Apron Conveyors vs. Belt Conveyors

An apron conveyor moving solid wasteThere are plenty of options when it comes to conveyors for bulk material, and two of the most common are belt conveyors and apron conveyors. Both of these conveyor categories offer advantages and drawbacks, and if you’re trying to decide which will best fit your company’s needs, there are plenty of questions that you need to ask. Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has been manufacturing heavy-duty conveyors for some of the largest industrial companies in the U.S. since 1927, so we’re uniquely qualified to compare and contrast these two options.

Apron Conveyors

Apron conveyors—or pan conveyors, as some refer to them—consist of endless chains that are attached to overlapping and interlocking plates that form a surface that carries bulk materials without containers. They are used to move material to a crusher or other piece of equipment at a consistent rate. Apron feeders are especially adaptable and can handle many types and sizes of material.

Belt Conveyors

Belt conveyors are the simplest of material handling conveyors, as they consist of two or more pulleys (or drums) driving an endless loop belt that carries bulk material. There is at least one drive pulley that is powered and moves the belt, and idler pulleys help guide the belt.

Belt & Apron Conveyor Durability

This is where these two options diverge. Belt conveyors are the most common conveyor option, as they are ideal for retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and warehouse applications. Belt feeders can move items at a high rate of speed for long distances, so they can accommodate higher volumes. However, belt conveyors aren’t ideal for many heavy-duty applications where a belt won’t hold up and require consistent maintenance.

Apron conveyors, on the other hand, are in their element when being used in environments that feature extreme temperatures, abrasion, and corrosion. While they can’t operate at the same speed as belt conveyors, they are manufactured using components that can handle daily wear and tear from larger material and heavier loads. They’re also better able to withstand extreme-impact loading. And while apron conveyors typically require a higher capital investment, they offer an excellent return on investment due to their durability.

The Heavy-Duty Conveyor Specialists

Materials Handling Equipment isn’t just a leader in the conveyor manufacturing industry—we actually helped craft the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (CEMA) standards. We stand out from our competitors by offering custom conveyors—including belt and apron conveyors—that can be tailored to fit any need.

Additionally, we specialize in conveyors that will perform reliably in some of the most severe conditions possible. MHE conveyors feature internal heavy-duty Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings, custom-engineered drive components, and easy-to-access points of entry for easier routine maintenance. These are just some of the reasons why leading companies from a range of industries, including construction, cement, steel, chemical, and mining, turn to us for their conveyor needs.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re trying to decide between a belt conveyor or an apron conveyor for your facility, enlist the help of the trusted professionals at Materials Handling Equipment. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about the custom conveyors we offer.

How to Design a Conveyor System

A screw conveyor being manufactured by MHEIndustrial conveyors serve one important purpose: moving bulk material from Point A to Point B. Of course, the more efficiently the conveyor accomplishes this goal, the better a plant’s productivity. Ideally, a conveyor can perform reliably day after day in harsh conditions and allows the plant to operate at full capacity.

To ensure maximum productivity, the best-case scenario is to have a conveyor that was designed specifically for a company’s needs. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, as some conveyor manufacturers create a design and replicate it over and over in a “cookie-cutter” fashion. They then expect their clients to adapt their processes to fit the conveyor’s capabilities.

Custom Conveyor Design Specialists

If your company wants to maximize its productivity, let Materials Handling Equipment design a conveyor that’s customized to fit your needs. We’ve been providing custom conveyors since 1927, and we helped develop the industry standards for the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA). So not only do we have a level of experience that our competitors can’t match, but we’re also industry pioneers.

When you partner with us, we’ll meet with your engineers to foster an understanding of your goals and budget. Then, our design team will develop plans for a conveyor that’s customized to fit your plant perfectly and deliver the performance you’re counting on.

Types of Conveyors We Offer

We’re known for delivering heavy-duty conveyors that perform reliably in the most severe conditions possible, including environments with extreme abrasion, corrosion, and heat. Our conveyors deliver unmatched durability because they’re made with heavy-duty components, such as internal Ni-Hard bearings, wear-resistant alloys, and custom drives. In fact, many of the conveyors we design and manufacture are still performing as expected more than 50 years after they were delivered.

We offer a wide array of custom conveyors, including:

  • Bucket elevators
  • Drag conveyors
  • Screw conveyors
  • Apron conveyors
  • Pan conveyors

Once your custom conveyor has been delivered and is operational, we will ensure that your staff is professionally trained and understands the necessary safety protocols. Additionally, our critical response program is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should any issues arise.

