Roller conveyors for heavy goods

In the context of roller conveyors, what counts as heavy cargo?

Roller conveyors are fundamentally designed to handle heavy loads, so weight capacity is usually not a decisive factor when choosing a belt.
After all, the capacity of a roller conveyor isn't just based on how much the structure itself (e.g., the frame and rollers) can handle, but perhaps primarily on how much weight the drive system can handle.

Since this article focuses on powered roller conveyors, their capacity is typically categorized as follows:

• Light cargo, for packages/cargo weighing up to approx. 25 kg per meter of track
• Standard cargo, for packages/cargo weighing up to approx. 200 kg per 1 meter of track
• Medium-weight cargo, for packages/cargo weighing up to approx. 600 kg per meter of track
• Heavy cargo, for packages weighing approx. 600 kg to 2,000+ kg per meter of track

What determines the weight capacity of a roller conveyor?

Since weight is a critical factor, you should consider the following factors when purchasing roller conveyors for heavy loads:

Frame/structure

The frame of a roller conveyor It consists mainly of legs and the frame that holds the casters. The legs and frame can be made of various materials, such as aluminum, plastic, or steel—for heavy loads, steel is definitely the recommended choice.

The steel frame needs to be thick, and the welds or bolts holding the frame and legs together need to be sturdy.
Manufacturers typically specify the maximum weight capacity of the roller conveyor, but it may be worth checking how the weight capacity differs between the frame and the rollers.
For example, a very sturdy frame might be equipped with rollers that can handle less weight—in which case, you simply need to replace the rollers to upgrade your conveyor for heavy loads.

The rolls

A key factor in determining the capacity of a roller conveyor is the rollers, and the following points should be taken into account:

The material of the rollers

The material used for the rollers is important in determining their load capacity. Rollers made of thick steel or reinforced plastic are usually required when transporting goods weighing more than, for example, 1,000 kg.
The vast majority of rollers available on the market are made of steel, but it is important to check that the steel is not too thin to withstand heavy loads.

Distance between the rollers

The closer the rollers are spaced, the higher the load capacity of the roller conveyor. The spacing between the rollers is called the roller pitch and is measured using a center-to-center (CC) dimension. When the rollers are spaced very closely together, the CC is more or less equal to the diameter of the rollers.

Roll size

Larger rollers provide a larger surface area over which to distribute the weight, and thus a higher weight capacity. Roller size is measured in diameter, and common sizes include 50, 60, or 70 mm.
Really large rollers for heavy loads can be, for example, 100 mm or larger.

The drive

The drive system on a roller conveyor is of the utmost importance for it to handle heavy loads. For roller conveyors designed to handle heavier loads, the following components are generally important:

1. A three-phase electric motor. There are roller conveyors that operate on standard 230-volt power, but for heavier loads, a motor that requires a three-phase power supply is definitely necessary.
2. Roller conveyors for heavy loads always have a motor with a gearbox. The gearbox typically reduces speed but increases torque—which is necessary for heavy loads.
3. The motor power on a roller conveyor for heavy goods is often 0.5 kW or higher; however, what is even more important is how the motors are positioned. When handling goods, it is rarely possible to use a single large motor to drive the roller conveyor; instead, the motors are distributed by section, or with x sections per motor.
4. The drive system also includes the mechanism that propels the rollers—such as a chain or belt. Roller conveyors for heavy goods are most often chain-driven, whereas flat belts are most common for goods of “normal” weight.

Conclusion

With this guide in mind, we hope you’ve learned a little more about what to consider when purchasing roller conveyors for heavy goods. With our help—or that of another supplier offering newly manufactured Conveyor Systems—you’ll have no trouble defining your needs and finding the right products.

Feel free to explore our selection here If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us using the form below!