When your industrial conveyor system is the backbone of operations, even minor issues can cause costly downtime, safety risks, and lost productivity. From seized rollers to slippage, preventative care is always more efficient than reactive repairs.
At Luff Industries, we specialize in durable conveyor components that help you reduce wear, extend system life, and avoid breakdowns. Here are six practical tips for an industrial conveyor system to run smoothly and safely in demanding environments.
Step 1 | Establish a Maintenance Schedule
A structured maintenance schedule is the foundation of conveyor system reliability. Whether your operation involves food-safe handling, heavy industry, or cleanroom environments, proactive care can reduce unexpected failures.
Suggested frequency for maintenance tasks:
- Daily: Inspect rollers, frames, and guards; remove debris; check for belt tracking or slippage.
- Weekly: Clean conveyor surfaces; inspect seals, gaskets, and pulleys for wear.
- Monthly: Verify belt tension and alignment; test sensors and safety stops.
- Quarterly: Perform a full audit of idlers, pulleys, bearings, and lagging; replace worn parts as needed.
By tailoring this schedule to your industry and conveyor type, you’ll minimize downtime and extend the system’s efficiency.
Step 2 | Use the Right Tools for Hygienic Conveyor Maintenance
In food, pharma, and other high-care industries, cleaning and maintenance must go beyond mechanical performance – hygiene and compliance are also equally important.
Recommended tools for hygienic conveyor maintenance and upkeep include:
- Non-contaminating, H1 food-grade lubricants
- Cleanroom-compatible wrenches and tools
- Hygiene-approved belt cleaners and brushes
- Digital inspection checklists for audits and recordkeeping
The right tools not only extend the life of your equipment but also help meet strict safety and regulatory standards.
Step 3 | Ensure Proper Conveyor Tracking
Like tires on your car, a misaligned conveyor system can wear unevenly, slip, or cause vibration.
To prevent these issues we recommend you:
- Regularly clear debris from pulleys and rollers.
- Monitor for signs of mistracking (uneven wear, slipping, or vibrations).
- Consider guide rollers made of steel or urethane for improved durability and corrosion resistance.
Correct tracking keeps material flow consistent and reduces unnecessary stress on your system.
Step 4 | Prevent and Detect Conveyor Slippage
Conveyor slippage can lead to wasted material, downtime, or even worker injury. Early detection is imperative. So make sure to check for:
- Incorrect belt tension
- Worn pulleys
- Faulty splicing or lacing
- Build-up of materials or residue
Adding pulley lagging (rubber, ceramic, or strip lagging) helps increase grip, extend pulley life, and prevent costly shutdowns.
Step 5 | Keep the Conveyor System Clean
Residues like grease, oils, and particulates can accelerate wear and misalignment. For smooth operation:
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.
- Disassemble your system for thorough cleaning when needed.
- Pay close attention to buildup-prone areas.
- Always re-test the belt tracking before restarting the system.
A clean conveyor is a safe and efficient conveyor.
Step 6 | Train and Empower Your Maintenance Team
Even the best equipment needs a knowledgeable team to maintain it. Training ensures employees can recognize and respond to issues quickly. Training should include:
- Proper belt tensioning and alignment techniques
- Lockout-tagout (LOTO) safety procedures
- Early warning signs of wear or contamination
- Compliance knowledge for food, pharma, or other regulated industries
An empowered workforce helps prevent minor issues from escalating into major system failures.
Why Choose Luff Industries for Your Conveyor Components?
At Luff Industries, we don’t just provide conveyor parts – we provide confidence in your system’s performance. From precision-engineered rollers and pulleys to cost-saving refurbishment programs, our solutions are designed to extend the life of your conveyor system.
With Luff Industries, you get:
- High-quality, durable conveyor components
- Pulley refurbishment program to reduce replacement costs
- Custom options to fit your specific system and environment
- Support from specialists who understand your industry
Choose Luff Industries and you’ll receive reliable components that keep your conveyor system – and your business – running smoothly.
