Horizontal, Incline and Troughed Belt Conveyors
Belt conveyors for cartons, totes and parts on the level or up an incline, and troughed belt conveyors for bulk material. We source unit-handling belt conveyors from Hytrol and Omni Metalcraft, and bulk conveyor idlers and components from PPI, Continental and Superior.
Three types
Horizontal, incline or decline, and troughed bulk.
Belt included
We supply the conveyor belting too.
Components
Pulleys, idlers, rollers and belt splices.
Independent
Hytrol, Omni Metalcraft, PPI, Continental, Superior.
Horizontal vs. incline vs. troughed
Choose by what you are moving and where it has to go.
| Horizontal | Incline / decline | Troughed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moves | Cartons, totes, parts, bags | Cartons, totes, parts, some bulk | Bulk: grain, aggregate, coal, ore, fertilizer |
| Layout | Level runs between workstations | Between floor, dock and mezzanine levels | Long runs, outdoors and between plants |
| Belt | Slider-bed or roller-bed belting | Rough-top, cleated or sidewall belting | Heavy-duty rubber belting on troughing idlers |
| Watch for | Floor space on long runs | Product slipping; brakes or holdbacks on declines | Dust and spillage at transfer points |
Horizontal belt conveyors
Best for
Moving cartons, totes and parts between workstations; feeding scanners, labelers, check-weighers and metal detectors.
Industries
Manufacturing and assembly, warehousing and e-commerce, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, parcel.
Advantages
Gentle, steady handling and a wide choice of belts: food-grade, anti-static, abrasion-resistant.
Limitations
Level only, and long runs take floor space.
Belting: light duty conveyor belting and solid woven PVC.
Incline and decline belt conveyors
Best for
Raising product to mezzanines and upper floors, feeding hoppers and packaging machines, Z- and L-shaped layouts.
Industries
Distribution centers, food processing, recycling, agriculture, construction.
Advantages
Saves floor space; cleated or sidewall belts carry product up steeper slopes.
Limitations
Product can slip on smooth belts; more power needed; declines may need brakes or holdbacks.
Belting: incline conveyor belting(rough-top, cleated and chevron).
Troughed belt conveyors
Best for
Bulk material over long distances: aggregates, coal, grain, fertilizer, biomass.
Industries
Mining and quarrying, cement, power plants, ports and terminals, agriculture.
Advantages
High capacity, good containment and efficient on long runs.
Limitations
Higher first cost, more components to maintain, dust control at transfer points.
Idlers and pulleys from Precision Pulley & Idler, Continental and Superior. Belting: heavy duty conveyor belting; ratings explained in What is PIW?
What to send us
What you move
Product or material, its size and weight, or bulk density.
Layout
Length, width, and the rise or drop and angle for inclines.
Rate
Cartons per minute or tons per hour, and belt speed if known.
Power
Voltage, phase and frequency (50 or 60 Hz).
Environment
Indoor or outdoor, washdown, dust, heat.
Existing equipment
Photos and nameplates if you are replacing or extending a conveyor.
Work out belt speed and capacity with our conveyor belt calculator. Replacement rollers and idlers: conveyor rollers.
Belt conveyor FAQ
What is the difference between a horizontal, an incline and a troughed belt conveyor?
A horizontal conveyor moves product on the level. An incline or decline conveyor moves product between levels, usually with a rough-top, cleated or sidewall belt so it does not slip. A troughed conveyor runs the belt over angled idlers that form a trough, to carry bulk material over long distances with little spillage.
Slider-bed or roller-bed belt conveyor?
On a slider-bed conveyor the belt slides over a flat steel bed, which suits small or irregular items and inclines. On a roller-bed conveyor the belt runs over rollers, which lowers friction and power for longer runs and heavier cartons.
Which belt should I use on an incline?
Rough-top belts grip cartons on moderate inclines; cleated, chevron or sidewall belts carry product and bulk material up steeper slopes. See our incline conveyor belting page, or send the angle and the product.
Can you supply the belt, rollers and idlers for my existing conveyor?
Yes. We supply conveyor belting, replacement rollers, troughing and return idlers, pulleys and belt splices. Send the measurements and photos.
Which belt conveyor brands does Jealco source?
Unit-handling belt conveyors from Hytrol and Omni Metalcraft; bulk conveyor idlers, pulleys and components from Precision Pulley & Idler, Continental and Superior. As an independent distributor we can source others on request.
Tell us what you move and where
The product or material, the length and any rise, the rate and your power supply. We will recommend the conveyor, the belt and the components.