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INSTALLATION MANUAL & OPERATION GUIDE 2018 Edition E-Z DRAG CONVEYOR
INSTALLATION MANUAL & OPERATION GUIDE
2018 Edition
E-Z DRAG CONVEYOR
EN-MASSE DRAG CONVEYOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE | INTRODUCTIONGeneral Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2General Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
CHAPTER TWO | SAFETY & DECALSSafety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Cautionary Symbols Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Safety Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Safety Sign-Off Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CHAPTER THREE | INSTALLATIONReceiving Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Pre-Installation Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Conveyor Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Head Section Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Intermediate Section Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Tail Section Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Chain Assembly Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Discharge Gate Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Conveyor Lid Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Inlet Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Chain Break/Choke Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CHAPTER FIVE | OPERATIONPre-Startup Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Start-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CHAPTER SIX | MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRGeneral Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Periodic Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3General Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Head and Tail Shaft Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Conveyor Trough Panel and Liner Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Discharge Choke/Chain Break Limit Switch and Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CHAPTER SEVEN | TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAPTER EIGHT | WARRANTY
E-Z DRAG CONVEYORMANUAL & OPERATION GUIDE
2018 Edition
Chapter One
INTRODUCTION
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CHAPTER ONE | INTRODUCTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
The MMF Conveyor was introduced into the grain handling market in 2009 . Our drag conveyor gives customers a quality, cost effective way to move their grain . Over the years, we have engineered improvements to the MMF Conveyor to establish itself as one of the best drag conveyors in the grain handling industry . This manual is intended to give our customers a better understanding of our drag conveyor’s installation, operation, and maintenance . For detailed operating procedures and to see what set up fits you best, please contact MMF directly .
You can contact us with these requests at 515-382-1225
This manual covers the guidelines for installation and operation . We recommend a qualified contractor to provide on-site expertise .
GENERAL SAFETY STATEMENTS
1 MMF’s Conveyor is designed and manufactured with the operator’s safety in mind . However, residual hazards remain due to the nature of material handling systems, and specific material hazards . Always use extreme caution .
2 Modifications to equipment may cause extremely dangerous situations that could result in damage to the equipment as well as serious injury or death to the operator . Never modify the equipment . Modification of the MMF Conveyor will void any warranty .
3 Mid-States Material Handling and Fabrication recommends that you contact your local power company to survey the installation to ensure compatible wiring and adequate power is supplied to the unit .
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Our conveyors are built to last, but as with any machine, parts do wear out and fail . It is Mid-States Material Handling and Fabrication’s recommendation that a small supply of spare parts be kept on hand to cover any minor breakdowns . A separate Spare Parts/Price List will be sent identifying the suggested spare parts . It is also necessary to check the certified drawings, which will list any special or custom components utilized on this equipment . The certified drawings furnished with the conveyor list the components which are likely to require replacement . Replacements for any other components, including structural members can be supplied upon request .
For direct parts orders or requests for technical assistance to your sales representative or to:
MID-STATES MATERIAL HANDLING AND FABRICATION 1113 SOUTH D AVE, NEVADA, IA 50201 PHONE: 515-382-6280 | FAX: 515-382-4407
PLEASE HAVE THE MODEL/SERIAL NUMBER, CUSTOMER ORDER NUMBER & INSTALLATION LOCATION OF THE EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE.
E-Z DRAG CONVEYORMANUAL & OPERATION GUIDE
2018 Edition
Chapter Two:
SAFETY & DECALS
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CHAPTER TWO | SAFETY & DECALS
SAFETY GUIDELINES
These safety guidelines range from broad to specific safety rules . This manual exists to help you, the user, understand safe operating procedures and problems that can be encountered by the operator and other personnel when using this equipment . Save these safety guidelines in a secure place for future reference .
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND NOTES
1 It is the responsibility of the buyer to inform, educate and share this manual with all personnel that are involved with operation or maintenance of this equipment . Personnel operating or working around equipment must read this manual and follow all safety, installation, and operating procedures . Failure to read this manual and its safety instructions is a misuse of the equipment .
2 Power lockout is very important prior to installation, adjustment, and maintenance of the product . Be sure the power is turned off and locked out during any type of installation, adjustment, or maintenance on the conveyor .
