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Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc.
Tips For Proper Conveyor Maintenance

Your conveyor is the heartbeat of your operation. If it goes down, you don't produce and if you don't produce you don't make money. Which is all the more reason to ensure your conveyors are installed correctly and you are performing proper and timely conveyor maintenance.

Follow the installation & maintenance tips below to help ensure the life of your conveyor & avoid costly repairs.

For more maintenance information or to discuss a preventative maintenance plan contact your Hytrol solutions provider, Atlas Equipment, at 858-455-5800.

 
 

Do Not Exceed Conveyor Capacity

Conveyors have two capacities: structural or static capacity (given in lbs. per linear foot) and live load or drive capacity. Exceeding either of these capacities could damage the conveyor and/or it's drive. Questions concerning capacity or variables in your product's weight? We can help you determine the right capacity for your system.

Use A Chalk Line To Mark Center Lines

When installing long, straight conveyor units, use a chalk line to mark the center lines of conveyors. This is just plain common sense. Keeping the conveyors in line will help prevent out-of-square units and ensure the product moves smoothly from one end of the conveyor to the other.

Lubricate Spring Balanced Gate Springs

If you notice that your spring balanced gates don't lift as easily as when they were first installed, it is likely due to the springs becoming "dry." Try lubricating them with the proper oil and see if this helps loosen them.

Keep Recommended Spare Parts On Hand

Hytrol conveyor users should keep a stock of recommended spare parts as part of their preventive maintenance program. If there is a question concerning what parts to stock, contact us and provide the serial number of the conveyor in question. We will then be able to give you a list of recommended spare parts for that conveyor.

Lubricate Conveyor Reducer

A serious situation could arise if conveyor reducers are not maintained with the proper recommended oil. Using the wrong oil could potentially cause the gears to wear out before their time. For more information about lubricating the conveyor reducer, consult the Hytrol Speed Reducer Installation and Maintenance Manual. [PDF File]

Lag Permanent Conveyors To The Floor

Not only will lagging (bolting) conveyors to the floor keep them in line and working efficiently, it will also help prevent accidents. A conveyor not properly lagged to the floor could potentially topple over.

Educate Employees About Conveyor Safety

Many times employers place employees wherever necessary to get the job done. However, if employees will be working near conveyors or doing a job that requires them to actually operate the conveyors, they should be aware of all safety concerns and warning labels. We can provide you with conveyor safety and warning stickers.

Properly Increase Conveyor Speed

Simply increasing the conveyor speed to move products faster isn't enough. It is imperative that the horsepower be increased also. As a rule, it will take twice as much horsepower to move a package at 130 FPM than at 65 FPM. Use the formula below to get an idea of horsepower requirements.

Horsepower Required
at 65 FPM
X Desired Speed

65

 

 
 
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