Pulleys are the main elements providing the transmission of torque from the drive and ensuring that belts remain taught. Pulley diameter has a significant influence on the required power of the drive and service life of the belt. The pulley diameter is dependent on the chosen type of belt and thus on the material to be transported (type, grain size), the capacity (amount of t/hour, conveying speed), working environment, structural design of the conveyor.

Types of pulley with different functions in conveyors depending on their position in the conveyor layout

Drive/Head Pulley

Head/Drive Pulley is located at the discharge terminal of the conveyor. It provides the driving force for the conveyor. In order to increase pulley life and traction it often has a larger diameter than other pulleys in the conveyor and is lagged. Various type of lagging designs like, Herringbone, Diamond, Strip type with hot/cold vulcanised rubber provide excellent bonding with the pulley shell. Lagging by ceramic tiles are most suitable for very heavy duty pulleys working with high strength.

Return/Tail Pulley

Return/Tail Pulley is located just before the loading point of the conveyor.

Take Up Pulley

Take-Up Pulley provides gravity force adjustments to maintain the necessary slack side belt tension.

Take – Up Bend Pulley

Take-Up Bend Pulley is used to change belt direction on the slack side of the conveyor. In order to increase belt life it is often lagged.

Snub Pulley

Snub Pulley tightens the belt giving more surface contact between the belt and pulley surface and is located immediately behind the drive pulley. It is used while maintain wrap angle more than 180°.