60 qt mixer

[madmonkspizza]

Wondering if anyone has recommendations on what brand of 60 qt planetary mixers they like?

[The Dough Doctor]

The Hobart P-660 is the king of the 60-quart mixers. If you plan to mix only dough a spiral mixer might be a better investment.
Tom Lehmann/The Dough Doctor

[madmonkspizza]

Thanks Tom-- was looking at the Hobart; wondering if there is a significant difference in quality between the Volrath 40785 60 qt and the Thunderbird ARM-60?  (or any other 60 qt mixer).  I know Hobart is the king, but the others are much less expensive.  I anticipate making approx. 60-90 lbs of dough a day; I just don't want to buy a lesser-quality mixer that won't be able to keep up.  Thanks again. 

[The Dough Doctor]

Ask Walter about his story concerning Thunderbird mixers.
The Vari Mixer is another one to look at.
Tom Lehmann/The Dough Doctor

[waltertore]

Ask Walter about his story concerning Thunderbird mixers.
The Vari Mixer is another one to look at.
Tom Lehmann/The Dough Doctor

We had a brand new 80qt Thunderbird mixer.  It was pure junk - 2 motors died, dough hook bent, terrible customer service.  Worst piece of commercial equipment we ever purchased.  I would avoid anything made in China.  We returned it and got an older Hobart 60qt and it runs like a top.  Walter

[PizzaGarage]

Same here on the P-660!  They are a beast and the "P" stands for Pizza (as so I'm told).  Some of my dough is low hydration that an H600 won't handle too well, the 660 is a workhorse.  Most are 3 phase so use caution there, you will need a phase converter or 3 phase power.  If you are lucky you can find a 220 and those work great as well.  Expect to pay generally between $5700-$6700 for a nice used unit retail.