Frequently Asked Questions About Our Conveyor Solutions

What Types of Conveyor Solutions Does FMH Conveyors Provide? 

FMH Conveyors designs and manufactures a wide range of conveyor solutions focused on loading and unloading operations. Our solutions include flexible gravity conveyors, powered flexible conveyors, telescopic conveyors, rigid drive-out conveyors, rigid modular conveyors, and curved belt conveyors. As North America’s leading provider of truck loading and unloading material handling solutions we offer a wide spectrum of customized solutions to meet your needs.

What Industries and Applications Are FMH Conveyor Solutions Best Suited?

Our conveyors are commonly used in warehousing, distribution centers, e-commerce fulfillment, parcel handling, manufacturing, and shipping operations. You will find our conveyors in environments where efficiency at the dock is critical.

How Do FMH Conveyors Improve Efficiency and Safety at the Loading Dock?

Our solutions help reduce manual handling, speed up loading and unloading, improve product flow, increase efficiency, and minimize worker strain. These improvements can lead to labor savings, faster cycle times, and reduced risk of workplace injuries.

What Is the Difference Between Gravity Conveyors and Powered Conveyors?

Gravity conveyors rely on slope and manual force to move products, making them simple and cost-effective for shorter distances. Powered conveyors use motors to control movement, allowing for higher throughput, consistent speeds, and better handling of heavier or less uniform products. Powered conveyors are more versatile and a better choice for longer distances.

How Do I Know Which Conveyor Solution Is Right for My Operation?

The right conveyor solution depends on many factors such as product type, load weight, throughput requirements, facility layout, available space, and budget. FMH Conveyors typically evaluates the full application to recommend a solution that fits operational and long-term needs.

Can FMH Conveyors Be Customized for Specific Facility Layouts?

Yes. Many of our conveyor solutions are modular or configurable, allowing them to adapt to straight runs, curves, variable lengths, dock configurations, and changing operational requirements.

What Factors Affect Load Capacity in Conveyor Solutions?

Load capacity is influenced by several interrelated factors, such as conveyor type, roller or belt design, belt width and speed, axle spacing, frame construction, and whether the solution is gravity or powered. Understanding maximum live load capacity is also critical when selecting a conveyor solution.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Design and Build a Conveyor Solution?

Lead times vary depending on product type, customization level, and project complexity. Some standard conveyor solutions can be delivered relatively quickly, while custom or large-scale solutions may require longer design and manufacturing timelines.

Does FMH Conveyors Work with Solution Integrators and Channel Partners?

Yes. We sell conveyor solutions through a network of channel partners and support direct relationships with strategic accounts, collaborating closely with integrators, engineers, and project managers.

What Should Be Considered When Planning a Conveyor Solution for a Long-Term Return on the Investment?

Operators should consider the cost of the investment to increased output and working efficiency. Other considerations should include durability of the solution, maintenance requirements, energy usage, scalability, solution flexibility, and how well the conveyor supports future operational changes or growth.

What Is a Telescopic Belt Conveyor and When Is It Used?

A telescopic belt conveyor, also known as an extendable conveyer, extends into a trailer, truck, or shipping container to reduce walking and manual handling during loading and unloading. It is commonly used in high-volume shipping and receiving warehouses and distribution center environments where speed and ergonomics are priorities.

What Products Work Best on a Roller-Based Conveyor Solution?

Roller-based conveyors are best suited for products with rigid, flat bottoms such as cartons, totes, cases, and pallets that can roll smoothly across the conveyor surface.

When Is a Belt Conveyor a Better Solution Than a Roller Conveyor?

Belt conveyors are ideal solutions for precision handling of irregularly shaped, soft, small, fragile, or unstable products. They work well for applications that require inclines, declines, or curved paths with consistent product control.

Roller conveyors control loads less precisely than belt conveyors but offer more types, configurations, and accessories. When a tote or carton is conveyed on rollers, it can move across the rollers and bump the guardrails. For most products, the bumps are minor and don’t cause issues, but for some more fragile loads, you will need the finer control provided by a belt conveyor.

Are FMH Conveyors Suitable for Year-Round Operations?

Yes. Our conveyor solutions are durable, long lasting, and deliver outstanding performance. They are designed for continuous, year-round use across a variety of environments, even though demand for new solutions may peak seasonally.

Can FMH Conveyor Solutions Be Expanded or Reconfigured Over Time?

Yes. Many FMH conveyor solutions are designed with versatility, modularity and flexibility in mind. This makes it possible to extend, reconfigure, or integrate additional conveyor sections as operational needs evolve.