When the production season starts to slow down, you might be wondering what you need to do to properly store your greenhouse’s portable modular conveyor over the coming months. Though portable modular conveyors are easy to maintain, there are a few steps you’ll want to take before you pack them away for an extended period of time. Follow the tips below to ensure your portable conveyor system is stored properly, and in perfect shape when you return in the next production season.
Bring Out All Conveyor Sections
Just like you’d plugin and test your holiday lights before putting them up on your house, it’s important to make sure all sections of your portable modular conveyor are working properly before you store them. Line your sections up, install the drop-in drive, and get your portable modular conveyor going. If any of the sections aren’t working properly, now is the time to fix them. Since you have some time before the busy season rolls around, you can get any necessary parts and make adjustments without being under a time crunch. Here are a few key things to look for when you have that conveyor running:
- Listen for any excessively loud noises. If something’s banging around, look for loose screws, worn bearings, rubbing, etc.
- Make sure the conveyor belt is tensioned properly. Over time, belts and chains can stretch slightly. Tightening them up will help ensure your conveyor system is ready to go when you pull it back out in the spring.
- Clean the sections with compressed air or a damp rag. This will make it easier to see potential problems as well.
- Double-check that the belt is appropriately aligned on each section. If the belt is crooked or has slipped too far to one side of the conveyor, maintenance is required.
Inspect Conveyor Belts
With all of your portable modular conveyor sections out in the open, do a thorough inspection of the conveyor belts themselves. Are they in good shape? Check for any tears, or places that seem to be wearing. One great benefit of a portable modular conveyor is that each section has an independent belt. If one wears out, you can just replace the belt on that section, instead of having to replace the entire belt for the entire system.
Make Sure Portable Conveyor Sections are Clean and Debris-Free
Your greenhouse modular portable conveyors sees some rugged conditions. They’re often sitting on the ground, in direct line of a gardening hose, and transporting plants that shed dirt and leaves. Make sure that all sections of your portable conveyor system are clean and free of any debris before you put them away. You don’t want anything sitting inside the working parts of your conveyor parts throughout the storage season. If necessary, take a hose to the top and bottom of each modular conveyor section, taking care to look for any pesky sticks or leaves stuck in the conveyor belt.
Inspect Drop-In Drives
While your portable modular conveyor sections are drying, take the time to give your drop-in drives a quick inspection too. Do they turn on? Does their variable-speed function properly? Do drives still run in both directions? If necessary, lubricate any parts that seem to be sticking, and complete any maintenance before storing drives.
Store Your Portable Modular Conveyor Properly
Now that both your portable modular conveyor sections and your drop-in drives have been inspected and serviced, you can store them away safely. Regardless of what storage solutions you have, it’s important that both your conveyor sections and your drives are stored indoors, preferably in a covered area. If you’re planning to leave conveyors and drives in an empty greenhouse, try to store everything off the ground, so moving parts aren’t exposed to excessive dirt and debris. We do not recommend long term storage of conveyors outside as sun will cause damage and shorten the life of the belt and other rubber and plastic components.
Rapid-Veyor portable modular conveyors offer a convenient storage cart that has a handle and rugged wheels for simple transportation across your greenhouse. Just stack conveyor sections neatly on the cart, wheel to the proper storage location, and you’re done for the season!
Once stored away, your portable modular conveyor will be waiting safely for production season to come around. When it does, you’ll be able to pull those conveyor sections out with little to no hassle and get right back to work without missing a beat.
Have more questions about storing your Rapid-Veyor, or looking for another one to set your greenhouse up for next production season? Get in touch! We’d love to help. Give us a call at 616-662-0954 or contact us online for more information.
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