3 Safety labels and guards have been installed by the manufacturer and/or the installer . These devices shall remain intact with the unit and should never be removed, altered, or tampered with . Doing so will void all liability and warranty of the manufacturer . It is the responsibility of the owner and or user to inspect the conveyor for proper safety stickers . If the stickers somehow become missing, it is the responsibility of the owner to provide and replace the safety stickers .
4 The covers and guards on our products create a barrier to prevent others from entering, reaching, or falling into the machinery . Operating the product with guards and covers missing or improperly installed may result in serious injury or death . Do not step on or walk on any part of the conveyor .
5 MMF recommends the buyer train all affected employees in the safe operation of conveyors .
6 As owner or operator, you are responsible for understanding the requirements, hazards, and precautions that exist and to inform others as required . Unqualified persons must always keep out of the work area . Long hair must be tied back and all jewelry must be removed when operating this product . Loose clothing should not be worn when operating this conveyor .
7 Alterations must not be made to the equipment . Alterations can produce dangerous situations resulting in serious injury or death . Any alterations made will immediately void any warranty on the product .
8 This equipment must be installed in accordance with the current installation codes and applicable regulations . Authorities having jurisdiction must be consulted before installations are made .
9 When it is applicable, you must consider the installation location relative to electrical, fuel and water utilities .
COMPLIES WITH OSHA 1910.145 & ANSI Z535
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EN-MASSE DRAG CONVEYOR
CHAPTER TWO | SAFETY & DECALS
SAFETY SIGN-OFF FORM
Below you will find a safety sign-off form that can be used to track and verify that all personnel have read and comprehend the safety instructions . This is provided solely for your own record keeping .
DATE EMPLOYEE SUPERVISOR
CONVEYOR SAFETY SIGN-OFF SHEET
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ITEM VISUAL LOCATION
Safety Warning Sticker Head Section
Safety Warning Sticker Trough Sides
CHAPTER TWO | SAFETY & DECALS
SAFETY DECALS
The decals on your equipment are there to alert you to potential safety hazards . All safety decals are indicators that must be understood by all personnel before operation of your product . If a safety decal is missing or damaged, it is the responsibility of the owner to replace and re-install the sticker . Replacement safety stickers can be obtained by contacting MMF at 515-382-1225 .
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ITEM VISUAL LOCATION
MMF Machine Plate
MID-STATES MATERIAL HANDLING & FABRICATION INC.
NEVADA, IA 50201
THIS MACHINERY NOT TO BE USED OUTSIDE BOUNDS OF PROVIDED WARRANTY
MADE IN THE USA
YEAR:
SERIAL:
MODEL: Head Section
CHAPTER TWO | SAFETY & DECALS
CAUTIONARY SYMBOLS DEFINITIONS
Cautionary symbols appear in this manual and on the equipment’s safety decals . Knowing these symbols and what they mean is essential to the safe operation of this product .
ITEM VISUAL DESCRIPTION
Caution Symbol Warning
DANGER SYMBOL
Follow all Federal, state, and local procedures, as well as OSHA/ANSI Code NFPA 654 when welding, grinding, or cutting . Certain dust can cause explosions that can result in severe injury or death .
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Carefully read all safety content in this manual and the safety decals on this machine . Make sure signs are always cleaned off and readable . If a sign is missing or damaged, replace it as soon as possible . Replacements are available through the manufacturer .
Learn how to properly operate this machinery before use . Do not let anyone who lacks the knowledge of this machine’s operation use it .
If any part of this manual needs further clarification, contact the manufacturer .
MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT AND WORK AREA
Never service equipment during operation . Always lock out power before performing any service on equipment . Keep your equipment dry, clean and in proper working condition . Be sure to replace any worn or broken parts as soon as possible .
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E-Z DRAG CONVEYORMANUAL & OPERATION GUIDE
2018 Edition
Chapter Three
INSTALLATION
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RECEIVING INSPECTION
Carefully inspect the shipment upon receipt for damage . Verify all necessary parts are included and correspond with the packing slip . Note any concealed damages and/or shortages on the bill of ladling and contact the manufacturer immediately . Report any damage or missing parts to the carrier on arrival . Any damage to the equipment is the fault of the delivering party as per the bill of ladling . Save all paperwork related to the conveyor’s delivery, its parts and its operation .
THERE ARE MULTIPLE MODELS & CONFIGURATIONS OF MMF CONVEYORS. UPON DELIVERY, BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE RECEICVED THE CORRECT MODEL.
