Service

Instructions
Link-Belt®
Bucket Elevators
Centrifugal Discharge
Positive Discharge
Continuous Discharge
Internal Discharge

Safety
Operation
Maintenance
Installation
Instructions
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY, INTRODUCTION, RECEIVING ...............................................3

BUCKET ELEVATOR TERMS ...............................................................4

TYPES AND DESCRIPTIONS ................................................................ 5-6

INSTALLATION
Casing ................................................................................................ 7-8
Head section ...................................................................................... 9
Drive (Motogear or gearmotor) ........................................................... 10
Drive (Shaft-mounted reducer) .......................................................... 11
Boot section ....................................................................................... 12
Chain and buckets ............................................................................. 13-16
Belt and buckets ................................................................................ 17-18
Bucket installation ............................................................................. 19-20
Types 12 and 13 elevators ................................................................ 20-22

OPERATION.............................................................................................. 22
PRECAUTIONS FOR HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS ................................ 23-24
MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 25-27
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ............................................................ 27-28

TROUBLE SHOOTING ............................................................................. 29-36

LUBRICATION, LOCATING AND ORDERING PARTS ............................ 36

2
SAFETY
Safety is a basic factor that must be considered at all times in the operation and maintenance of mechanical
equipment. Use of proper tools and methods can prevent serious accidents that may result in injury to you and
your fellow workers.

A number of safety precautions are listed throughout this manual. Study them carefully and follow them;
insist that those working with you do the same. Remember - an accident is usually caused by someone's
carelessness or negligence. The precautions listed may not necessarily be aIl-inclusive and others might occur
to the user which are peculiar to a particular operation or industry. In addition, nearly all employers are now
subject to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, which requires that an employer
be kept abreast of the myriad of regulations which will continue to be issued under its authority.

At all times - this elevator must be operated in accordance with the instructions and precautions in this
manual and on the caution plate attached to the equipment. Only persons completely familiar with the instructions
and precautions in this manual should be permitted to operate the elevator. The operator should thoroughly
understand these instructions and precautions before attempting to operate this elevator.

For safety to personnel and equipment, keep areas around loading and discharge points, drives, controls,
and safety devices clean and free from obstructions. The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association, in
an effort to promote standardization and safety in the conveyor industry, has developed a series of
standardized safety labels that can be utilized around typical hazards encountered when using conveying
equipment. In addition they offer a Screw Conveyor, Drag Conveyor, and Bucket Elevator Safety Video. (See
their web site www.cemanet.org for order information.)

CAUTION: FAlLURE TO OBSERVE AND FOLLOW THE PRECAUTIONS MAY RESULT IN

SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. (Caution plate is
illustrated on Page 21.)

INTRODUCTION
This manual contains complete instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of Link-Belt bucket
elevators. The reliable operation and long service life of these elevators depend to a great extent on the care
taken during installation arid operation and the degree of maintenance.

RECEIVING
Check all assemblies and parts against shipping papers, and inspect for damage on arrival. Look for dented or
bent casings and casing flanges, buckets, spouts, etc. Minor damage incurred in shipping can often be readily
repaired in the field. For severely damaged parts, file an immediate claim with the carrier. Before proceeding
with erection, make sure that all supplementary instructions are included. If anything is missing consult Syntron
Material Handling, LLC.

3
BUCKET ELEVATORS TERMS

1. Centers- Distance between head shaft and boot shaft

2. Lift----Distance from bottom of inlet to bottom of discharge

3. Discharge Height- Distance from bottom of boot bottom to discharge

4. Backlegging- When material is not discharged and falls back into the boot

5. Creep Drive (inching drive)- A drive that operates the elevator at slow speed
to facilitate inspecting the bucket line and in some cases prevent the chain
joints from freezing

6. Backstop- All bucket elevators must be equipped with a backstop. This device
prevents the head shaft from rotating in the reverse direction in the event of
power failure while the unit is elevating material. Head shaft reversal after
power loss would result from an imbalance between the buckets on the
upside, which were full with the buckets on the downside which are empty.
The backstop is furnished for emergency use only and is not supplied for the
purpose of allowing the elevator to be shut down with full buckets. All buckets
should be allowed to empty before shut down. Normally the backstop is
incorporated in the drive reducer but also be mounted to the head shaft by
customer request.

