Table of Contents Rev. 3/10/2020 H-hoppers MANUAL
Table of Contents Copyright 2019 Vestil Manufacturing Corp. Page 10 of 12
STACKING HOPPERS
H-series hoppers are designed to
stack on top of each other. Notches
in the base and rim grooves in
specially designed cast feet of one
hopper engage the rim of the hopper
supporting it as shown in the diagram
to the right.
Hoppers of identical width can be
stacked together, i.e. H-25 and H-50
series hoppers stack together. H-100
and H-150 series hoppers also stack
together. Always unload hoppers
before stacking them and NEVER
create stacks of more than 3
hoppers. The bottom hopper must
not be equipped with casters.
DO NOT move stacked hoppers! Only move one hopper at-a-time by properly mounting it to
your forklift as described in Step 1 on p. 9. All hoppers must be empty whenever they are stacked.
RECORD OF SATISFACTORY CONDITION
Before using this hopper for the first time, create a record OF its appearance and features. Include
descriptions of the chute, feet, base, carriage chain and quick link, pivot points and pivot point hardware,
and the chute release mechanism. Release the chute. Describe how the unit looks and sounds as the chute
rotates. Also describe the force necessary to release the chute using both the manual release lever and the
cable. Secure the chute to the base and describe how the latch mechanism works. Thoroughly photograph
the unit including all labels. Collate all writings and photographs into a single file. This file is a record of the
unit in satisfactory condition. Compare your results of all inspections to this record to determine if the
unit is still in satisfactory condition. Restore the hopper to satisfactory condition BEFORE using it again.
Purely cosmetic changes, like damaged surface coating (paint or powdercoat) are not changes from
satisfactory condition. However, touchup paint should be applied as soon as damage occurs to prevent
rusting.
INSPECTIONS & MAINTENANCE
At least once per month, tag the unit out of service. Inspect the hopper to determine if it is in satisfactory
condition. Compare your observations with the RECORD OF SATISFACTORY CONDITION. Replace all
items that cannot be repaired. Always err on the side of caution. If you are uncertain whether a component
should be replaced or if the unit should be used, contact TECHNICAL SERVICE.
Make a dated record of the inspection that includes all observations and described repairs and/or
replacements made.
1.) Pivot points: Look for excessive wear, warps, or other damage to pivot pins, cotter pins, and pin
receivers.
2.) Hopper chute and base frame: Examine the structure for damage, deformations, and corroded or
excessively rusted areas.
3.) Hardware (bolts, nuts, pins, cotter pins, retaining rings): inspect hardware for looseness and severe wear.
Tighten loose connections and replace all damaged hardware.
4.) Casters (if hopper is equipped with caster kit): check for looseness, excessive wear, or damage to the
casters, caster bearings, mounting brackets, and hardware.
5.) Release mechanism: the torsion spring should cause the latch lever to automatically recoil and the lever
should firmly engage the release lock bar. Check the release cable for fraying, thinning, and bird-caging
regions.
6.) Moving parts: listen for unusual noises and watch for irregular movement. Remove dirt and debris from
areas that could affect the hopper’s dumping motion.
7.)Carriage chain: examine the carriage chain, its point of attachment to the base frame, and the quick
links for damage.
8.)Labels: all labels must be firmly affixed in the locations shown in the LABELING DIAGRAM on p. 11.
