19 replies to this topic

[Ruskie]

Looking for information on the Wittern Vending Machines. Good... Bad... Ugly.
Pretty to look at but... reliable?

[H4UV]

Can't think of anything superior about them off the top of my head. A vendor in Florida told me just today that he thought they were "Garbage." They are a cheap, overpriced machine in my opinion. Their parts are outrageously expensive because places like Vendor's Exchange don't carry them so they have no competition. I also don't like the machine's setup, on the new or the old. The craziest insignificant little problems cause the most annoying malfunctions.

I would never use one on my route, it comes down to that.

[RJT]

Overall good machines that will give you years of service. Their are thousands in service and still going strong. They built machines for years for Lance when Lance had a vending division. I have many in operation currently and like them. Keep in mind Whittern also is known as USI or FSI.

They stack up with Crane National, AP, AMS, etc. If you can get them at a good price you will do fine with them.

Not trying to go totally oposite as H4UV but most times people have a "favorite" machine they like. I am not a big fan of Vendo and prefer Dixie Narco but Vendo makes good machines and I have a few out. I prefer Crane National but have many USI out also......

[Dennis-23]

They are a good machine and we have some in the field right now. Parts are easy to come by. My personal preference would be Crane National.

[H4UV]

I guess as far as using them on a route, they might be an okay machine. Some of their newer machines are better than a lot of the older ones. From a repair and a refurbishing standpoint, they are MUCH harder to work on. I would just much rather use AP or National.

I have had a lot of bad experiences with USI's parts department especially. I got two USI 3015A machines in 6 months ago to refurbish. They are still in my shop. USI has messed up every parts order that I have placed with them, and after returning about $700 worth of incorrect or broken parts, and fighting to get a refund on them, I am just about ready to never use a USI machines again.

In general, USI machines are cheaper wholesale, refurbished, or used, then most any other machine their age out there. New, they are as much or more than new National or AP machines. I think that there is also a reason that a lot of vending companies, (like Vendor's Exchange) don't even sell USI machines. And those that do, sell far less USI machines than AP and National. I think that there is a reason for that. Who when given a choice between a National 157, or an AP LCM, would go for a USI instead? The National and AP machines are going to be more expensive used and refurbished, higher quality, and will last longer.

In 90% of vending companies across the nation, Crane machines are dominent, meaning National, Dixie, AP, GPL. If USI models were a better machine than National, AP, GPL, Dixie Narco, then USI would outsell Crane. They don't come even close. Just going by the numbers.

I am not saying that their machines don't work, or are no good at all. If RJT uses them, then they must work well enough. My focus is on quality in everything that I do. I can't feel as sure of quality with a USI machine.

[bcron]

I have 3 of these in service on my small route. I am very happy with them, have had really no problems and the couple of times I have had to get parts, have had no problems. I find them user friendly for somebody who is not a "pro" vendor...easy to program, diagnose and fix.

[vend1ng]

I guess as far as using them on a route, they might be an okay machine. Some of their newer machines are better than a lot of the older ones. From a repair and a refurbishing standpoint, they are MUCH harder to work on. I would just much rather use AP or National.

I have had a lot of bad experiences with USI's parts department especially. I got two USI 3015A machines in 6 months ago to refurbish. They are still in my shop. USI has messed up every parts order that I have placed with them, and after returning about $700 worth of incorrect or broken parts, and fighting to get a refund on them, I am just about ready to never use a USI machines again.

In general, USI machines are cheaper wholesale, refurbished, or used, then most any other machine their age out there. New, they are as much or more than new National or AP machines. I think that there is also a reason that a lot of vending companies, (like Vendor's Exchange) don't even sell USI machines. And those that do, sell far less USI machines than AP and National. I think that there is a reason for that. Who when given a choice between a National 157, or an AP LCM, would go for a USI instead? The National and AP machines are going to be more expensive used and refurbished, higher quality, and will last longer.

In 90% of vending companies across the nation, Crane machines are dominent, meaning National, Dixie, AP, GPL. If USI models were a better machine than National, AP, GPL, Dixie Narco, then USI would outsell Crane. They don't come even close. Just going by the numbers.

