{"id":7760,"date":"2025-03-25T03:22:41","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T09:22:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/?p=7760"},"modified":"2025-05-30T12:58:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T18:58:40","slug":"conveyor-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/conveyor-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Basics of Conveyor Maintenance + Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Conveyors are present in almost all manufacturing facilities. They often play a critical role in production and material handling processes. It is not an asset you want to see shut down, unless it\u2019s for planned conveyor maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay with us as we discuss t<\/span>he significance of routine conveyor maintenance, common conveyor belt maintenance issues, and how to build a conveyor maintenance plan.\u00a0Let\u2019s dive straight in.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The importance of regular conveyor maintenance<\/span><\/h2>\n

Warehouses and manufacturing facilities can feature various types of conveyor systems. They are a great way to automate the flow of goods and materials in an industrial facility, leading to fewer bottlenecks and a more constant process flow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The critical nature of conveyors is undisputable. However, we often act as if the smooth functioning of conveyors is a given. We allocate maintenance attention only when there is a problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

The main culprits for the lack of maintenance is the fact that conveyor systems are designed to operate round-the-clock and have a lot of moving parts spread over a large area. To perform any significant maintenance work, the whole conveyor system has to be stopped. Oftentimes, this means that a portion of factory operations (or all of them) have to be halted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>It is no wonder maintenance professionals are hesitant to do that on a regular basis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, this delay in maintenance often causes problems down the line. Small problems compound and result in major expensive breakdowns that could have been avoided.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is why regular conveyor maintenance should never be overlooked. You need to plan and schedule it as part of <\/span>regular plant operations<\/span><\/a>. It is the only way to minimize planned downtime time for maintenance activities, as well as reduce the chance for a prolonged downtime due to an unexpected breakdown.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-bottom” kd_top_separator_style=”skew-left” kd_top_separator_height=”separator-height-small” kd_bottom_separator_style=”skew-left” kd_bottom_separator_height=”separator-height-small” kd_top_separator=”true” kd_bottom_separator=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1682969576554{margin-bottom: 40px !important;padding-top: 120px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background: #dde4e8 url(https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cta-laired-hex-4.webp?id=9077) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 0px !important;}” css_tablet_landscape=”.vc_custom_1682969576554{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}” css_tablet_portrait=”.vc_custom_1682969576555{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}” css_mobile=”.vc_custom_1682969576555{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column_inner]

Checklist for Creating a Preventive Maintenance Plan<\/h2>
Following a consistent Preventive Maintenance Plan can make life easier. Use this checklist to create your own!<\/h6><\/header>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ css_tablet_landscape=”.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 0px !important;}” css_tablet_portrait=”.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 0px !important;}” css_mobile=”.vc_custom_1631866454224{padding-right: 15px !important;}”][vc_raw_html]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image source=”external_link” alignment=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_src=”https:\/\/3975608.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net\/hubfs\/3975608\/Content%20Downloads\/PM%20Checklist%20mockup.png”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Common conveyor belt maintenance issues<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before we get into plans and checklists, let\u2019s briefly go through the most common conveyor and conveyor belt issues you should be on the lookout for.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Common<\/a><\/p>\n

Debris<\/span><\/h3>\n

Conveyor systems carry different types of materials. The transported material could deposit debris. The environment in which the conveyor system operates also contributes to different debris, which can eventually find its way to the conveyor mechanism.<\/span><\/p>\n

This can cause blockages, hampering the operation of conveyor systems. You should perform regular cleanups to avoid such a predictable problem. Inspection for debris buildup should be a part of your <\/span>routine maintenance activities<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belt slippage<\/span><\/h3>\n

Belts are used for conveyance in most conveyor systems. The belt needs just the right amount of tension to ensure smooth performance. When that balance is disrupted, it can cause a lack of grip, leading to belt slippage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Regular checks have to be done to test the tension of the belt. When belt slippage becomes an intermittent problem, you can <\/span>perform root-cause analysis<\/span><\/a> to identify and eliminate the underlying problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spillage<\/span><\/h3>\n

Material transported over the conveyor system can accidentally slide off or spill into the conveyor mechanism.<\/span><\/p>\n

Material spillage commonly occurs at junction points where conveyor belts meet. Some factories take additional design measures to eliminate this material spillage. If it is a recurring problem, you will need to inspect the conveyor system for irregularities or imperfections that might cause said spillage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roller seizure<\/span><\/h3>\n

In most conveyor systems, rollers are part of the design. Individual rollers can stop rotating due to structural damage. This can also happen due to debris buildup, damage to drive motors, and various other reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Your operators and maintenance tech should always be on the lookout for this type of problem. The first signs are sporadic roller seizures that cause spillage. Investigate these incidents promptly so you can eliminate the underlying causes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tracking challenge<\/span><\/h3>\n

Conveyor belts have to move in a predetermined path. In most instances, the path is a straight line. Any misalignment of conveyor belts can cause belts to drift side to side. This will cause wear and tear in the conveyor belt. When left unaddressed, the entire conveyor system can go awry. You have to keep an eye out for any tracing imperfections and rectify the underlying problem as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Build a comprehensive conveyor maintenance checklist<\/span><\/h2>\n

As with any important physical asset, conveyor maintenance has to be done routinely. We recommend using a cloud-based <\/span>CMMS system<\/span><\/a> to ensure all <\/span>preventive maintenance activities<\/span><\/a> are performed on schedule and up to the required standard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The following sections cover a broad range of recurring maintenance tasks involved in maintaining a conveyor system. Keep in mind that this is an illustrative overview. Some of these tasks may not suit your assets. Similarly, certain maintenance tasks essential for your system may not be enumerated in the following lists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Take these checklists as an example you can build upon. Consider age, condition, and operating conditions before <\/span>defining a preventive maintenance plan<\/span><\/a> for your conveyor systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daily conveyor maintenance checklist<\/span><\/h3>\n

Perform the following maintenance checks on a daily basis, during normal operation:<\/span><\/p>\n