ACS Marathon Series Specification sheet

Operation and Installation Manual
Marathon Series
Beside-the-Press Granulators
8” x 10” •8” x 14” •8” x 18”
10” x 12” •10” x 16” Cutting Chambers
Important! Read Carefully Before Attempting to Install or Operate Equipment
Part No. 20050-0002-00

Page 2 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
Write down the following number(s) here for future reference:
Model no. Serial no. Identification no. PO no.
1) _____________ _______________ _______________ _______________
2) _____________ _______________ _______________ _______________
3) _____________ _______________ _______________ _______________
ACS Group is committed to a continuing program of product improvement.
Specifications, appearance, and dimensions described in this manual
are subject to change without notice.
© Copyright ACS Group 2021
All rights reserved. Effective 8/29/2019
Part No. 20050-0002-00 Revision B Bulletin No. NE2-650.1

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 3
- Notes -

Page 4 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
ACS Group Warranty Information
Thank you for your purchase of your new Marathon Series granulator. We are confident that
you’ll have excellent results and trouble-free operation with this machine.
When the machine arrives at your plant, inspect it carefully for shipping damage before
uncrating, and report any damage immediately to your transportation company. All shipments
are FOB North Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
Customer Satisfaction Warranty Program for MarathonTM Series
Beside-the-Press Granulators
The terms and conditions of the warranty set forth are for two (2) years from the original date of
purchase by the original purchaser.
ACS Group warrants to the original purchaser the product and/or goods to which this disclaimer
is attached and manufactured by us to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL
OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES ON OUR PART.
This warranty shall not apply to any goods or product manufactured by us which has been
subject to accident, negligence, alteration of any kind, abuse or misuse. We further make no
warranty whatsoever in respect to accessories or parts not supplied by us. Any warranty of any
nature shall apply only to an “original purchaser” which shall be deemed to mean that person or
entity for whom the goods and/or product were originally ordered and installed.
We neither assume nor authorize any person to assume for us any liability in connection with the
sale or use of the products and goods sold hereunder and shall not be responsible for damages for
which a purchaser may be liable to other persons, damages to property, or injuries to any other
persons.
Our sole obligation under this warranty shall be limited to replacing, repairing, or exchanging
any part or parts of goods and/or products sold which we determine are defective under normal
use and service within two (2) years of date of installation by the original purchaser. We shall not
be liable for any loss or damage resulting directly or indirectly from the use or loss of the goods
and/or products purchased. In no event shall we be liable for any general, direct, consequential,
incidental or special damages of any kind.

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 5
ACS Group Warranty Information
We do not warrant any of our products that are installed in other machines or apparatus as
meeting requirements of any safety code of any nature. The purchaser assumes all risks and
liabilities resulting from the installation and use of product sold by us in combination with other
machines or apparatus.
We warrant our product to be the kind and quality quoted, and no other warranty except of title
shall be implied. Our company shall repair or replace, at our discretion, any manufactured item
on your Marathon Series granulator without charge FOB factory, within two (2) years after date
of original purchase, which is proved to be defective when shipped. Claims for labor or
consequential damages is not allowed.
Excluded from the above are knives, screens, and V-belts. Purchased items, including electrical
components, motors, etc., shall carry the warranty of the supplier and no extension of that
warranty will be allowed.
Refer to this manual for assistance in installing and maintaining a highly efficient machine.
Questions regarding areas that are not covered in the manual should be referred to the Customer
Service Manager at the factory. Additional ACS Group warranty information is listed on the
inside back cover of this manual.

Page 6 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
Safety Considerations
ACS Group Marathon Series beside-the-press granulators are designed to provide safe and
reliable operation when installed and operated within design specifications, following national
and local safety codes.
To avoid possible personnel injury or equipment damage when installing, operating, or
maintaining this equipment, use good judgment and follow these safe practices:
LEARN AND OBEY YOUR COMPANY’S SAFETY POLICY REGARDING
GRANULATING EQUIPMENT.
Moving or lifting the granulator: Although our equipment is built and engineered for great
ruggedness of operation, care must be taken when moving the machine along the floor or
when lifting it. Damage may occur to sheet metal covers, electrical cabinets, or small
brackets if pressure is applied to them when moving the granulator. When lifting the
granulator, be certain of total machine weight and the capability of the lifting equipment (see
the Granulator Specification Sheets –Figure 1, for machine weights and dimensions).
Granulator location: Provide adequate area for routine maintenance for opening the
machine for knife, screen, or cleanout service. Proper service area clearances also allow
people who are working on the machine to be clearly visible to others, thereby reducing
potential safety hazards.
Safe housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and uncluttered to allow personnel safe
movement around the granulator during periods of operation or maintenance. No hand or
power tools should be left on or about the machine. Any tools or other metal objects which
mistakenly fall into the hopper feed opening can cause severe damage to internal screen
chamber and cutting chamber components.
SAFETY GLASSES OR A FACE Shield MUST ALWAYS BE WORN when operating
or servicing the machine. Although our machines are designed for the maximum in flyback
control, caution must be used when operating near the area of the hopper feed opening in
order to guard against unexpected material flyback.
EAR protection may be required when operating the machine during granulation of very
hard/noisy materials. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 has established
guidelines for Permissible Noise Exposures (OSHA 1910.95) that should be followed.