4
 TYPES AND DESCRIPTIONS
Positive
Centrifugal Discharge Discharge

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 Types 14 & 15 Type 6

Centrifugal Discharge

Elevators of this group handle bulk material that is fine, loose and free-flowing with small to medium size lumps.
Material is discharged from these elevators by centrifugal action as the buckets pass over the head sprockets.
The first four types below are generally furnished with AA or HS buckets.
Type 1- fixed head shaft - internal gravity take-ups on foot shaft.
Type 2- similar to Type 1 except - adjustable head shaft - fixed foot shaft.
Type 3- fixed head shaft - screw take-ups on foot shaft.
Type 4- similar to Type 3 except - adjustable head shaft - fixed foot shaft.
Type 5- separated runs - take-ups on foot shaft - HS buckets.
Type 14 - fixed head shaft – internal gravity take-ups on foot shaft – AC buckets.
Type 15 - fixed head shaft – internal gravity take-ups on foot shaft – ACS buckets.

Positive Discharge

Type 6 elevators operate at low bucket speeds and can handle light, fluffy, fragile material and those that have
a tendency to stick in the bucket. Buckets invert over discharge spout providing positive discharge.
Type 6 - fixed head shaft-screw take-up on foot shaft-buckets mounted between two strands of chain.
5
 Continuous Internal Discharge

Type 7 Type 8 Type 10 Type 11 Type 12 Type 13

Continuous
Elevators of this group handle bulk material ranging from light to heavy and from fines to large lumps. Buckets
are spaced continuously and are loaded by direct feeding.

Type 7 - fixed head shaft - internal gravity takeups on foot shaft.

Type 8 - similar to Type 7 except - adjustable head shaft – fixed foot shaft.
Type 10 - fixed head shaft - screw takeups on foot shaft - super capacity buckets mounted between two
strands of chain.
Type 11 - similar to Type 10 except - head terminal machinery and drive equipment are carried on
independent supports.

Internal Discharge
These elevators handle small bulk articles such as rivets, plastic chips, or shelled nuts gently and continuously.
Buckets are internally loaded and discharged from either side of the elevator.
Type 12 - slow speed unit with fixed head shaft and gravity takeup on foot shaft.
Type 13 - similar to Type 12 except double head shafts for higher speed operation.

The various Link-Belt bucket elevators shown here are typical of those covered by this manual. The component
parts of these elevators, as identified on Pages 4 and 5, are similar in design and construction; but their location,
method of fastening, and style may vary somewhat between elevator types.

6
INSTALLATION
Casing
The procedures outlined represent an accepted method for erecting bucket elevators. It is recognized that other
procedures may be equally effective and that variations may prove advisable depending on conditions and
surroundings.
It is recommended that personnel familiar with elevator erection be used for installation of this equipment.
An adequate foundation for the elevator weight and soil conditions and suitable anchor bolts must be provided.
1. Place boot section on foundation, and make certain feed side is correctly located.
2. Level top flange with steel shims under the boot adjacent to each foundation bolt. Use enough shims
to provide for 1 inch of grouting which should be placed after the elevator is completely erected and
aligned.
3. Anchor boot section securely using the foundation bolts.
4. If the elevator is specified as requiring a sealing medium at casing joints, apply mastic or gasket material
provided to top flange of boot. If gaskets are used, cut and punch them before assembly.
5. Install remainder of elevator casing sections and loading leg (but not the split removable hood) in
accordance with drawing provided. Make certain that sections with doors, connecting holes or clips are
properly placed. Apply gaskets or mastic, when specified, between casing sections and all connecting
chutes.

