Collection: AXE Equipment Hot Tanks

AXE Equipment Hot Tank Buying Guide

Get engine blocks, cylinder heads, and heavy components spotless with AXE Equipment's line of agitating hot tanks — built in Kansas and trusted by shops worldwide since 1982. AXE machines are widely considered the best hot tanks money can buy, combining high-temperature cleaning with powerful agitation to deliver exceptional results on engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmission cases, and other automotive components.

Not sure which model is right for your shop? Contact us — we're happy to help you find the perfect fit.

How AXE Hot Tanks Work

The agitation system is an endless cycle that propels the heated solution down an agitation trough for 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 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, improving energy efficiency and maintaining consistent cleaning temperatures.

Reinforced Construction

All tanks are designed with reinforced channels to eliminate 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 cleanout, 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: 5,000-watt, 220V single-phase electric heater (gas not available)
• Best For: Engine blocks, cylinder heads, oil pans, and other cleaning-related items
• 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
• Heating Options: Gas or electric
• Best For: Passenger car and light-duty diesel engine blocks, cylinder heads, oil pans
• 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
• Heating Options: Gas or electric
• Best For: Similar applications to AT-20 with increased depth 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
• Heating Options: Gas or electric
• Best For: Large 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"
• Agitation System: Four heavy-duty impellers attached to electric motors for maximum agitation
• Heating Options: Gas or electric
• Best For: Very large components, production-level cleaning operations
• Application: Large diesel rebuild facilities, industrial cleaning operations

Capacity & Size Selection Guide

Heating Options

Electric Heat

• Standard on AT-10 (5,000-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 and unloading
• Account for future growth in component sizes

2. Volume and Throughput

• Daily cleaning volume and 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 and drainage requirements

4. Budget Considerations

• Initial equipment cost and installation expenses
• Operating costs (electricity vs. gas)
• Chemical, solution, and maintenance costs

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

Optional Equipment & Accessories

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

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 is needed
3. Consider heating preference — electric vs. gas based on utility costs and availability
4. Factor in growth plans — choose slightly larger capacity than your 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 the AT-25 if you regularly handle taller components.

For Diesel and Heavy Equipment

• AT-35: Necessary capacity for large diesel blocks and heavy-duty components, with multiple heating options for operational flexibility.

For Production Operations

• AT-85 or Custom: Maximum capacity with multiple impeller agitation. Custom solutions available for unique requirements.

Custom Solutions

AXE Equipment offers agitating hot tanks with capacities from 100 gallons to 1,200 gallons. Custom tanks are available on request, including non-standard dimensions, special capacity requirements, unique heating configurations, and application-specific modifications.

Installation & 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 long-term reliability

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