Conveyor and drive technology encompasses all components required for material flow and power generation in industrial plants. In the drive sector, electric motors, gear motors and hydraulic pumps are key components.
In the conveying sector, conveyor belts, roller conveyors, chain conveyors, conveyor systems and spiral conveyors are used for horizontal and vertical material transport. Pumps of all types (centrifugal, positive displacement, peristaltic and diaphragm pumps) complete the range for the conveyance of liquids and bulk materials.
Leading manufacturers include Siemens, SEW-Eurodrive, Bosch Rexroth, WAMGROUP, Flender, NORD Drivesystems, ABB, Lenze, Grundfos and KSB.
Conveyor technology is used in production, warehouse logistics, the food industry, the pharmaceutical sector, mining, the chemical industry, and in sorting and packaging systems.
Frequently asked questions about second-hand conveyor and drive technology
What types of equipment fall under the category of second-hand conveying and drive technology?
These include belt, chain, roller and screw conveyors, continuous conveyors and vertical conveyors, elevators, as well as sorting and order-picking lines. Drive technology encompasses gear motors, variable frequency drives, couplings, brakes and drum motors. Both individual components and complete conveyor lines are available.
What are the key purchase criteria for used conveying systems?
The key factors are the material being conveyed, throughput, belt width or pitch, conveyor length and incline, as well as the required load capacity. Check whether the drive power and gear ratio are suitable for the desired speed and whether the system can be extended in a modular fashion. Also clarify the environmental requirements, such as temperature, moisture or hygiene standards, as these determine the materials and design.
How can you tell if conveyor belts, chains and rollers are worn?
Look out for frayed or cracked belt edges, stretched chains, worn sprockets and stiff or jammed idler rollers. A belt running off-centre indicates incorrectly adjusted or worn return drums. Wear marks, rust pockets and worn-out bearings are signs of high mileage and the need for imminent maintenance.
How do you assess the condition of gear motors and drives?
Check for oil leaks at shaft seals, operational noise, bearing play and operating temperature. For gearboxes, gear backlash and the condition of the oil are key indicators; for variable frequency drives, the age of the electrolytic capacitors and the fan are important. Ask for the maintenance history and whether the motor and gearbox operate together as a tested unit.
What role does the variable frequency drive play when buying second-hand?
The variable frequency drive determines the drive’s controllability, soft start capability and energy efficiency, but its capacitors and fans are prone to ageing. Check that the size, protection class and parameter settings are suitable for the application, and that the software is still supported. A separately purchased or refurbished inverter is often cheaper than repairing a discontinued model.
Which tests and standards are relevant for conveyor systems?
As machinery, conveyor systems are subject to the Machinery Directive and must bear the CE mark; regular UVV or DGUV inspections of operational safety are required. For continuous conveyors, there are relevant safety standards covering pinch points, entanglement hazards and protective guards. Check that emergency stop devices, protective devices and the documentation are complete.
Which safety points on conveyor systems should you pay particular attention to?
Critical areas include entanglement points at deflection points, transfer points and drive drums, as well as pinch points between moving and stationary parts. These must be safeguarded by deflectors, guards or clearances. Check that emergency stop cables or emergency stop systems along longer sections are in working order, as many retrofits are required here.
What operating hours should be taken into account for drive and conveyor technology?
As a rule of thumb, gear motors achieve very high operating hours when properly lubricated, whilst wear parts such as belts, chains and rollers are replaced regularly. More indicative than the age of the equipment is whether the wear parts have been recently replaced and what the daily workload was. Ask about shift operation and maintenance intervals to assess the actual level of wear and tear.
What should be taken into account during dismantling, transport and reassembly?
Long conveyor sections are usually dismantled in segments; the alignment, bolting and sequence must be documented to ensure successful reassembly. Pay attention to weight, length and transport securing, as well as whether the connection dimensions and transfer heights are compatible at the destination. After assembly, the belt run, tension and safety devices must be readjusted.
What are the typical mistakes made when purchasing second-hand conveyor equipment?
The system is often purchased based solely on its length, without checking the throughput, conveyor load and incline, meaning it later proves to be insufficient. Missing control programmes, unsuitable transfer heights and heavily worn parts result in unexpected costs. Clarify in advance whether the system fits your layout in a modular way and which parts you will need to replace anyway.
How do I find suitable conveyor and drive systems on machinery-market.eu?
You can filter listings by manufacturer, condition, year of manufacture, price and technical specifications, and view the location and technical data directly in the listing. This allows you to narrow down your search specifically by conveyor length, drive power and design type. If a listing is suitable, contact the seller directly via the listing.
How are price, payment and transport arranged for these systems?
You arrange price negotiations, payment terms and transport logistics directly with the seller, as machinery-market.eu is purely a marketplace and transactions are not processed via the platform. Particularly for long conveying distances, it is worth clarifying dismantling and transport arrangements early on in the discussion. The team will answer any queries regarding the platform itself by email at info@machinery-market.eu.