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 7
Safety Considerations
NEVER attempt to operate the granulator unless it is FULLY ASSEMBLED with all guards
and interlocks in place and functional.
Observe all DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and safety labels on the equipment.
Upon completion of any machine maintenance, be certain ALL SAFETY GUARDS AND
Covers ARE SECURELY AND PROPERLY FASTENED prior to resuming machine
operation. All fasteners must be in place and properly tightened. ANY SHORTCUTS MAY
RESULT IN INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT.
Never wear any loose fitting clothes, neckties, or dangling items such as earrings, belts, or
shoestrings. Jewelry such as wristwatches, bracelets, or rings should never be worn. Long
hair must be tied back or placed within a tight fitting hairnet. Never lean against or rest
hand/feet on the granulator when it is in operation or opened for maintenance. Never stand on
the granulator when it is in operation.
Rotation of motors: All rotating items in the granulator are clearly marked on the machine.
Always check for proper rotation of motors.
Electrical grounding: All electrical equipment on the granulator must be grounded in
accordance to all local codes and Article 250 of the National Electric Code.
ALWAYS DISCONNECT AND LOCK OUT THE MAIN ELECTRICAL POWER TO
THE GRANULATOR BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE.
SAFETY interlocks MUST NOT BE BYPASSED. The mechanical and electrical safety
interlocks ensure the safety of personnel. They should never be tampered with or removed
for ANY reason. Interlocks should be checked frequently by a qualified mechanic for proper
operation.
NEVER modify the machine configuration or any individual component without written
consent from our company.
For further information on granulator safety, installation, and operation, see the American
National Standard for Plastics Machinery - Granulators, Pelletizers, and Dicers used for Size
Reduction of Plastics - Construction, Care, and Use. ANSI B151.11 - 1982.
Safety is no accident!

Page 8 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
Table of Contents
1General Information...............................................11
1-1 Introduction
1-2 Necessary Documents
1-3 Models Covered
1-4 Standard Features
1-5 Available Options
2Shipping Information.............................................17
2-1 Unpacking and Inspection
2-2 In the Event of Shipping Damages
2-3 If the Shipment is Not Complete
2-4 If the Shipment is Not Correct
2-5 Returns
2-6 Uncrating Your Granulator
3Installation ..............................................................19
3-1 Placing and Installing Your Granulator
3-2 Inspecting and Cleaning Granulator Components
3-3 Completing the Installation of Your Granulator
3-4 Electrical Considerations

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 9
Table of Contents
4General Operation..................................................27
4-1 Pre-Operational Checklist
4-2 Pneumatic Evacuation Systems Checklist
4-3 Granulator Operation
4-4 Cleaning Out the Cutting Chamber
4-5 Restarting Considerations
5Maintenance ...........................................................31
5-1 Maintaining Belts
5-2 Replacing Chains
5-3 Lubrication Specifications and Considerations
5-4 Knife Recommendations and Adjustments
5-5 Removing and Replacing Screens
5-6 Adjusting Bin Level Monitor Sensitivity
5-7 Recommended Spare Parts List
6Troubleshooting.....................................................41
6-1 Troubleshooting Marathon Granulators
6-2 Troubleshooting Fan and Evacuation Systems

Page 10 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
Charts and Figures
1
Typical Marathon Series Specifications and Dimensions
15
2
Typical Marathon Series Electrical Wiring Diagram
24
3
Typical Marathon Series Electrical Subpanel
25
4
Belt Deflection Forces
32
5
Recommended Grease Product Names
33
6
Correct Feeler Gauge Usage
35
7
Recommended Torque for Knife Bolts in Foot-Pounds
and Newton-Meters
38
8
Customer-Recommended Spare Parts List
41

