Adjusting the Wire Safety Guard on Sunmix Mixers
Over time, it’s normal for the wire safety guard on a Sunmix mixer to need adjustment. The guard is lifted and lowered constantly during daily use, and eventually things can move slightly out of position. This isn’t a fault with the machine, it’s just wear and tear from use.
In some cases, the guard can also be knocked out of alignment if it’s hit with a bag of flour, a dough box, or during cleaning or moving the machine. For that reason, it’s useful to understand how the wire guard adjustment works and how to correct it.
Common symptoms of incorrect adjustment
If the wire guard is out of adjustment, you’ll usually notice one or more of the following:
-
The guard rubbing on the top of the bowl and making a scraping or rattling noise
-
The mixer failing to start because the micro switch is not being activated correctly
-
The micro switch not clicking cleanly when the guard is lifted
Correct adjustment solves all of these issues.
Correct guard position
As a general guide:
-
The wire guard should sit approximately 5mm above the rim of the bowl
-
When lifting the guard, the micro switch should click clearly after lifting the guard by around an inch
If either of these isn’t happening, adjustment is required.
Adjusting smaller Sunmix machines
On smaller Sunmix models, the adjustment Allen keys to loosen the4 adjustment cams are located inside the machine.
-
Remove the lid to access the internal components
-
You will see steel cams on the outside of the machine.
-
Each cam has an Allen key bolt on the inside
-
Loosen the bolt
-
Rotate the cam slightly to adjust the guard position
-
Re-tighten the bolt to lock the cam in place
- Reinstall the lid
Adjust until the guard sits correctly above the bowl and the micro switch operates cleanly. It is essential you keep body parts, hair and loose clothing away from all moving parts if running the machine without its lid.
Micro switch adjustment on smaller machines
If the guard height is correct but the micro switch is still not activating properly, you have two options:
-
Slightly manipulate the micro switch bracket so it clicks earlier or later
-
If more adjustment is needed, reposition the cam itself by loosening the grub screw, rotating the cam, and locking it back in place
Adjusting larger Sunmix machines
On larger Sunmix mixers, adjustment is simpler.
-
The bolts that's lock the cams are accessible from outside the machine
-
These are typically nylon cams
-
Loosen the Allen key grub screw in the centre
-
Rotate the cam until the guard sits correctly
-
Lock the cam back in position
No lid removal is required just to adjust guard height.
Micro switch issues on larger machines
If the micro switch is not behaving correctly:
-
Remove the lid using the four 10mm bolts
-
Inspect the micro switch and bracket
-
Occasionally the plunger on the micro switch can stick
-
Apply a light spray of WD-40
-
Work the plunger in and out with your thumb until it clicks freely
Once freed, recheck operation. If timing still isn’t right, either gently flex the micro switch bracket or adjust the cam position as described above.
Why this matters
Wire guards are safety components, but they’re also mechanical parts that can be knocked out of adjustment by normal kitchen life. Common causes include:
-
Bashing the guard with flour bags or dough tubs
-
Slamming the guard down from height
-
Pushing down on the guard by hand
-
Moving the mixer by pulling on the guard
-
Accidental impacts during cleaning or relocation
None of these mean the machine is damaged, but they do mean adjustments may be needed.
Final advice
This is a basic mechanical adjustment and something every site should be capable of dealing with. Either learn to do it yourself or have someone locally who is mechanically competent handle it. Keeping the wire guard correctly adjusted ensures:
-
Smooth, quiet operation
-
Reliable safety switch function
-
Less downtime and fewer unnecessary callouts
If in doubt, take your time, make small adjustments, and test as you go. Done correctly, the mixer will operate exactly as it should.
If you need advice or parts, feel free to get in touch with us.