using a collection bag.
While some customers are satisfied when cracking with no pre-treatment, we highly recommend conditioning and sanitizing nuts in advance to optimize efficiency and quality. Moisture and elevated temperature make nuts more flexible causing less damage to the kernels. Generally, 5-6% kernel moisture is recommended to obtain best results. Too dry makes kernels brittle and crumbly. Too wet makes kernels mushy, easily smashed, and more difficult to separate from shells.
We get best results by submerging a bag of nuts in boiling water or steaming them inside a closed pot with boiling water below them for six to eight minutes then dumping them onto a screened box. This is an effective way to kill germs and bacteria by Pasteurization, thus making the product safer for consumption and improving its keeping quality. Remove any rocks or other foreign objects. The steam will evaporate off the nuts in 2-3 minutes. A fan speeds drying but is not required. We encourage customers to experiment for themselves to determine which method works best for their operation. Note: Pre-conditioning is the slowest part of processing. To maximize through-put consider larger or multiple conditioning stations to keep the sheller busy.
With the shell trash can and finished nut meat containers in place, turn on the gearmotor and blower. As soon as the nuts look dry, poor them into the sheller nut bin while still hot. Nuts roll downward into the cracker where the shells are progressively cracked around their perimeter until shells separate from the kernels and pieces fall into the air duct. Blower may be adjusted with the slide plate to optimize shell and kernel separation. Shells and poorly filled nut meat will blow into the trash can while heavier nut meat is discharged below. Shelled nuts may be re-run through the nut bin and cracker or through the front chute (Model 1428 only) below the cracker to remove additional shell particles. Rerunning is much faster than the initial shelling and causes very little additional kernel damage. This gives the operator the opportunity to inspect and remove defective kernels. Hand sorting and picking the nut kernels from the few remaining shell pieces will be necessary to complete the job. Allow nut meat to dry thoroughly prior to bagging and storing. Store frozen and in the dark to maximize freshness.
A clean-out door at the bottom of the tower utilizes the machine’s own blower to exhaust trash particles that have fallen through the screen.
WARNING! Pinch Points. Moving Part Can Crush or Cut. Keep Clear.
Keep hands out of the machine while running. Do not allow any rocks or other foreign objects into the machine. Turn off machine before attempting to remove any foreign object. Damage caused by abuse voids the warranty.
Shipping: Machine can be crated and packed for shipment for an additional $250.00 charge. When crated for shipment, the crate is approximately 24” X 17” at its base and about 58” high. Model 1424 crate weighs approximately 100 pounds. Model 2838 crate weighs approximately 116 pounds. Shipping and insurance are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Warranty: We provide the manufacturer’s warranty for the gearmotor and blower. Any damaged parts not caused by abuse within the first year of purchase will be repaired or replaced free of charge for the original purchaser. Freight, crating, and handling to and from the factory are the responsibility of the purchaser. Contact the factory for warranty return authorization. Shipment outside the continental USA requires additional coordination.