Industries We Serve

Our conveyors are currently meeting the unique needs of companies from many different industries, including:

  • Agriculture
  • Cement
  • Chemicals
  • Construction
  • Mining and minerals
  • Power and utility
  • Paper and pulp
  • Steel

Thanks to the reliability of our conveyors and the reputation and relationships we’ve cultivated through our many decades of operation, we’ve been trusted with equipping several leading companies. We have designed, manufactured, and installed custom conveyors for industry heavyweights like Martin Marietta, Monsanto, Mosaic, and U.S. Steel.

Put Your Trust in the Conveyor Experts

See for yourself why Materials Handling Equipment is the conveyor manufacturer of choice for some of the top companies in the U.S. Contact us today if you would like to learn more about our conveyor design and manufacturing process. We look forward to adding you to our lengthy list of satisfied customers.

What Is a Screw Conveyor?

A poartion of a screw canveyor during manufacturingWhat Is a Screw Conveyor?

Screw conveyors are among the most reliable and popular options for industrial plants that need to move bulk materials, but what exactly are they and how do they operate? Screw conveyors were used as far back as the 3rd century BC to irrigate crops and remove water from boats, which means they’re among the oldest types of industrial machines still in use today. They started being used for a wider array of functions in the 1800s and were popular in food mills that were trying to meet the needs of a growing population. Today, screw conveyors are used in all types of industrial plants to streamline the handling of many types of bulk material.

How Does a Screw Conveyor Work?

The mechanics of a screw conveyor, or auger conveyor, are basic. The device includes a hollow cylinder or trough with a screw or “flighting” inside the cylinder that turns on a central axis. As the screw rotates, the material is pushed forward inside the cylinder. Screw conveyors usually operate horizontally but can be inclined up to vertical. It’s important to note that their capacity diminishes as the angle of incline increases.

Because they’re so efficient, they can be used for an almost unlimited number of applications. Some of the bulk material that is commonly moved using screw conveyors includes:

  • Grains and sugars
  • Dry food materials
  • Cement and clinker
  • Wood chips
  • Aggregates
  • Boiler ash
  • Municipal solid waste
  • Coal and coke

Part of the appeal of screw conveyors is their adaptability, as they are suitable for handling dry and semidry materials. And for excessively wet or sludge-type materials, a shaftless screw can be provided.

Does Your Plant Need a Custom Screw Conveyor?

If you’re in the market for a screw conveyor for your company, would you prefer one that’s been customized to meet your needs? Of course, you would, and that’s exactly what you’ll get when you partner with Materials Handling Equipment. We’re one of the longest-serving manufacturers of industrial conveyors, as we first opened our doors in 1927. We consider ourselves to be a leader in the advancement of conveyor technology, and we even helped develop the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) standards that are still in use today.

Offering Custom Conveyor Solutions

Many conveyor manufacturers offer a “cookie-cutter” product and expect their customers to adapt it to their needs. When you partner with Materials Handling Equipment, we’ll visit your plant and discuss your goals, and we’ll manufacture a custom screw conveyor that’s tailored to your specific needs.

What’s more, our industrial conveyors are manufactured using heavy-duty components made from wear-resistant alloys, so they can handle environments that are abrasive, corrosive, and feature elevated temperatures. In fact, it’s not unusual for our conveyors to still be performing reliably more than 50 years after initial delivery. And if you ever encounter an issue, our Critical Care team will be standing by to provide prompt assistance.

Contact Materials Handling Equipment Today

Let Materials Handling Equipment provide a custom screw conveyor that will exceed your expectations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.

How Does a Drag Conveyor Work?

How Does a Drag Conveyor Work?

How Does a Drag Conveyor Work?A drag conveyor is a versatile option used by many industrial plants to transfer bulk material from one point to another. Also commonly referred to as a drag chain or drag flight conveyor, this popular type of conveyor is characterized by a single- or double-stranded chain of paddles or “flights” that are driven by a motor and pull bulk materials through a channel. Drag conveyors are extremely popular due to their reliability and adaptability.

Bulk Material Handling with Drag Conveyors

Drag conveyors can be inclined or horizontal, depending on the type of paddles being used, and can be partially or fully enclosed. They are exceptionally efficient, as the large paddles allow them to move sizable quantities of material quickly while utilizing minimal power. The spaces between the paddles make top loading of material easy. Additionally, drag conveyors are relatively compact compared to other types of industrial conveyors and don’t take up much floor space, making them a popular and convenient option.

