Powered Roller Conveyor: Prove It With Your Own Cartons
A buyer's guide to demonstrating a powered roller conveyor using the buyer's actual cartons, with practical checks for payload, roller diameter, speed, and pitch before acceptance.
Before signing off on a powered roller conveyor, require the supplier to run your own cartons across the unit, not generic demo boxes. Carton condition, weight distribution, and base stiffness can change how a load moves over rollers, so the demonstration should use the material you will actually handle.
Ask the supplier to confirm the maximum payload of 2,500 kg applies to the configuration offered, and clarify whether that figure assumes an evenly distributed load. Compare roller diameter options of 76 or 89 mm against your carton base and weight, and ask which is recommended for your load. Request a run at each conveyor speed of 13, 16, or 18 m/min so you can judge transfer stability and stopping behavior. Check the standard roller pitch of 166.7 mm against your smallest carton to see whether it bridges the gaps without sagging.
During the demonstration, watch for carton drift, roller marking, and any hesitation at transitions. Ask how the supplier would adjust pitch or speed if your cartons behave poorly.
Before requesting a quote, confirm with the supplier which roller diameter, speed, and pitch they propose for your cartons, how the 2,500 kg payload is defined, and what acceptance test will use your own material.