Obviously, since I'm here reading through all of these comments, we're having similar issues with our brand new unit. First vacuum test went fine but every batch has had problems which, at first, I chalked up to learning curve. But #5 had to go back into the freezer after 13 hours of processing and that started the search for serious answers. So, thank you for all the constructive insights.

THANK YOU!! You helped me fix my leak without having Harvest Right tell me to take my machine apart. It was the valve and was easy to replace. Now working great. I do love my machine, and put in my trays in right away, lots to do.

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

Great news!

Experiencing FAR more vacuum problems than I should be for only having run the machine from brand new for no more than 20 hours.....And that is being very generous. Rapidly becoming pissed off for the 4000$ paperweight I now have in the basement. Tech can't find the problem. TY, this is the only thing I haven't done. The tape you spoke of is silicone self amalgamating tape, a definite weapon needed for the fight against leaking vacuum.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

did this tip fix your vacuum leak?

@melanieinsaskatchewan7964

2 жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 At first, yes. Once I was satisfied it was drawing vacuum, I rolled it back into it's usual home.....across a smooth floor. Now I can't get below a 6 digit tor. GRRRRRR.

@ohwhatelse

2 жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 ... ma'am, i sorely hate to mention this but, i'm sure i read in the HR FD manual or the warranty that if you take your machine apart/fix it yourself that it negates the warranty... i sincerely hope you never have a serious problem...

@kalewolski6247

2 жыл бұрын

@@ohwhatelse we are having issues as well with ours it's a vacuum leak and HR told us to take it apart. We just got ours brand new large one.

@boboscurse4130

2 жыл бұрын

@@ohwhatelse Not true. When you call for support under warranty they tell you to try all these different things that involve spraying joints with Windex, putting silicone epoxy in one spot, replacing valves, etc. So by the very nature of their worthless tech support you have no options under warrant but to tear the thing apart and try to fix it. I want to see a class-action lawsuit.

Thank you! I've been watching troubleshooting vids all day and this is the first one that actually gave info on the actual part you used as a replacement.

Thanks for this video. I had the same issue. You have saved me the time and frustration of going back and forth with harvest right.

Thank you!!!! You have saved many of us in the freeze-drying community!!!

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Good luck and happy freeze drying! Thanks for watching and commenting

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to do the video we looked at ours this morning replace the valve my fingers are crossed the valve was terribly crowded. It is exactly one year in three days since I bought my unit. And I did the same thing as you buying a new pump assuming that was the problem.

Barbasol shaving cream is what we use to find vacuum leaks in process plants , spray it around sealed areas , if it sucks in you've found a leak

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

Interesting

I believe that's the first thing that needs to be replaced if you have a vacuum leak. Those valves from Lowe's are much better than the original valves. The Lowe's valves I've purchased for other projects, not only have a stainless steel ball but also a Teflon seal.

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

Truth!

You saved me hours if not days of trouble shooting. Thank you so very much.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help

Just now experiencing/diagnosing this issue after only having run 4 loads. After reading all the comments on here as well as other channels that address the "unable to achieve vacuum" error, I am even more frustrated and angry. Have to agree with the sentiments of someone else on here who referred to it as a $4000+ paper weight. I'll be trying your solutions here while waiting for tech to call -- I won't hold my breath though. Ordered 5 extra trays and 6 weeks later they still hadn't shipped. Called, on hold, then the "we'll call you back" recording that I never received. Trays showed up almost 2 weeks later. Obviously this company has outgrown itself or overpromised. Interesting how the salesman bugged me every couple of weeks for over a year while I saved money for this thing and now, crickets. Now, when it's more important than ever to be prepared...😤

@k.leimomicasstevens8469

2 жыл бұрын

And to think my husband told me to get 2 of them.🤦🏻‍♀️That would've either been a nightmare with double the problems or a blessing to have a backup. Only God knows.

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

How frustrating. Has this been resolved?

@k.leimomicasstevens8469

Жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 actually, yes it has. After watching your video and a couple others, I figured out the issue and repaired it myself with a new $10 vacuum release valve. The issue was the manufacturer valve was not holding pressure due to the screw not holding the valve closed tightly. The new valve is far superior, not as esthetically pleasing, but that doesn't matter to me. Thank you for posting your video. Helped me immensely.

