Crane National 187 Merchant Media Snack Machine
National Vendors 168 (MDB Board - 2 Candy Shelf) Snack Machine
Automatic Products 123 (MDB Board - Dual Snack Spirals - Black)
In stock
Crane National 187 Merchant Media Snack Machine
The Crane National 187 Merchant Media Snack Machine is a full-size commercial snack vending machine built for locations that need variety, easy operation, and modern vending features. This refurbished machine combines a large product display with digital controls, MDB technology, Sure Vend, and credit-card-reader capability.
With six shelves, dual snack spirals, and space for about 300 to 400 items, the Crane National 187 can handle a wide range of vending products. It is a strong option for offices, break rooms, factories, warehouses, apartment communities, schools, hotels, and other commercial locations.
Modern Merchant Media Vending Technology
The Merchant Media platform brings more technology to the traditional snack vending machine. The Crane National 187 includes a 3.5-inch screen and keypad interface. This gives customers a simple way to view and select products.
The display can also support digital merchandising and advertising functions. Operators can use the screen to help promote products, specials, or other messages. This can make the vending machine more than a simple product dispenser. It can also become a useful point of customer interaction.
- 3.5-inch screen
- Keypad user interface
- Digital merchandising capability
- MDB electronic controls
- DEX reporting protocol
- LED lighting
- Sure Vend product delivery system
Large Snack Product Capacity
The Crane National 187 is designed for commercial vending routes. Its six-shelf layout provides room for many different snack products. The machine is listed with a capacity of approximately 300 to 400 items, depending on product size and shelf configuration.
The machine uses dual snack spirals. These spirals help organize products and provide a familiar vending setup. Operators can stock popular snacks while also offering different sizes, flavors, and price points.
A six-wide design gives operators useful shelf space without requiring a much larger machine. This makes it easier to create a varied product mix in locations where customer choice is important.
Flexible Product Selection
A good snack machine should make it easy to offer products that match the location. The Crane National 187 provides room for a broad selection of packaged snacks.
Depending on the shelf setup, operators can stock items such as:
- Potato chips
- Pretzels
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Granola bars
- Pastries
- Candy
- Chocolate products
- Packaged snack foods
- Other compatible vending products
The machine also includes one candy shelf. This gives operators additional flexibility when creating a product mix.
Sure Vend Product Delivery
The Crane National 187 includes Sure Vend technology. This feature is designed to help confirm that a selected product has been delivered.
Reliable product delivery is important in vending. A customer expects the item selected on the keypad to reach the delivery area. A product delivery system can help improve the vending experience and reduce common delivery issues.
For operators, dependable vending performance can also mean fewer customer complaints and fewer service calls related to failed product delivery.
Cash and Electronic Payment Capability
The Crane National 187 is equipped with a five-tube coin system and supports $1 and $5 bills. This gives customers traditional cash payment options.
The machine is also credit-card capable. However, the machine does not include a credit card reader as standard. The current listing explains that the electronics are new enough to accept a compatible card reader.
An E-Port credit card reader is available as an optional purchase. This can help operators offer cashless payment in locations where customers prefer cards or other electronic payment methods.
Important: Credit-card capability does not mean that a card reader is already installed. A compatible reader must be purchased separately.
MDB and DEX Technology
The Crane National 187 uses an MDB PC board. MDB, or Multi-Drop Bus, is widely used in commercial vending equipment. It allows vending components such as payment systems to communicate with the machine's control system.
The machine also supports DEX protocol. DEX can provide vending operators with electronic sales and machine data. This can be useful for route management, reporting, and tracking machine activity.
These features make the Crane National 187 suitable for operators who want a vending machine with modern electronic controls.
LED Lighting for Better Product Display
The Crane National 187 uses LED bulb lighting. Good lighting helps make products easier to see through the glass front.
A well-lit product display can make it easier for customers to compare their choices. Operators can also use organized product placement to create a clean and attractive vending display.
LED lighting is also a practical choice for modern vending equipment because it provides bright illumination while using less power than many older lighting systems.
Refurbished Commercial Vending Machine
This Crane National 187 is sold as a refurbished vending machine. Vending World focuses on full-size commercial vending equipment rather than small countertop machines.
Refurbished equipment can provide operators with access to commercial-grade vending features without the cost of purchasing new equipment. It can be a practical option for starting a vending route, adding machines to an existing route, or replacing older equipment.
As with any refurbished vending machine, the exact condition can vary by unit. Buyers should review the machine specifications and available warranty information before purchase.
Commercial Size and Construction
The Crane National 187 has a full commercial footprint. The listed dimensions are approximately 72 inches high, 44 inches wide, and 35 inches deep. The listed weight is approximately 696 pounds.
Because this is a large commercial machine, location planning is important. Measure doorways, hallways, elevators, and the final placement area before ordering. Make sure the floor can support the machine and that there is enough room for customers and service access.
Where to Use the Crane National 187
The Crane National 187 can fit many commercial vending environments. Its combination of capacity, product variety, electronic controls, and payment options makes it useful for locations with regular foot traffic.
Potential locations include:
- Office buildings
- Employee break rooms
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing facilities
- Distribution centers
- Apartment communities
- Hotels
- Schools and educational facilities
- Waiting areas
- Commercial buildings
- Transportation facilities
- Other high-traffic indoor locations
Why Choose a Six-Shelf Snack Machine?
