Springing the capital outlay for a new conveyor system might make any warehouse operator and CFO think twice. It’s a big deal with a large capital outlay, plus the added costs of downtime to get it installed and in place. While it might be a great idea when there’s more room in the budget, there are things that keep a conveyor system rolling right along. Maintenance such as cleaning and servicing, a full inspection, and replacing worn metal rollers is a good place to get started.
Dangers of Older Equipment
One of the problems with older conveyor systems is that they may not conform to current OSHA standards for conveyor systems. Any operation with a conveyor in daily use, even when it’s brand new, is advised to inspect and maintain their system by taking a few simple steps, according to Manufacturing.net.
1. Walk the route daily. Look for lubricant leaks and metal dust or shavings. Listen for sounds that are out of the ordinary such as squeaking, squealing, or rattling.
2. Keep things clean. It’s easier to spot problems against a backdrop free of dust, dirt, and debris. Clean your conveyor weekly, but keep a clean floor and other surfaces daily.
3. Have the conveyors inspected and serviced quarterly. This will keep the equipment in top condition and allow any wear and tear to be observed and remedied.
Keep Things Moving
There’s nothing as much of a boost as shiny new equipment, but when the budget is a bigger concern, a thrifty alternative is more in line with what’s needed. Get what your operation needs without sacrificing safety or hard-won money by replacing your conveyor system’s metal rollers with newer and more modern metal rollers. Work with a company known for the quality of their equipment to keep things moving.
