This guide provides daily operation steps, cleaning schedules, and basic troubleshooting for Follett ice machines and ice and water dispensers based on the manufacturer's manuals. Follow these procedures to maintain reliable performance and sanitary ice production.
Key takeaways
- Clean the exterior weekly and condenser coils monthly on air-cooled ice machines.
- Perform a semi-annual evaporator cleaning using only Follett-approved SafeCLEAN Plus solution.
- Never use bleach to sanitize or clean the ice maker.
- Check control board indicator lights to diagnose common operational issues.
- For any service beyond routine cleaning, contact Follett's authorized service network.
Which manuals cover your equipment
Follett's Horizon Elite ice machines have separate operation and service manuals: one for the D710A series and one for the C1010A/C1410A series. Symphony Plus 12 series ice and water dispensers (12CI414A, 12HI414A) are covered by their own installation, operation and service manual. The Symphony Plus 25 and 50 series (25CI414A/W, 25HI414A, 50CI414A/W) share one manual. The Vision VU300 series ice and beverage dispensers have an installation, operation and service manual, and the Ice Pro DB650/EDB650 automatic ice bagging and dispensing system has its own. Each manual provides model-specific specifications, installation steps, operating procedures, cleaning instructions and troubleshooting information.
Installation requirements from the manuals
Installation is for a qualified, licensed installer, who makes the electrical, water and drain connections to local code. The figures below come from Follett's manuals.
For Horizon Elite ice machines, the manual states a minimum 1 inch clearance above the unit for service, 1 inch minimum on the sides, and 18 inches minimum between the discharge and air intake grilles. The intake and exhaust grilles must provide at least 250 square inches of open area. The electrical supply requires a dedicated 15A circuit for D710A (115 V/60/1, 11.3 A), and for C1010A (208-230 V/60/1, 11 A) and C1410A/W (208-230 V/60/1, 14 A). The water inlet connection is 3/8 inch OD push-in, with water pressure between 10 psi and 70 psi. The drain connection is 3/4 inch MPT and must slope 1/4 inch per foot without venting. Ambient air temperature must stay between 50 F and 100 F, and water temperature between 45 F and 90 F.
Symphony Plus 12 series dispensers need 6 in. on the right side and 6 in. at the top for ventilation, with 12 in. at the top recommended for service; do not block the right-side air intake or the top exhaust. The water inlet is 3/8 in. FNPT and the drain 3/4 in. MPT.
Vision VU300 series dispensers must have 60 inches minimum above the counter for installation if the dispenser is dropped in, 49 inches minimum above the counter for auger removal, and 12 inches minimum on the sides. The unit is to be supported by adjustable legs, not hung on the flange. Ice Pro DB650/EDB650 units require a minimum of 12 inches to the right for service and a door entry opening no less than 34.5 inches. All drains must be hard-piped, insulated, and sloped at least 1/4 inch per foot.
Daily operation and controls
Horizon Elite ice machines use a continuous ice-making process with a horizontal cylindrical evaporator and rotating auger. The solid-state control board manages the cycle and provides indicator lights for status. The manual describes a flashing green POWER light when the unit is powered. During normal ice making, the machine runs; when the bin is full, the LOW BIN light goes out, the refrigeration and auger drive systems stop, and the TIME DELAY light comes on. After a time delay, the machine restarts if the LOW BIN light is on again. A TDS switch is set based on water conditions; during cleaning, it is set to HIGH. The CLEAN button initiates the automated cleaning cycle.
Follett Symphony Plus dispensers and Vision VU300 units work with either an integral ice machine or a remote RIDE ice machine. The VU300 manual explains that ice stored below the counter is moved by a wheel assembly to a vertical auger, which carries it up to the dispense chute. When the dispense lever or button is pushed, the dispense motors activate, and ice drops by gravity. For units with an automatic fill ice machine, a bin thermostat shuts off the ice machine when the storage area is full; the ice machine restarts after 20 minutes if more ice is needed.
Cleaning and preventive maintenance
Weekly exterior care: The manuals recommend cleaning the exterior with a stainless steel cleaner.