Though most common drag conveyors feature two chains and evenly spaced paddles, en-masse drag conveyors have a single chain with paddles on both sides, allowing them to utilize maximum space in the conveyor and handle larger volumes of material.

How Are Drag Conveyors Utilized?

As mentioned previously, drag conveyors are exceptionally versatile and can be used for a wide array of industries, including chemicals, power and utilities, and construction. They can move all types of bulk material, including:

  • Ash
  • Cement
  • Clinker
  • Coal
  • Food Waste
  • Grains
  • Lime
  • Phosphate
  • Wood Chips

Custom Drag Conveyors From Materials Handling Equipment

If you’re considering purchasing a drag conveyor for your industrial plant, don’t settle for a mass-produced, cookie-cutter option that doesn’t fit all your requirements. Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) can manufacture a heavy-duty, custom drag conveyor that accomplishes your bulk material handling goals and fits perfectly into your plant. We’re one of the most experienced conveyor manufacturers in the business—we’ve been around since 1927—and we’re renowned for providing heavy-duty conveyors that perform reliably in the most extreme conditions. We utilize wear-resistant alloys and custom drive components to manufacture the most dependable drag conveyors in the industry. In fact, many of our conveyors are still on the job more than a half-century after delivery.

Specifications & Classifications

When you partner with MHE, we will work with your engineers to design a custom conveyor that meets your needs perfectly. Options include:

  • Capacities to 500 TPH
  • Widths to 20 feet
  • Lengths to 200 feet
  • Horizontal or inclined designs
  • Inclines up to 45 degrees
  • Temperatures ratings of up to 2,500 degrees
  • Tubular, U-type, box, drop bottom, channel, and split type casing construction
  • Replaceable abrasion-resistant steel liners in critical locations
  • Dry- or wet-type units with top or bottom return runs
  • Multi-outlet configurations

Our drag conveyors also fit many different classifications. We can custom engineer a drag conveyor that will serve as a:

  • Siftings conveyor
  • Clinker conveyor
  • Bottom and fly ash conveyor
  • Grit collector
  • Wood chip reclaimer
  • Sludge cake conveyor
  • Submerged chain conveyor
  • Deslagger

Are you interested in learning more about the custom drag conveyors we offer? Contact MHE today to schedule a consultation. We’d love to add your company to our long list of satisfied clients.

What Is the Function of a Conveyor?

What Is the Function of a Conveyor?

What Is the Function of a Conveyor?Transporting items from point A to Point B is a common occurrence for almost any type of business and is often accomplished by manpower. However, when the “items” that need to be moved are heavy, dangerous, or difficult to contain and need to be moved continuously in large quantities, a conveyor comes into play. The use of conveyors for material handling has been occurring since as far back as 1795, when basic conveyor systems were used to move grains a short distance. By definition, a conveyor is any piece of mechanical equipment that moves materials from one location to another. In day-to-day business, this could be a belt that is used to sort packages, items coming off a production line, or luggage headed to an airplane cargo hold. For industrial purposes, however, conveyors are much more specialized and must be able to withstand many different types of environments.

Conveyors Are Utilized for Many Different Industrial Materials

Heavy-duty conveyors are an integral part of many different industries that rely on the efficient transport of bulk materials. These materials can include sludges, solids, and extremely hazardous compounds that are utilized at some point in a production process. Some of the more common examples include:

  • Cement
  • Wood chips
  • Aggregates
  • Industrial waste
  • Paper pulp
  • Food waste
  • Boiler, bottom, and fly ash
  • Biomass
  • Minerals
  • Clinker

Types of Conveyors

The type of conveyor a company utilizes is determined by several factors, including the material that needs to be moved, the distance it needs to go, and the speed by which it must travel. Options include:

Drag Conveyor

A drag conveyor consists of a chain connected to plates that are pulled through a trough.

Bucket Elevator

If you need to elevate the material, a bucket elevator that utilizes gravity or centrifugal force might be a good option.

Screw Conveyor

Screw conveyors are ideal for sludges or fine materials that must be contained in a tube. A rotating screw blade within the tube accomplishes this goal.

Apron Conveyor

Also known as a pan conveyor, this type utilizes overlapping plates that form the carrying surface. It is ideal for abusive environments.

Belt Conveyor

The simplest of conveyor models, a belt conveyor can be used in almost any industry and works with a wide range of materials.

