If you value your company’s uptime, you owe it to yourself – and your staff – to maintain your line’s conveyor belts. Whether your belts are slipping, mistimed, blocked, or seized, these are all signs of a line that has been improperly cared for. And, while there are countless tips that we could give to help you ensure that your equipment stays in working condition, we believe that it’s best to start with simple, everyday tasks that your staff can perform.
1. Clean your belts and your conveyor
One of the leading causes of belt failure is debris buildup. While many industries can see their belts polluted, belts in the food industry are especially prone to damage due to product buildup. Because of this, it’s essential that you regularly loosen, clean, and re-track your belts. In addition to this, you’ll want to be certain that you’re using an appropriate cleaner, as some belt materials can react poorly to harsh chemicals.
2. Safely store unused belts
If you’re running a high-volume line, you likely have replacement belts on standby. And, while having backups is a great way to avoid downtime, it’ll do you no good if they aren’t stored properly. Belts should always be elevated, off the ground, and stored in a way that helps them avoid moisture and debris.
3. Ensure that you’re using the correct tension
When it comes to conveyor belts, there’s no bigger threat than improper tensioning. Not only is an overtensioned belt a threat to the belt itself, it can cause damage to your equipment’s bearings, rollers, pulleys, and other components. If you’re not sure what your belts should be tensioned at, the team at Great Lakes Belting is more than happy to help. We’ll work with you to determine the proper tension and, more importantly, recommend other ways to prolong the life and reliability of your belts.
At Great Lakes Belting, we’re proud to offer an unparalleled range of custom conveyor belts, along with an unmatched knowledge of belt repair, maintenance, and installation. If you’re looking to extend the longevity of your line’s belts, we encourage you to reach out to us today via our contact page.
