There is no question that conveyors are an important piece of equipment for farmers. When you need them most, nothing is more frustrating than a breakdown. However, when you know how to troubleshoot issues with your conveyor, you can get back to productivity with ease. Though it is important to always refer to your user manual and manufacturer troubleshooting guide for assistance, having a basic understanding of possible issues with your conveyor can go a long way toward solving problems.
At Avonlea Farm Sales Ltd., we are your top choice when looking for farming equipment for sale in Manitoba and are dedicated to making your life easier. In this post, we outline some of the top reasons why conveyor issues can arise and offer insight into how you can determine the cause and solve the issue. When looking for conveyors for sale, you can count on Avonlea to provide you with unmatched support and knowledge as we have first-hand experience within the farming industry.
Troubleshooting Convey-All seed tender conveyor systems and conveyors from other manufacturers typically involve identifying and addressing common issues such as blockages, motor failures, belt tracking problems, and abnormal noise or vibration. Below are some steps to help troubleshoot a Convey-All conveyor system:
· Identify the issue- Observe the system to determine the specific problem. Look for any visible signs of blockages, misaligned belts, loose components, or unusual sounds or movements.
· Disconnect power - Before troubleshooting or performing any maintenance on the conveyor system, make sure to disconnect the power supply to prevent any accidents or injuries.
· Clear blockages - If there is a blockage in the system, manually clear it by removing any debris, objects, or material that may be causing the obstruction. Ensure all safety precautions are followed, such as wearing appropriate protective gear.
· Check belt tension and alignment - Check the tension and alignment of the conveyor belt. If the belt is loose or misaligned, it can cause inefficiencies, material spillage, or even complete system failure. Adjust the tension or alignment as necessary.
· Inspect motor and gearboxes -Examine the motor and gearboxes for signs of damage or excessive wear. Look for any loose or broken components. If any issues are found, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician for repair or replacement.
· Lubricate moving parts - Proper lubrication is crucial to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear or damage. Apply lubrication to any moving parts, such as rollers, pulleys, or gears, as recommended by the manufacturer.
· Test the system - Once any maintenance or adjustments are made, reconnect the power supply and run the conveyor system to test its functionality. Observe if the issue has been resolved or if further troubleshooting is needed.
· Consult the user manual or manufacturer - If the issue persists or is complex, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for specific troubleshooting instructions or assistance. They may provide step-by-step guidance or recommend professional help if needed.
When troubleshooting issues with a conveyor system, remember to always follow proper safety protocols and seek professional help when required. Your safe use of a conveyor can help to reduce potential risks and ensure the longevity and reliability of your Convey-All conveyor system and other conveyor systems.
For more information on troubleshooting the issues of a conveyor belt that is not running straight, see our post, How to Adjust a Conveyor Belt to Run Straight: Your Step-by-Step Guide.