It is the sole responsibility/liability of the customer to ensure proper unloading to avoid damge . An evenly dispersed lifting point is recommended .
PRE-INSTALLATION
Make sure to read this entire manual prior to installation to ensure that you are compliant with all OSHA/ANSI, electrical and other applicable codes .
Only qualified millwrights or contractors should install the conveyor and its accompanying equipment and structures . Retention of a licensed engineer is essential for planning the installation of this conveyor .
The MMF conveyor is not a self-supporting structure . At every section joint, the conveyor must be supported by an external support .
No responsibility is assumed by mmf for the installation of this conveyor . The directions of this manual are simply the manufacturer’s considerations . The end user or installer of this MMF conveyor should consult a structural/civil engineer about this unit’s design, construction and installation .
GENERAL CONVEYOR INSTALLATION
After uncrating the conveyor, arrange the parts as they will be upon final installation . Set the parts on supports such as wood blocks, sawhorses or other similar items . The suspension of the conveyor on items such as these will help in the process of assembly .
Start assembly at the head of the conveyor . Making sure there is ample room for the drive and head shaft in the proposed final installation area, position the head section over the discharge chute that will service the conveyor . Be sure there is enough room for the unit before continuing assembly .
When assembling any conveyor, take care that all troughs are aligned properly to prevent chain damage or extra wear . Even minor misalignment can cause chain to catch on uneven surfaces . Many models of conveyors have liners to extend their lifetimes, but liners cannot prevent chain damage from misalignment . Use a chalk line to establish a straight line where the conveyor should align .
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Bolt together all sections from head to tail and caulk along joints to ensure a tight seal .Installation of the inlets by bolting onto the trough allows for easier repairs and alterations .
Check the cross section of the MMF Conveyor and ensure that it is level in horizontal operation . Check the tension of the belt drive on the head unit and the oil in the speed reducer .
THE REDUCER IS NOT SHIPPED CONTAINING OI UNLESS SPECIFIED BY CUSTOMER.
This is MMF’s recommended, and the typical industry procedure of conveyor installation . Depending on the situation, a different order of assembly may be necessary .
Our conveyor is scalable in design, and built for the parameters and operating specifications supplied by you, the buyer, at the time of design and P .O . issuance . Because there is a variance in components, some of this information might not apply to your specific conveyor . See your bill of materials to know which information pertains to your specific product .
HEAD
The head section must be well braced to allow for drive weight and transmission torque through the head section .
The head section contains the motor, belt drive, guards and reducer . This part of the conveyor requires the most attention in installation and should begin the process of your final installation . Most of our head sections come pre-installed . This will save the installer time and make sure that the head is properly assembled .
TROUGHS
Our troughs are standardized in 119” lengths . Prior to final installation, lay out the troughs in the intended installation formation . Layout is best achieved when supports are installed for alignment purposes . Do this at the intended site of final installation . Bolt the trough together loosely with their provided appropriate fasteners . Be sure the return rail is going the proper direction .
Inspect the flange joints of every trough as you bolt them together . The inside bottom and sides of the trough must be flush . Align the head and tail sections in an identical way . Using a chalk line can help to achieve the required accuracy in installation . Minor misalignment can cause major problems in chain wear, sometimes resulting in breakage of the chain and voiding of the warranty .
TAILS
No material is conveyed in the tail section of the conveyor unit . Due to this fact, clearance below the tail sprocket is limited . No liner is installed in the tail section, so be sure that the top of the tail section sticks above the trough, while the bottom of the tail section lies flush with the trough . The trough’s liner should not overlap the bottom of the tail .
DANGER SYMBOL
Do not attempt to hoist a fully assembled conveyor to its point of installation or onto its supporting structure . Doing so could result in serious injury or death, even to those who are occupying the work area on unrelated business .
Before lifting any of the individual MMF Conveyor sections, make sure the hoisting machines capacity exceeds the weight of the heaviest section . Also, be sure that the cables, slings, or chain are rated for overhead hoisting duty and are sufficient in rating to lift the heaviest section of conveyor .
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DISCHARGE GATE INSTALLATION
There are two different models of gate that can be ordered with your MMF Conveyor . The models are cross-cut and inline and they share an identical installation . Because they share the same installation procedure, a different model can be fitted to your existing conveyor in the future .
