Link-Belt Bucket Elevators

designed and manufactured to provide

years of dependable and efficient service.
Link-Belt Bucket Elevators,
manufactured by FMC
Technologies Material Handling
Solutions Operation, have long
been the industry standard for
any bulk material elevating
application. Service-proven
performance under the most
demanding operating conditions
in thousands of installations from
rural grain elevators to large
manufacturing and processing
plants ... the result of over 100
years experience as an
engineering pioneer and
leading manufacturer.
A Link-Belt designed Bucket
Elevator is your assurance of
quality and dependability, and
the standard Type 1 and Type 7
FMC Bucket Elevators have
many outstanding features:
Standardization of designs that
are dependable and versatile.

Continuous or centrifugal
type discharge.
Rigid, strong, jig-built casings
in perfect alignment and
weather-tight.
Two-piece hood permitting
access to head section interior
without disturbing machinery.
Spring clamps facilitate
removal and replacement.
Inspection hatch that can be
easily lifted to view terminal
machinery.
Optional shaft mounted speed
reducer drive ... compact and
easy to install.
Large, latch-type doors located
on front, back and sides of boot
section to facilitate inspection,
service and cleanout.
The head shaft is mounted in
antifriction ball or roller bearing
pillow blocks.
Superior components . . .
chains, sprockets, pulleys,
belts, buckets, bearings,
takeups and drives.

Typical bulk handling

applications include:
Delivery of dry citrus pellets to
railroad hopper cars.
Elevating soda ash, fertilizer or
limestone to silo storage.
Depositing food products into
weigh hoppers.
Lifting coal from track hoppers to
storage silos.
Elevate aggregate materials for
ready-mix concrete plants.
Link-Belt Bucket Elevators
from FMC Technologies. . .
industry's complete line . . .
handling hundreds of different
kinds of material:
Metallic and Non-Metallic ores ...
Bauxite, Coal
Rock products . . . Sand. Gravel,
Cement, Gypsum, Limestone
Food products . . . Sugar, Flour,
Coffee, Salt
Chemical Processing products . . .
Fertilizers, Phosphates,
Agricultural Lime, Soda Ash
Pulp and Paper products . . .
Wood Chips

Link-Belt Bucket Elevator

Standardization...the key to
economical design.
For most bulk material elevating jobs
. . . there's a Link-Belt Bucket
Elevator that will handle them
efficiently and economically. With
over 100 years of proven experience
as a pioneer and leading producer of
bucket elevators, FMC Technologies
offers a standardized line of LinkBelt elevators proven in thousands
of installations.
Standardization is a standout feature
of Link-Belt Bucket Elevators. LinkBelt Type 1 and Type 7 Bucket
Elevator designs are standardized so
you benefit from the economics of
many stocked components.
Manufacturing methods are
standardized through exacting
production and fabrication to assure
compatibility of components.
Engineering and order processing
procedures have also been
standardized so that the selected
elevator will accommodate your
needs with a minimum of time and
correspondence.
Balanced design of components,
manufacturing craftsmanship, and
the quality found in all Link-Belt
products, have all helped the LinkBelt Bucket Elevator achieve
universal acceptance.
Two basic designs of bucket
elevators are available, and selection
depends primarily on the material to
be handled.
The Centrifugal Discharge design
has spaced buckets that travel at a
relatively high speed. It is a medium
capacity unit, capable of handling
materials with small-to-medium size
lumps. The buckets dig the material
from the casing boot section and
discharge it by centrifugal force.
Type 1- Elevators of this type meet
the service requirements of the
majority of installations using
centrifugal discharge elevators. The
head shafts are fixed, with the foot
shaft takeup being internal gravity
type. Buckets are designed for use
on either chain or belt.

For most applications, chain is

recommended, however, belting is
used when handling materials that
must not be contaminated or for
materials that are extremely abrasive
and corrosive.
As an alternate to the standard
Type 1 centrifugal discharge
design, Type 2 design is
available. The head shaft is
adjustable and the boot shaft
fixed to maintain the relationship
of buckets to the inlet spout and
curved bottom plate. Type 2
bucket elevators are
recommended when handling
food products; for materials that
tend to pack or build-up, or when
handling materials having a
large percentage of lumps.
The Continuous Discharge Design
has buckets mounted continuously
that travel at a much slower speed.
The continuous discharge design
elevator handles a variety of
materials from fines to large lumps.
Materials that are difficult to pick in
the casing boot section or friable are
normally handled in this type
elevator. The buckets are fed directly
from a loading leg or chute and are
emptied by gravity at the discharge
point.