Unit Type | Problem | Possible Cause | Possible Remedy |
---|---|---|---|
General Conveyor | Conveyor belt Fraying | Belt is misaligned | Adjust and set the correct tension on the belt |
Flashing of the hopper sticks to the belt due to overheating | Power off the unit and gently remove build-up from hopper, then run dry substance to form a protective layer | ||
Belt slackness | Adjust and make sure it fits properly | ||
Belt becoming frozen due to moist and cold conditions | Clear the area of excessive moisture and add a protective layer to prevent freezing | ||
Drive component slackness | Adjust the drive component | ||
General Conveyor | Conveyor belt doesn't turn or is slipping | Lack of power | Initiate the engine and set to its highest speed |
Drive system (Electric/Gas) slips | Replace with a new V-belt | ||
Issues in the hydraulic system, potential malfunction | Evaluate and modify the pressure settings, verify pump fluid flow, and replace any malfunctioning parts | ||
Bearings jammed | Examine all bearings and substitute any that are worn out or jammed | ||
Obstruction in belt/roller | Inspect for obstructions and clear any detected | ||
Hydraulic pump defects | Inspect the hydraulic pump and substitute if damaged | ||
Hydraulic pressure is below standard | Adjust the hydraulic pump and make sure it functions properly | ||
Motor driving the hydraulic system is damaged | Consider replacing the hydraulic motor | ||
Product builds up under the belt due to hopper design | Change the hopper's flashing | ||
Tube Conveyors | Low capacity | Belt's angle surpasses the ideal angle of 30 degrees | Adjust the belt to a lesser incline |
Belt is not sufficiently taut | Ensure there's ample tension between the drive and pinch rollers | ||
V-shaped belts are slack | Make sure belts are taut or consider replacing them | ||
Belt slackness | Adjust belt tension | ||
Worn-out roller lagging | Consider roller replacement or lagging restoration | ||
Issues with the double-stage pump | Verify and rectify the pump's fluid flow | ||
Insufficient engine power | Open the gate to decrease product load and ensure governor is engaged appropriately | ||
Valve setting issues in the relief system | Tweak the valve and ensure fluid flow is optimized for correct pressure | ||
Incorrect drive line configuration | Adjust or replace the drive system components | ||
Driving components misconfigured | Re-engage the drive system and inspect the mechanisms | ||
Malfunctions in the check valve or cylinder | Replace faulty components and ensure seals are intact | ||
10 inch Swing Out Mover Kit | Swing Out drives too fast/too slow | Hydraulic valve set incorrectly | Adjust the valve settings for optimal performance |
Worn-out roller lagging | Restore or replace the roller's lagging | ||
End roller is not positioned properly | Adjust the roller to its proper position | ||
Excessive load on the bed | Clear out the excess material | ||
Open bed, low profile underbin conveyors | Conveyor belt runs to one side throughout bed | Material buildup on discharge components | Clean the discharge components to ensure smooth flow |
Malfunctioning bearing | Identify and replace the faulty bearing | ||
Material isn't centered on the belt | Adjust loading mechanisms to center the material | ||
The conveyor isn't positioned correctly | Adjust the conveyor's position to level it out | ||
Bolts securing conveyor sections are loose | Secure and tighten the bolt connections | ||
Seed Tenders | Conveyor won't run | The conveyor's clutch is malfunctioning | Replace the defective clutch |
Wiring connected to pivot motor has reversed polarity | Reconnect the cables in the correct orientation | ||
Battery power is depleting | Recharge or substitute the battery | ||
The batteries may have been exhausted during storage and were replaced, but it still isn’t functioning | Ensure batteries are operational and synchronize the remote with its receiver | ||
Commercial Seed Tenders (CST) | 2014 model: shorting battery with remote control electrical system | Overcurrent due to electrical system configuration | If initiating engine start, detach the fuse. If charging, disconnect from CST |
Hydraulic system | No hydraulic flow | Hydraulic valve jammed or obstructed | Ensure the hydraulic valve is open and free of blockages |
Pump in hydraulic system is faulty | Inspect and if necessary, replace the hydraulic pump | ||
Pressure in the hydraulic system is low | Ensure the hydraulic pump is operational and performing optimally | ||
Motor driving the hydraulic system is damaged | Evaluate and possibly replace the hydraulic motor | ||
Gas engine | Engine won’t start | Empty fuel tank | Refuel the engine |
Engine is cold | Use the engine choke | ||
Air filter has accumulated dirt | Clean or replace the air filter to ensure optimal airflow | ||
Sandking | Engine labouring | The belt is covered with oily products or is damp | Clean the belt thoroughly |
Tight hopper flashing | Loosen the flashing for optimal flow | ||
Engine's shutdown switch activated | Ensure the engine's shutdown mechanism is turned off | ||
Adjustments to set screws are inaccurate | Consult the service department for adjustment guidance | ||
Conveyor's shutdown mechanism is on | Turn off the conveyor's shutdown switch | ||
Sandking - Electric Over Hydraulic | Engine won’t start | Shutdown valve of Roda Deaco is engaged | Deactivate the shutdown valve |