Clean out pellets

[JesseL]

Just got my Lexington and the first effort was excellent. I'n looking at information about cleaning out pellets I noticed that everything I've seen mentions just pushing the pellets out the side using your hand. The Lexington has shield over the bin that makes using hands problematic. Remove the shield is not a big deal. The question is: Do I just leave the shield off or is there a better way? (Maybe Pit Boss could have a hinged option.)

 

[Cowboy1955]

Just got my Lexington and the first effort was excellent. I'n looking at information about cleaning out pellets I noticed that everything I've seen mentions just pushing the pellets out the side using your hand. The Lexington has shield over the bin that makes using hands problematic. Remove the shield is not a big deal. The question is: Do I just leave the shield off or is there a better way? (Maybe Pit Boss could have a hinged option.)

You can remove it to empty the hopper if that’s what you’re talking about
My 820 has a door and inside is sloped
Hopefully this helps you

 

[bobissmokin]

I thought they all had a door to empty pellets from the hopper. Maybe not. There I go thinking again.

 

[Ol' Smokey]

If its held in with 4 screws like my 700, leave two screws out. Then it pivots. Im still trying to figure out why i still have mine installed, pivot or no. Think ill remove it next time i cook as it really serves no purpose as far as i can tell.....

 

[Ol' Smokey]

This is the piece im refering to in my previous post. Im removing it next cook.

 

[EdGs]

This is the piece im refering to in my previous post. Im removing it next cook.
View attachment 10589

Took mine out of my 3 series vertical as well. I also have a flat paddle that I use to push the pellets toward the door when emptying, or toward the center during a cook when the hopper is almost empty.

 

[sparkyv]

The Lexington does have a drain port on the back, and a stick can be used to push the pellets out adequately enough.

I cut the idiot safety grate out, leaving the square frame because it contains a small storage pocket on the Lexington, plus I added a small Hopper extender.

 

[kwalke1]

Just got my Lexington and the first effort was excellent. I'n looking at information about cleaning out pellets I noticed that everything I've seen mentions just pushing the pellets out the side using your hand. The Lexington has shield over the bin that makes using hands problematic. Remove the shield is not a big deal. The question is: Do I just leave the shield off or is there a better way? (Maybe Pit Boss could have a hinged option.)

I do not have that model. I have pro series rack. One thing I do know is if you let pellets sit in there and they get wet, you are screwed until you dig them out like cement. Will ruin augur motor. Push them out door, but make sure everything is out of bin. Not easy unless you burn them out. Especially on rack model.

 

[Ken S]

If its held in with 4 screws like my 700, leave two screws out. Then it pivots. Im still trying to figure out why i still have mine installed, pivot or no. Think ill remove it next time i cook as it really serves no purpose as far as i can tell.....

Based on a 48 year background in manufacturing, I can just about guarantee it's there to keep someone from sticking their fingers into the auger while it's running. I put mine in during initial assembly to see if it fit, then took it out and left it out. A sticker like this would be cheaper, but wouldn't hold up in a product liability lawsuit.

 

[Ol' Smokey]

Based on a 48 year background in manufacturing, I can just about guarantee it's there to keep someone from sticking their fingers into the auger while it's running. I put mine in during initial assembly to see if it fit, then took it out and left it out. A sticker like this would be cheaper, but wouldn't hold up in a product liability lawsuit.

View attachment 10593

I agree, but the auger turns so slow that to get a finger caught seems virtually impossible. I actually scoop the pellets out of the auger area right down to the auger with my hand when emptying pellets while temp is set to high after a cook to burn off residuals and to empty auger before shutdown.

 

[JesseL]

I agree, but the auger turns so slow that to get a finger caught seems virtually impossible. I actually scoop the pellets out of the auger area right down to the auger with my hand when emptying pellets while temp is set to high after a cook to burn off residuals and to empty auger before shutdown.

You greatly underestimate the general public.

 

[Ken S]

I agree, but the auger turns so slow that to get a finger caught seems virtually impossible. I actually scoop the pellets out of the auger area right down to the auger with my hand when emptying pellets while temp is set to high after a cook to burn off residuals and to empty auger before shutdown.

You greatly underestimate the general public.

Exactly! My favorite is one of the warnings they literally include with irons. "Do not iron clothing while wearing."

 

[Ol' Smokey]

Ya, its a softer different world for sure....

 

[EdGs]

We have small pneumatic cutters at work that cut small wires on parts we manufacture. Warning on the cutter:

 

[sparkyv]

We try to make things fool-proof, but then again, one should never underestimate the ingenuity of fools.