Published: June 03, 2025  Updated: May 30, 2025

Conveyor Maintenance Tips to Prevent Downtime and Boost Efficiency

Many industries use conveyors in their operations. From automotive to construction to food processing. Even the postal services. Because of the wide usage, companies need to understand the importance of conveyor maintenance.

In this article, we'll discuss the following:

• The Importance of Preventive Maintenance (PM).
• Common Conveyor Maintenance Issues to Watch For.
• How to Build a Regular Conveyor Maintenance Schedule.
• How Technology Enhances Conveyor Maintenance.

The Importance of Preventive Maintenance (PM)

Review the benefits of PM for all your assets. From your personal vehicles to your house. From your delivery vans, processors, industrial ovens to pumps, pipes, and HVACs.

Neglecting PMs risks breakdowns, emergency purchases, and increased costs. You may need extra labor and overtime. Plus, PMs help you extend asset life and keep reliability strong.

Don't forget about the safety benefits. PMs can spot minor issues that might turn into major problems and cause a safety hazard.

So, what do PM jobs do for conveyors? You gain the same benefits. You make sure you don't miss deadlines and customer dissatisfaction.

Common Conveyor Maintenance Issues to Watch For

Conveyor problems can crop up in various forms. Some of the most common issues include:

• Belt problems: Wear and tear, slippage, and misalignment.
• Rollers: Bearing failures or wear.
• Motor and gearbox troubles: Overloading, overheating, and lubrication issues.
• Structural problems: Weakened frames and supports.
• Material buildup: Accumulated dirt and debris affecting operations.

How to Build a Regular Conveyor Maintenance Schedule

Remember, maintenance technicians don't have all the responsibilities for upkeep. "Production" personnel must contribute. Let's look at various maintenance jobs you should schedule. Many don't take long, but don't underestimate their importance.

Daily Conveyor Maintenance Inspections

• Check for damage or misalignment.
• Remove material buildup or debris.
• Verify conveyor tracking.
• Inspect emergency stop systems.
• Lubricate moving parts as needed.

Ready to revolutionize your maintenance department? Schedule a live demo today.

Weekly Conveyor Checks

• Tighten bolts and fasteners.
• Check belt tension and alignment.
• Inspect rollers and bearings.
• Clean and inspect motor and gearbox.
• Verify load capacity.

Monthly Conveyor Maintenance Evaluations

• Inspect entire system visually.
• Check structural integrity.
• Inspect electrical components.
• Test safety devices.
• Develop a maintenance plan based on findings.

Case Study: The Mining Industry

The mining industry relies heavily on conveyor systems to transport raw materials. These systems operate in harsh environments, exposed to dust, vibration, and extreme temperatures.

• Temperature fluctuations: Cause rubber degradation or stiffening.
• High humidity: Accelerates corrosion.
• Dust and abrasion: Rapid wear on components.

Mitigation strategies include:

• Material selection suited to harsh conditions.
• Enhanced inspection schedules.
• Protective coatings and specialized lubricants.
• Enclosures and weather contingency plans.

For more information, see:

• Luff Industries
• ZRC
• AMPP

Discover how streamlined maintenance processes can elevate production. Learn more.

How Technology Enhances Conveyor Maintenance

Technology has revolutionized how conveyor systems are maintained. By leveraging advanced tools and data, operations can reduce downtime and enhance safety.

Predictive Maintenance and IoT Tools

• Sensor integration.
• Vibration analysis.
• Temperature monitoring.
• Belt slippage detection.
• Predictive analytics.
• Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting.
• Real-time performance data.
• Automation and robotics.

CMMS Software for Streamlining Preventative Maintenance

CMMS software is a game-changer. It centralizes all maintenance data and tasks:

• Schedule and manage PM work orders.
• Organize spare parts and inventory.
• Plan labor and assign crews.
• Generate reports on KPIs, failures, and work completion.

Prioritize Conveyor Maintenance for Long-Term Performance

You shouldn't underestimate the importance of conveyor maintenance. It ensures overall equipment effectiveness and business continuity. Using tools like CMMS and proactive strategies ensures long-term operational success.

For the best CMMS for your industry, call 800-922-4336. Mapcon Technologies has a proven record of helping companies improve their maintenance management success.