Separating machine with feeding wheel

A separating machine configured to separate a food source material into a first food portion and a second food portion, the separating machine comprising:

• a frame;
• a separating arrangement supported by the frame and including
• a roller assembly;
• a belt assembly including a belt extending about and configured to be driven by the roller assembly, the belt having an inner surface contacting the roller assembly and an outer surface opposite the inner surface;
• a drum assembly including a drum that defines a drum interior, an inner surface facing the drum interior, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a plurality of holes extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the drum, wherein the drum assembly is arranged proximate to the belt assembly to define a separation area for the food source material in between;
• an inlet assembly configured to receive the food source material;
• and
• a feeding wheel assembly positioned proximate to or within the inlet assembly and configured to direct at least a portion of the food source material from the inlet assembly into the separation area,
• wherein the belt assembly is arranged relative to the belt assembly such that the food source material delivered by the inlet assembly or the feeding wheel assembly into the separation area is pressed by the belt against the outer surface of the drum and the first food portion is pressed through the holes into the drum interior while the second food portion remains outside of the drum interior, thereby separating the first and second food portions.