An overhead conveyor is not one part with one lifetime. Its steel structure and track can serve for a very long time when maintained, while chain, wheels and bearings wear and are replaced in cycles.
Long-Life and Wear Parts
| Part | Behaviour | What decides life |
|---|---|---|
| Support steel and track | Long-lived | Corrosion, overloading, damage |
| Chain | Wears and stretches | Load, lubrication, temperature |
| Trolley wheels and bearings | Wear parts | Load, heat, water, dirt |
| Drives and take-ups | Serviceable | Maintenance, overloads |
| Controls | Become obsolete | Spare parts availability |
Signs a Conveyor Needs Attention
- Chain elongation approaching the supplier's limit
- Surging, noise or rising drive current
- Frequent trolley or wheel failures
- Worn roller turns and track flanges in curves
- Control parts that are no longer available
Repair, Refurbish or Replace?
| Option | When it fits |
|---|---|
| Repair | Isolated failures, structure and layout still suit production |
| Refurbish | Worn chain, trolleys and curves, but sound steel and a suitable layout |
| Upgrade | More output, new products or automation needed |
| Replace | Layout no longer fits, technology change needed, or structure damaged |
A survey with chain measurements, photos and drive data gives you the facts for this decision. See our retrofit and spare parts service.
Extend the Life
- Lubricate chain and trolleys correctly and regularly
- Measure chain elongation and record the trend
- Replace worn trolleys in groups
- Keep loads within the design rating
- Back up and update control programs
