If you’re a warehouse manager, you know the importance of keeping your conveyor systems operating efficiently and safely. Keeping up with conveyor maintenance is not just important for keeping your business running smoothly.
Plus, even the simplest of maintenance procedures can help ensure that your conveyors keep running smoothly for years to come, which can save you huge money in the long run. And while upgrading to a new, luxury conveyor sounds nice, many businesses don’t have this luxury in their budget.
In this article, we’ll go over the top conveyor maintenance tips that every warehouse manager needs to know about.
1. Hire a Company to Perform Quarterly Maintenance
Maintenance technicians are perhaps one of the most commonly under-appreciated workers of a facility.
Yet, one of the biggest mistakes warehouse managers make is not hiring a maintenance company or underpaying one. A good maintenance technician will help you correct small problems with your conveyors before they become big ones.
Our on staff maintenance technicians are experienced experts on all types of conveyor systems.
2. Keep Spare Parts on Hand
Even if your conveyor is running like a well-oiled machine, there are eventually going to be mechanical parts that are going to fail.
And depending on which part fails, a breakdown could halt production for a long period of time. And even if a failed part doesn’t affect production, it can inflict serious damage on other areas of the conveyor system.
Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you keep a safety stock of all critical conveyor parts on hand. These include pushers, transfers, and package stops.
3. Audit and Documentation
Inspecting your conveyor system on a regular basis is key to ensuring that it runs smoothly.
But, if you’re around your system every day, it can be hard to notice any parts that are slowly failing.
Luckily, ABCO Systems can come in and perform a complete audit of your system. We can help ensure that your system isn’t headed towards complete failure.
4. Be Aware of Obsolete Equipment and Parts
Oftentimes, a budget is a huge contributing factor that prohibits a warehouse manager from replacing an entire system.
Therefore, it’s very important to stay current on which conveyor parts are obsolete. Knowing this can help you make wise decisions for your business.
For example, if you know that a certain type of conveyor is no longer being manufactured, it may be wise to stock additional spare parts for it so you don’t have to replace it in its entirety.
5. Know the Maintenance Calendar
Your conveyor should come with a manual that tells you when to check all the parts.
But, in general, it’s good to be aware of the approximate frequency in which items need to be checked.
Here is a quick guideline to keep in mind:
- Motor: Check noise, temperature, and mounting bolts monthly
- Reducer: Check noise and temperature monthly, oil level quarterly
- Driver Chain: Check tension quarterly, lubricate weekly
- Sprockets: Check for wear, set screws and keys quarterly
- Belts: Check tracking and tensions monthly, lacing weekly
- Bearings: Check noise monthly, mounting belts quarterly
- V-belts and O-rings: Check for wear, tension and sheave alignment monthly
Conveyor Maintenance: Wrap Up
By following this conveyor maintenance guide, you’ll never have to worry about being caught off guard by a major issue that halts production and causes your business to lose a lot of money.
If you have any questions about conveyor maintenance, please drop us a comment below. Or, please contact us and set up a maintenance checkup today!