Hello Kim,

As I remember you had mentioned that this machine has an extension of the ice bin (clear color) where we can store more ice while busy......would it work when the lid is not closed for this model? How much is this unit costs?

Thanks,
HawaiianKing

Yea, htk makes an extension for the hc8e that increases the capacity of the standard chute. From what I can tell, it bypasses the safety relay.

Well said capitalist! The extension hopper for the Hatsuyuki costs $150.00. It is a custom made plexiglass cover that sits right above the head cover. You would be required to by pass the safety relay switch in the machine in order for the machine to operate. The bypass is fairly easy and takes around 20 minutes to complete. However keep in mind that once you bypass the safety relay, your machine would be able to work with the lid open so be wary of sticking your hands or dropping foreign objects into the ice chute!