This guide details how to tension and track the conveyor belt on G0458Z and G0458 Drum Sanders to ensure smooth operation and prevent belt drift. It includes safety tips, step-by-step adjustment instructions for tension, rollers, and tracking, a tracking adjustment guide, troubleshooting advice, and emphasizes small incremental changes with the machine powered off during adjustments.
Correct belt tracking helps ensure smooth operation, extends belt life, and prevents the conveyor belt from drifting to one side during operation.
The video below demonstrates the complete adjustment process. Step-by-step instructions are also provided for reference.
Before You Begin
- Disconnect the machine from power before making any adjustments.
- Verify the conveyor belt is properly installed and free from damage.
- Tracking adjustments should be made in small increments. Large adjustments can cause the belt to overcorrect.
Step 1: Prepare the Conveyor Belt
- Loosen the tension bolts on both sides of the conveyor belt.
- Ensure the belt has enough slack to move freely.
Step 2: Apply Belt Tension
- Loosen the belt at the top on both sides.
- Hand tighten both adjustment bolts until they stop to apply even tension.
- Turn each adjustment bolt an additional 1/2 turn.
- Tighten the lock nuts with a wrench to secure the adjustment.
Step 3: Adjust the Rollers
- Lift the rollers so they are level.
- Tighten the lock nuts to secure the roller positions.
- Repeat on the opposite side of the machine.
Step 4: Check Belt Tracking
- Mark the belt seam on the table so its movement is easy to observe.
- Turn the machine on and run the conveyor at operating speed.
- Watch which direction the belt drifts.
- Make only small tracking adjustments, allowing the belt to respond after each adjustment.
Tracking Adjustment Guide
Use the following adjustments to correct belt drift.
| If the belt... | Adjust... |
|---|---|
| Drifts to the left | Tighten the left-side tracking adjustment |
| Drifts to the right | Tighten the right-side tracking adjustment |
Understanding the Tracking Adjustments
Knowing how each adjustment affects belt movement can make troubleshooting much easier.
- Backing the right-side tracking adjustment screw out moves the conveyor belt to the left.
- Backing the left-side tracking adjustment screw out moves the conveyor belt to the right.
If one tracking adjustment screw is already fully backed out and the belt continues drifting in that direction, reset both tracking adjustments to their baseline position before beginning the tracking procedure again.
Troubleshooting
The belt continues tracking left even though the right adjustment screw is fully backed out.
Reset both tracking adjustment screws to their starting position and repeat the tracking procedure. A tracking adjustment that has reached its limit cannot continue correcting belt movement.
The belt continues tracking right even though the left adjustment screw is fully backed out.
Reset both tracking adjustment screws to their starting position and repeat the tracking procedure.
The tracking adjustment has little or no effect.
Verify:
- Conveyor belt tension is set correctly.
- Roller adjustments are secure and level.
- Tracking adjustments are being made in small increments.
- The machine has been allowed to run briefly after each adjustment.
If the belt still will not track properly after completing these checks, inspect the motor alignment and conveyor components for possible movement or damage.
Additional Tips
- Tracking adjustments often require several small corrections before the belt stabilizes.
- Allow the conveyor belt to run for several minutes after each adjustment before making additional changes.
- Avoid making multiple large adjustments at once, as this can make tracking more difficult.
Safety
Always disconnect power before making adjustments to the conveyor belt or rollers.
Refer to your machine owner's manual for complete operating, adjustment, and safety information.