I'm joining the conversation a little late, but I'm having all sorts of vacuum issues too. I got this thing on April 22 and the bread run was the only flawless batch that's gone through. Every single batch has had problems, with me taking the trays out, and redoing everything the manual and videos tell me to do. I've done MAYBE 7 batches and I'm about to throw this darn thing to the curb and call it a very expensive mistake. I understand everything mechanical can have issues, but not something brand new that cost a small fortune. These are either design flaws or QA problems. I'm relying on myself (I have no mechanical skills) and this is frustrating beyond measure. Harvest Right needs to get this stuff fixed before they sell any more FDs. For those who never had an issue with it, I am thrilled for you. I just wish I had a machine that ran the way it was meant to, also.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Very frustrating when they don't operate properly. How are you doing now?

@barbaramandy8708

2 жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 thanks for asking! I did several rounds of leak tests and found nothing. HR had me put silicone on the epoxy. It's been intermittently working since I did that. I've done a few batches but the mTor fluctuates wildly. I'm waiting for another call.

@jeffreyduncan6812

Жыл бұрын

My bread run went perfect but after I started actually using it on diced up frozen broccoli and peppers Vacuum problems started, and I agree very frustrating for a very expensive piece of equipment. contacted customer service on the phone and my reply was did you try this or that. Of course, I did that's why I 'm calling. The instructions say run a dry vacuum test and if doesn't meet the 500 or below in 20 minutes or better, put in a thumb drive and send it to them. the machine doesn't recognize a new thumb drive.

@barbaramandy8708

Жыл бұрын

@@jeffreyduncan6812 good grief!! Did you try another thumb drive? So many of us have issues with the vacuum. For me it took replacing the drain valve, using the self-sealing silicone tape on every connection, and using GE Kitchen & Bath Silicone on the epoxy. After 7 weeks of it just sitting there, I've finally been using it for about a week now. I found keeping a detailed record of everything, (every phone call, every "solution" that was tried, everything that was happening with times and dates) to be very helpful. It gave me the ability to correct the tech when he said I was only having problems for about a week. Not true! The sides, back, and top are still off because I don't trust it. I hope you can get yours to run again soon. It is extremely frustrating to see that thing just sit there, unusable. Good luck!

@misskittie

Жыл бұрын

I’m having the same problem. I’m very frustrated. I feel helpless because I do not have the skills to fix mechanical things. I have been working with a technician for a month with no success because I am computer illiterate. She emails me instructions and they are Greek to me. I’m 70 years old so I know just enough to be dangerous. Does anyone have any advice for me?😞😢

Thanks much , the drain valve was the problem with my freeze dryer just like you said in video. thanks so much .

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Glad i was able to help. Thanks for watching

Same thing for us. Running it through the heat and vacuum test right now. Was thinking it was the valve not sealing but the guy at HR said it looks and sounds like "off gassing" problem. I am running 5 weeks behind in getting things done. Not happy and my hubby is NOT happy. Thanks for sharing this. God bless.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Did it help? I hope so. So very frustrating when these things don't work. Thanks for watching a commenting

I replaced my ball valve early on also. I'm lucky to have a husband who knows how the fix things. I also had the vacuum problem when I tried doing two batches back to back without defrosting. (I have seen others doing that) The ice got so thick that it was encroaching into the bottom rack. Also the oil needing to be changed is a factor of low vacuum pressure. Don't forget to clean the unit on the outside. There is videos showing how to do that also.

Guess I understand the bellyaching on here right now. I bought first generation machine, then a few years later bought one through an estate sale, then we bought a new one and recieving it in March of this year. We ran 80 batches and now am experiencing a vacuum issue. I am so happy to be able to have 3 of these machines and we have learned a great deal about them. The more we learn the more we are able to take care of issues ourselves. This is how it should be!!!!! It's like my freezers. I bought 7 garage ready upright largest offered freezers all of the same model and kept one open so we could totally learn this machine inside and out and how to assess and repair every aspect. Now when I have problems with these freezers, it is simple to go get what I need after an easy assessment and repair them in a few minutes usually. One time I needed to do a spot weld....no biggy.....my first generation machine runs just as well as it did years back when I bought it. I have all 3 down with vacuum issues at the same time right now:) and am having a really good time learning and getting them cback up adn running.....the only thing I am distressed about harvest right is that they have not made the way to repair problems with circuit boards. Their circuit boards are really very good ones....I know I am in electronics and engineering of electronics and we have some very nice simple circuit boards. Problem is that I will need to be to assess and repir each componant should somethign fail in there.....and they do.