The steel template included with the gate is to be used to create a pattern to mark the desired cutout for the gate to occupy . Do not use this steel template to torch cut the gate opening . Doing so will deform the template, rendering it unusable .
CHAIN INSTALLATION AND TENSIONING
Installation and operation of the chain differs by model and load capacity . Be sure to locate the chain that you have ordered in our list of illustrations and follow the directions for that specific model . Check your order form and bill of materials to discern what type conveyor chain type you need to install .
Chain direction differs in many models of chain . Be sure that you are installing the chain in the correct direction and orientation for operation . This is a much easier fix when the assembly is not yet complete . Proper chain tension is also very important to achieve during installation to ensure smooth operation . Proper chain tension directly affects the lifespan of your chain . If chain tension is too tight, it will wear prematurely . If the chain is installed too loose, return rails and lids can be worn excessively and damaged . In an even worse scenario, if the chain becomes wrapped around the sprocket, the conveyor will fail .
CORRECT CHAIN DIRECTION
WITH CARRYBACK CUPS
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UPPER SIDE GUIDE INSTALLATION
Align the two top chain guides near to the top of the head section . This way, the return chain flights will be guided smoothly into the trough area . Tighten all fasteners securely to ensure a good seal for operation .
MID-STATES MATERIAL HANDLING & FABRICATION INC.
NEVADA, IA 50201
THIS MACHINERY NOT TO BE USED OUTSIDE BOUNDS OF PROVIDED WARRANTY
MADE IN THE USA
YEAR:
SERIAL:
MODEL:
INLET TRANSITIONS
Inlets, discharge spout, and other transitions are the responsibility and liability of the installing party . Complications from any alterations made to the MMF Conveyor by a third-party are the sole responsibility of the installing party . Inlets that are bolted onto the trough section will make for an easier alteration and can make replacement of a trough section or trough liner much easier .
The back of the inlet box must be located far enough away from the tail sprocket so that material does not jam the area of the tail sprocket with conveyed material . If this distance is not achieved, jamming will occur in the conveyor . It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure proper spacing is achieved .
BE SURE NO COMPONENTS, FABRICATED OR OTHERWISE PROTRUDE BELOW THE FLANGE OF THE CONVEYOR UNIT. THIS WILL RESTRICT THE RETURN CHAIN FLIGHT IN ITS MOVEMENT THROUGHOUT THE CONVEYING UNIT.
DISCHARGE TRANSITIONS
The installing party will be responsible for the design, construction and installation of reasonable discharge spouting . The installer should consider accessibility for cleaning, clearance, and efficient flowing slope design for this . Also consider that material, when leaving the bottom surface of the conveyor, is essentially static and must be accelerated to be confined in a smaller spout size . Electrically interlocked bin detectors would serve as an appropriate solution to this problem, as they cut conveyor power when plugging of the spout occurs . Transitions and spout configuration can vary depending on the model of MMF Conveyor, speed of conveying, and material conveyed . Contact Mid-States Material Handling and Fabrication with any questions you might have about your specific situation .
DRIVE UNITS AND DRIVE BELT TENSIONING
It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that all safety and electrical codes are followed . MMF Conveyor head units are pre-assembled, meaning that any horsepower requirements have been made at the point of ordering and are correctly installed to the head unit .
Drive belt tension should be examined before installation . Be sure to check the tension again after 24 total hours of running operation . After installation, tension of the drive belt may need to be adjusted . Over tensioning belts will decrease the lifespan of the belt and bearings .
CHECKLIST
- Align the sheaves from the side as well as the top .- The ideal operable tension is the lowest tension in which the belts will not slip under the load .- Adjust tension when weight of load causes slipping . Never apply any additional product to the
belt .
E-Z DRAG CONVEYORMANUAL & OPERATION GUIDE
2018 Edition
Chapter Four
OPERATION
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START-UP PROCEDURE
Before the installer turns over duty to the operator of the MMF Conveyor make sure the machinery is fully ready for operation . Ensure every item on this list is complete and re-checked before startup of the MMF Conveyor .
- Check bolts and seals throughout conveyor, address as needed .
- Check that all top flanges are tight on to the troughs and that the necessary safety guards are installed on all moving parts .
- Check the oil level of the reducer .
