Adjustable breading machine and method of operation

An adjustable breading machine for applying a coating material onto a food product, the adjustable breading machine comprising:

• a frame;
• an enclosure defining a breading chamber operatively connected to the frame;
• a main conveyor operatively received at least partially within the breading chamber, the main conveyor comprising a first main conveyor end and a second main conveyor end, wherein the main conveyor is adapted to move with respect to the breading chamber;
• a hopper fixedly connected to the frame to deliver a coating material into the breading chamber;
• an outfeed conveyor operatively received at least partially within the breading chamber, the outfeed conveyor comprising a first outfeed conveyor end and a second outfeed conveyor end, wherein the outfeed conveyor is adapted to move with respect to the breading chamber;
• a drum assembly operatively disposed above the outfeed conveyor, comprising a rotatable drum for transporting food product and coating material to the outfeed conveyor, wherein the rotatable drum is rotatable about a drum longitudinal axis;
• a drum adjustment assembly operatively connected to the frame for moving the drum assembly into and out of a food path.