I am not saying that their machines don't work, or are no good at all. If RJT uses them, then they must work well enough. My focus is on quality in everything that I do. I can't feel as sure of quality with a USI machine.

I'm calling "BS" I will probably get in trouble again! If you even had a clue about actually repairing a vending machine and not just changing parts out until you found the problem you would know how user friendly the "OLDER" USI machines were. The SMIII series controller and machine was far superior to anything AP or Nat'l had. It wasn't until the VI series did they really throw their brains out the door. As for ordering parts Vendnet has the best online parts ordering than any company. I apologize to those actually trying to get helpful information from this site. Because I'm sure I'll be blocked from posting because they have a tendency to protect this quak job. I have never seen anyone that can talk more about nothing than H4UV. The important thing about vending is "There is a vending machine for every location but not every vending machine is ok for any location" If you have a location then get the right machine for that location don't buy a machine the try and find a location.Just a simple thought and I know its wasted again.
Vend1ng

[LouReed]

I have several FSI machines that came with some stops I bought. I was ready to replace them, but they've performed adequately and have given me no problems. Here's my question: I am currently installing remote monitoring equipment to my route. Is there anyway to collect DEX data from models 3120 & 3130?

[Dennis-23]

I'm calling "BS" I will probably get in trouble again! If you even had a clue about actually repairing a vending machine and not just changing parts out until you found the problem you would know how user friendly the "OLDER" USI machines were. The SMIII series controller and machine was far superior to anything AP or Nat'l had. It wasn't until the VI series did they really throw their brains out the door. As for ordering parts Vendnet has the best online parts ordering than any company. I apologize to those actually trying to get helpful information from this site. Because I'm sure I'll be blocked from posting because they have a tendency to protect this quak job. I have never seen anyone that can talk more about nothing than H4UV. The important thing about vending is "There is a vending machine for every location but not every vending machine is ok for any location" If you have a location then get the right machine for that location don't buy a machine the try and find a location.Just a simple thought and I know its wasted again.
Vend1ng

Most every parts dept sends the correct parts when given the information they need. We have had nothing but good service from USI.

[H4UV]

Vend1ng:

I do not go after you when you post your comments, even when they are the opposite of my own, and so please afford me the same courtesy, whether you agree with me or not.

AP and National are superior to USI. Who else agrees?

Everyone has had their own experience with the vending companies, I stated mine.

The design of the USI machines is what I consider to be faulty and cheap, how the SMIII boards mount onto the 3014-3015 is a perfect example of poor design.

Swapping out parts until you find the bad one, and then repairing that particular part, is a perfectly sound method of repair, escpecially when you have all the parts you need. I only recommend it on this site when the part to be swapped is a changer, control board, or bill validator. All those are parts most vendors either have as spares, or should have as spares. If they don't have those, then I help them using other methods. Replacing a coin changer then repairing the bad on, is much easier than trying to find the problem on the changer in the machine and then fixing it. You are a "find the exact piece on the piece that is bad and fix it". I am "find the part first, replace it with a spare if you have one, then fix it." Isn't it good to have a balance on a help forum?

Without question, parts for the AP 7600 are far cheaper than parts for the USI 3015. Parts cost wise, the 7600 would be a better machine.

This is my view. I don't have a problem if you don't like it, but the fact that it does not agree with your view does not make it wrong or "nothing."

What I do have a problem with is the fact that you constantly post your dislike of my views on this forum. I do not do that to you, or anyone else.

Please just post your advice, most of which is very sound and helpful, and let others do the same.