Heavy-Duty Conveyors From Materials Handling Equipment

Since 1927, industrial businesses with material conveyance needs have been relying on Materials Handling Equipment (MHE). We differ from our competitors by offering completely customized conveyors that are engineered for the most severe environments imaginable. We utilize custom-engineered drive components, wear-resistant alloys, and internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings to manufacture conveyors that perform their duties reliably, decade after decade.

If you are interested in learning more about the heavy-duty custom conveyors we offer, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping your plant reach new levels of productivity.

What Is a Drag Conveyor?

What Is a Drag Conveyor?

What Is a Drag Conveyor?As the name implies, material is dragged along the conveyor by either a single chain or multiple chains with a paddle. At many industrial plants, it’s crucial to be able to move bulk material quickly and reliably. Whether you’re dealing with cement, clinker, lime, coal, wood chips, phosphate, food waste, grains, or ash, a dependable conveyor is a must to keep things up and running. There are many different types of conveyors to choose from, and the best one for a given situation is usually determined by the type of material that needs to be conveyed and the distance it needs to move. One of the more popular options is a drag conveyor, which is sometimes referred to as a drag chain, drag flight, or en-masse conveyor.

How Do Drag Conveyors Function?

The operation of a drag conveyor is fairly simple. A motor drives a single- or double-stranded chain of paddles or “flights,” which drag materials through the channel. Drag conveyors are most often horizontal, though they can be inclined if they have specially designed paddles. They can also be partially or fully enclosed, and the large paddles allow for the movement of sizeable quantities of material while requiring minimal power. The gaps between the paddles also make the top-loading of materials easy. Common drag conveyors consist of two drag chains pulling evenly spaced paddles. En-masse drag conveyors utilize a single chain in the middle with paddles on both sides, which allows them to utilize maximum space in the conveyor and, therefore, handle larger volumes of material.

Drag conveyors are ideal for dry materials that flow easily, such as grains, cement, wood chips, siftings, and ash. They are popular for many different industries, including power and utilities, chemical, construction, and agriculture.

Materials Handling Equipment

If your company is in the market for a drag conveyor, why settle for a prefabricated option when you can have a custom conveyor manufactured to your specifications by Materials Handling Equipment (MHE). We’ve been meeting the needs of companies from a wide array of industries since 1927 and offer a level of expertise that the competition can’t match. With special wear-resistant alloys, internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings, and custom-engineered drive components, our heavy-duty conveyors are engineered to withstand the most extreme conditions imaginable. In fact, we’re proud to say that many conveyors we’ve built are still in daily operation more than a half-century after delivery.

Get Started Today

If you’re interested in having a custom drag conveyor manufactured for your plant, contact MHE today. We’ll meet with your engineers to discuss your needs and goals and survey your site so we can fabricate a conveyor that fits perfectly into its planned space. Upon delivery and installation, we’ll make sure your team is trained on its operation, and we’ll be standing by 24/7 should an issue ever arise.

How Does a Bucket Elevator Work?

How Does a Bucket Elevator Work?

How Does a Bucket Elevator Work?A bucket elevator is one of the most common types of industrial conveyors and is utilized by companies in a wide array of industries. When large quantities of bulk material need to be moved vertically in an efficient and reliable manner, a bucket elevator is often the best option. In this article, we will explain how exactly bucket elevators work and discuss some of the applications for which they are popular.

The Mechanics of Bucket Elevators

A bucket elevator, or bucket conveyor, is made up of several buckets that are attached to a rotating chain or belt. They pick up the material that needs to be moved at the bottom, carry it up the conveyor, and dump it at the top. The bucket then returns to the bottom and picks up another load, and so on. The specific type and design of a bucket elevator is determined by the type of material that needs to be moved and the environment in which it will operate. There are three configuration options to choose from: continuous, centrifugal, and high-speed.

Continuous Bucket Elevators

Continuous bucket elevators are usually the choice when material needs to be moved at a low speed. The buckets are usually close together so material can spill over from to another. They can operate on a belt, single chain, or double chain, and are ideal for fragile or abrasive materials that need extra care.

Centrifugal Bucket Elevators

Centrifugal bucket elevators operate on a belt or single chain and feature buckets that are spaced further apart. They move at a faster speed than continuous bucket elevators and utilize centrifugal force to expel the material from the bucket. They can move higher volumes of material and are ideal for a wide variety of applications.

High-Speed Bucket Elevators

High-speed bucket elevators are designed to handle extremely large loads of free-flowing material. They operate on a belt and often include several rows of specially designed buckets. The speeds can typically be twice that of the centrifugal type elevator.