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you are a great resource on these machines. That's a lot of freezers, too

OMG … best information ever! Since buying my FD in 2020, I’ve had intermittent “insufficient vacuum”issues and with every batch I’ve pretty much added an extra 2 hours. Some fish I did, and packaged, I had to later throw out as I could tell the contents were becoming soft. So frustrating and stressful. Made me reluctant to start more batches. A week ago, the machine kept failing. Would get to 518mt, I’d cross my fingers but no go, “insufficient vacuum”. Tried 3 times, then put everything in the freezer and hung my head 😕. Had done research via Harvest Right previously but all to no avail and didn’t want to go through what others had on the phone. P.S. I had blown the budget on an oilless pump after messing around with the base model. Then one day as my tomato harvest was overflowing my pantry, I decided to try a few searches on this issue. Lo and behold I found your suggestion. I also noted the suggestion of Pemberton Garden in the comments and followed that advice. I was able to get the correct model valve locally, my husband installed it, I did a load of tomatoes topped with basil leaves and the batch not only dried completely but it seems the whole process was shortened by several hours (comparison tested). I don’t know what Harvest Right was/is thinking as this part in good quality brass is not expensive, mine, brass 600WOG was only $10.86 at a plumbing store. So I thank you a million times for this post and also the person who made the valve type suggestion. I might add, the knob on my original valve never did align in a linear fashion with the tube and when We inspected it after removal, there was some rust, and with a flashlight I could see it wasn’t closed 100%. Once again thank you so much as I now look forward to drying my harvest. 😊

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

I hope this worked out for you. Thanks for watching and commenting

@yvesberube6067

Жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 It most certainly did and I’m now “happily” fd’ing like crazy. More important than ever in these very threatening times. 🇨🇦

Mine was passing vacuum tests but getting insufficient vacuum errors during batch runs. Like you, I tried everything. I bough a valve just like your and it leaked like crazy. HR sent me a new one because the original was defective. Still didn’t fix the issue. Freeze pattern did not go much past halfway to the back. HR said send it back, So I did. They came back to say they upgraded the software, fixed an epoxy leak and replaced the drain hose. Many other say they ha we the same problem with new machines. It leaks after it gets cold. Funny thing is that I did a good job sealing the epoxy at the top with silicon. But not sure what epoxy they meant. Clearly they have a production issue now. Mine seems to work now, but the ice seems to start disappearing during the dry cycle. Last time I released the pressure after a run it popped a few times. Sounded like something cracked. These machines are prototypes at best. Very unhappy with the quality and the support.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Frustrating for sure. I hope yours stays functional. I still get a mid cycle failure if I do not run a dehumidifier

@fleebin2794

2 жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 That’s interesting. It is very dry where I am at and 6200 feet. I wonder how elevation is a factor in freeze drying?

@ohwhatelse

2 жыл бұрын

@@fleebin2794 ... my guess is that humidity may be high at your cloud level elevation??? in winter especially. i just got an "Inadequate vacuum" signal on a new HR FD. there are hidden costs to this FD deal, for sure, huh?

@fleebin2794

2 жыл бұрын

@@ohwhatelse Not where I live. I am on the plains at 6,200 feet and it is very dry here. One key thing is to call Harvest Right support and get a ticket created. Write down the number. They can assist in trouble shooting. If someone is assigned to your support case, they may not be very responsive through email. You may need to keep calling the support number and giving them your ticket number. The hidden cost is that you need to learn as much as you can about the machine, the process of freeze drying and the process of how to work with Harvest Right. These KZread channels that focus on freeze drying and and Harvest Right issues are definitely a blessing and much appreciates by the community. The community itself is also a blessing. So, there are also hidden benefits as well. The one thing that is constant though is you have to educate yourself. Which is not acceptable to everyone.

