# Hoshizaki KM-515MAJ: Used-Buy Risk, Repairs & What to Check | KitchenRisk

> Hoshizaki KM-515MAJ: the documented failures that actually cost money, and what to inspect before you buy used.

**Verdict:** inspect

used pricing varies; see sources. Biggest documented cost risk: Premature/early harvest cycles. Buy only after inspection.

**Documented failure risks:**
- Premature/early harvest cycles: Premature/early harvest cycles: most often caused by a faulty ice-thickness sensor or a control-board error signaling harvest too soon.
- Float switch sticking due to scale buildup: Float switch sticking due to scale buildup -- clean with ice-machine cleaner
- Harvest: Harvest-cycle failure causes (compressor-adjacent): open thermistor, TXV
- Water distribution tube is a known 3: Water distribution tube is a known 3-5 year wear item -- mineral deposits

## Sources
- [hoshizakiamerica.com](https://www.hoshizakiamerica.com/product/km-515maj/) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [acitydiscount.com](https://www.acitydiscount.com/Hoshizaki-KM-515MAJ-22in-Ice-Maker-435lb-Crescent-Cube-Ice-Machine-Air-Cooled.0.30592.1.1.htm) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [easyice.com](https://www.easyice.com/product/hoshizaki-km-515maj-slim-line-air-cooled-crescent-ice-machine/) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [icemachineclearance.com](https://www.icemachineclearance.com/refurbished-ice-machines/hoshizaki-km-515mah-certified-used-air-cooled) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [northbreezehvac.com](https://northbreezehvac.com/blog/hoshizaki-ice-machine-common-problems/) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [justanswer.com](https://www.justanswer.com/appliance/gsf42-hoshizaki-km-515maj-ice-machine-goes.html) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [homeguide.com](https://homeguide.com/costs/ice-maker-repair-or-replacement-cost) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [freezersupply.com](https://www.freezersupply.com/support/2040-commercial-ice-machine-repair-cost-average) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [comforplanet.com](https://comforplanet.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-replace-a-compressor-in-an-ice-machine/) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [partstown.com](https://www.partstown.com/hoshizaki/km-515maj/parts) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [circuitboardmedics.com](https://circuitboardmedics.com/hoshizaki-ice-makers/) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [katom.com](https://www.katom.com/learning-center/how-long-do-commercial-ice-machines-last.html) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [coolersinc.com](https://coolersinc.com/resource/how-long-should-a-commercial-ice-machine-last/) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [cpsc.gov](https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2010/commercial-ice-cube-machines-recalled-by-scotsman-due-to-fire-hazard) (accessed 2026-08-19)

_Last verified 2026-08-19. Source: KitchenRisk — https://kitchenrisk.com/models/hoshizaki-km-515maj/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._