Belt conveyors are used in a wide range of industries to efficiently move materials from one place to another. Whether you need a simple conveyor for internal transportation or a complex system for large-scale operations, selecting the right belt conveyor supplier is key to ensuring performance, reliability and value for money.
This blog post will provide tips on how to select the best belt conveyor supplier for your needs, covering:
- Understand your conveyor requirements
- Research available suppliers
- Compare product offerings
- Consider the supply chain
- Check certifications and approvals
- Evaluate installation and support services
- Request quotes and negotiate prices
- Request references and review case studies
- Inspect sample installations
- Compare total cost of ownership
Understand Your Conveyor Requirements
Before selecting a belt conveyor supplier, have a clear idea of your material handling needs, including:
- Throughput capacity in tonnes per hour
- Material shape, size and weight being conveyed
- Horizontal and vertical lift requirements
- Operating environment conditions
- Cleanliness and containment needs
- Space constraints and footprint
- Budget
- Level of automation desired, if any
- Maintenance and support needs
Research Available Suppliers
Search online and ask for referrals from colleagues to compile a list of potential belt conveyor suppliers. Look for companies that:
- Specialize in belt conveyors
- Have a proven track record
- Are locally based for ease of service and support
- Have been in business for many years
- Manufacture their own conveyors instead of being resellers
- Provide engineered solutions, not just off-the-shelf products
Compare Product Offerings
Contact various suppliers to understand the types of conveyors they offer within your specifications, such as:
- Conveyor belt material options
- Belt width and ply rating
- Drive systems – Motor, reducer, gearbox
- Whether standard or custom engineered
- Available accessories and ancillary equipment
- Control and automation systems
Evaluate Supply Chain
Consider the supplier’s ability to source high quality components and accessories, including:
- Belt material from trusted brands
- Drive components from well-known manufacturers
- Fabricated steel and structural parts
- Electrical and controls hardware
- Spare parts availability
Check Certifications and Approvals
Confirm the supplier’s conveyors meet relevant industry standards and regulatory approvals for:
- Safety – Such as CE marking, ATEX certification
- Performance – ISO 9001 for quality management
- Environmental – ISO 14001 for environmental management
Evaluate Installation and Support Services
Determine what installation, training and after-sales services the supplier offers, such as:
- Installation and commissioning by qualified technicians
- Operator and maintenance training
- Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Emergency repair response times
- Regular preventative maintenance programs
- Long-term parts and service agreements
Request Quotes and Negotiate Prices
Get written quotes from multiple suppliers based on your specified requirements, then compare costs and negotiate to get the best value. Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the initial purchase price.
Request References and Review Case Studies
Ask suppliers for references from similar customers and industries that you can contact directly. Also review any relevant case studies showcasing the supplier’s work.
Inspect Sample Installations
Where possible, visit the supplier’s premises or current customer installations to see conveyors in operation firsthand. This can help confirm their capabilities and quality of work.
Compare Total Cost of Ownership
Along with the purchase price, factor in the total costs over the conveyor’s lifespan, including:
- Installation and commissioning costs
- Electrical and structural work
- Maintenance contract fees
- Expected component replacement costs
- Energy consumption
- Opportunity costs of future downtime
