Day: December 31, 2025

Why Model Numbers Matter More Than You Think

Hobart manufactures mixers, slicers, grinders, and other commercial kitchen equipment across dozens of product lines spanning decades. A part that fits a Legacy HL200 mixer won’t necessarily work in an A200 model, even though they look almost identical from the outside. The mounting holes might be offset by a few millimeters, or the shaft diameter could differ by a fraction of an inch.

Your equipment’s model and serial number plate contain the information you need to get the correct hobart parts. These plates usually mount on the side or back of the machine. Write down both numbers before you start searching—the serial number tells you the manufacturing date and any running changes Hobart made during production.

Some parts supersede older versions. Hobart improves designs over time, and the newer part number replaces the old one. A good parts supplier knows these cross-references and can tell you if the part you’re ordering is the current version or if a better option exists.

What Actually Breaks in Commercial Settings

Mixer beaters and bowls get replaced most often, but they’re straightforward. The tricky parts are inside the machine where stress concentrates. Planetary gears handle enormous torque when you’re mixing 50 pounds of bread dough. These gears wear gradually, and you won’t notice until metal shavings start appearing in the grease or the mixer begins making grinding sounds.

Bearings fail in predictable patterns based on usage. A mixer running eight hours daily in a bakery will need bearing replacement every few years. The same mixer in a small restaurant might run a decade before bearings show wear. When bearings start to go, you’ll hear rattling or feel excessive play in the shaft.

Electrical components cause their share of problems too. Switches wear out from constant use, capacitors fail with age, and wire connections work loose from vibration. These parts cost much less than mechanical components, but they can shut down your equipment just as effectively as a broken gear.

The Online Parts Trap

Searching for hobart parts online brings up hundreds of results. Generic marketplaces list parts at low prices, but you’re gambling on accuracy. Product descriptions might be wrong, photos could show different versions than what ships, and return policies often stick you with restocking fees.

After-market parts flood these marketplaces. Some work fine—bowls and simple attachments don’t need OEM precision. But transmission components, motor parts, and anything involving food safety need to meet original specifications. A planetary gear that’s machined slightly wrong will destroy other transmission parts within months.

Specialized suppliers who focus on commercial kitchen equipment understand these distinctions. They stock genuine parts with proper documentation, can provide technical support when you’re not sure which part you need, and typically process returns without hassle when genuine mistakes happen.

Getting Parts Fast When You Need Them

Emergency repairs cost more than planned maintenance, but sometimes equipment fails without warning. Having a reliable parts source that stocks common components makes the difference between one day of downtime and a week of scrambling.

Build relationships with suppliers before emergencies hit. Place a small order for routine maintenance items—cleaning brushes, grease, and spare bowl gaskets. See how they handle the order, check their shipping speed, and evaluate their communication. When you need a critical part fast, you’ll know who to call.

Keep basic information organized for each piece of equipment. Create a simple spreadsheet with model numbers, serial numbers, and the date you purchased or installed each machine. Add notes when you replace major components. This history helps predict future failures and ensures you’re ordering the right parts when time is short.

Stock commonly needed items yourself if you run multiple units of the same equipment. An extra beater, a set of grease seals, and spare switches let you handle routine repairs during off-hours rather than waiting for parts to arrive during your busiest periods.

Reading Parts Diagrams Without Losing Your Mind

Hobart service manuals include exploded parts diagrams that show every component and its relationship to surrounding parts. These diagrams look complicated at first, but they’re invaluable for identifying exactly what you need. Each part gets a reference number that corresponds to a parts list showing descriptions and part numbers.

Pay attention to the notes on the diagrams. Hobart marks parts that changed during production runs or components that only apply to certain serial number ranges. Missing these notes leads to ordering parts that won’t fit your specific machine.

For more information: hobart replacement parts catalog