Is your unit handling conveyor improving or hindering your production efficiency and bottom line? With proper maintenance—and consideration for certain factors like the type of product and usage rates—conveyor systems can last up to 10 years and generate an excellent return on investment (ROI).
There are a lot of components to take into consideration when deciding when to replace a unit handling conveyor, as it requires you to walk the line between maximizing the life of the conveyor you have and knowing when to move on from a conveyor that’s no longer serving you.
Let’s take a deeper look at what a unit handling conveyor is, and the warning signs you should watch for when it may be time to replace one.
What Is a Unit Handling Conveyor?
A unit handling conveying system is used to transport pallets, packages, and other items, both large and small. There are many different types of unit handling conveyors, allowing them to be customized for your specific industry. These types can include:
- Ball and Air Transfer Tables
- Belt and Bucket Conveyors
- Chain Conveyors
- Cart-On-Track Conveyors
- Chute Conveyors
- Bulk Handling Conveyors
- Industrial Conveyors
- Vertical Conveyors
- Pneumatic Conveyors
Your facility or outdoor conveyor systems must be reliable to ensure efficiency and success. For this reason, it’s important to know if the system itself is beginning to fail and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Warning Signs of a Failing Conveyor
It’s common for food and beverage, manufacturing, automotive, parcel, and many other industries that are reliant on unit handling conveyors to take a reactive approach when it comes to conveyor replacement.
Instead of waiting for costly critical equipment failure, be on the lookout for these early warning signs to help you extend the longevity of your conveyor:
- Excessive wear in rollers, v-belts, and more
- Excessive or unusual noises
- Exceedingly high temperatures
- Incorrect belt tension or frayed belt
- Bent frame or frame misalignment
Being proactive and investing in proper preventive maintenance not only helps you get more value out of your industrial conveyor, but also gives you more control over your systems and production—especially if you are in a seasonal business. Minimize disruptions and downtime by replacing or upgrading your conveyor system during your offseason, rather than being forced to do it during peak time when orders are jammed and the system is maxed out.
3 Benefits of New Unit Handling Conveyor Technology
Unit handling conveying systems can be the lifeblood of warehouse operations, so relying on an old one can begin to cost more than replacing it. So, when does upkeep start costing you more money than it’s worth?
With rapidly evolving technology, outdated machinery and parts could be hitting you with opportunity costs and diminishing your ROI. If you suspect your system is affecting your overall efficiency and bottom line, consider these benefits and advantages of investing in newer equipment:
- Less Required Maintenance: While having regularly scheduled maintenance is a crucial factor in keeping equipment performing at peak levels, too many unscheduled repairs can add up, leading to increased downtime costs for a facility.
- Quieter Production: Reducing noise is not only safer and will protect your team’s hearing, but will also increase productivity and save you money on ergonomic and safety supplies, such as ear plugs.
- More Energy Efficient: Embracing new technologies replaces headaches with possibilities. By upgrading to newer generation conveyor systems, you can save on energy and electricity, lowering your overall production costs.
The Process of Selecting a New Unit Handling Conveyor at IBT
Every customer that comes to IBT looking for a new conveyor system is met with two primary questions:
- What is the size/weight/rate of the product you produce currently, or you want to achieve in the future?
- Are there any specific conditions that you operate in or require, such as food-grade, outdoor, washdown, or explosion-proof?
From there, we use a project team approach for the design and implementation of advanced conveying systems solutions. Each system is the result of the coordinated efforts of our technical sales professionals, engineering staff, and, most importantly, you – our customers.
Our conveying system design philosophy involves four key steps to ensure accuracy, functionality, and payback:
- Initial Site Survey
- Concept Development and Design
- Implementation
- Start-Up, Training, and Ongoing Technical Support
With this approach, we are able to fulfill customers’ needs at any level, from minimal assistance to full project management, to ensure a seamless project completion. Ongoing technical support is also available as necessary to ensure system performance and your peace of mind.
Request a Free Evaluation or Learn More
Your one-stop industrial shop is also your conveyor expert. Schedule a FREE EVALUATION today or contact IBT’s Director of Conveying Systems, Jim Boatright, at (913) 261-2116 to learn more.
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