@dothehokeypokeyandgetbusy6359

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve had mine 3 weeks and I began hearing a popping sound yesterday.

i lost ALL the contents of my defunct huge freezer, then 2 yrs later my side by side quit & i didn't notice until too late so i lost the contents (problem being, the ice in the freezer keeps frig cold enough that you don't notice, initially). sooo, i bought a HR FD, thinking i'd solved the problem... and the expense!. well, in case some ppl haven't noticed- there are a lot of hidden costs & irritations to this FD deal...! besides this one, they don't tell you that the oilless pump has to be returned for service every so often (2-3 yrs?) at a HUGE service charge (which, nope, they don't tell you about before you buy) AND the hefty freight bill 2 ways! this would just about refill my big freezer! so, hope this will keep you from buying one a those! AND, either the HR manual or warranty says that if you fix your own FD (like take anything apart, anyway) it negates the warranty! NOW i read that it costs like $45. to just TALK to a HR tech! ??? that's really robbery, in my manual...! My FD is only a cpl months old so I better get them on the line. I have an "Inadequate Vacuum" signal.... so starts the real frustration!

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

I didn't cost me $45, but mine was under warranty. Hope you get your vacuum issue fixed

If you really want to upgrade the ball valve look for one that is rated 600 WOG (Water/Oil/Gas) and for 29" Hg vacuum like the Apollo 70LF-142-01. Your very expensive vacuum pump will thank you. Mine runs so much smoother since that upgrade combined with the silicone tape (the ball valve they include with it should really be 29" Hg vacuum rated though).

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

I will look into that. Thanks for the tip

@janblair8953

2 жыл бұрын

Where do you get this at? What's part number

@sittingdoe

2 жыл бұрын

that's not the correct part number, but thank you for helping. the other info is good, making sure to stipulate ball valve and finding the rest is easier.

We had the same problem plus the computer went crazy and actually burned a load of onions. Harvest Right sent us a replacement board and touch screen Right away, but when I was taking it apart and started looking at the fittings I noticed a lot of extra Teflon tape on the fittings. So I took them apart and let's just say they had 10 times the tape they needed, all it did when they put it together was push the tape down. So I purchased some Blue Monster PTFE Teflon tape ( it a high quality tape). I put 2 bands of tape on tight to the threads. There are 4 fittings that need to be redone, at the pump, the drain line and where the wires for the heaters enters the chamber and the vacuum probe (looking at the back it will be on the top left rear of the chamber).After this was done it cured the problem for a month and at that time our pump became a problem, it would start loosing vacuum once it warmed up (800MT). Upon taking it apart (it was out of warranty anyway) I noticed the inside of the actual vacuum pump itself had enough wear on the housing to no longer make a good seal to the vains. It's the same pump you have. So we ordered a new premier pump. I believe that the pump failed from water contamination. Although we did have 135 loads with that pump. We have a large freeze dryer. Plus I did put a high quality ball value on

This should NOT happen for the price we pay for these machines. I've had mind for a few months & just now experiencing vacuumed issues. Disappointing.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Agree. I do think that HR should supply spare parts with the machine for the purpose of being able to quickly troubleshoot

@barbaramandy8708

2 жыл бұрын

100% agree with this. I've had vacuum issues for the two months I've had it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It's a rare batch that doesn't get taken out and put into the freezer while I fuss with this darn thing. Thanks for the tip on the ball valve.

@marycanfield1974

2 жыл бұрын

I am in Canada and having issues again, I have only had it since Feb and had to have a new pump already and now it will not achieve a vacuum after many many loads, it worked on the mock load but not with food in it. It is also condensating alot on the outside and has a really good seal on the door, they also expect me to pay to ship the parts to me. YIKES>

@christinetuttle4023

2 жыл бұрын

I've tried repeatedly to contact them about this issue from the beginning. They're not a available or responsive. I received mine less than a year ago as a birthday gift on August 4. I finally got desperate to resolve the issue before what I believed to be end of warranty. I dedicated a day to call repeatedly and sent numerous emails. Finally I received an email that my unit is out of warranty and I had to pay $45 for diagnostic. During the night yesterday my unit quit functioning "unable to achieve vacuum" and I could not get it to run so I removed the product and returned it to my freezer until this morning. I shut the unit off and started over. Same issue all morning. Needless to say I am terribly unimpressed by their customer service!

