A quality conveyor belt system should last you a long time, but unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. At some point, upgrading to a modern system will be more cost-effective than sticking with the old one. Here’s how to know when it’s time to upgrade your conveyor belt.
It’s Becoming Unreliable
Probably the most important reason you’ll need to upgrade your system is if your current one experiences too many problems. If your current machine is constantly breaking down, you’re losing valuable time, and you may even start to notice a drop in the amount of work you’re accomplishing each day.
In addition to time, maintenance eats up a lot of money. If you have a person on staff who can fix the machine, your costs may not be higher than usual. Eventually, aging machines will require repairs that are far beyond routine. Calling in an expert is always doubly expensive because you’re spending money and losing operation time.
Difficult Replacements
In addition to the problems you run into with old machines, you may have trouble getting the replacement materials you need. Older machines may require parts that are difficult to find, and when you do find them, they may be second-hand instead of new. At that point, all you’re doing is delaying the inevitable.
Prepare for Demand Changes
A positive sign it’s time to upgrade your conveyor belt is if you’re trying to prepare for increased production. If what you make is in high demand, it might be worth the cost of a new system to capitalize on the higher production capacity. As a bonus, a new machine is less likely to break down when you need it most.
How To Upgrade
If you’re looking for quality belting suppliers, check out Texas Belting and Supply. We carry a wide range of products to help you upgrade just about any kind of conveyor system. We’d love to answer any questions you may have!