After this list is complete, run the conveyor with no material inside . Listen for any sounds that are different than the ordinary operation noise . If a hammering sound is heard, it must be located and addressed before moving any further . Declining to do so will cause unnecessary wear and major damage .
If no sound or operation error occurs, start loading small amounts of material to be conveyed . After introducing product, check the unit again against this list .
- Inlet transition free of jams and running material smoothly .
- Material conveying through conveyor at rated capacity .
- No unusual noises occurring during conveying .
- All external discharges operating correctly with ample slope preventing blockage .
When this list is complete, move on to the next section for the procedure of the installer turning over operation to the intended operating party .
RESPONSIBILITY OF INSTALLING PARTY
After installation is complete and the installer is satisfied with the function of the machine’s operation, they must pass on this information to the intended operator .
- A basic introduction of maintenance and differences in the MMF Conveyor’s operation as compared to other conveying units .
- The locations of all pertinent part such as the start and stop stations and electrical disconnects for locking out power .
- The startup and shutdown sequence for the machinery .
- How to clear the machinery of foreign objects and plugs .
- The importance of following the recommended procedures of this manual .
- Operation of discharges, detector tail (if applicable), and valves .
E-Z DRAG CONVEYORMANUAL & OPERATION GUIDE
2018 Edition
Chapter Five
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR & TROUBLESHOOTING
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
It is up to the owner/operator of this MMF Conveyor to seek manufacturer advice on how to maintain their device as necessary .
GENERAL REPAIR DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
It is the recommendation of Mid-States Material Handling & Fabrication that any part that becomes damaged is to be repaired or replaced immediately . Not repairing problems in your conveyor unit can cause catastrophic failure and is extremely dangerous . Be sure to keep up maintenance on your MMF conveyor so that you can identify potential problems early .
FAQS/TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Capacity is incorrect . - Drive belt tension is insufficient for material being handled .
- Conveyor not running at full capacity .
- Damaged chain .
- Bent, damaged, or missing flights .
- Verify head shaft speed . With insufficient tension comes problems with the belt . The belt can slip and overheat which becomes a fire hazard . Due to the lack of tension, the conveyor will run at less than ideal speeds
- Check trough, head, tail and inlets/transitions/gates for material clogs that are restricting flow .
- Replace damaged chain as soon as noticed . Be sure to check the conveyor before replacing the chain for foreign objects that may have cause unnecessary wear on the chain .
- Straighten bent flights and replace damaged flights as soon as noticed . Be sure to check the conveyor before replacing the chain for foreign objects that may have cause unnecessary wear on the chain .
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PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Capacity is incorrect .
(Continued)
- Incorrect chain speed .
- Improper inlet .
- Inlet located too close to tail for proper function .
- Conveyor installed at too much of an incline for efficient operation .
- Conveyor not running at full capacity due to prior clogging problems .
- Product not agreeing with conveyor unit .
- Verify head shaft’s revolution per minute (RPM) . Check sheave sizes, motor’s RPM and reducer gear ratio as well .
- Replace with appropriate inlet or append with a cushion box unit . If the conveyor is installed at an incline, it will never have a full trough fill .
- If material is clogging the tail, the inlet must be moved further up the trough, or the trough must be extended for spacing .
- Check with installer to see if corrections can be made to unit to solve problem . Solutions can vary from simple to advance, so it is best to consult a professional based on your specific needs .
- Remove covers and lid from tail, head, and any bulging trough areas . Check inlets and areas near them for blockages . Start conveyor up to see where clogs are occurring . Be sure to find out if this is a new or previous problem before putting considerable time into your solution . Check incline angle and chain to see if a potential solution can be found there .
- Check discharge transition and make sure it is of an appropriate size and capacity for the material being conveyed . Be sure all necessary parts are appropriately rated for the job at hand .
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PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Unusual noises emitted by the conveyor .
- Misalignment
- Crooked shaft intake-up end
- Sprocket not centered
- Chain guides are missing
- Check trough alignment . Make sure trough joins are level and no inlets ae disturbing the trough .
-Straighten shaft to proper positioning square with housing .
-Rework or replace the shaft collar pipe spacers, the realign the sprocket .
- Check head section and flared inlets for chain guides . Check if guides installed . If they are, check position of installed guides . Note: Reversing conveyors require both side and bottom chain guides in both head units .