A snack machine needs enough space to give customers choices while still being practical for an operator to stock. Six shelves offer a useful balance between product variety and machine size.
Operators can dedicate different shelves to different product groups. For example, one section can feature chips, another can hold cookies, and another can display candy or healthier snacks.
This type of product organization can also make restocking easier. Operators can quickly identify products that are selling and adjust inventory based on customer demand.
Merchant Media Features
The Merchant Media platform is designed to make vending more interactive. Its digital interface can help display product information and promotional content.
The platform information also describes features such as shopping-cart functionality and guaranteed product delivery. These features are intended to create a more modern purchasing experience compared with basic vending equipment.
For operators, digital merchandising can provide another way to highlight products. Seasonal promotions, new products, or special offers can be used to make the machine more engaging.
Easy Product Organization
Product organization matters in a snack vending machine. Customers should be able to quickly see what is available and make a selection.
The Crane National 187's glass-front design provides a clear view of the products inside. Operators can arrange products by type, price, brand, or customer demand.
Keeping products organized also helps during restocking. A consistent shelf layout can make it easier to check inventory and refill popular selections.
Built for Vending Operators
The Crane National 187 is designed for operators who need more than a basic snack dispenser. Its commercial size provides substantial product capacity. Its electronic controls support modern vending components. Its digital interface adds another level of customer interaction.
The machine can also be paired with an optional cashless payment reader. This gives operators the option to expand payment choices based on the needs of their location.
Key Features at a Glance
- Manufacturer: National / Crane
- Model: Crane National 187 Merchant Media
- SKU: A-S187KP
- Condition: Refurbished
- Color: Platinum Silver
- Shelves: 6
- Snack Configuration: Dual spiral snacks
- Candy Shelves: 1
- Selections: Approximately 40 to 48
- Capacity: Approximately 300 to 400 items
- Payment: Five-tube coin system and $1/$5 bill acceptance
- Control System: MDB PC board
- Reporting: DEX protocol
- Display: 3.5-inch screen
- Lighting: LED
- Product Delivery: Sure Vend
- Cashless Ready: Credit-card-reader capable
- Height: 72 inches
- Width: 44 inches
- Depth: 35 inches
- Weight: Approximately 696 pounds
Start or Expand Your Vending Route
The Crane National 187 Merchant Media Snack Machine can be a useful addition to a commercial vending operation. Its six shelves provide room for a broad snack selection. Its MDB electronics support modern payment equipment. Its DEX capability can help with machine data and route management.
The 3.5-inch screen and Merchant Media platform add digital features that are not found on basic snack machines. Sure Vend adds another layer of product delivery support, while LED lighting helps keep the product display bright and easy to view.
For operators looking for a refurbished commercial snack machine with modern features, the Crane National 187 offers a combination of capacity, electronic controls, cash payment options, and cashless-ready technology.
Order the Crane National 187 Merchant Media Snack Machine
The Crane National 187 Merchant Media Snack Machine is a full-size refurbished snack vending machine with six shelves, dual snack spirals, 40 to 48 selections, Sure Vend, MDB controls, DEX protocol, LED lighting, and a 3.5-inch screen.
The current Vending World listing identifies this machine as SKU A-S187KP. Credit-card capability is included in the machine's electronics, but a credit card reader is not included unless purchased separately. The listing also provides an optional E-Port reader and installation options.
Choose the Crane National 187 when you need a commercial snack machine that combines traditional cash vending with modern electronic features and Merchant Media technology.
| Refurbished | Yes |
|---|---|
| SKU | A-S187KP |
| Weight | 696.000000 |
| Manufacturer | National |
| Capacity | 300 to 400 items |
| Size (H x W x D) | 72" H x 44" W x 35" D |
| Short Description |
|
Why Buy A Refurbished Machine?
Great Returns - Commercial Grade Machines - Affordability
New vs Refurbished
We used to sell new machines as well as reconditioned ones. We no longer sell new, for one main reason.
According to a recent survey of vending operators, about 93 out of 100 potential vending accounts don't generate enough revenue to justify the cost of new equipment. New machines are great if you have high volume accounts, but most people do not have these accounts.
Typical pricing on new "commercial grade" machines:
- Can drink machines: $6,200–$7,400
- Snack machines: $6,600–$8,500
- Cold food machines: $8,900–$11,700
(Priced with mech and validator, typical options, vendor pricing not including sales tax or shipping in some cases.)
As you can see, that's quite high compared to used or refurbished equipment.
Please remember 'anyone and everyone' can call their machines refurbished but what does that really mean? Please see our machine ratings page for what we actually do to our machines. Many of our competitors don't even 'clean or paint the inside' of the machines.
Start small and grow as you can afford it.Many people start in the vending business without much knowledge, and that can hurt them financially if they're not careful.
All of the machines that we sell are full size, commercial machines. There are many machines that are made that are small, countertop or mechanical coin acceptance. These machines are fine if you are a housewife looking to make a little extra money on the side. We used to sell those type of machines and no longer do. The main reason is that people who were serious about vending would out grow these type of machines in several months.
Small mechanical machines have two main problems:
- They don't make change or accept dollar bills
- They "work you to death" — frequent refills for very little payoff
Most hold under 100 products and gross only $40–$50 per full restock, and profit is less than half of that.
A full-size commercial machine, by contrast, usually holds 350 to 600 products and empties out at $250–$500. Since you spend most of your time just driving to the location, you might as well fill 500 products instead of 50.
