Apparatus and methods of modify a reciprocating mold plate patty-forming machine such that a mold plate for a smaller machine can be fit into a larger forming machine. A tooling set for the modification includes a dedicated drawbar configured to mount the smaller mold plate and modified wider spacers to closely meet the smaller mold plate within the forming machine. An adapter system selectively mounts either a first mold plate having a first set of keyholes or a second mold plate having a second set of keyholes, different than the first set of keyholes to a single reciprocating mold plate patty-forming machine. The adapter system can include first and second sets of adapters and a drawbar having provision for connection at opposite ends to driving rods of the drive system. The first set of adapters have keys corresponding to the first set of keyholes, and the second set of adapters having keys corresponding to the second set of keyholes, the first and second set of adapters being selectively attached to the drawbar.