Belt Maintenance

Conveyor Belt Tracking Tips

A common challenge for plant maintenance is controlling and aligning a belt so it maintains its desired path. Many factors influence a belt's ability to track correctly.

conveyor belt tracking

1. Check for product, debris, and buildup

Most often the main source of mis-tracking is a result of product or basic materials built up on the bottom side of the conveyor belt or pulleys. Often this pending result can create a crown or raised portion on the pulley which can result in the conveyor belt mis-tracking to one side or the other.

Inspecting a conveyor for mechanical and cleanliness issues needs to be a part of your standard preventive maintenance.

2. Check to ensure the conveyor frame is level and square

In the baking industry, product and line changes happen frequently. This usually means current conveyor systems are moved or modified to meet the latest production requirements.

It is during this process a conveyor bed may become out of level or square. When a conveyor bed is out of level or square, the conveyor belt has a tendency to move toward one side or the other. This can be checked by utilizing a standard level. Be sure to check both the frame and the pulleys as well.

Making sure your conveyor bed is square is also easy to do.

Simply measure dimensions from one corner to the opposite corner on each side of the conveyor. The measurements should equal one another. Don’t worry if you’re slightly out of square, as most manufacturers provide what are referred to as squaring rods on the bottom side of the conveyor. These can be used to pull the frame back into alignment.

3. Check to ensure the end pulleys are square

Often the wrong pulley is used to track or adjust the belt.

This is a common problem when the conveyor utilizes a center drive and tracking configuration. Start by checking to ensure every pulley is in proper alignment with the conveyor frame. Use only snub rollers and idlers to make tracking adjustments. If at all possible, avoid using the drive roller for tracking adjustment.

4. Check to ensure the conveyor belt has been cut straight

In the belt fabrication industry, we like to think all belts shipped are perfect, unfortunately that is not always the case. When a belt is slit incorrectly, this can put an arc or curve into the belt, which will result in a mis-tracking condition.

If the belt is not aligned correctly during the joining process (laced or made endless), this too can cause a mis-tracking condition. If you suspect this is the case, remove the conveyor belt from the conveyor, lay it out on a table or floor, and see if you notice an arc or curve in the belt. If it is not straight, the belt needs to be replaced.

Common Belt Tracking Problems and Their Solutions

Problem	Solution
Mechanical malfunction	Proper alignment of pulleys/ conveyor frame.
Crooked splice	Square belt end, replace splice.
Crooked belt	Replacement may be required, see crooked splice.
Material build up on pulleys	Recommend routine maintenance or mechanical cleaning devices.
Off center loading	Change feeder design or replace belt with more bulk. Add v-guide or tracking device. Check belt manufacturer's technical specifications.
Excessive pulley crown	Excessive pulley crown Refer to CEMA (Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association) standard 402-1 964 or check with technical specification of belt manufacturer.
Distorted belt because of run off or accidental damage	Replacement of belt indicated.

See our other posts for more information on properly tracking a conveyor belt:

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