Fryer User Manual
HIGH EFFICIENCY DECATHLON SERIES GAS FRYERS 
CHAPTER 1: SERVICE PROCEDURES 
1-35 
1.8.7  Improper Basket Lift Function 
Bell-Crank Basket Lifts 
Most High Efficiency Decathlon Series gas fryers are 
equipped with a bell-crank style basket lift. A cam and a 
bell crank are connected to the basket lift arm by a flat metal 
link. The cam is attached to a drive motor. The motor rotates 
the cam, raising or lowering the lift arm linked to the bell 
crank. A roller-activated microswitch is used to limit travel.  
When the roller in the microswitch is in contact with the cam, 
the motor is energized. As the cam rotates, the roller loses 
contact with the cam and the motor power circuit is broken, 
de-energizing the motor. 
Timing circuitry in the controller initiates and stops 
basket lift operation. When the product button is pressed, 
the timing circuitry activates a coil in the basket lift relay 
to supply power to the motor. The microswitch stops the 
motor at the lift’s lower travel limit and the switch 
contacts are reversed. At the end of the programmed 
cooking time, the timing circuit activates the coil once 
more and the lift rises until the microswitch again loses 
contact with the cam, opening the motor power circuit and 
stopping the motor. 
Problems with the bell-crank basket lift system can be 
grouped into two categories: 
•  binds and jams or 
•  motor and gear wear. 
Binds and jams. Noisy, jerky, or erratic lift movement is 
usually due to lack of lubrication. Apply a light coat of 
Lubriplate or similar lightweight white grease to the 
connection points to correct the problem. 
Motor Problems. If power is reaching the motor but the 
motor fails to run, the motor is burned out and must be 
replaced. 
Back view of bell-crank basket lift. 
Bell-crank basket-lift arms. 