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 11
1 General Information
1-1 Introduction
Marathon Series beside-the-press granulators are designed to uniformly and consistently size-
reduce solid material scrap. They have been engineered to consistently deliver clean granulate
with a minimum of fines.
The rotor on which the cutting knives are mounted is a fabricated steel unit supported by
bearings mounted outside the cutting chamber. The rotor is driven by a motor capable of
producing high torque loads. The granulator is equipped with a magnetic starter protected by
manually resettable overload heaters. The slanted rotor knives and counter-slanted bed knives
produce a scissors cutting action, reducing the possibility of jamming in the cutting chamber.
Motors are individually fused for maximum protection in compliance with the National Electric
Code. The control enclosure houses all of the necessary wiring, fuses, overload heaters, and
motor starter coils, along with the 115 V control transformer and granulator operating controls.
The control enclosure is built to meet NEC regulations.
1-2 Necessary Documents
Use this manual as a guide and reference for installing, operating, and maintaining your
Marathon Series granulator. The purpose is to assist you in applying efficient, proven techniques
that enhance equipment productivity.
This introduction includes a brief functional description, a physical description, and machine
specifications for these granulators. Additional sections within the manual provide instructions
for installation, pre-operational procedures, operation, preventative maintenance, and corrective
maintenance.
Installation instructions include all required data for receiving, unpacking, inspecting, and setup
of the granulator. Also included are illustrations that will aid in using techniques to accomplish
these tasks efficiently. For a nominal charge, we provide the assistance of a factory-trained
technician who helps train your operator(s).
Pre-operational procedures include instructions, checks, and adjustments that should be followed
before commencing with operation of the granulator. These instructions are intended to
supplement standard shop procedures performed at shift, daily, and weekly intervals.

Page 12 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
The Operation chapter includes a description of electrical and mechanical controls, in addition to
information for operating the granulator safely and efficiently.
The Maintenance chapter is intended to serve as a source of detailed assembly and disassembly
instructions for those areas of the equipment requiring service. Preventive maintenance sections
are included to ensure that your Marathon Series granulator provides excellent, long service. The
Customer-Recommended Spare Parts section in the Maintenance chapter contains a partial list of
customer-recommended spare parts that may require replacement. Refer to this section for a
listing of spare parts for purchase. Have your serial and model number ready when ordering.
The Troubleshooting chapter serves as a guide for identification and location of most common
problems. Potential problems are listed along with possible causes and related solutions.
Safety Symbols Used in This Manual
The following are safety alert symbols. They are used to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow these symbols to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, directly results in
death or serious injury. DANGER appears in RED.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury. WARNING appears in ORANGE.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided may result in
minor or moderate injury, or in property damage. CAUTION appears in YELLOW.
1-3 Models Covered
Marathon Series models covered in this manual have cutting chamber sizes of 8” x 10”, 8” x 14”,
8” x 18”, 10” x 12”, and 10” x 16”. Information found in this manual address questions and
concerns relating to the major sub-assemblies of the granulator.
1-4 Standard Features
Standard features of the Marathon Series granulators are:
•410 rpm rotor speed
•230 or 460 voltage
•Three-blade open/solid rotor

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 13
•Solid flywheel drive sheave
•Totally-enclosed fan-cooled motor (TEFC)
•Side hopper clean-out door (patent pending)
•NEMA 1 drop-down front-access electrical enclosure
•Multiple start-stop control buttons mounted on either side of the hopper
•Front-access bed knife adjusting system
•Double-walled construction on the hopper and base
•D2 knives; selection of 40º or 50º tip angles
•Ultra-light static-reducing manual bin
•Dual time delay safety switches to interlock hopper and cutting chamber
•Mounted ratcheting opening tool to open the cutting chamber
•Selection of reversible Corten™ drilled screens: 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2”, and 5/8” available
•Two (2) locking, two (2) swivel casters
1-5 Available Options
Available standard options for Marathon Series granulators include:
•Alternative rotor speeds: 590 rpm, 250 rpm, 150 rpm, 125 rpm
•Alternative rotors: Staggered rotor, 2-blade open, 3- or 5-blade solid
•Alternate feed chutes: front robot/conveyor, rear robot/long part, or long part
•Alternative voltages: 208/3/60, 380/3/50, 415/3/50, 575/3/60
•Rotor deflectors
•Vacuum bin conversion: vacuum insert with 360ovacuum take-off spout
•Fan transition
•Bin level-sensing proximity switch and light
•Ammeter; signals amperage draw on motor
•Additional set of 40oor 50otip angle knives
•Additional set of staggered knives
•Carbide coating for 40oor 50oor staggered rotor knives
•Additional Corten™ drilled screens; specify 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2”, or 5/8”

