One-piece funnel-adapter ring connection and motor-driven primary disk have proven more reliable

INDIANAPOLIS – In late summer 2023, Standard Change-Makers introduced a prototype of our new K5000 Series Hopper, a redesigned coin dispenser built for durability and efficiency. We sent test units to trusted distributors and high-traffic locations where hoppers frequently require repairs and replacements.

The initial testing provided valuable insights—while the prototypes performed well in most locations, we identified areas for improvement in both design and assembly. These refinements led to the K5000 Series Hopper’s key innovations: a one-piece funnel and adapter ring and an angled bottom, replacing the traditional two-piece design we’ve used for years.

In Q4 2023, we conducted a second round of prototype testing with enhanced molded parts and additional customer feedback. The results were overwhelmingly positive. After making a few final adjustments to our manufacturing process, we officially launched the K5000 Series Hopper into production in February 2024.

This latest hopper design offers improved reliability and easier maintenance, making it a smart upgrade for businesses that rely on consistent coin dispensing. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate for our customers!

A K5000 Design: The Best of Both Worlds

The K5000 Series Hopper is a fusion of our proven Modular Series Hopper and the legacy System 600 Series Hopper, combining the best features of both designs. This new hopper seamlessly integrates with Modular (MC) Series change machines, as it fits into the same mounting brackets and is compatible with existing MC Hopper Control Boards and Feed Mechanisms.

Our System 500/600 (SC) hoppers have set the standard for reliability, with many units remaining in service for 20 to 30 years. One key to their durability is the simplified Dispense Mechanism, where the Primary Disk is directly driven by the motor and supported by only two gears—reducing wear and enhancing longevity.

By blending the durability of the SC hoppers with the adaptability of the MC series, the K5000 Hopper delivers an optimized solution for businesses looking for a long-lasting, high-performance coin dispenser.

Diagram of K5000 Hopper (Not to Scale)

A key innovation in the K5000 Series Hopper is its one-piece funnel and adapter ring, which sits at the end of an angled bottom. This upgrade eliminates a common issue in previous designs—quarters slipping through the seam of the old two-piece funnel and adapter ring.

TOP VIEW - K5000 HOPPER with Void Plate Up (L) and Void Plate Down (R)
TOP VIEW OF K5000 HOPPER: Left image shows angled bottom leading to 1-piece Funnel/Adapter Ring over dispense mechanism with Void Plate in Up position. The Right image shows the same hopper with the Void Plate in the Down position.

Additionally, the angled steel bottom and a strategically placed void plate improve the hopper’s efficiency. The void plate reduces the weight of the coins pressing down on the dispense mechanism, helping to minimize motor reversals. By creating a small gap above the coins, the void plate allows them to stir and move more freely, ensuring a smoother, more consistent fill of the dispense mechanism.

With these design improvements, the K5000 Hopper offers better reliability, fewer jams, and more efficient coin dispensing—making it a smart choice for businesses that demand performance and durability.

K5000 Series Hopper Capacities and Machine Compatibility

The K5000 Series Coin Hoppers are currently available for Quarter and Dollar Coin dispense in multiple Rear Load configurations, with the following quarter capacities:

  • 3,200 (3.2K)
  • 4,200 (4.2K)
  • 5,200 (5.2K)
  • 9,000 (9.0K)
  • 10,000 (10K)

Due to its angled bottom design, the K5000 hopper is slightly taller than the Classic MC Hopper, which required a reduction in capacity for Front Load configurations. The following MC Series models now have a 2,800 (2.8K) quarter capacity:

  • MC100
  • MC200
  • MC720
  • MC720-DA

However, the MC800-DA Series retains its original 3,200 (3.2K) and 9,000 (9.0K) quarter capacities.

MC500 RL-DA Cabinet Design Update

We’ve also made an important design update to the MC500 RL-DA cabinet, allowing us to offer both the 3.2K and 5.2K K5000 hopper configurations in this model. However, if you have an existing MC500RL-DA unit, it can only accommodate the 3.2K K5000 hopper in both slots.

This cabinet update was implemented in March 2025 machine shipments!

Have Questions?

For more details about the K5000 Series Hoppers, please contact the Service and Sales Departments at Standard Change-Makers. We’re happy to assist!