What are the types of conveyor?

There are many different styles of conveyor to choose from. The first question you need to ask yourself would be if you want a gravity or powered conveyor solution. Gravity conveyor consists of either roller or skatewheel types. Powered conveyor options are more complicated because of the vast variety of options. Some examples of powered conveyor include accumulation conveyor, belt conveyor, lineshaft conveyor, sliderbed conveyor, telescoping conveyors and trash conveyor. Powered conveyor systems are usually either belt driven, belt over roller driven or chain driven.

How do roller conveyors work?

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.

How does a gravity roller conveyor system work?

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.

How do you make a gravity roller?

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.

What is a wheel 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.

What are the main benefits of using a gravity roller conveyor?

Gravity roller conveyors are widely used due to their simplicity and low cost. Key benefits include: • Cost-effective: Operates without power, saving on energy costs. • Modular and scalable: Easy to install, extend, or reconfigure. • Low maintenance: Minimal moving parts reduce service needs. • Versatile: Ideal for warehouses, packing lines, and loading docks.

How do I choose the right gravity roller conveyor for my needs?

Choosing the right conveyor depends on your product specs and workflow. Consider the following factors: • Load weight: Heavier products require stronger rollers and frames. • Roller diameter and spacing: Match roller size and gap to the size and weight of your items. • Frame material: Use steel for durability, aluminum for lightweight applications. • Length and width: Tailor to your product dimensions and available floor space.

What types of items work best on a gravity roller conveyor?

Gravity roller conveyors perform best with items that have a flat, solid bottom. Ideal materials include: • Cardboard boxes and shipping cartons • Plastic or metal totes • Wooden or plastic pallets • Flat-bottom trays or sheets Loose, uneven, or soft-bottomed items may require an alternative conveyor type, such as a belt conveyor.

Can gravity roller conveyors be customized or expanded later?

Yes. Gravity roller conveyors are designed for flexibility. You can add sections, curves, or accessories like guide rails, supports, and end stops as your needs change. This makes them a long-term solution that can grow with your operation.

Gravity Roller Conveyors | Warehouse Conveyor Systems

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Straight gravity roller conveyor for warehouse optimization

Gravity Roller Conveyors: Efficient, Cost-Effective Material Handling

Gravity roller conveyors provide a simple, motor-free way to move loads using only the force of gravity or manual push. Perfect for transporting items like cartons, packages, and pallets over short distances, they are widely used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and shipping docks. Their design is cost-efficient and low-maintenance, requiring no electrical power, making them an ideal choice for businesses looking to optimize material handling without increasing operational costs. Easily scalable and adjustable, gravity roller conveyors can be customized to fit a variety of layouts and workflows.

Roller Conveyors: Versatile Solutions for Any Warehouse

Whether powered or gravity-driven, roller conveyors are indispensable tools for streamlining operations in warehouses and distribution centers. They are highly versatile, suited for everything from loading and unloading trucks at shipping docks to moving products along production lines or through order-picking areas. With their ability to handle various types of goods and adapt to different work environments, roller conveyors enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and ensure a smoother, faster workflow.

How to Choose the Right Gravity Roller Conveyor for Your Needs

Selecting the right gravity roller conveyor depends on several key factors, including load capacity, roller diameter, frame material, and intended application. For light to medium loads, 1.5-inch diameter rollers are typically sufficient, while heavier loads require 1.9-inch or larger rollers with reinforced axles.

Frame materials such as galvanized steel or aluminum impact durability and suitability for different environments—galvanized steel is ideal for heavy-duty industrial settings, while aluminum is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Additionally, roller spacing (centers) should match the size and shape of transported items to ensure smooth movement without sagging or instability.

Industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, and e-commerce fulfillment rely on gravity conveyors to streamline material handling, reduce labor, and improve workflow efficiency. To maintain peak performance, regular inspection, lubrication, and alignment are essential, preventing unnecessary wear and ensuring longevity. For assistance in choosing the best conveyor system for your specific needs, contact our expert team for personalized recommendations.

Using Gravity 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.

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

While available in any length you need, gravity roller conveyors are typically sold in 5- or 10-foot sections. The most common overall widths are 12", 18", 24", 30" and 36", which are considered industry standard. Several different roller sizes and types are also available for custom applications.

SJF Material Handling has successfully built countless conveyor systems, providing clients custom solutions that demonstrate the benefit of automation in today's warehouse management systems. Our professional sales staff has over 60 years of combined experience with new and second hand or used conveyor systems of all types. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact us for a free professional consultation.

SJF offers many types of conveyor are available in new or used condition that can be customized to your specific needs. Available new gravity conveyor can be viewed in our online store. For more information on using roller conveyor to convey product, container totes, pallet handling and more, check out our Guide to Gravity Roller Conveyor. For more general information on different types of gravity conveyors How To Guide to Conveyors in SJF Material Handling's tutorial guides knowledge center. Another interesting read is in our blog called The Role of Gravity Conveyors in the Modern Warehouse.

Conveyor Dimensions Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of conveyor?

There are many different styles of conveyor to choose from. The first question you need to ask yourself would be if you want a gravity or powered conveyor solution.

Gravity conveyor consists of either roller or skatewheel types. Powered conveyor options are more complicated because of the vast variety of options. Some examples of powered conveyor include accumulation conveyor, belt conveyor, lineshaft conveyor, sliderbed conveyor, telescoping conveyors and trash conveyor.

Powered conveyor systems are usually either belt driven, belt over roller driven or chain driven.
How do roller conveyors work?

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.
How does a gravity roller conveyor system work?

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.
How do you make a gravity roller?

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.
What is a wheel 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.
What are the main benefits of using a gravity roller conveyor?
Gravity roller conveyors are widely used due to their simplicity and low cost. Key benefits include:
- • Cost-effective: Operates without power, saving on energy costs.
- • Modular and scalable: Easy to install, extend, or reconfigure.
- • Low maintenance: Minimal moving parts reduce service needs.
- • Versatile: Ideal for warehouses, packing lines, and loading docks.
How do I choose the right gravity roller conveyor for my needs?
Choosing the right conveyor depends on your product specs and workflow. Consider the following factors:
- • Load weight: Heavier products require stronger rollers and frames.
- • Roller diameter and spacing: Match roller size and gap to the size and weight of your items.
- • Frame material: Use steel for durability, aluminum for lightweight applications.
- • Length and width: Tailor to your product dimensions and available floor space.
What types of items work best on a gravity roller conveyor?
Gravity roller conveyors perform best with items that have a flat, solid bottom. Ideal materials include:
- • Cardboard boxes and shipping cartons
- • Plastic or metal totes
- • Wooden or plastic pallets
- • Flat-bottom trays or sheets
Loose, uneven, or soft-bottomed items may require an alternative conveyor type, such as a belt conveyor.
Can gravity roller conveyors be customized or expanded later?

Yes. Gravity roller conveyors are designed for flexibility. You can add sections, curves, or accessories like guide rails, supports, and end stops as your needs change. This makes them a long-term solution that can grow with your operation.

Gravity Roller Conveyor