The superior performance delivered

by the Link-Belt Bucket Elevator is
the result of quality components,
and each component described in
this catalog has been developed as
an integral part of a carefully
engineered elevator design. FMC
Technologies maintains a large
inventory of bucket elevator
components to meet your
replacement needs.
Let our FMC Technologies
Regional Field Specialist help
you with your selection of the
proper Link-Belt Bucket Elevator
for your existing or proposed bulk
material handling installation.
CAUTION: Link-Belt Bucket Elevators
must be installed, operated and
maintained in accordance with
accompanying FMC Technologies
Service Instructions. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious
personal injury, property damage or both.
Service Instructions accompany the
shipment of equipment. It additional
copies of Service Instructions are
required, they are available free of charge
from FMC Technologies, Material
Handling Solutions, Box 1370, Tupelo,
Mississippi 38802.

Type 7-This elevator is the most

frequently used of the continuous
discharge design. The head shafts
are fixed, with foot shaft takeups
being internal gravity type. Buckets
are steel and spaced continuously
on a strand of chain.
As an alternate to the standard
Type 7 continuous discharge
design, the Type 8 design is
available. The head shaft is
adjustable and the foot shaft is
fixed. Type 8 elevators are used
for the handling of fine or
crushed materials with lumps
not exceeding /2 inch. With the
addition of a loading leg and a
correspondingly higher inlet
spout, this type elevator can
also be used for handling lumps
up to 4 /2 ".
1

Link-Belt Bucket Elevators handle inorganic

materials at chemical plant installation.

Selection procedure for

standard Bucket Elevators
Types 1 and 7.
Prior to the selection of a Link-Belt
Bucket Elevator, all specifications of
the application and conditions of the
installation should be reviewed. As a
guide to be used in selecting the
most efficient and economical LinkBelt Bucket Elevator for an
application, the following outline is
offered:
1. Material Characteristics
a. Abrasive, free-flowing, sluggish,
temperature, fluffy, friable,
degradable, etc...
b. Weight per cubic foot at loading
point into the bucket elevator.
c. Maximum and average size of
lumps- percentage of lumps.

2. Maximum discharge rate (t.p.h.)

required of bucket elevator.
3. Center to center dimensions
between head shaft and foot shaft.
4. Operating conditions
a. Indoors
b. Outdoors
c. Corrosive atmosphere, etc...
5. Type of service required
a. Continuous
b. Intermittent
6. Calculate the volumetric capacity
required (cubic feet per hour)
Maximum discharge rate
(t.p.h.) x 2000 pounds = cubic feet
per hour
Material weight
per cubic foot

7. Determine the proper type of

bucket elevator required, based
upon the material being handled.
Refer to Table #1. If a specific
material is not listed within
tabulations, select a material
having similar characteristics.
8. With reference to volumetric
capacity and percent of lump size,
determine bucket elevator number
using the selection tabulations
provided. These tabulations also
indicate head shaft size and
required horsepower.
NOTE: If the "weight per cubic
foot" is isolated between given
values, apply the next higher
figure.

Examples of Bucket Elevator SelectionExample: #2:

Example #1:
Material. . . . . . . . . . .bituminous coal
Weight . . . . . . . . . . .50#/cu. ft.
Capacity. . . . . . . . . . .70 t. p. h.
Maximum lump size under 1/2 inch
Shaft centers . . . . . . 65 ft.
Service . . . . . . . . . . .8-10 hrs. per day
Step A
Determine volumetric capacity.
70 x 2000 = 2800 cu. ft./hr.
50
Step B
Determine type of elevator. Table #1
indicates either a Type 1 or Type 7.
However, capacity is greater than a
Type 7 will handle. Select Type 1.
Step C
Refer to selection tabulations and
select a #134 elevator rated 3120
cu.ft./hr. for 65 ft. cntr. A 3 7/16"
diameter head shaft and 15 hp drive
is required.
NOTE: A #134 elevator is fully
capable of handling the 1/2"and
under lumps.

Material . . . . . . . . . . crushed limestone

Weight . . . . . . . . . . . 85-90#/cu. ft.
Capacity . . . . . . . . . 75 t.p.h.
Maximum lump size 3/4 inch
Shaft centers. . . . . . .50 ft.
Service . . . . . . . . . . .8-10 hrs. per day
Step A
Determine volumetric capacity.
75 x 2000 = 1765 cu. ft./hr.
85
NOTE: Use light weight for volume
and heavy weight for horsepower.
Step B
Determine type of elevator. Table #1
indicates a Type 7 for this material.
Step C
Refer to selection tabulations. A #781
elevator is rated 2090 cu. ft./hr. using
100#/cu. ft. and 50 ft. centers. A 315/16''
diameter shaft and 15 hp drive is
required. 3/4'' lumps are within the
capabilities of this elevator. A #781
elevator using Steel Bushed Chain
rather than Combination Chain is
preferred, since the material being
handled is mildly abrasive.