@goldenremnant2610

Жыл бұрын

In my opinion, Harvest Right outgrew themselves during the pandemic. I don’t think they are that old and I’ve noticed since buying mine back in 2020 that HR has had several editions of this product with improved design and parts each generation. This is an indication that they just rolled the product out, blemishes and all, and are solving their problems as they go. While it’s frustrating, let me provide perspective here w/ two observations: 1) The problems and parts that tend to break or need improvements are cheap, simple and with abundant options. A $10 ball valve replacement is about as merciful as misfortune could get. 2) This company is sowing seeds of salvation, at least for myself. Are there any other companies offering this inflation & famine-fighting apparatus for the average Joe? All I ever see are commercial-grade offerings that are 2-10X more expensive. Seriously, I bought this machine because I recognized that COVID was technically and specifically the fulfillment of the rider on the white horse, the first of 4 horsemen. That’s another topic altogether but fact is, the “bow” and the “crown” that horseman uses to “conquer the world”, when translated from English to Greek to Latin, are: Bow = Toxon = Virus Crown = Stephanos = Corona ----- Knowing that, the second horseman is war. The third is inflation. The fourth is non-sensical policy and judicial power that leads to incredible famine in the western civilizations of the world. 25% of us will die in famine. Another bunch of us will die by the sword. ----- Scoff if you wish but look back 10 years from now and wish you’d done more to prepare. And that’s were we’re coming in: we’re the preppers that sense the storm ahead and are getting ready. Harvest Right is doing Yah’s work by enabling us to store up grain like Joseph did. Seven years of plenty followed by seven years of little. We’re in year 6 of plenty. 2024 marks the inflection point to years of little. They will steal the election again. They will take policy way beyond what you think is possible. So I’m glad they didn’t wait to get their product perfect before rolling it out to us. We can deal with the petty parts along the way. We ought to be storing up 7 years worth of food for our families in the next year or two. Yah bless and read your Bible. It’s the only Guide that can save us in the end.

Good for you! Glad you figured it out.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

I sure am glad, too

I am dealing with this now. Thank you!!!

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Let me know if you get it going and what the problem was

@CC-mf3wh

2 жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 it still is not working, I need a pump.

Great video thank you ..Yeah they need to come up with better pressure connections .. starting with the door and seal - I’d love to have a door that comes all the off and re attaches like a pressure cooking pot lid or six point screw down front door opening

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Great idea

@CashCowz962

2 жыл бұрын

Try pulling the lip slightly off so that when you close the door it starts to push the rubber lip thereby giving it a tighter close....mines working great now. I just detest the 32 hr cycle...wish it were shorter ...like my food dehydrator

Having problems pumping down I found the drain valve was the main reason. I couldn't get the mtorrs below 650. Replacing the drain valve using pvc tape and then coat the connection's with liquid electrical tape brought the mtorrs down to 250.. So far that has been the only vacuum leak. I have had the machine for two years and we do a lot of candy for our farmers market. Right now we have mixed fruit in the dryer and it is at 300 mtorrs and drying at 125 degrees.

In my opinion, Harvest Right outgrew themselves during the pandemic. I don’t think they are that old and I’ve noticed since buying mine back in 2020 that HR has had several editions of this product with improved design and parts each generation. This is an indication that they just rolled the product out, blemishes and all, and are solving their problems as they go. While it’s frustrating, let me provide perspective here w/ two observations: 1) The problems and parts that tend to break or need improvements are cheap, simple and with abundant options. A $10 ball valve replacement is about as merciful as misfortune could get. 2) This company is sowing seeds of salvation, at least for myself. Are there any other companies offering this inflation & famine-fighting apparatus for the average Joe? All I ever see are commercial-grade offerings that are 2-10X more expensive. Seriously, I bought this machine because I recognized that COVID was technically and specifically the fulfillment of the rider on the white horse, the first of 4 horsemen. That’s another topic altogether but fact is, the “bow” and the “crown” that horseman uses to “conquer the world”, when translated from English to Greek to Latin, are: Bow = Toxon = Virus Crown = Stephanos = Corona ----- Knowing that, the second horseman is war. The third is inflation. The fourth is non-sensical policy and judicial power that leads to incredible famine in the western civilizations of the world. 25% of us will die in famine. Another bunch of us will die by the sword. ----- Scoff if you wish but look back 10 years from now and wish you’d done more to prepare. And that’s were we’re coming in: we’re the preppers that sense the storm ahead and are getting ready. Harvest Right is doing Yah’s work by enabling us to store up grain like Joseph did. Seven years of plenty followed by seven years of little. We’re in year 6 of plenty. 2024 marks the inflection point to years of little. They will steal the election again. They will take policy way beyond what you think is possible. So I’m glad they didn’t wait to get their product perfect before rolling it out to us. We can deal with the petty parts along the way. We ought to be storing up 7 years worth of food for our families in the next year or two. Yah bless and read your Bible. It’s the only Guide that can save us in the end.

