Productivity Tips

Product Productivity FAQs

General

1. Keep the conveyor clean and dry.
2. Report all wear or damage immediately and do not continue use.
3. Regular servicing by an appropriately trained technician will extend the life of your equipment.
4. Always use original or approved spare parts and components to ensure safe and correct operation.

All Flexible Conveyors

1. Periodically check the carton motion on the conveyor to ensure proper and smooth performance.
2. Periodically lubricate all slotted components with a dry lubricant to ensure smooth and easy operation.
3. Carefully inspect the conveyor for loose or worn components that need to be tightened or replaced. Always replace damaged or worn parts before using the conveyor.
4. Check the function of the braked castors.

Powered Roller Conveyors

1. Make sure all guards and caution decals are in place and secure.
2. Inspect wires and cables for damage. If damage to wires or cables is found, disconnect the power immediately and do not operate unit until proper repair is completed.
3. Ensure photo eyes are clean and unobstructed.
4. Inspect drive bands for wear. Replace any that are excessively worn.
5. Verify the function of all Start/Stop push-buttons.
6. Test Ground Fault operation by pressing test button.
7. Ensure that all motors are running correctly.

Telescopic Conveyors

1. Install the conveyor according to the measurements and instructions specified on the installation drawing as found in the manual.
2. Make all power and control connections as specified in the electrical schematics found in the manual.
3. Validate that e-stops and the extension stop bar function to safely stop the machine upon activation.
4. If conveyor has hydraulic tilt, check the oil level and condition periodically. A hydraulic service should be carried our annually to maintain safe and efficient working order.
5. Perform and verify all machine functions.

PRODUCTIVITY FAQs

Q: Which skate wheel type do I need?

A: The steel skate wheel provides the highest durability with medium flow speed.   The polymer skate wheel provides medium durability with high flow speed. It is lighter than the steel skate wheel, and with steel ball bearings it provides more efficient gravity flow for light packages and with less pitch.  

Q: When do I need rollers instead of skate wheels on the BestFlex gravity conveyors?

A: The dense skate wheel pattern on the BestFlex gravity conveyors provides an efficient conveying surface for most packages. Skate wheels provide better gravity flow with less pitch in the conveyor height. The rollers are only required for items with a recessed bottom surface, such as moulded trays or drums.  

Q: How do I determine the correct height difference required to provide efficient flow of packages on the BestFlex gravity conveyors?

A: The height difference required may vary depending on the weight, bottom surface, and condition of the package being conveyed. Generally, BestFlex conveyors require between 25mm and 30mm drop in height per linear meter of the conveyor for efficient gravity flow.  

Q: How can I increase the gravity flow on the BestFlex gravity conveyors?

A: Gravity flow can be increased on the BestFlex gravity conveyors by increasing the height difference between the in-feed and discharge ends of the conveyor or by using the polymer skate wheels. This skate wheel has steel ball bearings and is lighter than the steel skate wheel and provides less resistance and increased speed for the package being conveyed.  

Q: How are packages stopped at the end of a flexible conveyor?

A: A Drop-down Package Stop or Roller Stop/Connector can be fitted to all BestFlex and PowerFlex conveyors.  

Q: How can I control packages on a curve of a BestFlex gravity conveyor if the conveyor does not have a built-in curved guard?

A: BestFlex gravity conveyors are self-tracking around curves. Most applications do not require side rails or guides. If a package has a smooth, low friction bottom surface, such as a plastic tote, side-guide may be required.

Q: How can I prevent premature damage to the load end of a flexible conveyor?

A: The loading table is an accessory item that can be added to any of the BestFlex gravity conveyors. It is a high volume receiving section that attaches to the in-feed end of the conveyor. It has a rigid, solid frame that allows it to take the daily abuse of impact loading which helps protect the life of your flexible conveyor and reduce maintenance costs.  

Q: How far into the bed of the truck should I take the conveyor for loading or unloading?

A: We recommend that the length of the conveyor reach within 2m of the nose of the trailer. This allows the room required for the operator to work.  

Q: How can PowerFlex conveyors improve my operation?

