Beginners Guide

Introduction to Troughed Belt Idlers

Idlers are an important component in any conveyor system as they are used to support the conveyor belt and the load carried on the belt.

There are a significant number of idlers on a conveyor and if the incorrect idlers are selected, the subsequent problem manifests itself along the entire conveyor length !

Idlers are the 'low friction sliding surface' over which an endless conveyor belt is 'dragged' by the drive pulley(s), enabling a conveyor to operate for many thousands of hours without wearing out the belting.

The selection of the correct type of idlers is very important with respect to the optimum load-carrying capacity of a conveyor and the environment in which the conveyor is to operate. Similarly, understanding the design of idlers, their limitations and the factors which affect their performance, is important in ensuring that the conveyor operates reliably and cost-effectively.

This Beginners Guide to conveyor idlers discusses the anatomy of idlers, outlines the design considerations when selecting idlers and lists the different types of idlers available for troughed belt conveyors.

Cross-references are made to the main menu of 'Idlers' where appropriate, to introduce the learner to the standards and norms in the industry.