What is Gravity Conveyor and How is it Used?

Gravity Conveyor Guide

Gravity Conveyor

Gravity Conveyors convey products or goods using gravity or by being pushed on rollers without using motor power sources. These service conveyors operate on a product line either at a flat level or by flowing from a higher to a lower level.

As one of the most popular material handling solutions in current warehouses, gravity conveyors are used in all areas of the warehouse, as well as being ideal for use on shipping docks and in warehouse pick & pack operations. They are available in skate wheel conveyor or gravity roller conveyor parts configurations. Both types can be used with a combination of gravity and powered conveyors to form a complete conveyor system.

If you have any questions about the best conveyor systems solution for your operation, please contact an SJF sales professional by calling (320) 485-4974 (direct sales line), (800) 598-5532 or Email Us to request information or discuss your needs. We have many sources for both new and used conveyor systems and can often find exactly what you're looking for.

Types of Gravity Conveyor

Gravity Roller Conveyor

Gravity Roller Conveyor
Gravity Roller Conveyor

Gravity Roller Conveyors can be used when conveying loads with flat, smooth bottomed surfaces as well as most items with an uneven bottom surface such as drums, pallets, cans, molds, etc.

Many sizes and shapes of loads can be conveyed using appropriate diameter roller sizes, roller spacing, and width between frames. Typically, gravity roller conveyor has a capacity of up to 3,000 lbs.

  • Roller conveyor can be more economical than skatewheel whenever the roll centers can be spread out.
  • Gravity roller conveyor is typically measured using the width of the conveying surface, the diameter roller sizes and center to center spacing measurements between rollers.
  • Typically sold in 10 foot sections
  • Various sizes from heavy duty to light duty are available to meet your needs

Gravity roller curves can take your conveyor around corners or obstacles.

  • Choose from 45° or 90° curves
  • Galvanized steel or aluminum frame

Skatewheel Gravity Conveyor

Skatewheel Conveyor
Skatewheel Conveyor

Skatewheel Conveyors are best when conveying flat, smooth bottomed surfaces such as cartons, tote boxes, trays and plywood or masonite skids.

Popular Wheel Pattern Options:

  • 12" wide with 10 wheels per foot
  • 18" wide with 16 wheels per foot
  • 24" wide with 20 wheels per foot

Skatewheel conveyor curves take your conveyor around corners or obstacles.

  • Choose from 45° or 90° curves
  • Galvanized steel or aluminum frame

Frequently Asked Questions about Gravity Conveyor Systems

Roller conveyors are a form of conveyor that uses gravity or manual pushes instead of electrical power sources to move objects from one place to another. Using rotating rollers that are spaced evenly apart, loads or objects can be moved down the line with a simple push or by letting gravity do the work. Both gravity roller conveyor and skatewheel conveyor are examples of roller conveyors.

The rollers on gravity conveyor are the only part of the gravity conveyor system that actually moves. The rollers (or wheels) rotate when an object is swept over them, causing more rollers (or wheels) to rotate when they come in contact with the moving object. After the load has finished passing over each roller, the rollers stop rotating and won't begin to spin again until the next load comes along.

A gravity roller is a long cylinder shaped roller that spans across the entire width of the conveyor section. Several rollers with the same diameter are placed next to each other at even intervals so the load smoothly slides over the surface of the conveyor.

A wheel conveyor consists of several small skatewheels evenly mounted on shafts across the width of the conveyor frame. This is also known as skatewheel conveyor and is often used for moving lighter weight objects with smooth bottoms.