If chain does not wrap smoothly around the sprocket, it may leave sprocket with jarring force .
- If the UWHM paddle centers are catching on the sprockets, flip the chain over . This might not be every chain section in the conveyor, as little as one chain being installed upside-down can cause this problem . If chain is too close to top covers move the top chain guides into the trough .
Detector tail is shutting off conveyor unit .
- Sprocket sheared/cut incorrectly . - If conveyor doesn’t run as usual when switch arm is pressed down and shut off when switch arm is not pressed down by the cam, the opposite of regular function is occurring . Make sure switch is wired N .C, not N .O .
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PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Detector tail is shutting off conveyor unit .
(Continued)
- Change out for a reverse or tail drive conveyor .
- Problem may be with something else, not the tail .
- Tail springs are not correct model .
- Replace detector tail with take-up tail as detector tails are incompatible with these models of tail drive conveyors .
-Check trough for foreign objects or material . Also check chain tension of conveyor unit and back-bar spacing .
- Long conveyor units handling materials that are heavier require heavier springs to compensate for the added weight to the load . Inlets over 12ft likely need a hogback angle or shroud installed
Incline of Conveyor was installed at an
angle that is too steep .
- Improper Installation . - Check with installer to see if corrections can be made to unit to solve problem . Solutions can vary from simple to advance, so it is best to consult a professional based on your specific needs .
Detector tail is not shutting off conveyor unit at
proper time .
- Bad limit switch .
- Electrical wiring is incorrect .
- Check to see that no water is affecting the performance of the switch . If water is indeed the cause of the failure, find where the source is and rectify the problem .
- If conveyor doesn’t run as usual when switch arm is pressed down and shut off when switch arm is not pressed down by the cam, the opposite of regular function is occurring . Make sure switch is wired N .C, no N .O . Check that wires aren’t jumpered .
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PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Detector tail is not shutting off conveyor unit at
proper time .
(Continued)
- Switch arm is wired down . - Reset switch arm to correct position .
Product being carried over past an open intermediate
discharge gate .
- Gate not opening fully .
- Incompatible particle size and flow ability .
- Carryover bars do not cover full trough width .
- Rubber drape wiper issues .
- No reclaim cups installed .
- Chain speed to fast for gate opening size .
-Readjust gate, find and remove any existing blockages .
- Carryover is normal in fully-functioning conveyor . Whole material will have less accepted carryover than more viscous materials .
- Remove carryover bars except for those installed on the end ramp guide . Consider reclaim cups for your chain .
- The rubber drape wiper should be installed at the center of the opening or near to the center . Though not required for conveyor operation, drape can reduce carryover by an incredible amount .
Install reclaim cups .
-Slow conveyor speed, especially if conveying less material than a full load . Another option is to expand the discharge opening for more material .
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PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Product receiving significant
damage from conveyor .
- Misalignment of trough joints or gaps existing between liners .
-Minimal product in conveyor . Chain bouncing material around, damaging it .
- Material feeding too close to tail sprocket and chain, causing damage .
- Flood inlet too close to top chain, pulling product through .
- Make sure all edges are properly aligned . Correct any gaps between liners by filling or grinding an angle in that is conducive to forward movement .
- Slow down conveyor speed if running small loads consistently . If loads vary in size, consider installing wipers on every five feet of chain to soften impact of bouncing material .
- If material is clogging the tail, the inlet must be moved further up the trough, or the trough must be extended for spacing .
- Consider a flared inlet, or shroud to relieve pressure of flood inlet on conveyor . Note: If conveyor is installed at an incline, this will reduce the maximum capacity of the unit .
Leaking material from intermediate
discharge gate
- Slide doors will not fully close .
- Material buildup on sides of drop bottom styled gate .
- Diagnose reason for misalignment and rectify problem .
- Scrape off gates when conveyor is not running . BE sure that conveyor is not moving product before closing the gate doors .
Chain is rising off the bottom of
the trough .
- Buildup of more viscous material on the bottom of the trough .
- Install scraper paddles on chain to reduce buildup .
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PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Conveyor is clogging .
- Be sure that this problem is new and not due to operation error .
- When using two inlets, material is clogging up behind one and not reaching the second inlet .
- Feeding too close to tail of conveyor .
- Conveyor not cooperating with existing control feed equipment .
- Product not discharging quickly enough .
