Tail pulleys might sit at the end of the conveyor belt, but their role is anything but minor. They maintain belt tension, guide alignment and keep everything running smoothly.
Your choice of pulley lagging can make a big difference to system performance and maintenance schedules. With the right selection, resources operators can efficiently handle abrasive, wet and high-capacity loads.
This post explores the different lagging options available for tail pulleys. We outline their uses, advantages and the factors to consider when formulating a solution for your site.
Lagging provides a protective cover to the pulley surface. For tail pulleys, it helps with:
Friction and Tracking: Provides grip against the belt, helping reduce slippage and improve alignment.
Wear Protection: Shields the shell from abrasive material, extending service life.
Build-Up Prevention: Some lagging surfaces help shed dirt and moisture from the unit, reducing the risk of blockages.
Safety and Compliance: Proper lagging reduces the likelihood of sudden failures, improving site safety.
Smooth Rubber: A straightforward option for lighter-duty applications, offering basic protection and grip.
Diamond-Grooved Rubber: The most common choice for mining tail pulleys. Diamond grooves channel water and fines away from the belt, reducing slippage and material build-up.
Chevron-Grooved Rubber: Similar to diamond grooves but with directional channels, ideal for high-moisture or slurry-prone conditions.
Best for: Conveyors on sites where moisture and carry back are common challenges.
Plain Ceramic Tiles: Extremely durable and resistant to abrasion.
Dimpled Ceramic: Increases grip and is particularly effective for high-tension applications.
Hybrid Ceramic/Rubber: Combines grip and abrasion resistance with added flexibility.
Best for: Operations with chemical exposure or corrosive materials.
Where a fire risk is present, this lagging provides an added layer of safety.
Managers and operators should consider:
Load Characteristics: Abrasiveness, moisture levels, particle size and potential chemical exposure.
Environmental Conditions: Dust levels, humidity and temperature extremes.
Conveyor Speed and Load Size: Higher speeds and loads increase the need for durable, high-traction surfaces.
Maintenance Goals: Some lagging options are designed to reduce material build-up and simplify cleaning, reducing maintenance time.
Compliance Requirements: Fire-resistant options may be mandatory in certain applications.
A longer service life
Lower long-term maintenance costs
Elimination of hidden defects
Compliance with current engineering standards
Manufactured with corrosion-resistant materials and reinforced lagging
Quality tested for pressure, tension, vibration and load bearing capacity
Backed by an 18-month full replacement guarantee
Delivered quickly through our trusted supply chain
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