A: The concept of loose loading/unloading has proven itself to be the most cost-effective way to move freight. The use of a powered conveyor is the most productive and cost-effective method for loading/unloading trucks. Simply stated – you get more accomplished in a shorter amount of time with fewer workers. PowerFlex conveyors can provide a flexible solution to your loading/unloading needs. By using the proper combination of conveyor, optic options and ergonomic aids our sales/applications team can configure a PowerFlex conveyor that will allow you to achieve the greatest possible throughput for your operation.  

Q: What flow control options are available and how can they increase the productivity of my operation? A: There are several flow control options available on the PowerFlex and BestConnect conveyors including electronic package stop, Build Back sensors, Indexing and Zero Line Pressure (ZLP) accumulation. There are numerous unique configurations of optics, timer relays and interlock signals that will allow you the greatest possible productivity for your operation. Consult your sales representative to discuss which flow control package is best suited for your application.  

Q: What maintenance is required? In order to keep your FMH Conveyors equipment functioning at a high level, a regular Preventative Maintenance (PM) program is recommended. The PM would consist of a visual inspection to ensure the drive system and belts are not worn and there is no missing or loose hardware. Detailed information and instructions can be found in the service manual regarding the recommended service intervals. Consult your sales representative for details regarding a Preventative Maintenance or service program.      

Q: Why choose the MaxxReach?

A: Our MaxxReach telescopic conveyors provide the highest level of safety, ergonomics and productivity for large volume, shipping and receiving applications. The conveyor is effortlessly powered into and out of the trailer by a single operator with a simple push of the button.  

Q: What accessories do I need to unload trucks with large, heavy, floor loaded items?

A: For floor loading or unloading of large, heavy items such as bags of seed, carpet, or drums, we would recommend our articulating belt conveyor that lowers the conveyor belt to within 200mm of the trailer floor enabling safe and easy product handling.  

Q: When would I need the traversing accessory?

A: A traversing system can be added to any MaxxReach model to enable the conveyor to travel from one dock door to the next. It is an economical solution for trailer loading/unloading plans that do not require every trailer to be utilized at the same time.  

Q: What is the best way to allow our operators to safely load trailers from floor to ceiling?

A: The MaxxReach can be fitted with hydraulic tilt and a man-rider platform to raise and lower the operator to the optimal working height within the trailer. A variety of options may be added to this system for additional ergonomic and productivity enhancements.  

Q: How can I utilize one operator to load multiple trailers?

A: With the optional photocell flow control with index accumulation, the MaxxReach can be set to allow the product to fill the conveyor belt until photocells located on the front and rear of the conveyor are blocked. Once blocked, the belt will stop and the operator can load the trailer when they become available.  

Q: The trailers are hot very hot in the summer and productivity drops as the temperature heats up. How can I provide operator relief?

A: The MaxxReach can be optioned with a fan mounted to the operator end to circulate trailer air for improved comfort. To reduce the air temperature within the trailer, the MaxxReach can also be optioned with squirrel cage fan-powered telescopic ventilation to provide facility temperature air to the trailer operator. For the ultimate in temperature reduction, an air condition unit attached to the telescopic ventilation providing greater operator relief.  

Q: It’s often dark inside the trailer making it difficult for operators to see the packages, slowing them down. What options are available?

A: The MaxxReach comes standard with two very bright, energy-efficient headlamps. Optional additional lighting solutions are available.  

Q: What does the BestConnect do to improve my operation efficiencies?

A: The BestConnect is an innovative reconfigurable conveyor system that can easily link flexible, powerful and rigid products together to make loading and unloading single or multiple trailers faster and more efficient. The system also assists warehouse personnel to sort packages faster and easier.  

Q: What is the difference between BestConnect and more standard conveyor types?

A: The ability to reconfigure the BestConnect system components, whether on a daily basis or something more long term, makes this system a smarter purchase. Should your operation change, move or expand the BestConnect system can be easily adapted to suit your modified needs without any large additional costs. Decentralized controls ensure that the system will remain functional without software modifications or rewiring.