- Remove covers and lid from tail, head, and any bulging trough areas . Check inlets and areas near them for blockages . Start conveyor up to see where clogs are occurring . Be sure to find out if this is a new or previous problem before putting considerable time into your solution .
- Reduce inlet feed rates to allow air to flow with material . Depending on the situation, additional pan feeder inlet may be installed to alleviate load and allow flood feeding from the other inlet .
- If material is clogging the tail, the inlet must be moved further up the trough, or the trough must be extended for spacing .
- Increase speed of conveyor so that the trough is not to full capacity . Be sure that there is a pocket of air between the material and the top of trough/rails for smooth movement .
- Check discharge transition and make sure that it is appropriately sized for material, speed, and has an adequate transition . Check conveyor speed, bake sure that there is a pocket of air between the material and the top of trough/rails for smooth movement .
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EN-MASSE DRAG CONVEYOR
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Chain is breaking - (Roller type) Chain pins are loose-fitting in roller chain side plates . Chain pins could rotate with some force applied .
- Chain outer side plates are pulling apart after splitting open .
- Stainless steel chain wearing out quickly .
-Cracks in chain
- Product being conveyed is corroding/abrading chain . Replace chain with appropriate chain that will not allow material to seize the conveyor’s movement .
- Wrong chain may be in use . Be sure that chain is not catching the rail shafts or the return roller .
-If a detector tail is installed, replace it with a standard, non-detector tail . An alternative to replacement is to eliminate springs and jumper switch from the detector tail .
- Old chain . Replace immediately .
Improper chain tension problems…
…with detector tail installed
…in unit with no detector tail .
- Chain should not be as tight as a conveyor with no detector tail .
- Chain should be very tight .
E-Z DRAG CONVEYORMANUAL & OPERATION GUIDE
2018 Edition
Chapter Five
WARRANTY
28
REPLACEMENT PARTS
The MMF Conveyor is built to our highest standards, a heavy duty construction ensures a high lifespan . As with any machine, parts wear out and break . It is MMF’s recommendation that a small supply of spare parts be kept on hand to cover any minor part wear or damage . It is also necessary to check the certified drawings, which will list any special or custom components utilized on your conveyor . The engineer-certified drawings furnished with the conveyor list out the components which are most likely to require replacement . Replacements for any other parts of this conveyor, including structural members can be ordered upon the customer’s request .
To reorder parts, contact your sales representative or contact us directly at:
Mid-States Material Handling and Fabrication
1113 South D Ave, Nevada, IA
Nevada, Iowa 50201
Phone: 515-382-1225
Fax: 515-382-1128
PLEASE HAVE THE MODEL/SERIAL NUMBER, CUSTOMER ORDER NUMBER & INSTALLATION LOCATION OF THE EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE.
WARRANTY
MMF warrants all products manufactured to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal usage for a twelve-month period after retail sale to the original end buyer of such products . MMF has the obligation to repair or replace, at MMF’s sole judgement, defect due to materials or workmanship .
Except for the above stated express limited warranties MMF makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, warranties or merchantability of fitness for a purpose or use in the connection with the product manufactured or sold by MMF, any advice, instruction, recommendation, or suggestion by MMF regarding, configuration, installation, layout, suitability for a purpose, or design of such product or products . In no event shall MMF be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including, without limitation, loss of anticipated profit or benefits .
MMF assumes no responsibility for field modifications or erection defects, which may create structural problems . Modifications to the product not specifically covered by this manual will nullify any product
SERIAL NUMBER
MODEL NUMBER
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EN-MASSE DRAG CONVEYOR
warranty that might have been otherwise available . The foregoing warranty shall not cover product or parts which have been damaged by negligent use, misuse, alteration or accident . This warranty covers only the products manufactured by MMF . This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties express or implied, MMF reserves the right to make design or specification changes at any time . It is the responsibility of the buyer to research and comply with all federal, state and local codes, which may apply to the location and installation of our products .
FINAL DISCLOSURES
Mid-States Material Handling and Fabrication reserves the right to improve our product whenever possible and practical to do so . We reserve the right to change, improve and modify our products at any time without obligation to make changes, improvements and modifications on equipment sold prior to the improvements .
MID-STATES MATERIAL HANDLING AND FABRICATION (MMF) IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THIS PRODUCT.
