What Makes a Portable Conveyor System Suitable for Temporary Construction Sites

No two construction sites are the same. One second the construction team may be working on digging a foundation, and the next second they may be working on moving heavy equipment and supplies to the third floor of a building. Because of the ever-changing and busy environment, it is impractical to rely on permanent installations. Portable conveyor systems are designed to be as flexible as the construction team, allowing the operator to reposition it on the site as the construction moves on, and even between different construction sites. However, different systems have different capabilities and temporary construction sites can have unique challenges, so it is important to know which systems will ensure that your construction site runs smoothly.

The Importance of Real Portability Regarding Built to Move Conveyors.

For conveyors to be considered portable, they need to be easy to move. This means that they need to be designed with mobility features. These include heavy-duty wheels, and in some cases, units that can be towed by light-duty trucks, or can be lifted and re-positioned with a forklift. The conveyor should also be designed to fit within legal width limits for transport on a truck or trailer without special permits. A portable, legal width designed conveyor system can be easily re-positioned. If it requires more than a crew and a few tools to move the conveyor, then the benefits of mobility and the convenience of a portable conveyor have been lost.

Easy Load Watch, Easy Add Watch, Easy Remove Watch, Easy Collapse

Time is always of the essence on a construction site, so a site manager cannot lose time loads of time setting up material handling devices. An ideal portable conveyor is built for quick set up. Features like no tool adjustments, quick release pins for folding sections, and easy up and down mechanisms for the boom will allow the conveyor to go from the truck to running material in minutes not hours. When the job at that location is done, the conveyor should be able to be broken down just as easily so that is can be moved to a new location. This quickly adjust and reconfigure functionality is what makes portable conveyors so efficient on construction sites.

Durability to Withstand the Elements

Construction sites can be rough with unpredictable conditions like mud, rain, debris, or even the potential for construction materials and tools sticking out. Consequently, a portable conveyor must be built to withstand these conditions. The frame should be constructed with heavy duty, reinforced steel, and the gears, bearings, and drive motors must dust and waterproof seals. The belt material should be industrial grade for tears from debris or construction materials. Equipment must be built to withstand a beating, and constructed to be weather resistant. High durability is needed to prevent relentless downtimes and repairs.

Ability to Handle Different Materials and Jobs

Construction sites require handling a variety of materials and equipment every day. Whether it's dirt from excavation, bags of cement to be lifted to scaffolds, or even shingles and lumber to be transported. A good portable conveyor can be used for a variety of materials and situations. For example, having different speed control can be used to load and unload materials of different weights. The height and reach can be adjusted to load and dump the materials at different levels and areas, whether a truck, a dumpster, or any specific position at a higher level. This is why a construction site can benefit from having a good portable conveyor. It is versatile enough to handle a variety of materials. This can save the site from having to buy and store a variety of machines.

Safety Considerations for Busy Surroundings

The construction industry is known for its dangers, and portable conveyors can be part of that reality. Your product should be prioritizing safety. Emergency stop cords that run the entire length of the conveyor should be standard. There also should be guards for all pinch points (like drive chain or tail pulley). When setting up the conveyor, it should be secure and stable (a safety stabilizer or outrigger should be included). In most busy construction sites, your conveyor will be (ideally) highly visible, which means bright and reflective tape. All of these considerations will reduce accidents and protect your crew.

Accessible Repairs at a Job Site

Remote job sites don't have the luxury of service calls for every issue that comes up. A great portable conveyor allows for on-site maintenance. This means that components like the belts, drive parts, and bearings are easy to access. Belt tensioning systems that take less than a minute to adjust are ideal. Repairs and replacements don't have to be complicated. Rub parts are offered as easy, standard replacements so that you can keep the solution in stock. Converters that take a long time to fix and are complex to maintain will certainly cause a lot of frustration. The opposite is true of those designed for easy maintenance. The most portable conveyors will help to keep projects moving.

The Value of Experience and Customization

When it comes to construction, no two projects are ever the same. Often you will find that you will need to develop specific, customized solutions rather than the more run-of-the-mill solutions that can be found 'off-the-shelf'. Working with an experienced supplier becomes a key component to the successful execution of a project. There are few competitors like UIB that can boast more than a decade of conveyor industry experience. They possess extensive knowledge of the numerous applications and understand the real-world demands of temporary sites. They can provide customized solutions from design to material selection. If you require a specific length, special belt type, or need a particular drive system an experienced partner can help you minimize risk and ensure that the conveyor is designed with features that are tailored to the unique demands of your project to ensure optimal operational performance.

How to Keep Your Project on Schedule

A major concern in construction is delays. Each day a project is behind scheduled is another day you have to spend your budget. Avoid these costs by investing in a reliable portable conveyor system. Efficient material transport keeps your team productive. As your construction site evolves, your conveyor system can be repositioned so you can keep working at maximum efficiency. Additionally, investing in durable portable conveyors can ensure you'll have a functioning system to rely on, day after day. Your budget will thank you for investing in portable conveyor systems to keep your project on time.