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad I had this machine prior to this year's garden. Trying to stock up based solely on this year's garden would be a failure

@TheBobelly628

4 ай бұрын

@Goldenrement… interesting post some of which might be accurate. Yet when you added stealing an election …🤦🏼‍♀️. My prayer is that the Lord spare me from the evil days to come.

The door and chamber were rather close to correct on our unit. The seal is removable for cleaning. If you are having a issue not getting the seal around the door. Try pulling the seal it's self out just a little bit. This allowed our unit to get the seal started and then ran just fine.

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

Good point, the seal is easy to adjust and I don't think manual explains how to do that

I agree I am so sad. It took me a year to convince my hubby we should invest and then we haven’t been able to get a batch to work yet 😫. Thinking of returning it. It breaks my heart 💔

@tonyaroche7733

Жыл бұрын

This is where we are. But they won’t reimburse you for the price you paid. They keep a 15% “restocking fee”. I’m beyond irritated with Harvest right.

@jlf6614

Жыл бұрын

@@tonyaroche7733 they are replacing our pump which was the issue so i am a little hopeful that this will be a tool we can utilize for our family

@jlf6614

Жыл бұрын

@@tonyaroche7733 DANG! I pray this does not happen to us

Thank you had the exact same problem got 10$ valve from lowes, ridiculous 4000 machine has such a cheap valve. My corrosion looked identical to yours.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it worked out

Thank you so much for your video it’s super helpful !! Would you be so kind and let me know the type and size of drain valve you got from Lowe’s. I cannot seem to find something that fits!

Thanks for the video- I’m getting air bubbles in my pumps oil.

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

Mine does that, too. I think it is ok

I just got.my freeze dryer, the very first day I started having vacuum issues. Read the book, researched online and called customer service, I had to do an empty chamber vacuum test and it passed perfectly but with the rack inside it fails. Still waiting for my call back, very frustrated 😠. It's been 1 week and I haven't been able to use it.

Yes! I bought a 3/8 ball valve from ace

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it worked

Harvest Right Freeze Dryers are made with almost no quality check. I have retained a consumer rights attorney for my freeze dryer. I have never been able to run a batch since purchasing mine over a month ago. Contact me if you are experiencing similar problems!

@robin5382

2 жыл бұрын

What part of the country are you in? I have been having troubles since purchase and the customer service is insane. They expect me to fix the machine. Thank you.

@Baseballisbest67

2 жыл бұрын

What attorney you using? Shouldn’t they be getting a class action against them?? Pls send info

@GeordieKorper

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds familiar. It took two cycles for me to dry the first batch and it has never worked since.

@MrAnonymousboxer

2 жыл бұрын

@@GeordieKorper Once I wrapped all of the hose crimps, swivels and connections with the self sealing silicone tape and upgraded to an Apollo 70LF-142-01 ball valve that is rated 600 WOG, and 29" Hg Vacuum I have had no more problems. I pull a vacuum below 70 MTorr on every run. This is an easy $50 fix to get it up and running. A little frustrating but easy. The vacuum pump also seems to run better as well.

@GeordieKorper

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrAnonymousboxer Thanks for the suggestions. They sent me a new standard pump to try and it resolved all the issues I was having when using the "premium" one they sold me originally. The new pump was pulling a good vacuum without it, but I also added the self-sealing tape just in case, and when I need to replace the ball valve, I'll definitely go with a higher quality one.

Of course I'm here as I have the same problem. I cannot find the valve at our Lowe's or other hardware stores. I can find other 3/8" ball valves. Will they work or is there something specific I need to look for?

Mine is 5 weeks old got through the burn batch no issues. Started 1st real batch and had to run twice had very load cracking sounds. Now just get inadequate vacumn after 9 to 11 hours running. I'm 69 and a widow recently so being able to lift and repair a brand new expensive piece of equipment is literally out of the question. Ive received no response from HR so far.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Any response from HR yet?

@2guysandacooler

5 ай бұрын

The loud cracking sounds could be the ice that accumulated on the drum. i find that during a change of temp and once the cycle is finishing the ice tends to sound like loud cracks..

What size valve did you buy ?