Page 14 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
•Stainless steel screens; specify 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2”, or 5/8”
•Carbide coating for CortenTM drilled screens
•Front manual feed hinged door for noise reduction
•Regal sound enclosure
•Zero speed switch with alarm light; senses rotation of granulator rotor. If the rotor slows,
the switch shuts off the motor to prevent belt burnout.
•Hardfaced welding of cutting chamber and rotor
•AR400 screen chamber plates

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 15
Figure 1
Typical Marathon Series Specifications and Dimensions
Marathon
Cutting
Available
Rotor
Cutting
Open
Approx.
Bin capa-
Average
model
chamber
motor hp
knives /
circle
screen area
thruput
city, cu. ft.
machine
numbers
size
5 hp
7.5 hp
10 hp
15 hp
bed knives
in.
sq. in. 
lbs./hr.
man.
vac.
weight
MV810
8” x 10”
✓
✓
Not
available
3 / 2
8.39”
39”
123 lbs.
1.20
0.35
810 lbs.
MV814
8” x 14”
✓
✓
3 / 2
8.39”
55”
172 lbs.
1.40
0.40
950 lbs.
MV818
8” x 18”
✓
✓
3 / 2
8.39”
70”
221 lbs.
1.90
0.50
1,100 lbs.
MV1012
10” x 12”
N / A
✓
✓
✓
3 / 2
10.50”
65”
257 lbs.
1.40
0.40
1,120 lbs.
MV1016
10” x 16”
✓
✓
✓
3 / 2
10.50”
87”
340 lbs.
1.90
0.50
1,300 lbs.
Per SPI testing specifications.
EF
C
B
A
G
D
Dimensions in inches 
Long
Machine
Robot/
Floor-mount
Marathon
part
height with-
Manual
conveyor
Total
Total
Total
Width,
Machine
fan hole hgt.
model
infeed
out chutes
infeed
infeed
depth
width
height
door
open
from floor
numbers
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
open
depth
(centerline)
MV810
59.5”
58.3”
48.9”
58.6”
37.2”
22.1”
71.6”
36.9”
62.1”
8.1”
MV814
59.5”
58.3”
48.9”
58.6”
37.2”
26.1”
71.6”
40.9”
62.1”
8.1”
MV818
59.5”
58.3”
48.9”
58.6”
37.2”
30.1”
71.6”
44.9”
62.1”
8.1”
MV1012
63.6”
61.5
50.5”
61.9”
45.0”
24.2”
76.0”
40.7”
67.5”
8.1”
MV1016
63.6”
61.5
50.5”
61.9”
45.0”
28.2”
76.0”
44.7”
67.5”
8.1”
To calculate cm, multiply by 2.54.

Page 16 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
- Notes -

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 17
2 Shipping Information
2-1 Unpacking and Inspection
You should inspect your ACS Group Marathon Series beside-the-press granulator for possible
shipping damage. If the container and packing materials are in re-usable condition, save them for
reshipment if necessary.
Thoroughly check the equipment for any damage that might have occurred in transit, such as
broken or loose wiring and components, loose hardware and mounting screws, etc. In case of
breakage, damage, shortage, or incorrect shipment, refer to the following sections.
2-2 In the Event of Shipping Damages
Important!
According to the contract terms and conditions of the Carrier,
the responsibility of the Shipper ends at the time and place of shipment.
The Carrier then assumes full responsibility of the shipment.
Notify the transportation company’s local agent if you discover damage.
Hold the damaged goods and packing material for the examining agent’s inspection. Do not
return any goods to ACS Group before the transportation company inspection and
authorization.
File a claim against the transportation company. Substantiate the claim by referring to the
agent’s report. A certified copy of our invoice is available upon request. The original Bill of
Lading is attached to our original invoice. If the shipment was prepaid, write us for a
receipted transportation bill.
Advise ACS Group regarding your request for replacement and to obtain an RMA
(return material authorization) number.
2-3 If the Shipment is Not Complete
Check the packing list. The apparent shortage may be intentional. Back-ordered items are noted
on the packing list. You should have:
ACS Group Marathon Series beside-the-press granulator
Bill of lading
Packing list
Operating and Installation packet

