Conveyor Belt Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Conveyor System Running Smoothly

Conveyor belts are those vital pieces of equipment that keep your line running, whether you’re working in an industrial or manufacturing setting. However, no matter how reliable and well-constructed your conveyor belt is, it can begin to run less efficiently without proper maintenance.

To ensure your conveyor system is running smoothly, here are some maintenance tips that you should follow:

Choose the Right Conveyor Belt for Your Operation.

Though this is not exactly a conveyor maintenance tip, choosing the right belt for your normal conveyor operation is key to ensuring the most efficient use of your equipment. Different belts are better suited to different materials.

Some may move faster than others, or certain substances may not be able to handle certain conveyor systems.

Doing a thorough assessment of what type of material you’re working with and which type of belt will work best for it can go a long way toward maximizing the efficiency and lifespan of your conveyor belt.

Here are some of the most common belt conveyors you can find:

• Roller Bed Conveyor Belts

• Flat Belt Conveyors

• Modular Belt Conveyors

• Cleated Belt Conveyors

• Curved Belt Conveyors

• Incline/Decline Belt Conveyors

• Sanitary and Washdown Conveyors

• Specialty Conveyor Belts

Carry out Regular Conveyor Maintenance.

Your entire conveyor system is just like any other equipment that needs to be regularly checked and carry out maintenance tasks. A thorough inspection should be done at least once a week, and any issues should be promptly addressed.

Whether you have a dust containment system or any other type of system, every conveyor mechanism and component should be inspected for signs of wear and tear.

A regular conveyor belt maintenance schedule should structure visual inspections of all belt conveyor elements, including the motor, gearbox, pulleys, idlers, and v-belts. Additionally, you should check for worn-out or damaged parts so as to take corrective action in a timely manner.

Material spillage, debris buildup, or belt slippage should also be included in your conveyor belt plan, as should cleaning and lubrication practices. In addition, it is important that workers inspect any safety devices like on/off switches or emergency stop buttons. This way, any potential issues can be identified and resolved before they become major problems.

If you don’t have the time and luxury to inspect it yourself or have your employees handle maintenance tasks, you can also opt for a provider of belt maintenance services.

This can be beneficial as you are to leverage experts’ knowledge and experience with conveyor systems. From belt scrapers and roller bearings to a crooked belt and metal fasteners, they can handle all kinds of issues with your conveyor belt.

Use Energy Saving Methods.

Common conveyor belt maintenance techniques can also help save energy. For instance, you lubricate all working parts like chains and bearings which will prolong their life, and in turn, reduce the energy used.

Additionally, it’s important to monitor the speed of your conveyor system. If you exceed certain speeds, your systems will require more power to move materials; if this happens frequently, it can lead to a loss of efficiency and even breakdowns.

Fix It Yourself.

If you have trained employees or know how to address small conveyor maintenance issues, you can save yourself time and money by having them fix it. If not, there are many online tutorials and videos that can help guide you through common repairs.

Just make sure to read any user manuals carefully before attempting any fixes. If not sure whether you can handle the task or not, it is best to call a professional. Why? Because even poor maintenance or repair techniques can worsen the condition of your conveyor system.

Upgrade Your Conveyor Belts.

Also included on our list of conveyor belt maintenance tips is to consider upgrading.

If you’re dealing with outdated or poorly functioning equipment, it’s probably worth investing in new systems. Newer models are often much safer and more efficient than older ones, so they can significantly reduce downtime and boosts productivity.

Additionally, newer models may also come with safety features that make them a better choice than their predecessors.

Train Your Staff Well.

Finally, don’t forget about the importance of training your staff on how to properly use and maintain a conveyor belt system. With proper education and knowledge, your employees can quickly identify any issues before they become major ones, thus helping you maximize efficiency.

This also helps eliminate the need to frequently call for professional help, saving you time and money. Moreover, the more experience your staff has with the particular system, the more comfortable and confident they will be with operating it.

The Bottom Line

If you know how conveyor belts work and how to tackle simple maintenance tasks, you’ll be able to catch and fix issues before they become major problems. Hopefully, our guide on conveyor belt maintenance tips has given you an idea of ​​what needs to be done when it comes to keeping your system in top shape.

Just remember, regular inspection, proper lubrication and cleaning, staff training, and the implementation of energy-saving measures are all essential to ensuring your system runs at its best.

So make sure these tasks are carried out regularly and consistently, not just once in a while. This way, you can protect your investments and get the most out of your conveyor belt for years to come.