When buying a replacement valve, is it the water & air one or the water, air, gas, can't remember the other thing listed

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

This one is for water

We've had nothing but issues with our Harvest Right. We got down to about 600 torr on the very first run but it hasn't been that good ever since. HR had us update the firmware and of course check connections. I guess the firmware upping the tolerance was just a temporary fix as our current batch of veggies is now at 1500-1600 tor :-( Last night I replaced the ball valve and rewrapped but it's still in that range so I'm guessing that wasn't the problem. Short of replacing the dang thing I think a complete teardown and felixfix may be the only thing left to try at this point.

Same problem … I just got the replacement machine because the first machine didn’t work after 28 days. These vacuum leaks are getting old especially after paying this much money. I will check the valve but would hope that it is not corroded since it just arrived a few days ago.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Best of luck, let me know how it works out

@boboscurse4130

2 жыл бұрын

I put a nice beefy drain valve on mine. Didn't change anything but at least the little plastic toy HR calls a valve is out of the picture.

@Sabrina1998

2 жыл бұрын

@@boboscurse4130 yup did that right away with the new machine. We also used fuse tape to seal all the threads and fittings plus we used epoxy to eliminate the leak where the wiring harness goes into the chamber. This machine has been running picture perfect. The epoxy we did while it was running and under vacuum to get it sucked in. We changed the oil after that and didn’t have a single problem since. Love my machine now and use it daily. If you or anybody else has questions just post here and I will try to answer and send pics.

@boboscurse4130

2 жыл бұрын

@@Sabrina1998 That's great. I hope we have a success story some day. We just can't figure out why we get 190 mTorr on a vacuum test but it won't go below 800 with food in it. Can anyone explain? HR sure can't. And spraying/fiddling all the connections does not cause a spike in pressure. Even manhandling the vacuum hose doesn't.

@Sabrina1998

2 жыл бұрын

@@boboscurse4130 we had the same problem. That’s when we decided to do all the things I described above. If you need help we are happy to connect. Let me know.

Our FD would not switch to drying mode because it would not pull below 500 mtorr when cold ( -38) . I held a hair dryer to the seal where wire goes into chamber and sure enough 2 minutes and it switched to drying

@UncleLoodis

Жыл бұрын

OMG!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!!! I have the panels on my machine off so I was able to access this. There was a BIG ice build-up on the module where the wires enter. I gently warmed it with a hair dryer and melted the ice and YES, literally within TWO MINUTES it kicked into drying mode. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! :) I know I sound freakishly happy, but I've been messing with my dryer for a couple of days now!

how old is your freeze dryer? mine is only 6 months old and now I'm having vacuum problems and I'm doubting it's already the valve.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Mine is now a year old, so I started having issues at 9 months

@tooomorrow1295

2 жыл бұрын

Mine is less than a year and having same problem.

@dsom6221

2 жыл бұрын

Mine is less than a year old and same problem.

@janicelehmann2229

2 жыл бұрын

Had mine 7 months and only got to use it for 2 months due to vacuum errors and had to send back etc etc

I just bought mine and have not used it once. Everytime it gets to the 4 hour mark - it says Inadequate Vacuum. Its now also saying "Is Drain Valve Securely Closed." But I highly doubt it will end up being the drain valve, though I dont see how I can replace it, as it seems to be secure with puddy or whatever.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Have you got it working yet?

Where do I find that tape? I’ve got a leak I can’t find anywhere.

Am having this issue right now. Used mine 4 times only in about 2 years.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

How are you doing with the machine now?

@CashCowz962

2 жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 Thanks for checking. So after troubleshooting for 2 weeks with HarvestRight....they recommended that i buy a new pump. I had to pay for tech support, but it was worth it. The new pump was delivered within a week I believe and is working amazingly right now. I have ran the machine at least 8 times already...and it always works like a charm. The pump cost about $ 295 I believe....so i plan to buy a spare pump just in case...I have freeze dried shrimp fried rice...tomato soup...etc etc etc. I notice that the actual HarvestRight machine is pretty robust and works as described if you follow directions. Of course we had to upgrade the software as well....which is was a major issue since I hadn't used it in 2 yrs etc. I hope my experience helps someone in the same situation.

I am having the same problem. I am trying to figure it out now what is wrong. I’m so frustrated.

Where do i get these replacements?