Typical bulk materials

handled by Bucket Elevators
Table 1

Chain recommended for all elevators except those marked , where belts
are recommended. To avoid damage to belt, provide foot shafts with welded
steel wing pulleys where there is a tendency for material to pack between belt and pulley.
Weight of material loose or slightly agitated. This weight is generally less
than that of settled or packed material, as in bins or containers.
Select an elevator having twice the capacity required.

Link-Belt Bucket Elevators

Type 1-Chain or Belt

A centrifugal discharge bucket

elevator-rugged construction with
quality components-industry's leader
in the handling of free-flowing, fine
and loose material with small to
medium size lumps.
Bucket spacing and speed is
important for centrifugal discharge
bucket elevators. The Link-Belt
Type 1 Bucket Elevator can be relied
upon to elevate and discharge
materials at rated capacities.

Hood section is removable in two

sections, and the use of waste pack
seals provide added protection for
the head shaft.
Standard drive is a shaft mounted
speed reducer with a built-in
backstop. Other drives are available.

The rigid, strong, jig-built casings

are fabricated from steel plate for
years of rugged operation.
Continuously welded casings are
also available.

Type 1
Bucket Elevator

In selection of quality components,

FMC Technologies engineers have,
based upon laboratory tests, taken
into consideration the critical speed
of operation that exists with bucket
elevators. The critical speed of
operation is the speed at which the
actual capacity of the elevator drops
below the theoretical capacity, and
exists when the centrifugal force at
the mass center of the material in
the bucket is equal to the
gravitational force on the material. All
Link-Belt centrifugal type discharge
bucket elevators operate below the
critical speed.
Years of dependable, service-proven
performance with built-in quality
design features-your assurance of
maximum efficiency:
Properly spaced buckets, mounted
on durable, strong chain or tough
wear resistant belt, to provide the
most efficient operation per dollar
invested. Belt elevators with LinkBelt wing-type pulleys are
recommended when handling bulk
materials with abrasive
characteristics, moderate
temperatures or excessive moisture
content.

Elevator using chain

Fixed head shaft with an internal

gravity actuated takeup in the boot.
Bearings on the takeup frame are
hard iron, with the takeup shaft
having induction hardened journals.
Boot section is totally enclosed with
large inspection doors to facilitate
bearing replacement or the removal
of the entire takeup frame.

Elevator using belt

Bucket Elevator selection/specifications

Type 1-Chain

Shaded lines indicate standard design SIBS steel bushed chain.

Bucket Elevator assemblies include head shaft machinery with either ball or roller bearing pillow blocks, chain, buckets, casing, Style 1 or Style 2 discharge spout, stub inlet and gravity takeup with
hard iron bearings. (Internal gravity takeup is available with cement mill type sleeves and bearings when handling highly abrasive materials). Drives with backstops, service platforms and ladders
with safety cages can be furnished.
Style AA buckets.
Based upon buckets filled to 75/% of theoretical capacity.
Based upon buckets filled to 100% of theoretical capacity. If exact material weight is not shown, select drive and head shaft using the next heavier
material weight.

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Bucket Elevator selection/specifications

Type 1-Belt

Bucket Elevator assemblies include head shaft machinery with either ball or roller bearing pillow blocks, chain, buckets, casing, Style 1 or Style 2 discharge spout, stub inlet and gravity takeup with
hard iron bearings, (internal gravity takeup is available with cement mill type sleeves and bearings when handling highly abrasive materials). Drives with backstops, service platforms and ladders with
safety cages can be furnished.
Style AA buckets.
Based upon buckets filled to 75/% of theoretical capacity.
Based upon buckets filled to 100% of theoretical capacity. If exact material weight is not shown, select drive and head shaft using the next heavier material weight.

12

13

Type 1-Chain or Belt

For 10 and 12 gauge discharge spout. Deduct 1/8" for 7 gauge discharge spout.
Minimum dimension for efficient loading.
Deduct 2" for Type 1 Belt # 145, #147 and #149.
Dimensions should not be used for Type 2 Elevators. Consult FMC for dimensional data.

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Link-Belt Bucket Elevator

Type 7-Chain
High-capacity continuous discharge
bucket elevator . . . with overlapping
arrangement of buckets to handle a
variety of materials from fines to
large lumps. The Type 7 bucket
elevator is the most frequently used
of the continuous discharge styles,
with material loaded directly into the
bucket through a loading leg, that
confines the feed and prevents
spillage into the boot.

