Over the next couple of weeks the Pit Boss Blog will be highlighting various pieces of equipment, maintenance checks that should be done, as well as some product solutions that should be considered improve productivity and/or durability.
The first piece of equipment we will be discussing is conveyors. Conveyors are possibly the most neglected pieces of equipment on crushing spread. Oddly enough, when totaled up, conveyor belting is probably the single biggest parts bill on a crushing spread. Spending the time, and in some cases money, now will mean that your conveyor lines will be better equipped to withstand another season of neglect and abuse.
There should be three main goals when performing any conveyor maintenance:
1. Keeping the belt turning
2. Keeping the belt in one piece
3. Keeping the material on the belt when carrying and off the belt when returning
Your Power Transmission components are the focus when trying to accomplish this.
Pulleys - The biggest key to prolonging pulley life is maintaining the lagging
Bearings - Ensure your bearings are in good operating condition and verify that the proper bearing is being used for the application
Sheaves and V-Belts – Some operators change all of their sheaves and v-belts out at once to ensure a full season without having to do it in the field during the crushing season
Gearboxes 2000+ hours? Consider changing your oil
Finally, check the structure of the conveyor frame itself as previous year or more of neglect and abuse might require some welding to repair and strengthen for more of the same.
If your inspection and maintenance turns up any areas of concern deal with it now before production deadlines are in jeopardy. For more tips on beating the cold winter view our blog post: 10 Cold Weather Tips To Keep You Running This Winter.