Industries & Applications

Because of their adaptability, bucket elevators are popular in a wide array of industries, including pulp and paper, cement, agricultural, power and utility, chemical, and more. They are used to move many different materials, including:

  • Fly ash
  • Lime
  • Cement
  • Minerals
  • Grains
  • Pot ash
  • Wood chips
  • Coal
  • Fertilizers
  • Aggregates
  • Salts
  • Gypsum

Custom-Manufactured Heavy-Duty Bucket Elevators From Materials Handling Equipment

Bucket ElevatorSince 1927, Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has been manufacturing custom bucket elevators for industrial plants throughout the United States. We are recognized as pioneers in several classes of conveyors, including mill-duty and cement-duty. While many other conveyor manufacturers offer cookie-cutter options, our bucket elevators are custom-manufactured to fit the space they will occupy and the application they will be used for. Additionally, we utilize special wear-resistant alloys and customized components, so our bucket elevators provide decades of reliable service in the most severe environments imaginable. In fact, many of our custom conveyors are still in service more than half a century after delivery.

If you would like to learn more about the custom bucket elevators we manufacture, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation.

What Is a Bucket Elevator Used For?

What Is a Bucket Elevator Used For?

What Is a Bucket Elevator Used For?One of the most common types of conveyors you’ll find at industrial facilities is the bucket elevator. This style of conveyor is a workhorse for a variety of industries and can reliably and efficiently move large quantities of bulk material. They are used effectively in a wide variety of industries, including:

  • Agriculture
  • Cement
  • Chemical
  • Construction
  • Mining and minerals
  • Paper and pulp
  • Steel
  • Power and utility

Bucket elevators are popular because they can vertically convey flowable bulk material—from light to heavy and fine to coarse—with ease. Many bucket elevators rely on centrifugal force to move the material to the discharge chute and operate at a relatively high speed, as is common in grain elevators.

Bucket Elevators From Materials Handling Equipment

Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has been manufacturing custom bucket elevators for a wide array of industries since 1927. We differ from many of our competitors in that every conveyor we deliver has been custom manufactured to fit the exact needs of the customer and to fit perfectly in the space it will occupy. We are proud to have pioneered several classes of bucket elevators, including severe duty. Our severe-duty conveyors utilize custom-engineered drive components and special wear-resistant alloys, which allows them to provide decades of reliable performance in the most extreme conditions, including severe abrasion and corrosion, and high temperatures. Our other bucket elevators include:

  • Industrial duty – Including standard-grade and food-grade
  • Mill duty – Specifically manufactured for common materials
  • Heavy duty – Used for heavy construction applications, including hot lime conveyance
  • Cement duty – Pioneered by MHE; includes special maintenance features
  • High speed – Custom engineered for the largest capacities

Additionally, our bucket elevators can be constructed to a variety of specifications, including capacities of up to 1,500 TPH, heights of up to 200 feet, and inclines of up to 60 degrees. They can also function in temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Benefits of MHE Bucket Elevators

There are a variety of benefits that companies will enjoy when they choose MHE to manufacture their bucket elevator. Unlike the many “cookie-cutter” conveyors on the market, our bucket elevators:

  • Provide four-sided boot access to allow for easy maintenance
  • Deliver a longer service life because of their heavy-duty construction
  • Can be designed to your preferences and customized to improve efficiency
  • Feature custom-engineered drive components that result in improved operation

In addition to bucket elevators, we also offer custom screw conveyors, apron conveyors, drag conveyors, belt conveyors, pan conveyors, and live bottom dischargers. If you are interested in learning more about our custom conveyors, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you determine which type of conveyor will best meet your company’s needs.

How to Build the Right Conveyor

How to Build the Right Conveyor

How to Build the Right ConveyorIf you’re in the market for a conveyor for your factory or industrial plant, you don’t have to settle for a pre-fabricated, “cookie-cutter”-style conveyor that only meets some of your needs. Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) can custom-manufacture a heavy-duty conveyor that is designed to check all the boxes for your company and will provide the efficiency and productivity gains you’re hoping for. Our team of experts will work with you to design the ideal custom conveyor, and the process will be determined by a variety of important considerations. For us to build the right conveyor for your company, we will need to establish:

What Type of Bulk Material Needs to Be Conveyed

The list of materials that conveyors can handle is long and growing, as there are a wide variety of industries that utilize conveyor systems to speed up their productivity. Some of the materials conveyors can help with include cement, fly ash, food waste, bottom ash, aggregates, cereal grains, and more.