[Chocolate Bar W / Nuts]

I've been using USI equipment since the mid '90's and I believe their snack machines are some of the best in the industry. I really liked the simplicity of the programming in earlier models, but at the same time I like the sophistication of the new models. They are beautiful, stylish, and for the most part, well thought out machines. USI has manufactured some machines in the past that kinda makes you scratch your head and say "what in the world were they thinking?!" The 7/10 beverage machine was one of them. They were some of the first machines in the industry to vend multipackaged beverages, and when you are the industry innovator, you also have the privilege of having all of the bugs & ghost in the machines to deal with! With this machine, product jams were a constant and bottle capacity was lacking. Although I had about 17 of them at one time, my vending comrades hated them and wouldn't allow a single 7/10 on their route. I was able to get some great prices on them & learned that a little TLC was required with these machines on a regular basis. I still have 4 left but am in the process of upgrading to BevMaxs'. From my experience with USI beverage machines, I would say their CB 500 & 700 are very well ,made machines, but their drink machines from yesteryear were just ok. I hated having to do repair work on the Can Mart machines because USI needlessly used no less than a zillion screws to hold parts together! But I digress, you can't go wrong with USI equipment. I can probably count on 1 hand major electronic or mechanical issues I've had with my USI snack machines. I have had more issues with my USI CB 700s' and Combo II machines, but those are pretty easy to work on. One last thing...all brands of machines have their quirkiness and it's just a matter of what kind of quirkiness you are willing to deal with. Although some may have come close, there is no such thing as a perfect vending machine. Just my op.

[jblvending]

USI are easy machines to work on, changing out spirals are a breeze, as well as motors, there easy to trouble shoot when you encounter a problem, I'd say overall one of the easiest machines to figure out. The best machine , NO, I think GPL, AMS, are some of the best machines, AP's are very good, I just think AP are very proud of there machines and it's reflected by there prices. If you just started out, USI is a good way to go, all you have to have when calling in vendnet for parts is, your customer number, model number, and serial number, and the part will be shipped in 3 to 4 days, this has been my experience with these machines.

[vend1ng]

Vend1ng:

I do not go after you when you post your comments, even when they are the opposite of my own, and so please afford me the same courtesy, whether you agree with me or not.

AP and National are superior to USI. Who else agrees?

Everyone has had their own experience with the vending companies, I stated mine.

The design of the USI machines is what I consider to be faulty and cheap, how the SMIII boards mount onto the 3014-3015 is a perfect example of poor design.

Swapping out parts until you find the bad one, and then repairing that particular part, is a perfectly sound method of repair, escpecially when you have all the parts you need. I only recommend it on this site when the part to be swapped is a changer, control board, or bill validator. All those are parts most vendors either have as spares, or should have as spares. If they don't have those, then I help them using other methods. Replacing a coin changer then repairing the bad on, is much easier than trying to find the problem on the changer in the machine and then fixing it. You are a "find the exact piece on the piece that is bad and fix it". I am "find the part first, replace it with a spare if you have one, then fix it." Isn't it good to have a balance on a help forum?

Without question, parts for the AP 7600 are far cheaper than parts for the USI 3015. Parts cost wise, the 7600 would be a better machine.

This is my view. I don't have a problem if you don't like it, but the fact that it does not agree with your view does not make it wrong or "nothing."

What I do have a problem with is the fact that you constantly post your dislike of my views on this forum. I do not do that to you, or anyone else.

Please just post your advice, most of which is very sound and helpful, and let others do the same.

Plugging in a good coin mech or control board into a machine that just blew one up is not good advice. Trouble shooting and fixing the reason it blew up is the correct way. Swapping out parts until you find the problem is a parts sellers way of fixing the problem. Which I will agree is your specialty, selling someone something they don't need until they find what they need. I have no problem with your opinon except its usually about something you know nothing about and requires spending money on something they don't need. Since we're taking polls who agrees? Now that may not be just my thoughts.
Vend1ng

[VendingPro]

Because a coin mech goes bad, doesn't mean that something blew it up. The same goes for a control board. Those things can just fail... I'd rather take parts to the machine and fix it right away, then waiting two weeks trying to find out if the machine blew out a component.