Monthly condenser cleaning (air-cooled units only): Use a vacuum cleaner or stiff brush to carefully clean condenser coils. For remote icemakers, ensure ventilation louvers align with the condenser air duct when reinstalling panels.
Semi-annual evaporator cleaning (every 6 months) for Horizon Elite ice machines: The manual provides a step-by-step procedure that must be followed completely using only Follett-approved SafeCLEAN Plus cleaner and sanitizer. Do not use bleach. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles. The process, also shown in the video Horizon Chemical Clean and Sanitize, involves: noting the TDS switch position and setting it to HIGH; pressing the CLEAN button and waiting for the LOW WATER light; mixing 1 gallon of SafeCLEAN Plus solution with 120 F water; slowly filling the cleaning cup until the CLEANER FULL light comes on and cleaner flows from the vent tube; placing two SaniSponge cleaning sponges in the remaining solution; replacing the cleaner cup cover and waiting about 15 minutes for the machine to clean and flush three times; then pressing power off, disconnecting the coupling, inserting both saturated SaniSponge sponges into the ice transport tube using the supplied pusher tube, discarding the 16 inch pusher tube, reconnecting the coupling, and turning power on. Ice pushes the SaniSponges through the tube. Place a sanitary container in the bin to collect the sponges and ice for 10 minutes after they emerge, then discard ice and sponges and return the TDS switch to its original position.
On Symphony Plus dispensers, the weekly routine is to pour 1 gallon of hot tap water into the drain pan to flush the drains and, on SensorSAFE models, to press the clean switch (left side, under the top front cover) to stop dispensing, wipe the lens and splash panel with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleaner, then press the switch again. Never use solvents, abrasive cleaners, metal scrapers or sharp objects on any part of the dispenser. Follett's video 'Follett Symphony Series Ice & Water Dispensers Descaling, Cleaning & Sanitizing' covers the full procedure, and the Ice Pro DB650 must be sanitized before first use.
Troubleshooting common issues
When a Horizon Elite ice machine is not making ice, read its indicator lights. If the LOW BIN light is off, the bin is full and the TIME DELAY light should be on; the machine restarts after the delay if ice is needed. The manual groups faults into soft errors, which reset by themselves after a one-hour time delay or when the power is cycled (HI AMPS, for example, when the auger gear motor draws too much current), hard errors, which lock the machine off, and run errors, which signal a problem but let the machine keep running.
Symphony Plus manuals carry separate troubleshooting guides for lever and SensorSAFE models, starting with power, the dispensing switches and the motors. Anything a reset or those checks do not clear goes to a Follett authorized service agent.
Service and technical support
Staff can do the routine cleaning, but refrigeration, electrical and mechanical repairs are for a Follett authorized service agent, and units with R290 (propane) refrigerant only for technicians trained on it. Have the model and serial numbers ready when you call.
Videos from the maker
Common questions
How often should I clean the evaporator on a Horizon Elite ice machine?
- The manual specifies semi-annual evaporator cleaning (every 6 months), or more often if environmental conditions dictate.
Can I use bleach to clean the ice machine?
- No. Both Horizon Elite and Symphony Plus manuals explicitly state: Do not use bleach to sanitize or clean the icemaker. Use only Follett-approved SafeCLEAN Plus.
What does it mean when the LOW BIN light goes out?
- On a Horizon Elite ice machine, when the bin fills with ice, the LOW BIN light goes out and the TIME DELAY light comes on. The machine shuts off refrigeration and auger systems; it will restart after a time delay if the bin needs ice.
What clearances does a Symphony Plus 12 series dispenser require?
- The Symphony Plus 12 series installation manual requires 6 inches clearance on the right side and at the top for ventilation, and 12 inches at the top for service access.
What ice types are incompatible with the Ice Pro DB650 automatic bagging system?
- The DB650 manual states that crushed, flake, or nugget ice cannot be used. Only cube/cubelet ice up to 1 inch square and Follett Horizon Chewblet ice are compatible.