Avoid downtime due to conveyor belts


In this article, we’ll look at our conveyor belt checklist to help us stay aware of common issues you may encounter with your conveyor belts. Conveyor belt systems are used in a wide range of industries. Some examples of industries where these systems are commonly used include:

  • Manufacturing: Conveyor belts are used in assembly lines to transport materials and products through the production process.
  • Mining: Conveyor belts are used to transport coal, ore and other materials from mines to processing plants.
  • Agriculture: Conveyor belts are used to move grain and other agricultural products.
  • Logistics: Conveyor belts are used in warehouses and distribution centers to transport packages and other items.

Conveyor belts are an essential component of many industrial operations, used to transport materials and products through the production process. To ensure that the conveyor belts run properly, it is important to inspect and maintain them regularly. Here’s a checklist of things to be aware of when checking conveyor belts.

Checklist for inspection of conveyor belts


01. Check belt tension

The belt should be tight enough to prevent slippage, but not so tight that it causes excessive wear on pulleys and bearings. If the belt is too loose it can slip and cause the system to stop, and if it is too tight it can damage the pulleys, bearings and increase power consumption.

02. Inspect the belt for damage

Look for cuts, tears or frayed edges that could cause the belt to break. If the belt is damaged, it can cause the system to stop or break, resulting in production downtime and the need for costly repairs or replacement.

03. Check for correct adjustment

The belt should be centered and run straight. If the belt is not properly adjusted, it can cause the belt to wear unevenly and cause damage to the pulleys and bearings, resulting in the need for costly repairs or replacement.

04. Check the pulleys for wear

Look for signs of wear on the pulleys, such as grooves or flat spots. If the pulleys are worn, it can cause the belt to slip, resulting in production downtime and the need for costly repairs or replacement.

05. Check the belt tracking

The belt should run straight and not slide to one side. If the belt does not track correctly, it can cause the belt to wear unevenly and cause damage to the pulleys and bearings, resulting in the need for costly repairs or replacement.

06. Inspect the drive belt

Check that the drive belt runs smoothly and that the belt is securely fastened. If the drive belt does not run smoothly or the belt is not connected properly, it can cause the belt to slip, resulting in production downtime and the need for costly repairs.

07. Check for proper lubrication

All bearings and gears should be properly lubricated to ensure smooth operation. If the bearings and gears are not properly lubricated, it can cause the system to stop or wear out faster, resulting in costly repairs or replacement.

08. Look for blockages or debris on the belt

Remove any material that may hinder the belt’s movement. If there are blockages or debris on the belt, it can cause the belt to stop or wear unevenly, resulting in production downtime and the need for costly repairs or replacement.

Good routine

It is recommended to keep a plan for maintenance and repair of the conveyor belt, as well as a record of the inspection and maintenance schedule, and include the date, name of the inspector and findings, this will help keep track of the conveyor belt condition over time and detect any patterns of wear or damage.

By following the conveyor checklist, regularly inspecting your conveyor belts and performing maintenance, you can ensure that your conveyor belts are working properly, avoid costly interruptions and downtime, and extend the life of your equipment.

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