How to Measure The Correct Length on a Horizontal Slider Bed Conveyor

**Please note: we supply replacement belts nationwide for all makes and models of conveyors including but not limited to the following industries: food, beverage, mining, recycling, scrap, package handling, baggage handling and more.

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Complete Step By Step Video On How To Measure The Correct Length on a Horizontal Slider Bed Conveyor:

The main video above is a comprehensive overview of each step (see below) to give you all the tools you will need to make sure you have all critical dimensions required for getting the correct replacement belt. Please download and print out the PDF below. Take images at the the critical steps and areas you are unsure of. Email the filled out PDF and images to [email protected]. Once we have all the data we will send over a quote.

If you are ready to order you will receive a final approval drawing to sign off on before your belt has been released to production. This will be sent via DocuSign for your electronic signature.

Want to get the exact length & thickness of your belt?

Belt Length: Purchase this handheld tachometer off Amazon.

Belt Thickness: Purchase a caliper off Amazon

Download PDF Belt Measurement Template

Once you have printed off the PDF and have watched the complete video, you can use each video below to go step by step in the field to ensure you get all the dimensions we will need. Make sure you fill out the PDF entirely. This should take roughly 10 minutes or so to complete. Also make sure you double check all dimensions to ensure you have the right information.

Step 1: Setting Take-up Distance Correctly Before Measuring

Making sure you take into account the adjustment area for your conveyor is very important. Putting the take-up in the depicted location gives you a little room for error. If you do not position the take-up area as noted, you might receive a belt that is too short unless you are 100% sure on the required dimensions.

Step 2: Correctly Measure Head Pulley Diameter

Make sure you measure the head pulley in the "largest" diameter area. All pulleys are different so do not assume one area is the same as the other. If you have a crowned pulley you will find the diameter in the middle of the pulley is slightly larger vs the outside edges. Measuring the center of the pulley is the best bet. If you are measuring with the belt on the conveyor, make sure you take into account the thickness of the belt x 2 (top and bottom) and subtract that from the overall diameter.

Step 3: Correctly Measure Tail Pulley Diameter

Follow the same exact process as the head pulley.

Step 4: Measure The Correct Distance Between Pulleys or Shafts

Center to center on the shafts is the most effective and correct way of measuring. You can also take this measurement on top of the conveyor belt by taking the measurement from center to center of the pulley (see video). Take this dimension several times to be sure you have it correctly. It may make sense to have someone else on your team do the same and compare.

Step 5: Equation To Calculate Total Belt Length

You really do not need to do this calculation if you get us all the critical dimensions we need. This is if you want to handle getting the belt length on your end. It will be less risk allowing us to handle the calculation.

Step 6: Measuring Exact Belt Width

Make sure when you are getting this dimension take the measurement where the belt is the most "flat". This removes error on the dimension. The head or tail pulley is (when the conveyor power is off) is the best route to get this dimension.

Step 7: Belt Thickness Measurement

This is going to be hard to do with just a simple measuring tool. The best method is to use a caliper if you have access to one. Here is a link to amazon for calipers.

Step 8: Cleat Dimensions (If Applicable)

On this step make sure you are measuring from the base belt to the top of the cleat. Measure in a couple different locations to ensure general wearing has not occurred.

Step 9: Cleat Thickness (Measure At Base of Cleat)

Get the overall thickness of the cleat. When doing this, use your caliper if you have one or get as close to this dimension as you can. This is not as critical as the spacing and height.

Step 10: Distance Between Cleats

The cleat spacing is important to make sure you keep the same material flow. Typically horizontal conveyors do not have vulcanized cleats but you will sometimes find rough tops or chevron pattern belts. If you do have cleats, make sure they are needed and if they are, make sure you get the correct distance between each cleat. Please take a picture of this measurement as well.

Step 11: Measure Distance From Belt Edge To Cleat (If Applicable)

Getting the distance from the edge of the belt to the start of the cleat (on both sides) is important. We want to make sure this dimension is accurate to ensure there are no issues.

Step 12: Measurement Between Cleats on Center of Belt (If Applicable)

Getting the distance between cleats is vital. This will allow disc return rollers to match the cleat spacing under the belt correctly. If this dimension is incorrect, you will not be able to install the belt.

Step 13: Belt Material, Ply, Covers & Other Details (Take Pictures)

Please take pictures of measuring the belt thickness & the details of the side of the belt (to determine carcass). We will match the correct ply of the belt to the diameter of the head and tail pulley to make sure we maximize the thickness and mitigate risk on belt wrap. We want to also make sure we know whether the belt is PVC or Rubber.

Step 14: Determining the Correct Top Cleat Pattern

The best way for us to match the cleat pattern is to take pictures of the top of the belt. Also the spacing of the pattern relative to each "cleat" or "pusher". Again please take an image of the measurement so we can match as closely as possible. Sometimes this is not a concern depending on the material, conveyor angle etc. We will guide you as to what you need once we collect all the data.

Step 15: Selecting The Correct Belt Splice (Unless Vulcanized, No Fasteners)

Please take a clear picture of the mechanical splice or where the belt is vulcanized. There is typically a model number on the mechanical splice itself that will help identify what your current belt has installed. We use the best splice we can based on the thickness of the belt and the application. It may be smart to consider using stainless if you are having issues with rusting etc.

Submit All Pictures & Completed PDF

Once you have everything completed please submit all images and the filled out PDF to [email protected]