A conveyor frame is a structure, and structures need a datum. If the floor is uneven, the frame must be leveled independently of the floor, not bolted down to follow it. This is the single most important step in installation.
Key takeaways
- Survey the floor before positioning the conveyor.
- Level the frame with shims or adjustable feet, then anchor.
- Do not use the anchor bolts to pull the frame into position.
- Check the diagonal dimensions before tightening anything.
1. Survey the floor
Use a laser level or a straight edge and a feeler gauge to measure the floor along the conveyor route. Record the high and low points. A variation of 10 mm over 10 metres is common in older buildings and must be accommodated by the frame, not by the conveyor.
Mark the centreline and the anchor positions on the floor. Check the positions against the building columns and the doors. A conveyor that is 50 mm off the centreline can block an aisle.
2. Position and level
Place the frame sections on the floor and connect them loosely. Use a laser or a spirit level on the frame, not on the floor. Adjust the feet or add shims under the legs until the frame is level within 1 mm per metre in both directions.
For a long conveyor, level in sections and check the transition between sections. A step of 2 mm at a joint will cause a bump and noise.
| Check | Tolerance | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Longitudinal level | 1 mm/m | Laser or spirit level |
| Transverse level | 1 mm/m | Spirit level across frame |
| Diagonal square | ±2 mm | Tape measure |
| Joint step | <0.5 mm | Straight edge |
| Anchor torque | Per specification | Torque wrench |
3. Anchor selection
Use anchors rated for the load and the floor material. A concrete wedge anchor is common for a sound concrete floor; a chemical anchor is better for cracked concrete or when the anchor is close to an edge. Do not use plastic plugs for a conveyor.
Drill the hole to the specified diameter and depth, clean it, and tighten the anchor to the specified torque. An over-tightened anchor can crack the concrete; an under-tightened anchor will loosen under vibration.
4. Frame fixing and joints
Connect the frame sections with the specified bolts and check the joint for step and angle. A joint that is not square will cause the chain or belt to run off. Tighten the joint bolts after the frame is leveled, not before.
If the conveyor is long, leave a expansion joint or a slotted connection to allow for thermal movement. A frame that is fully restrained will buckle or crack at the welds.
5. Before commissioning
Check that all anchors are tight, all joints are connected, all guards are in place and all tools are removed from the conveyor. Turn the conveyor by hand for one revolution and listen for rubbing or clicking. Then run at low speed and check the tracking, the noise and the current.
Record the installation checks and the readings. A signed installation record is useful when a problem appears later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a conveyor on an uneven floor without leveling?
Only if the conveyor is designed to follow the floor and the product can tolerate the slope. For most lines, leveling is required.
What anchor should I use?
A concrete wedge anchor for sound concrete, a chemical anchor for cracked or edge conditions. Follow the anchor manufacturer's specification.
How long should installation take?
For a 20-metre modular conveyor, two to three days for a crew of two, including leveling and anchoring. Commissioning is additional.
Our installation guides cover the next steps: commissioning and VFD setup.
