Cleaning Hoshizaki DCM240

[dudeabides]

I had to clean a Hoshizaki DCM240 ice machine today. The manual says to remove the Agitator and Drip Ring then pour the cleaning solution carefully into the Reservoir through the opening in the center of the Storage Bin up to the overflow level. My question is, how do I remove the agitator? It says to rotate the agitator counterclockwise and lift off. Easier said than done. I rotated and lifted to no avail. Has anyone had any experience with these?

[tech37]

:censored:Talked to tech support once and he recommended using a crescent wrench on agitator center and stricking with hammer to unlock as gear motor force against bin ice sometimes makes this step a bioch.