Type 7
Bucket Elevator

The continuous discharge bucket

elevator travels at a much slower
speed than its counterpart, the
centrifugal discharge bucket
elevator. Standard operating speed
is 125 fpm. When handling light or
fluffy-type material, operating
speeds of 160-175 fpm are
common. When bulk material is
abrasive, operating speeds are
normally reduced for longer
component life.
Years of dependable, serviceproven performance with built-in
quality design features, your
assurance of maximum efficiency:
Fixed head shafts.
Internal gravity operated takeups.
Continuously spaced steel buckets
on a single strand of chain.
Boot section Is totally enclosed
with large inspection doors to
facilitate bearing replacement of
the removal of the entire takeup
frame.
Hood section is removable in two
sections, and the use of waste
pack seals provide added protection for the head shaft.
Standard drive is a shaft mounted
speed reducer with a built-in
backstop. Other drives are
available.
The rigid, strong jig-built casings
are fabricated from steel plate for
many years of rugged operation.
Weather tight casings are also
available.

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Bucket Elevator selection/specifications

Type 7-Chain

Shaded lines indicate standard design SIBS steel bushed chain.

Bucket Elevator assemblies include head shaft machinery with either ball or roller bearing pillow blocks, chain, buckets, casing, Style 1 or Style 2 discharge spout, stub inlet and gravity takeup with
hard iron bearings. (Internal gravity takeup is available with cement mill type sleeves and bearings when handling highly abrasive materials). Drives with backstops, service platforms and ladders with
safety cages can be furnished.
Style MF, medium front, continuous steel buckets.
Based upon buckets filled to 75/% of theoretical capacity.
Based upon buckets filled to 100% of theoretical capacity. If exact material weight is not shown, select drive and head shaft using the next heavier material weight.

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17

Type 7-Chain

For 10 and 12 gauge discharge spout. Deduct 1/8" for 7 gauge discharge spout.
Minimum dimension for efficient loading.
Dimensions should not be used for Type 8 Elevators. Consult FMC for dimensional data.

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Service Platforms
Standard service platforms with
ladders and safety cages are
available for all Link-Belt Bucket
Elevators. Platforms provide ready
access to drives and head terminals
for inspection and lubrication.
Each platform is manufactured to

best accommodate the bucket

elevator installation. Service
platforms, supported-by the
elevator casing, extend around
three sides of the elevator.
Safety cages are recommended for
all ladders.

In accordance with OSHA

requirements, when ladders with
cages exceed 30 feet in height,
intermediate landing platforms
shall be provided for each 30 feet
of height or fraction thereof.

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Link-Belt Standard Components...

developed as integral parts of rugged
and dependable Bucket Elevators
Link-Belt Type 1 and Type 7
Bucket Elevator designs are
standardized so you benefit from
the economics of many stocked
components.
A balanced design of components
and manufacturing craftsmanship
assure efficient operation of every
Link-Belt Bucket Elevator.
Chains - Steel Bushed Chain
recommended for heavy-duty
service. Combination Chain is
available for light to medium-duty
service.
Elevator Belt- Maximum resistance
to the most common forms of
abuse damage.
Pulleys - Precision assembly of
carefully manufactured parts. Built
to rigid standards to assure longer
belt life.
Sprockets - Available in solid, split
or segmental rim types with
smooth, wear-resisting file-hard
bearing surfaces.
Internal Gravity Takeups Rugged steel frame, durable
bearings, and hardened steel
shafting assure trouble-free
operation.
Drives - A product of experience
with unmatched reliability.
Elevator Buckets - Style AA for
centrifugal discharge elevators and
Style MF for continuous discharge
elevators-A style for all types of
bulk material.
Bearings - A wide selection to
meet all conditions encountered in
bucket elevator operation.
Contact your local FMC
Technologies Regional Field
Specialist. He is anxious to provide
additional information about all the
quality components found in every
Link-Belt Bucket Elevator.

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Bucket Elevators...
a range of models suitable
for many requirements.
In addition to the Type 1 and Type
7 Link-Belt Bucket Elevators
described in this catalog, FMC has
available a range of types and
styles . . . designed to handle even
the most difficult bulk material

Type 6
Positive
Discharge
Bucket
Elevator

Type 10
Continuous
Discharge

elevating requirements. Information

is available by contacting your
nearest FMC Regional Field
Specialist.

Type 11
Continuous
Discharge

Type 12
Internal
Discharge

Type 13
Internal
Discharge

Type 14 and 15
Centrifugal
Discharge

Material Applications

Type 6

Light, fluffy or fragile. Material with tendency to adhere

to the buckets. Low bucket speed.

Type 10

Friable, heavy or abrasive-fines to large lumps. Super

capacity.

Type 11

Friable, heavy or abrasive-fines to large lumps.

Greater centers than Type 10.

Type 12

Free-flowing nonabrasive- slow speed. Gentle

handling.

Type 13

Free-flowing nonabrasive- higher speed and capacity

than Type 12. Gentle handling.

Type 14

Abrasive - cement, shale, bauxite, gypsum etc. . . .

Type 15

Abrasive- feldspar, gravel, sand, clinker etc. . . . greater

capacity than Type 14.

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