6. Important - plumb each section of intermediate casing when installing, as slight manufacturing
variations (within permissible structural tolerances) can be compensated for by inverting some
sections or revolving them horizontally. Obviously this procedure cannot be applied to inter-
mediate casing sections with doors, connecting holes or clips.
7. Attach ladders and safety cages to each section of casing as erection progresses. Assemble
service platform and secure it to the head section; then plumb and align entire casing using lines
hung at center of each side of casing.

Very Important – personnel must not use ladder or platform before lateral bracing is
installed.
8. Install permanent bracing. Casings more than 30 feet high should be guyed or braced until permanent
bracing is installed. Bracing maintains vertical alignment and prevents twisting of casing. Install bracing
at casing joints. Brace in two directions at 90°.
9. All elevators must be braced or anchored to a rigid structure to maintain stability. Elevators should be
braced at a point not more than 4 feet below the head shaft and at intermediate points not over 20 feet
apart.
10. Small casing openings are unavoidable when manufacturing this class of equipment. Seal with mastic
if dust-tight enclosure is required.
11. Install adjustable throat plate in discharge spout. Final adjustment of throat plate must be made after
buckets are installed. See Fig. 5851 (Page 9).
12. On factory pre-assembled terminals, realign and level shaft assemblies. Retighten all machinery
fasteners including hub setscrews, taper-lock bushing screws and bearing bolts, etc.

7
13. Mount hood after head shaft, chain and buckets are installed, all adjustments made, and elevator tested
and ready for operation. Bolt the section of hood over discharge spout in place and complete all head
shaft dust seal adjustments before assembling rear half of hood.
14. Apply field paint after erection is completed.

Fig. 601-1

8
HEAD SECTION

1. If not factory pre-assembled, assemble head machinery in casing as indicated on order drawing. Locate
sprocket or pulley on head shaft and lock in place with set screws.
2. Mount head shaft on head section and make sure shaft is level and at right angles to the wide side of
casing.
3. Align pillow blocks with shims if necessary so shaft turns freely. Follow separate instructions for mount-
ing and lubricating bearings.
4. Lock adjustable bearing stops on fixed head shaft pillow blocks.
5. If a necked shear pin type drive sprocket is furnished, make sure journaled section of shear pin is
located centrally between hubs.
6. When an adjustable type head shaft is used, lower bearing blocks to lowest point and level shaft. Mark
take-up frame and bearing blocks with match-marks for reference points when making later take-up
adjustments. Throat plate in the discharge spout should be adjusted to within 1” from the bucket lip.
If not adjusted correctly, discharging material will not go out the discharge spout. Material will fall back
down into the boot. (Backlegging) This recirculating material can often overload the elevator. May stall
the elevator, cause undue strain on the chain or belt, the buckets, and the drive. If throat plate is
adjusted too close to the bucket lip, bucket damage may occur and could cause buckets to be torn
loose from the chain or belt.
7. Install and adjust seals against shaft and clamp in place. When waste-pack seals are used, adjust
cotton waste to properly seal shaft opening.
8. If a Link-Belt backstop is furnished, assemble wheel on shaft and cam support on backstop bracket;
adjust in accordance with separate instructions.

Fig. 5856 Fig.601-2

9
Drive (Motogear or Gearmotor)

1. Install speed reducer on drive bracket or platform as shown on drawing. If drive is furnished with separate
motor with feet, use care when aligning motor with drive. Shim or adjust motor so flexible coupling halves
are in line and their faces equally spaced at four points on their circumference. If speed reducer is shipped
with motor mounted on base, field check alignment of coupling to be sure it has not shifted during
shipment. Follow instructions provided for installing flexible coupling.

2. Mount drive chain sprocket on speed reducer output shaft, align with driven sprocket, and assemble drive
chain on sprockets with proper amount of sag in slack side. See instructions for drive chains. If a chain
casing is provided, install in accordance with casing instructions.

