Hi, I’ve got an older Norwalk 260 that I’ve taken off the shelf and intend to begin using again. Thing is, I’m not sure if the pressure being exerted is up to factory level. Literature talks about carrot pulp being dry as sawdust when the press is finished. My machine will compress things, but definitely does not extract all the liquid, as the pulp is still quite wet when done.

Is there an easy way to test the pressure being exerted by the press? If it is not up to factory levels, any ideas on what to do next? The machine has never leaked hydraulic fluid while I’ve owned it.

Thanks, Robert

Hello Robert, I would suggest that you speak with norwalk service. They are quite helpful. I would check that the belt is not slipping ..You can view it perhaps through the vent holes or with the left panel open. But if you are not mechanically inclined ask the service dept. Also. check that the press lever is tight on the shaft. ,Usually when pressing full on the juicer frame will flex slightly and again when you release the pressure. For myself I often use some dense styrofoam insulation to see the press functioning. I use a piece which fits the pan and is not too small. Let us know how you do..paul

1) does it make noise if the belt is slipping? I don’t notice flexing on my new 270S.

2) my machine does leave wet pulp if not kept at max pressure for 8-10 seconds. Isn’t it normal to have wet pulp if not kept at max long enough?

3) in my experience, carrot pulp tends to be dry while green pulp tends to be slightly wetter. I usually keep the pulp in a large pyrex measuring cup and repress it for a 2nd time after I’m done juicing. I notice that on the 2nd press, the carrot pulp gives very little juice while the greens tend to have a bit more. Is this your experience?

4) one tip: if I press in short intervals (rather than one long press) it tends to get more juice out of the pulp. I press up to max until the initial gush of juice slows, then let off the pressure for several seconds, then press up to max again, and so forth. several cycles is enough.

I have not noticed noise if the belt is slipping. It is a point to check if one has press problems. I have owned 5×270’s and they all flex slightly under full pressure. in fact all of the norwalk models i have owned have flexed while pressing on full except when there has been a press problem ie lack of oil .. There is an audible sound change (you can hear the pressure building). Then when you release the pressure there is an unflexing of the frame and usually I hear a release sound some where. I agree that you will have wetter pulp if the press has not pressed full long enough. My routine sort of similar is to press slowly and add pressure in increments. finally pressing fully for at least 10-12 seconds. Sometimes I reposition the bags to get a better press. Your suggestion is similar. also, as i have mentioned before i sometimes wet down the pulp of some greens and repress to get the most out of the pulp sort of rinsing it with spring water. you know that the life blood; the vitality of the plants is there in the pulp. So why not get the most out you can. If you call Norwalk and ask to speak to john in service, he may be able to help troubleshoot any concerns you may be having.

Paul – thanks for your input. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us newbies just getting started.

Something weird happened to my norwalk tonight. Just juicing as usual when while at max for about 7 seconds, it suddenly ‘broke looose’ and maxed out even more. The press suddenly went up even further about 1/8 inch and the frame flexed and another gush of juice! The accompanying motor sound changed as if even more loaded than before. Ever since this change, I’ve been getting more juice, drier pulp, and frame flexing.

This seems to show that my norwalk was probably not pressing at max before tonight (we’ve used it about 10 times so far). Whatever made it break lose, its now at the ‘real’ max. I am now even more impressed with what the norwalk can do.

Your comment about having owned 5 norwalks sure begs the question: why so many? Did you wear them out?

Huh!! interesting experience. Glad you are having positive experiences. I have actually owned at least 17 Norwalks. I have collected them over the years. The design is from an era when american made really meant something ..of quality. I started with a 150 model (2 separate units the press was a manual one0. Then I got a new 235 and then a 265 and then really got into rebuilding them. I would find at estate sales and they were missing parts and had leaks etc. I loved tearing them right down to the bottom plate and cleaning them up and making them look and run as new. A couple of years ago I needed to simplify my life a bit and get some more space and these units are heavy to move around. I got tired of having juicers arrive damaged from shipping. so, i sold off most of my collection and then I could not resist picking up a few more. Now I have 3 and am working on an idea to lease of rent juicers out to patients similar to the way a musical instrument store rents out their equipment. It may become a win/win situation. The patient and family does not need to put out the high amount of money yet can use the juicer for a fee. If they want to buy later I would apply most of their fees towards buying the juicer. It is just in the formative stage at this time. I never have worn out a norwalk. I have had some oil leaks and bearing issues through the years. I like the 265 and 270 series for the work I am doing but even the 235s ..I have owned 3. They are excellent machines if you you find one in good shape. I used a 235 for many years at home. One of my best friends just a week ago found out that his vision problems and headaches were being caused by a tumor in the brain… they sent hem home to put his affairs in order and prepare himself and his family for his death. So he came to me for help with his juice program. He has bought himself a omega to use at home so that he can participate more in his own health program. i have increased my juice making to help fill some of his need for juice when he is tired etc. I suggest that as you and other readers begin to realize health benefits from juicing that you share your experiences and your juice with your friends. Turn them on to a real high. Show them that they still have time to change their direction. They can make a difference in their life and begin to improve their health.