AXE Equipment Tumble Cleaners

AXE Equipment Parts Tumbler Buying Guide

Introduction

For over 40 years, AXE Equipment has been manufacturing cleaning equipment for automotive engine rebuilders, transmission shops and industries across the globe. AXE machines are built in the great state of Kansas and widely considered the best spraywashers, hot tanks and parts tumblers money can buy.

"Absolutely the most durable, productive Tumble Cleaners in the industry." AXE parts tumblers provide an automated solution for cleaning small parts like valves, springs, nuts, bolts, and brackets without the labor-intensive process of wire brushing or hand cleaning.

How AXE Parts Tumblers Work

Forget about wire wheels, or hand cleaning small parts such as valves, springs, nuts, bolts, small brackets and many other parts. Its simple, load your parts into the tumbler basket, place basket inside tumbler cradle, set the timer and walk away. While you are doing other income producing tasks, the tumbler does the cleaning work automatically.

All AXE Tumble Cleaner baskets use a combination of perforated sheet & heavy gauge metal; this combination allows cleaning liquids to remain in the basket with media while tumbling inside the machine.

Key Design Features

Containment System

All AXE Equipment Tumble Cleaners are designed with drip rails on the lid to keep solvents in the reservoir and not on the floor. It's clean, fast, and time saving.

Heavy-Duty Drive System

They also feature a heavy-duty sure flex coupler with gear motor.

Easy Maintenance

All AXE Equipment Tumble Cleaners are designed with a V-Bottom sludge collector and drain plug for easy servicing.

Durable Construction

Simple, reliable cleaning solution for small parts. AXE quality from top to bottom for years of trouble free service. Made in the USA (Coucil Grove, Kansas)

Model Lineup

AXE Equipment offers three models of tumble cleaners to meet different capacity and workflow requirements:

TB-10 Tumble Cleaner

  • Solution Capacity: 5 gallons
  • Basket Configuration: One removable 8" x 12" x 12" basket
  • Part Number: #20053
  • Best For: Small shops with moderate parts cleaning needs
  • Advantages:
    • Compact footprint
    • Lower solution volume reduces chemical costs
    • Single basket simplifies operation
  • Typical Applications:
    • Small automotive repair shops
    • Motorcycle repair
    • Small engine rebuild shops

TB-20 Tumble Cleaner

  • Solution Capacity: 10 gallons
  • Basket Configuration: Two removable 8" x 12" x 12" baskets
  • Part Number: #20053 (baskets)
  • Unique Feature: allows users to load parts at teardown location and return to cradle
  • Best For: Shops needing flexibility and higher throughput
  • Advantages:
    • Dual basket system for continuous workflow
    • Load one basket while the other is cleaning
    • Increased productivity through parallel processing
  • Typical Applications:
    • Medium-sized automotive shops
    • Transmission rebuild shops
    • Engine rebuild operations

TB-30 Tumble Cleaner

  • Solution Capacity: 10 gallons
  • Basket Configuration: One stationary 12" x 12" x 17" basket
  • Special Features: has a partition to separate work loads. Partition easily removes to accept work loads up to 120 lbs.
  • Maximum Capacity: 120 lbs when partition is removed
  • Best For: Large parts or high-volume operations
  • Advantages:
    • Largest basket capacity
    • Removable partition for versatility
    • Can handle heavier loads
  • Typical Applications:
    • Large automotive rebuilders
    • Diesel engine shops
    • Industrial parts cleaning

Basket Design and Construction

All AXE Tumble Cleaner baskets use a combination of perforated sheet with heavy gauge metal; this combination allows cleaning liquids to remain in basket with media while tumbling inside the machine.

Standard Basket Sizes

  • 8" x 12" x 12": Used in TB-10 and TB-20 models (removable)
  • 12" x 12" x 17": Used in TB-30 model (stationary with removable partition)

Basket Features

  • Heavy gauge metal construction for durability
  • Perforated design maintains solution contact
  • Removable design (TB-10, TB-20) for workflow flexibility
  • Partition system (TB-30) for load separation

Model Comparison Matrix

Model Solution Capacity Basket Size Basket Type Max Load Best Application
TB-10 5 gallons 8" x 12" x 12" 1 Removable Standard Small shops, low volume
TB-20 10 gallons 8" x 12" x 12" 2 Removable Standard Medium shops, flexible workflow
TB-30 10 gallons 12" x 12" x 17" 1 Stationary + Partition 120 lbs Large shops, heavy loads

Buying Considerations

1. Volume Requirements

  • Low Volume: TB-10 with single basket and 5-gallon capacity
  • Medium Volume: TB-20 with dual baskets for continuous operation
  • High Volume: TB-30 with large capacity and heavy load capability

2. Workflow Preferences

  • Simple Operation: TB-10 single basket system
  • Flexible Workflow: TB-20 dual removable baskets allow loading at teardown location
  • Batch Processing: TB-30 with partition for separating different part types

3. Part Size and Weight

  • Standard Small Parts: All models handle valves, springs, nuts, bolts
  • Medium Parts: TB-30's larger basket accommodates bigger components
  • Heavy Loads: TB-30 can handle up to 120 lbs when partition is removed

4. Space and Installation

  • Compact Operations: TB-10 requires less floor space and solution storage
  • Standard Shops: TB-20 and TB-30 require similar floor space
  • Solution Storage: Consider chemical storage for 5-gallon vs 10-gallon capacity

5. Chemical Usage and Costs

  • Lower Operating Costs: TB-10's 5-gallon capacity uses less solvent
  • Higher Throughput: TB-20 and TB-30's 10-gallon capacity support more intensive use
  • Solution Life: Larger capacity generally provides longer solution life

Optional Equipment and Accessories

Media Options

  • Cleaning media compatible with tumbling action
  • Various media types for different cleaning requirements
  • Media sizing appropriate for perforated basket design

Chemical Solutions

  • Compatible with various cleaning solvents
  • Environmentally safe cleaning solutions available
  • Specialized solutions for different contaminant types

Installation Requirements

Electrical

  • Standard electrical connections for motor operation
  • Timer controls for automated operation cycles

Ventilation

  • Adequate ventilation for solvent vapors
  • Proper exhaust system recommended

Maintenance Access

  • Space for accessing V-bottom sludge collector
  • Drain plug accessibility for solution changes
  • Basket removal clearance (TB-10, TB-20)

Maintenance and Service

Easy Servicing Features

  • V-Bottom sludge collector and drain plug for easy servicing
  • Drip rails minimize floor contamination
  • Heavy-duty construction reduces maintenance frequency

Routine Maintenance

  • Regular solution changes
  • Sludge collector cleaning
  • Drive system inspection
  • Basket inspection and cleaning

Final Recommendations

For Small Automotive Shops

TB-10: Perfect entry-level solution with 5-gallon capacity and single removable basket. Ideal for shops with limited space and moderate small parts cleaning needs.

For Growing Operations

TB-20: Best balance of flexibility and capacity with dual removable baskets allowing continuous workflow. Perfect for shops wanting to load parts at teardown location and maximize productivity.

For High-Volume Operations

TB-30: Maximum capacity with 12" x 12" x 17" basket and 120 lb load capability. The removable partition system allows both separated cleaning of different part types and full capacity for large loads.

"Absolutely the most durable, productive Tumble Cleaners in the industry" - AXE Equipment's 40+ years of manufacturing experience ensures reliable, efficient parts cleaning solutions that will provide years of trouble-free service.

Contact us today to determine the optimal model configuration for your specific applications, workflow requirements, and facility constraints.