Conveyor
pulley bushings

The bushing bore must match the shaft diameter. Undersized bores prevent full seating and reduce torque capacity. Oversized bores allow movement between the shaft and bushing that causes wear and vibration. Measure shaft diameter at the installation location and verify keyway dimensions if using keyed mounting.

XT and heavy-duty bushing systems suit high-load applications, mining duty, and shock loading conditions. Standard QD and Taper-Lock systems provide adequate capacity for moderate duty cycles. Match bushing torque rating to drive horsepower, reduction ratio, and starting torque requirements. Applications with soft-start drives or fluid couplings reduce peak torque compared to across-the-line motor starting.

Self-seating and jackscrew-removal designs reduce maintenance time. XT bushings seat without hammering, reducing installation time and potential damage to hubs or bearings. Calculate removal frequency when selecting bushing type. Operations with high pulley turnover select quick-disconnect designs to simplify maintenance, while installations with multi-year service intervals may choose based on initial cost.

Match installed bushing types to simplify spare parts inventory and field procedures. Standardizing on one bushing system across multiple conveyors reduces training requirements and eliminates confusion during emergency repairs.

Keyed interfaces provide a positive drive connection but create stress concentration in the shaft at keyway corners. Keyless systems eliminate this stress concentration through distributed clamping force, making them preferable for high-bending or fatigue-sensitive applications. Drive pulleys with extended shaft spans or applications with severe shock loading benefit from keyless mounting.

Verify adequate clearance behind the pulley for bushing removal before specifying the bushing type. Most systems require 6–12 inches of clearance beyond the hub face for jackscrew installation and axial pull during removal. Tight installations near frame members or adjacent equipment may limit bushing choices to compact designs.

Bushing selection ties to the overall pulley duty rating. CEMA Class 4 and Class 5 pulleys handling heavy loads benefit from XT or heavy-duty bushing systems. Mine duty and super duty applications require bushings sized for continuous operation under maximum rated loads.