[Chocolate Bar W / Nuts]

I've been in business since '95 and I've always swapped out coin mechs, bill acceptors, control boards, motors, digital displays, etc. without ill consequences. The parts just go bad after years of working constantly day in and day out. After I trouble shoot the problem and swap out the broken part, I just simply take the broken component to the appropriate repair shop and have it repaired, if it's repairable. My main objective is to get the machine up and running asap because you know how boisterous and disappointed your clients can get when the machine is down for even a second! The only time I had a component "blow up" is when I, like a knuckle head, plugged a 24 volt mech into a 117 volt machine! That blew the board and mech. I think most of us have experienced that learning curve! I can also vouch that my vending comrades do the same thing with their broken components.

[H4UV]

I would welcome everyone's thoughts of course, but it won't change the way I give advice, nor will it change the way you give advice. I think that it is extremely common for vendors with a coin mech that is dead in the machine, to just replace the coin mech. Right???? Around the coin mech and control board about half a vending machine's problems will originate. They are the brain of the machine. Coin mechs are cheap on eBay. It is not expensive to swap out TRC-6000s. I also do not always try and direct all business to me. I recommend several other companies, but sometimes offer my own as an option. Therefore, in the event that a vendor needs a unit fast, they can have a direct link to the part they need. Boy, I wish I had that opportunity when I first started out! I don't see how that is a bad deal for anyone, except for envious competetion.

I don't have a problem with competetion either. Anyone on this forum could offer links to their products if a product is needed by a vendor on here, and I would not have a single problem with it. We are here to provide information, AND resources to those who need them. Everyone can choose their own service. No one HAS to buy from me. I actually sell VERY little due to any posts on this forum, and it is usually because everyone has their own spare parts that they just go and use.

This is a silly argument IMO. I am not out to make money off of people on this forum. I am here to help. Find me one instance where my advice has hurt a vendor, or lost him/her money, and I will make it right. Has anyone ever bought from me on this forum, and been disapointed with the product, service, or result?

Vend1ng, find a topic where my advice hurt someone. Here is one where it helped:

http://www.vendingch...45&fromsearch=1

[H4UV]

Also vend1ng, I have directed people to contact you for parts and service if a vendor needed a part or piece of advice that I knew that you could provide better than I. I will continue to refer people to you, or to anyone else if they NEED it. We are filling a need on this forum. You help supply that need, yes. I am not degrading you, nor am I, nor will I degrade anyone else. Can we leave it at that and stop trying to outdo eachother? I am going to, and I'm through posting on this subject.

[Kiwi]

I prefer Wittern but not because I think they are superior to Crane, AP,AMS or any other manufacturer but because of there complete product range & slaving ability. Most sites we have Full Line on we have frozen food machines banked to either snack or combo machines utilising their one payment system. I also think they are built well & weigh a ton which makes them harder to shake especially if you have them bolted together in a bank of machine. The only thing I don't like is the price we have to pay NZ$10,000 per machine on average but I guess that is because we live on the other side of the world. I would recommend them but that is only my opinion. If you were only goin to do snack vending then I would recommend you buy anything form any of the major manufacturers because they are very similar & I think it really only comes down to personal prefrance e.g Ford v's Chev

[bethjaneway]

I have several FSI machines that came with some stops I bought. I was ready to replace them, but they've performed adequately and have given me no problems. Here's my question: I am currently installing remote monitoring equipment to my route. Is there anyway to collect DEX data from models 3120 & 3130?

 

The USAtech eport credit card readers can also collect DEX data from FSI 3120 machines, as an additional option.

 

I have a FSI 3120 and attached satellite FSI 3172 and the EPort G6 credit card reader worked. I bought it from VendNet originally but they didn't have it listed on their website. I had to call them and they got me the part number so I could order it. It was also kind of expensive.

 

Currently I am trying to upgrade to a G8 ePort because my customers are very techie and requested NFC/Isis. I got it directly from USAtech and it was much cheaper. However, I connected it without reading the instructions, assuming it was like the G6, and it fried my controller board When I get that resolved, I can repost and report how the G8 works. Could be awhile.

[AZVendor]

Welcome to the forum bethjaneway, but you are replying to a post that is almost 2 years old.

 

How did you fry your logic board by connecting the G8 card reader?  Did you forget to turn the power off first before making connections or did you forget to connect the antenna to the G8 before you powered it up?