Page 18 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
Electrical schematic and panel layout drawings
Component instruction manuals
Re-inspect the container and packing material to see if you missed any smaller items during
unpacking. Determine that the item was not inadvertently taken from the area before you
checked in the shipment. Notify ACS Group immediately of the shortage.
2-4 If the Shipment is Not Correct
If the shipment is not what you ordered, contact ACS Group immediately at 262-641-8600.
Include the order number and item. Hold the items until you receive shipping instructions.
2-5 Returns
Important!
Do not return any damaged or incorrect items
until you receive shipping instructions from ACS Group
2-6 Uncrating Your Granulator
Prepare in advance the site you’ve selected for installation of the granulator. Be certain that the
area to be occupied by the machine is clean, level, and free of obstructions. The site you’ve
selected must have a floor rated to adequately support the weight of the machine. A concrete
floor of 4” (10.2 cm) minimum thickness is recommended.
Your Marathon Series granulator is mounted on wooden skids, then blocked and banded to
secure it for shipment. All non-painted items subject to corrosion are coated with a quality rust
preventative, and the machine is covered with heavy duty polyethylene to protect it from
moisture and dirt. Granulators are normally shipped completely assembled unless the size of the
machine or an agreement for special shipping arrangements prompts partial assembly.
If inspection after shipment has revealed no shipping damage, unpack the unit by removing the
polyethylene protective covering and banding. Remove the envelope attached to the machine that
contains the Parts list, assembly drawings, electrical schematics, and a copy of this manual.
You can now have the machine lifted from the skid. A forklift is ideal for the purpose, but take
care to properly position the forks between the casters or feet from the front side of the
machine.
!CAUTION
Do not attempt to lift the granulator by means of any
shaft or protruding member, ESPECIALLY THE HOPPER.

ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators Page 19
3 Installation
This chapter contains all instructions required for experienced installation personnel to install the
granulator and prepare it for production. You must follow all instructions carefully and in the
sequence presented. Be sure to observe all DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE
statements to prevent personal injury or machine damage. These statements are designed to make
installation procedures safe and easy.
3-1 Placing and Installing Your Granulator
1. Make certain the floor is clean, level, and free of obstructions before placing the machine
into position.
2. Visually inspect the hopper in-feed opening to ensure that no stray packing material or
debris is present.
3. Open the machine using the ratcheting tool already attached to the bolt that closes the
cutting chamber. By working the ratcheting tool clockwise, the bolt holding the cutting
chamber closed loosens. The actuator of the red time delay safety switch must be
loosened to open the cutting chamber. Note that the time delay safety switch is
positioned behind the cutting chamber at the back of the machine. Apply lifting
pressure to the hopper to swing the machine up and back into the fully open position.
4. Open the door to the front of the base. Pull out the bin to ensure it is empty. Spare parts
such as knives or screens (if ordered), are often placed inside the bin for shipping
purposes.
Note: In the extreme open position, the machine is designed to remain open without the use of
any devices. However, a safety latch has been provided to prevent accidental closure of
the machine.
The safety latch is located on the right side of the cutting chamber and should always be
checked to verify that it has fallen into position to keep the machine securely opened.
!CAUTION
The edges of the cutting chamber and the chamber
knives mounted on the rotor are EXTREMELY SHARP.
Always wear heavy gloves and exercise
care when working in the cutting chamber.

Page 20 ACS GROUP Marathon Series Beside-the-Press Granulators
3-2 Inspecting and Cleaning Granulator Components
1. Remove the screen from the screen chamber and wipe it clean. Carefully set the screen
aside. When you have the screen out of the machine, make sure you always stand it
upright on its side. Keep the wide surface area of the screen from touching the ground or
other surfaces. Wipe the inside of the screen chamber clean.
2. Carefully inspect the interior of the cutting chamber for foreign material or debris. Slowly
and carefully turn the rotor by hand to verify that it rotates freely without obstruction.
Make sure that the rotor does not make any contact with bed knives. Wipe the inside
of the cutting chamber clean. Before closing the machine, carefully check to ensure that
nothing has been left inside the machine.
3. Place the screen back into its original position in the screen chamber before closing the
machine.
3-3 Completing the Installation of Your Granulator
1. Although the machine is designed to remain open without the use of the safety latch, you
may find the cutting chamber resting on the safety latch. While applying lifting pressure
to the hopper, swing the cutting chamber to its fully open position. The safety latch pull
lever is located on the right side of the machine, and should be pulled to disengage the
safety latch.
The cutting chamber can now be easily lowered to close the machine.
2. Securely close the machine by tightening the lock-down bolt at the front of the cutting
chamber using the ratcheting tool provided. By using the ratchet portion of the tool, you
can securely tighten the lock-down bolt. The threaded actuator of the cutting chamber
time delay safety switch must be re-engaged to make the electrical connection necessary
for the machine to run.
3. Open the sheave guard by removing the bolts attaching the guard to the sheave guard
backing plate. Check the belts for proper tension and alignment. Upon completion, close
the sheave guard by placing the cover back into position, then insert all the bolts
originally removed and tighten them fully.
4. Position and connect any optional accessory equipment such as fans, conveyors, and
separators. Ensure all tubing joints are securely clamped and supported.