This is the most important variable in determining what type of conveyor needs to be built. If your company is in an industry like power and utilities, construction, or chemicals, you may want to consider a drag conveyor, which contains a series of plates that are dragged through a trough to move the material. If the material is especially fine or granular, a better option may be a screw conveyor that uses a rotating screw blade within a tube. For a harsher environment and bulkier material, an apron conveyor offers an ideal carrying surface.

How Much Space Is Available

The size of the conveyor will also play a large factor in its cost. MHE offers custom conveyors that can reach heights of up to 200 feet, can stretch for up to 300 feet, and can handle the steepest inclines in the industry. Because the conveyors we provide are completely custom, we can design yours to perfectly fit the available space, which leads to greater efficiency and improved safety.

The Type of Environment It Will Occupy

ConveyorThe harsher the environment, the more durable the conveyor will need to be. MHE is recognized for producing conveyors that can handle the most extreme conditions, including severe corrosion and abrasion and high temperatures, without missing a beat. Our conveyors last for decades in extreme environments thanks to upgrades like custom-engineered drive components, special wear-resistant alloys, and internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings.

What Types of Customizations It Will Need

Your company is unique, and your conveyor system needs to be as well. We offer a wide array of customization options to ensure that your specific needs are being met and that your conveyor is offering optimal efficiency.

Let MHE Build the Right Conveyor For Your Company’s Needs

MHE has been custom-engineering heavy-duty conveyors for companies throughout the United States since 1927. We’ve become a respected industry leader by offering a superior product for a comparable price, and we always stand behind our work. In fact, we’ll be standing by 24/7 in case you ever have an issue with your conveyor.

If you’d like to learn more about the custom conveyors we offer, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How Much Does a Conveyor Cost?

How Much Does a Conveyor Cost?

How Much Does a Conveyor Cost? The right kind of conveyor system can do wonders for the productivity of a factory or industrial plant, as it can eliminate some steps in the manufacturing process and accomplish others much more efficiently. If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty conveyor system for your company, the first question that likely came to mind is “How much will it cost?” There’s no simple answer to that question, however, as there are many different factors that will come into play when determining the initial costs your company will face. Yes, there are “cookie-cutter” conveyor systems on the market that have set prices, but these are not a good option for companies that want a conveyor that accomplishes specific goals and is manufactured to fit in a pre-determined space.

Custom Conveyor Solutions

Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) manufactures custom conveyors that can accomplish any type of bulk material delivery needs and can perform in the most hazardous of environments. When determining what one of these heavy-duty conveyors will cost, there are a lot of variables to consider. They include:

The Type of Conveyor That is Needed

Though the ultimate goal is the same—moving high volumes of bulk material as quickly and efficiently as possible—the type of conveyor that is needed will depend on the type of material that is involved. For example, if the material is small or granular, like food waste, aggregates, cereal grains, or boiler ash, a screw conveyor that utilizes a rotating screw blade within a tube might be a good choice. For harsher applications and larger materials, an apron conveyor with overlapping plates that form the carrying service may be a better option. These are popular in the power, chemical, cement, mining, and paper industries.

The Environment

Industrial ConveyorOne of the biggest differentiators in the conveyor industry is the ability of a conveyor to reliably perform in extreme environments. Simply put, many of the products on the market aren’t engineered to be able to handle extreme corrosion, severe abrasion, and high temperatures for long periods. At MHE, we utilize heavy-duty elements, such as custom-engineered drive components, special wear-resistant alloys, and internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings. This ensures that our heavy-duty conveyors will perform dependably for decades.

The Footprint It Will Occupy

Another important factor to consider when choosing a conveyor is the available space. While a pre-manufactured conveyor might have to be crammed into a space it wasn’t designed for, a custom conveyor can be built to match the exact specifications of the plant. This will result in greater efficiency and produce sufficient space for the operators of the conveyor, which can lead to improved safety.

We Can Manufacture a Custom Conveyor for Your Company

MHE has been a recognized leader in custom conveyors since we first entered the industry in 1927. We manufacture heavy-duty conveyors that meet precise customer specifications, and we do it for a price that is similar to what you’d pay for a pre-fabricated conveyor. Additionally, we provide all the necessary training and are available 24/7 to provide technical support.

If you’re interested in learning more about the custom heavy-duty conveyors we offer, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation.