Common Manitowoc Ice Machine Parts

Commercial ice machines are complex units that rely on mechanical, electrical, water, and refrigeration systems to operate effectively. Over time, these components may wear out or fail. Purchasing ice machine parts can keep busy operations prepared for needed replacements. Manitowoc offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ice machine replacement parts and accessories to accommodate different operational needs.

What Are the Most Common Manitowoc Ice Machine Parts?

Manitowoc Parts Explained

Manitowoc Water System Parts

Several Manitowoc parts control how water enters, circulates, and drains from the ice machine. Each part is rated for consistent water contact and approved for use with compatible ice machines. Clean and sanitize these parts regularly to keep them in working order. When replacing a component, use the machine's model and serial number to confirm the correct part.

• Manitowoc Pumps: Water pumps circulate incoming water over the evaporator to create ice, while drain pumps are needed for tight installations when gravity drains cannot be installed
• Manitowoc Water Inlet Valve: A solenoid that regulates water entering the ice machine. Replacement may be needed if the water trough isn't filling or is filling too slowly
• Manitowoc Dump Valve: Another solenoid that helps remove water with scale or debris during the machine's purge cycle
• Manitowoc Water Distribution Tube: Controls water flow over the evaporator in cuber machines. On most models, distribution tubes should be removed and cleaned during service

Manitowoc Sensors, Probes, and Controls

Manitowoc ice machines use sensors and electronic controls to monitor water and ice levels, temperature, ice thickness, and machine status. Complex parts, such as control boards, typically require professional service for replacement.

• Manitowoc Ice Thickness Probe: Monitors ice formation and signals the machine to move into harvesting mode once ice reaches the appropriate thickness
• Manitowoc Water Level Probe: Detects whether the water trough has reached the proper level before the freeze cycle begins
• Manitowoc Thermistors: Monitor multiple components and provide temperature information to the machine's controls
• Manitowoc Water Curtains and Bin Switches: The water curtain activates the bin switch by moving when ice falls from the evaporator. In most models, the bin switch determines when to terminate the harvest cycle and return to the freeze cycle
• Manitowoc Control Board: Coordinates each operating component and ice-making cycle

Manitowoc Refrigeration System Parts

The refrigeration system lowers the evaporator temperature, which removes heat from water flowing across it to form ice. Refrigeration component replacement generally warrants professional service.

• Manitowoc Compressors: Circulate refrigerant through the refrigeration system to support the cooling needed to produce ice
• Manitowoc Evaporators: Use vertical nickel-plated grids for freezing ice. They require regular descaling and replacement if the plating starts chipping or the welds fail
• Manitowoc Condenser and Fan Components: While water- and remote-cooled configurations expel heat through separate systems, air-cooled machines use condensers and fan motors within the unit to remove heat
• Manitowoc Harvest Valves: Initiate the harvest sequence that briefly heats the evaporator to release finished ice

Manitowoc Ice Machine Accessories

While replacement parts help keep your ice maker running, Manitowoc ice machine accessories can add capabilities and convenience to your machine. Not all accessories fit every machine, however. Review the product specification page for each accessory to identify compatible Manitowoc ice makers.

Ice Scoops and Holders

Dedicated ice scoops support sanitary ice handling, and an added scoop holder keeps the scoop off dirty surfaces. Scoop holders may be attached directly to the ice bin or a nearby wall for convenient access.

Shop Ice Scoops & Holders

Bag Kits and Ice Baggers

Bagging kits can be hung over the door frame of compatible ice bins, enabling packaging of ice for resale or transport. They feature a chute that opens directly into a plastic bag to minimize ice spillage.

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Bin Adapters

Adapter kits contain the pieces necessary to secure ice machine heads on bins or dispensers that otherwise wouldn't fit. Confirm that the adapter kit accommodates both the head and the bin before purchasing.

Shop Bin Adapters

Legs and Casters

Adding compatible legs to a Manitowoc ice machine makes space for cleaning beneath the machine and promotes airflow. Casters let operators reposition the machine for easier installation and access.

Shop Legs & Casters

Manitowoc Ice Machine Cleaning & Filtration

Manitowoc cleaning and filtration products help control scale deposits and microbial buildup in internal components and food-contact surfaces.

"Preventative maintenance is the key to a long-lasting machine. Following a regular cleaning schedule and addressing scale buildup proactively makes a huge difference," Will York, Project Manager for Manitowoc, told KaTom.

Water Filters

Manitowoc water filters treat incoming water and help reduce contaminants and scale-forming deposits inside the machine. Water filters should be changed at least once every six months, though frequency also depends on the building's water conditions. Some machines, such as undercounter NEO cubers, have built-in filtration systems. Select replacement filters that match the machine or filtration system.

"Water quality is critical. Minerals from unfiltered water can cause scale buildup, affecting ice quality and machine performance. Proper filtration is a must." — Will York

Ice Machine Cleaning Accessories

Manitowoc offers accessories compatible with certain machines to simplify cleaning tasks. LuminIce II technology uses a continuously lit UV light to create cold oxygen plasma that helps reduce bacteria and yeast in the food zone. The Manitowoc Automatic Cleaning System is compatible with certain Indigo NXT models and can automatically run a cleaning or sanitizing cycle with approved cleaning products.

How Do I Find the Right Manitowoc Ice Machine Part?

Manitowoc parts are not universally interchangeable. Operators should identify the machine's model and serial number and verify that the replacement part is listed as compatible with that exact equipment.

Manitowoc's Electronic Parts & Document Catalog has information on all available machine parts, including part numbers and descriptions.

Follow these steps to find the correct Manitowoc part:

1. Find the model and serial number on the machine's model/serial decal
2. Identify the component or manufacturer part number, when available
3. Verify machine compatibility on the replacement part's product page or documentation
4. Check warranty status before performing a repair
5. Contact KaTom or an authorized service provider when the required part or repair is uncertain

OEM vs. Aftermarket Manitowoc Parts

Choosing an aftermarket part may provide a cost-effective alternative to sourcing OEM parts, but aftermarket items are not guaranteed to exactly fit the ice machine's specifications.

Can I Replace Manitowoc Ice Machine Parts Myself?

Some parts can be replaced by the end user, but KaTom recommends calling for professional service when the machine needs new refrigeration system parts, electrical adjustments, or repairs requiring specialized tools.

Will Replacing Manitowoc Parts Void the Warranty?

If your machine is still covered by Manitowoc's warranty, you may need to contact Manitowoc before replacing any pieces yourself. Small items such as lightbulbs are intended to be replaced by the end user, but compressor replacement may require authorized service under the warranty terms. See our Manitowoc warranty guide for more information on maintaining your warranty.