6 Most Important Conveyor System Maintenance Tips

Conveyor systems might look simple but every mechanic can tell you they complex on the inside, just like a car. Proper maintenance is, therefore, essential if you wish your conveyor to run smoothly in the years to come. Luckily, there are 6 smart tips that promise to improve the maintenance record of your conveyor system.

1. Fixing the conveyor before it breaks down

In its essence, maintenance is preventive, i.e. its aim is to prevent malfunctions from occurring. Proper and regular maintenance is much cheaper than fixing the conveyor once it breaks down. From the cost of spare parts to the technician’s fee, repair costs far exceed maintenance costs.

Preventive care of a typical conveyor system is not much different from the way you maintain your car regularly by checking tire pressure or changing engine oil. As the machine ages, you can expect these malfunctions to occur more frequently, so it’s essential you keep everything well-oiled, literally.

2. The human factor

We have already mentioned the mechanic or the technician. They are an important cog in the metaphorical and literal wheels of the conveyor system. However, the men and women proudly wearing a tool belt are disparaged by business owners.

Apart from regularly maintaining the system, an experienced mechanic will spot a defect in the conveyor system sooner that it starts causing trouble. Their keen eyes can save you thousands of dollars with an early repair that prevents catastrophic failures.

3. Updating the conveyor system

The reason why upkeep is important is the fact that a brand new conveyor system costs an arm and a leg. Since business owners don’t have huge piles of cash sitting around, it’s much wiser to invest in updating the conveyor system with new equipment and parts.

If a particular model of conveyor goes out of production, you can still find parts online. These parts have been salvages from a rundown conveyor no longer in use. An even better solution is to order brand new conveyor parts that prolong the machine’s lifespan, regardless of its year of manufacture.

4. Perform system audits regularly

Even when you put maximum effort in to prevent a malfunction, minor hiccups are still going to occur. Luckily, there early signs of a malfunction, such as smoke and rubbery smells coming from the conveyor. Other types of breakdowns that occur suddenly are easily preventable during a thorough inspection. An all-encompassing system audit ensures everything runs smoothly for prolonged periods.

5. Replace faulty conveyor parts instead of taking them apart

You know how the cost and the time needed to repair your car go up when the mechanic has to tear the engine (or another vital part) apart? The same goes for the conveyor, as spare parts, whether second-hand or new are way cheaper than a major overhaul.

Repair technicians often have to disassemble the whole conveyor to reach the problem area. This takes time, as they first have to diagnose the problem and then fix it. Replacing a faulty part is less time-consuming and when you compare the receipt, the spare parts cost less, installation fees included.

6. A solid conveyor system should be able to run 24/7

The reason why ready-to-install spare parts are that important is the ability to fix the conveyor within hours, preferably minutes. Namely, a modern warehouse or a logistics centre cannot afford to cease operation for long.

The shipping industry, which relies heavily on efficient conveyor systems, is all about speed and efficiency. This is where the aforementioned regular and detailed maintenance comes into play, as it ensures the conveyor does its job 24/7 without needing to stop for a repair.

Investing in the upkeep of a conveyor system, regardless of how old and ancient it might appear is an investment in the future of the whole enterprise. From experienced technicians to spare parts onsite, there are at least 6 things you can do to maintain the conveyor system properly.