Why Every Warehouse Should Have at Least One Expandable Conveyor
Sometimes the simplest pieces of equipment are the most valuable. At Ultimation we’re often designing and installing custom engineered conveyor systems that have total project costs in excess of USD $1 million. But did you know that one of the best value and most flexible pieces of warehouse productivity equipment sells for under $1,000? The equipment is an expandable or flexible conveyor. You’ll see them in use on loading docks, within stocking aisles and in lots of places in most well run warehouses and industrial facilities.
“Expandable conveyors have amazing versatility and flexibility” said Katie Berry, a digital marketing specialist at Ultimation Industries. “They have adjustable height and you can connect them end to end. Use them anywhere you need to quickly set up a mini assembly line or loading system — and then put them out of the way when you don’t need them.”
Katie explains the six reasons why expandable conveyors are found in use in most warehouses, distribution centers and industrial facilities:
- Gravity provides the power. There’s no motors or cables with these conveyors. By setting up the leg height at the loading end 3 – 12″ higher than at the unloading end, gravity does the work. Each conveyor has a folding end stop that you can use to stop packages falling of the end of the conveyor.
- Straight or curved? Both. The unique design of the rollers and support means that these conveyors can be twisted into a 30 degree curve for each unit. The more conveyors you join together the greater the curve that you can achieve. This is great for use on the side of loading docks where it might be helpful to have a curved conveyor available.
- Easy to set up, easy to store. Community organizations and food banks love these conveyors because they are so easy to store when not in use. Expandable conveyors for food banks can also be easily loaded into a van or pickup truck for fast set up at temporary locations. Disaster relief conveyors is another common application. In warehouses you will commonly see two or three units available at each loading dock to help improve team productivity.
- Affordable. Ultimation sells 18″ wide models with 3 leg support sets that extend up to 8 feet for $595. That low pricing is achieved through Ultimation’s direct to end-customer sales model. No distributors, no sales people. Just great products at good value prices. You can buy the 8′ model here or the 12′ model here.
- Sides guides not required. As if by magic, the cartons or tote on the conveyor track around the corner by following the path from one set of rollers to the next. This ingenious capability means that your product won’t end up dropped on the floor!
- Durable. The strong heavy duty frame and roller system can support up to 670 pounds. Packages can weigh up to 56 pounds per linear foot. This weight range conveyors >90% of all warehouse material handling requirements. And because there are no motors and no cords to trip over, they are very safe. Wet, dusty or dirty environment? No problem. The wheels are sealed.
The skate wheels on the top of Ultimation’s expandable conveyors are able to be used for most packages and tote bins. Plan on having the load rolling on at least two rows of wheels at all times. This helps ensure that the products move smoothly down the conveyor. And when setting up the conveyor, be sure to use the standard locking casters and adjustable leg height locking system at all times.
“If you have any questions, give us a call” said Katie. “Our customer service team answer every phone call with a live operator. We love learning about how our conveyors are used and we can help you specify the best system”.
