AXE Equipment Hot Tanks

AXE Equipment Hot Tank Buying Guide

Introduction

AXE Equipment has been manufacturing agitating hot tanks since 1982 for customers worldwide. AXE machines are built in the great state of Kansas and widely considered the best spraywashers, hot tanks and parts tumblers money can buy. Their hot tanks combine high-temperature cleaning with powerful agitation systems to provide exceptional cleaning results for engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmission cases, and other automotive components.

How AXE Hot Tanks Work

The agitation system is an endless cycle that propels the heated solution down an agitation trough for a high turbulent agitation that produces great cleaning results. Agitation is achieved by water being drawn down through the grate and into the pump tank; the heavy duty impeller that is attached to the electric motor then pushes the water down and out of a trough in the bottom for continuous circulation and cleaning action.

Key Design Features

Complete Insulation

All tanks come completely insulated for high heat retention, which improves energy efficiency and maintains consistent cleaning temperatures.

Reinforced Construction

All tanks are designed with reinforced channels to eliminate any bulging, ensuring long-term durability under high-temperature operations.

V-Bottom Design

Like all AXE Equipment cleaning machines, hot tanks include a V-bottom floor for easy clean out, simplifying maintenance and solution changes.

Spring-Loaded Lids

High quality hot tanks use a spring loaded lid for ease of loading and unloading heavy components.

Standard Model Lineup

AT-10 Agitating Hot Tank (100 Gallons)

  • Capacity: 100 gallons
  • Inside Dimensions: 24" x 36" x 20" deep
  • Power: 110V electric motor for agitation impeller
  • Heating: 5000 watt, 220V single phase electric heater (gas not available)
  • Best For: Cleaning engine blocks, cylinder heads, oil pans, and many other cleaning related items
  • Features: Exclusive impeller design creates remarkable agitation, completely insulated for great heat retention
  • Application: Small to medium automotive repair shops, entry-level rebuilding operations

AT-20 Agitating Hot Tank (200 Gallons)

  • Capacity: 200 gallons
  • Inside Dimensions: 30" x 48" x 24" deep
  • Best For: Cleaning passenger car and light duty diesel engine blocks, cylinder heads, oil pans
  • Heating Options: Available in gas or electric heat
  • Features: Spring-loaded lid, complete insulation
  • Application: Medium-sized automotive shops, light diesel applications

AT-25 Agitating Hot Tank (250 Gallons)

  • Capacity: 250 gallons
  • Inside Dimensions: 30" x 48" x 30" deep
  • Best For: Similar applications to AT-20 but with increased depth capacity
  • Heating Options: Available in gas or electric heat
  • Features: Enhanced capacity for taller components
  • Application: Shops handling varied component sizes

AT-35 Agitating Hot Tank (350 Gallons)

  • Capacity: 350 gallons
  • Inside Dimensions: 36" x 60" x 30" deep inside tank dimension
  • Features: Large 36" x 60" inside tank capacity along with a spring loaded lid for easy loading and unloading
  • Best For: Larger diesel engines, heavy-duty components, high-volume operations
  • Application: Diesel rebuild shops, heavy equipment repair facilities

AT-85 Heavy-Duty Hot Tank

  • Inside Dimensions: 36" x 120" inside tank capacity
  • Agitation System: Four heavy duty impellers that are attached to electric motors
  • Features: Multiple impeller design for enhanced agitation
  • Best For: Very large components, production cleaning operations
  • Application: Large diesel rebuild facilities, industrial cleaning operations

Optional Equipment and Accessories

Baskets and Lifting Equipment

Optional accessories include baskets with lift bars, small parts baskets, and side mounted hoists

Available Accessories:

  • Heavy-duty parts baskets with lift bars
  • Small parts baskets for bolts, valves, and hardware
  • Side-mounted hoists for handling heavy components
  • Custom fixtures for specific applications

Capacity and Size Selection Guide

Model Capacity Inside Dimensions Best Application
AT-10 100 gallons 24" x 36" x 20" Small engines, cylinder heads
AT-20 200 gallons 30" x 48" x 24" Passenger car engines, light diesel
AT-25 250 gallons 30" x 48" x 30" Taller components, varied sizes
AT-35 350 gallons 36" x 60" x 30" Large diesel engines, heavy-duty
AT-85 Large capacity 36" x 120" x depth varies Production operations, very large components

Heating Options

Electric Heat

  • Standard on AT-10 (5000 watt, 220V single phase)
  • Available on AT-20, AT-25, and larger models
  • Consistent temperature control
  • Clean operation, no combustion byproducts

Gas Heat

  • Available on AT-20, AT-25, and larger models (not available on AT-10)
  • Lower operating costs in many areas
  • Faster heat-up times
  • Requires proper ventilation and gas connections

Buying Considerations

1. Component Size Requirements

  • Measure your largest typical components (length, width, height)
  • Consider clearance needed for loading/unloading
  • Account for future growth in component sizes

2. Volume and Throughput

  • Daily cleaning volume
  • Batch size requirements
  • Simultaneous cleaning needs
  • Production schedule demands

3. Facility Requirements

  • Available floor space
  • Electrical capacity (220V for most models)
  • Gas line availability (if choosing gas heat)
  • Ventilation requirements
  • Drainage and solution disposal

4. Budget Considerations

  • Initial equipment cost
  • Installation expenses
  • Operating costs (electricity vs. gas)
  • Chemical and solution costs
  • Maintenance requirements

5. Application-Specific Needs

  • Automotive Repair: AT-10 or AT-20 typically sufficient
  • Light Diesel: AT-20 or AT-25 recommended
  • Heavy Diesel: AT-35 or larger required
  • Production Operations: AT-85 or custom solutions

Custom Solutions

AXE Equipment offers several models of Agitating Hot Tanks with capacities from 100 gallons to 1200 gallons. Custom Tanks are Available on Request. Custom options include:

  • Non-standard dimensions
  • Special capacity requirements
  • Unique heating configurations
  • Application-specific modifications

Installation and Maintenance

Installation Requirements

  • Adequate electrical supply (110V and 220V)
  • Gas connections (for gas-heated models)
  • Proper ventilation system
  • Chemical storage and handling area
  • Drainage for solution disposal

Maintenance Benefits

  • V-bottom design for easy cleanout
  • Complete insulation reduces energy costs
  • Reinforced construction minimizes repairs
  • Heavy-duty impeller systems for reliability

Model Selection Decision Tree

  1. Start with largest component dimensions → Eliminates models that are too small
  2. Evaluate daily volume needs → Determines if standard or production capacity needed
  3. Consider heating preference → Electric vs. gas based on utility costs and availability
  4. Factor in growth plans → Choose slightly larger capacity than current minimum needs
  5. Budget and space constraints → Final selection within acceptable parameters

Final Recommendations

For Small Automotive Shops

  • AT-10: Perfect entry-level solution for cylinder heads and smaller components
  • Compact footprint, electric-only operation simplifies installation

For General Automotive Rebuilding

  • AT-20 or AT-25: Ideal balance of capacity and efficiency
  • Choose AT-25 if you handle taller components regularly

For Diesel and Heavy Equipment

  • AT-35: Necessary capacity for large diesel blocks and heavy-duty components
  • Multiple heating options for operational flexibility

For Production Operations

  • AT-85 or Custom: Maximum capacity and multiple impeller agitation
  • Consider custom solutions for unique requirements

AXE Equipment's 40+ years of manufacturing experience ensures reliable, efficient cleaning solutions. Contact us today to determine the optimal model configuration for your specific applications and facility requirements.