Upon delivery, check the factory packaging for damage, punctures, etc. Make any appropriate claim against the carrier at that time.

Factory packaging is designed to protect your conveyor belt during normal shipping and handling. When a belt arrives, be careful unloading it. Do not drop the belt or handle it roughly. This could break the packaging and cause the belt to telescope. Once a belt telescopes, it is almost impossible to re-roll.

Try not to roll the belt, but if you must, roll in the direction the belt is wound. Rolling a belt in the opposite direction can cause it to loosen and telescope.

The best way to move a belt is to slip a sturdy hoisting bar through the center core. Then, lift it with a sling or with strong cables. Be careful that these hoist cables do not damage the outer wraps at the belt edges. Protect the edges with special "spreader bars," or short wooden planks. For safety reasons, never apply a sling around the circumference of a roll of belting.

You can also move a belt safely by laying the roll flat on a skid and hoisting the skid with a forklift. Just be sure the forks on the lift do not come in contact with the belt itself.

When storing a new conveyor belt, leave it hoisted or stand it upright, preferably on a dry surface (do not lay the roll on its side). A wooden skid is best. Block it safely so it can’t accidentally roll.

Extreme temperature variations can have an adverse affect on a belt over long periods of time. The ideal storage range is between 50ºF and 70ºF.

Long exposure at temperatures even slightly below 40ºF can stiffen the compounds. If installed on a conveyor in this stiffened state, the belt may not train well until it adjusts or "warms up" to the system.

Sunlight and ozone can also deteriorate any exposed rubber over time. Store your belt out of the direct sunlight whenever possible. Keep any unused belt stored in protective factory packaging until ready for installation.

Used belts should be thoroughly cleaned and dried prior to storage. Belts should not be stored in excessively wet places or in areas where oils, gasoline, paint materials, acids and chemicals are also stored or used. A belt should not be permitted to rest on a concrete floor, use a pallet or a cradle.

Posted 29 April 2001