PACLINE engineers are equipped with the knowledge to answer questions you may have. Here are a variety of FAQs that our engineers receive often that may be of assistance to you.
General
How fast or slow can the overhead conveyor run?
Depending on the type of conveyor, the maximum speed can go up to 60 FPM, to as slow as 1 FPM. 60 FPM is similar to a quick walking pace. Depending on the required maximum, different gearboxes, sprockets, motors, and speed controllers can achieve speeds of 1 FPM or less.
How much does a conveyor cost?
Each conveyor system is priced out as per the design. Please contact sales@pacline.com to speak with a Pacline Engineer who can help with an estimate.
What is the lead time on delivery of a conveyor system?
The lead time is dependent on the scope of the project. Simple projects can be as short as 3 weeks. More complex projects can be 8 to 10 weeks.
What information do I need to provide for a quotation?
Ideally, the following minimum information is needed for a quotation:
- Dimensioned layout of the system
- Description of what you want the system to do
- Description of what the conveyor is carrying, including size and weight.
- How would you like the system to be supported, via floor stands or ceiling?
- If ceiling, we would require the truss height, spacing and orientation. Any photos during this process is a huge help.
Visit our blog to learn how to prepare an overhead conveyor layout.
Can you give me a system price per linear-foot?
Unfortunately, we cannot give a system price per linear-foot due to price fluctuation based on the complexity of the system. Please contact sales@pacline.com to speak with a Pacline Engineer.
What is the minimum turn radius of the ¼ ton and 1-ton manual push trolleys?
The minimum turn radius is based on the size of the I-beam selected. Typically, the smaller the I-Beam, the easier the trolley will roll. The following outlines the minimum turn radius for each I-Beam size:
3″ I-Beam → 18″
4″ I-Beam → 24″
6″ I-Beam → 36″
What is the minimum floor/ceiling clearance requirement for an overhead conveyor?
The height of an overhead conveyor system is dependant on the dimensions of the part(s) you are hanging from the conveyor and will need to consider the most ergonomic height for loading/unloading the part. The typical height of an overhead conveyor is approximately 6’-8” to the bottom of the track, however, if you are hanging a long part vertically say you need to add some clearance below and above the part and this 6’-8” height would need to increase.
Also, the height will be dependant on whether the system can be monoplane or whether or not you need to elevate the overhead conveyor higher or over any aisleways. There are several factors to consider, if you are able to provide a sketch or picture of the part to handle with dimensions and weight along with a possible layout sketch one of our Project Engineers would be able to set up a call to discuss your application in more detail and review some design considerations.
What size of I-Beam can the ¼ ton and 1-ton trolleys be used on?
| Trolley Capacity | I-Beam Track Size |
| 1/4 ton (500 lbs) | 2-5/8”, 3” & 4” |
| 1 ton (2000 lbs) | 4”, 5”, 6” 8” |
Note: Care must be taken to ensure track is supported at regular intervals, which vary based on point and distributed load patterns, as well as track profile size.
How do you rate your I-Beam system?
The I-Beam system “rating” will depend on its overall length, individual loads, total loading on the entire system, and the maximum required chain speed. As I-Beam increases in size from 3”, to 4”, to 6”, the associated components can handle heavier loads.
How do you install your I-Beam system?
The process to install our system involves a welded installation with angle clips welded to the top of the I-Beam. Care must be taken to start at one point and work your way along the conveyor path, installing components as you go.
Maintenance
What maintenance is required on your overhead conveyor systems?
- Take-up units need to be maintained, especially during the first few months of the system being installed (chain stretch will occur as the chain breaks in within the first few months). Follow the take-up instructions on how to adjust a take-up unit.
- Chain must be properly lubricated. For a brush type lubricator (non-oven applications), follow the following instructions:
- Near the solenoid of the lubricator unit there is a copper thumb screw, directly above the sight lense. Close the copper thumb screw before starting to lubricate the chain.
- Once the system is on, operating at its normal speed, start to turn the thumb screw open, up until you start getting 1 drip of oil for every 7 seconds. Once you achieve that, leave the thumb screw to that setting (1 drip per 7 seconds). Slower chain speeds may require online 1 drip every 10 seconds to prevent over lubrication.
- Run the system at its normal speed for 2 chain revolutions.
- Repeat part 3 approx. every 2 weeks, if the system is run 5 days a week, 8hrs/day, per week. Essentially, if the system is used for one shift only, lubricate for 2 chain revolutions on a bi-weekly basis.
- When the next lubrication interval approaches, open up one of the chain inspection sections and use a flashlight to inspect the bearings on the chain. If the chain appears dull, adjust your lubrication interval to make sure next time you check it, that it appears shiny. If your inspection reveals the chain to be shiny, then maintain the lubrication interval you attempted the first time.
- Keep monitoring the chain, up until the proper lubrication interval for your system is achieved – enough to keep chain lubricated, but not over-saturated or dripping.
How often do I need to lubricate the chain?
Please see answer to question above. Usually every 2 weeks (for systems running 5 days a week at 8 hours a day).
What type of oil do I need to use for the conveyor chain?
PACLINE sells:
- Standard chain lubricant (PL-30), rated for up to 300 deg. F.
- High Temperature lubricant (PL-217), rated up to 450 deg. F.
- Chain needs to be oiled, not greased, and cross contamination of variable lubricants is not recommended.
- The same lubricant needs to be used at all times.
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