C OM P O N EN T S

Get the Most from Your Idlers

A Superior Industries White Paper
W hile the reliability of each conveyor component
is key, it’s the often- overlooked idler that should
always receive its proper consideration. After all, idlers
are spaced along the entire length of the belt, and it
only takes one idler roll malfunction to delay material
throughput or cause potential damage to costly
belting. Bottom line, if you maximize idler performance,
you’ll add more to the profit stockpile. Here are some
simple tips on getting the most from your idlers:

ACCESS REPLACEMENT TOOLS

The market is shifting toward the use of replacement/retrofit
rolls over the practice of chucking the entire idler. Typically, idler
malfunction involves only one of three rolls – so why waste 75%
ENSURE ADEQUATE FRAME SUPPORT
It’s critical to have extra idler frame strength and support
of your investment? Yes, producers have commonly chosen to
where you most need it–at loading and transfer points where
replace the entire idler due to time and labor factors. Everyone
forces and impact may cause frames to bend or twist. Consider
wants to minimize conveyor downtime and few want to move
the use of idlers with “flared” end stands, which deliver added
the belt out of the way to replace one roll. Consequently, many
strength especially in applications with large material lumps or
operations are choosing to replace rolls in the shop during
where material feed is sideways versus straight on.
maintenance hours. The task is far simpler than it used to be,
made easier by new idler design innovations that streamline
Today’s tight profit margins allow little room for error.
installation. Plus, growing replacement roll demand has
Maximizing idler performance is just one more way that
resulted in the affordability of built-to-order retrofit rolls that fit
producers can lower costs per ton. With the availability of new,
any frame brand or type. Without a doubt – the use of readily
improved idler designs and cost-efficient replacement rolls,
available, adaptable, and easily changeable replacement rolls
perhaps it’s high time to reap the benefits.
will save you big bucks

PAY ATTENTION TO SEAL DESIGN

The heartbeat of an idler lies in the integrity of its seal and the
protection of the bearings. Since an idler’s seal is typically its
first fail point, it’s always best to closely scrutinize seal design.
For example, current seal innovations may involve improved
contact seals that result in less seal drag; triple labyrinth seals
that increase the distance that contaminants must travel; and
grease fills that easily trap contaminants.

ELIMINATE IDLER PINCH POINTS

Avoid premature roll failure by utilizing idlers that have no
pinch points between the end stand and the outside roll.
Pinch points will allow foreign material to lodge within them,
causing the roll to seize up.

SPWP1189ENPR-01

2 Superior Industries, Inc. | 315 E State Highway 28, Morris MN 56267