Select the right aggregate conveying system involves optimizing workflow efficiency, reducing labor costs, managing fuel and maintenance expenses, and minimizing environmental impacts.
When it comes to conveying aggregate, high automatic belt conveyor systems often offer significant advantages over fleet trucks and front-end loaders in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Let’s examine the pros and cons of the shipping method that’s right for your project.
Select the right aggregate conveying system involves optimizing workflow efficiency, reducing labor costs, managing fuel and maintenance expenses, and minimizing environmental impacts. Working with the right equipment supplier can help you find a solution that aligns with your material handling and transporting requirements, including West River Conveyor’s advanced conveyor solutions.
Overland conveyors are typically used to provide a fixed footprint solution when transporting fine to medium-grade aggregates such as sand or gravel over distances of a few hundred yards to a few miles using fleet trucks or specialized transport vehicles.
Overland conveyors can be used to move a variety of materials between dispersed sources, processing plants and surface distribution points, or underground to move coal or ore from the mine face or stope. In fact, belt conveyors provide an ideal solution for many operations, with a 42-inch belt unit capable of moving as much per hour as a fleet of small trucks.
Transfer conveyors are employed in situations where long-distance overland conveyor systems necessitate sharp directional changes or adjustments in elevation for materials. Designed to manage the capacity of overland systems, these conveyors can also be constructed for easier transport between different job sites.
A loading conveyor is compact versions of stacking conveyor that allows for easy loading or unloading of aggregate from rail cars, barges or dump trucks. It is typically smaller in size compared to land conveyors, providing a more streamlined solution for specific loading and unloading needs, such as mobile ship loader for bulk carriers.
Front-end loaders are often used for moving aggregates over short distances to allow them to be stacked or stored, or to load or unload conveyor systems. However, there are also disadvantages to using front-end loaders, especially to moving large amounts of aggregates.
Choosing the right aggregate transport system depends on various factors, including your operational needs, budget, and long-term goals. Evaluating these options against your specific requirements will help you make an informed decision that optimizes productivity and efficiency.
