Flexible roller and skatewheel conveyors are mobile, expandable conveyor systems used to move cartons, totes, packages, bags, and other unit loads efficiently between locations. They are particularly useful where the material-handling requirement changes frequently or where permanent conveyor installation is impractical.
1. Flexible Roller Conveyor
A flexible roller conveyor consists of a series of rollers mounted on a collapsible, articulated frame. It can be expanded, contracted, curved, and repositioned as required.
Key features:
- Flexible length and configuration
- Suitable for cartons, boxes, bins, and relatively heavy unit loads
- Available in gravity or powered versions
- Easy to relocate and store when not in use
- Can bridge temporary gaps between workstations, trucks, and storage areas
Applications: loading/unloading trucks, warehouses, dispatch areas, packaging lines, and temporary production setups.
2. Skatewheel Conveyor
A skatewheel conveyor uses multiple small wheels mounted on axles rather than full-width rollers. It is generally lightweight and offers low resistance to movement.
Key features:
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Easy movement of packages with flat, rigid bottoms
- Can be curved and configured into different layouts
- Generally economical compared with powered conveyor systems
- Best suited to lighter loads and relatively controlled package flow
Applications: parcel handling, shipping/receiving, order picking, packing stations, and truck loading/unloading.
Flexible roller conveyors are a versatile choice for general-purpose unit-load handling, while skatewheel conveyors offer a lighter, more economical solution for cartons and parcels. Both provide an attractive alternative to permanent conveyor installations when mobility, flexibility, and low capital cost are important.
