a method and apparatus for operating a snail wheel in a vending machine are disclosed . the method for operating the snail wheel includes accepting a 5 gallon water bottle into the snail wheel , lifting the 5 gallon water bottle up off a bottom shelf of the vending machine , rotating the snail wheel 90 ° from a starting point , stopping the snail wheel after rotating 90 °, wherein at the 5 gallon water bottle rolls out of the snail wheel and onto a platform , and rotating the snail wheel 270 ° back to the starting point .