Has anybody figured out what the “popping” or cracking sound is? Mine does it too but is holding a vacuum most of the time. I ‘m just afraid the cracking sounds are the welds breaking. I did get a vacuum error last night and opened and closed the valve and it seems to have worked but I am drying eggs and they were obviously not done. I could not figure out where it was in the process but my last batch (2 trays of milk and 2 of eggs) took about 28 hours. The machine stopped at 11 hours and only options were to add drying time or defrost. Ended up adding 8 hours and still not completely dried. I tried pressing things on the screen hoping to find more info and when I pressed the logo, it took me to the start-up screen so I restarted it. I’ll see if the eggs dry completely this time.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Eggs take at least 48 hours for me. Medium trays and 18 eggs per tray

I just got my machine. Showing inadequate vacuum. Haven’t checked out all the possible problems but plan to. Since I ordered my machine, I have had buyer’s remorse even before it came. I have read the numerous complaints and now experiencing one myself. I’m giving the machine the benefit of the doubt that I’m the problem with my inexperience. One thing that troubled me before delivery, I called customer service to ask about plugging into a heavy duty surge protector. After a song and dance, the person on the other end said that wouldn’t be a problem. When my fder arrived, I read the manual which said do not plug into a surge protector. What to do? Mine is heavy duty. But shows that the ones in customer service are not very knowledgeable. Frightens me.

@sittingdoe

2 жыл бұрын

if you bought the 5 shelved version, you will need to have an electrician make a dedicated plug for you. i got the med version. standard plug.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Have you got it working yet?

My harvest right kept coming up with inadequate vacuum. I just tried running the vacuum test and it's taking more than 40 minutes to get down to 700m torr and it stops there. My machine is less than a month old. this is really frustrating. I have called HR and I might as well have not bothered. I guess I have a vacuum leak and have hand tightened all the fittings. Anyone have any ideas.

I’ve had so many issues! And I’m so frustrated! I’ve only used mine 3x and now it won’t vacuum

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

I am sorry you are having problems. That is so frustrating

Hello ma’am, don’t these freeze dryers have a warranty? Why would that ball valve rust? I thought a pump was ALOT of $$$. Which pump did you have and what pump did you buy? Shouldn’t the company warranty the pump? Does this freeze dryer need to be hooked up to water ? Do they recommend soft water ?

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

They do have a warranty. My pump was out of warranty, though. The other components, including the valve, were still under warranty, but there was a time delay so I bought my own valve

@marcietherington3684

2 жыл бұрын

They don't hook up to water, you're removing water, not adding it. The talk about water is for the drain

can you give us the exact ball valve you purchases. I am in Canada and I will likley have to try and source it somewhere here and believe me we do no have the selection you have there.

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

I sure do wish I could post a photo here but it won't let me. I'll post it on our Me Being Cheap group on Facebook

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02GP1pLk6rGgWNMgQh56erkipJmhkNfpQaLaqY65yQHGJajKBA4srMrZ8aGVcVM8BMl&id=100063482955788&sfnsn=mo

Had mine a week. Passed the functional test with flying colors. Bread run failed then passed. Corn run failed, apple run failed. Time to put in a ticket. This should not happen!

Just got my freeze dryer and can't use because of the vacuum probs.

I was having similar issues, but it ended up being the pump

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Bummer! They diagnosed me first with a bad pump. So now I have 2. I had to pay out of pocket as no longer under warranty. Pricey

Your oil looks pretty dark compared to what mine usually looks like.

First time user and vacuum issues. It don’t work

$4000 and they put a cheap shut off valve on the unit? Mine has a screw in the bottom of the door that was loose upon delivery. The screw won’t tighten. I’ve remedied it by using shims around the door and will follow up with harvest right to hopefully get it fixed or replaced But honestly for $4000 i shouldn’t be having these issues. I’m also having vacuum issues and went through the troubleshooting guide but nothing seems to work. Even changed out the shut off value you did. Still doesn’t vacuum. The freeze dryer isn’t even a year old. At this point If there was another brand of vacuum sealer for home use I’d buy it rather than a harvest right freeze dryer.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

How are you doing now with the machine?

trust me, if you bought one of these, you are not being cheap... lol.

@mebeingcheap7644

2 жыл бұрын

Welll....I was able to buy one because I have been frugal in other ways

@MGillDesign

2 жыл бұрын

@@mebeingcheap7644 fair enough.

No one should have to buy a new pump- they should supply it for you if it' defective- that's just customer service!

@mebeingcheap7644

Жыл бұрын

I wish that was the case. I do have an extra one now, though

Once again, a known issue not addressed by Harvest Right with a stainless ball valve. These people will be in jail someday. Repairing this on mine now.