3. Use care when mounting sprockets or flexible couplings on speed reducer. Avoid heavy hammer blows
as these may damage internal gears or bearings.

4. When tight fits are encountered, heat parts in oil to 150°F. to expand bore sufficiently for a slip fit on shaft.

5. For installation of backstop see separate instructions.

Fig. 5851

10
Drive (shaft-mounted speed reducer)

1. Install motor mounting bracket on back side of reducer, so that when viewing input shaft it is level with
and to the left of the output shaft and motor mounting bracket extends downward. Larger overhang of the
bracket must be toward input shaft face of reducer, see Fig. 601-3.

2. For installation of backstop see separate instructions provided.

3. Locate breather, oil level and drain plugs as shown in Fig. 601-4 when viewing input shaft.

4. Install reducer on head shaft using the reducing bushing if required to adapt to head shaft size.

5. Install torque arm between reducer and bracket on head casing. If torque arm is too long, cut off and
rethread right hand threaded portion of arm to obtain proper length. Adjust turn buckle as required to
maintain input and output shafts on same level.

6. Install driven V-belt sheave on reducer input shaft.

7. Mount motor in inverted position on motor mounting plate. Motor must be for ceiling mounting.

8. Install V-belt driver sheave on motor shaft and align sheaves.

9. Back off motor mount jack screws to minimum centers position.

10. Install V-belt or belts and adjust to V-belt manufacturers recommended tension by use of the jack screws.

11. Install V-belt guard.

Fig. 601-3 Fig. 601-4

11
Boot Section

EXTERNAL SCREW TYPE TAKEUP INTERNAL GRAVITY TAKEUP

Fig. 5855 Fig. 601-5

Assemble foot machinery in boot as indicated.

1. Locate foot shaft and foot sprocket or pulley in boot as indicated by the drawing and lock sprocket se-
curely in place using setscrews provided.

2. If foot shaft is screw adjustable, move shaft to top of take-up travel, level shaft, and match-mark casing
and sliding portion of take-up for reference points when making later adjustments.
When foot shaft is fixed, locate at right angles to wide side of elevator casing, level shaft, and
align bearing blocks, using shims so shaft rotates without binding after bolts are tightened.

3. Align foot sprocket or pulley with corresponding sprocket or pulley on head shaft using a plumb line.

4. After adjusting screw type take-ups for proper minimum chain slack or for desired belt tension, tighten
retainer bar bolts slightly and drive retainer bars back against casing to draw take-up slider plate against
seal; and then tighten retainer bar bolts.

5. Adjust seal plates on take-ups to seal shaft opening.

6. On belt type elevators with panel type boot, clamps on side plates of boot must be tight to hold shaft
alignment.

7. On internal gravity take-ups check for free movement of frame in casing guides and free rotation of foot
shaft.

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 Fig. 5854

Chain and Buckets

Handling Chain
For convenience in shipping and handling, chains are coiled in segments approximately 10 feet long. For
elevators using a single strand of chain, couple the chain segments together and bolt the buckets to the
attachments with the chain stretched out. This simplifies handling and installation and also helps to keep the
chain straight. Crooked or twisted chain can cause operating difficulties.

SS4851 and SS4852 Chains, 9” Pitch, With SS4850 Chain, 12” Pitch,
Bucket’s Every 2nd Pitch With a Bucket Every Pitch

Fig. 5853 Fig. 5857

Chain can become twisted if improperly handled. Never, pick chain up by hooking into the center of a coil.
Support the entire coil as shown in Fig. 7976.

13
 STAND CLEAR WHEN HOISTING LOADS.

Fig. 7976

Do not feed the chain into elevator on its side. Prevent the possibility of twist by feeding it in the manner
shown in Fig. 7975.

Fig. 7975
If a chain does become twisted, it can usually be straightened by giving it a reverse twist using crowbars. This
should be done while the chain is still stretched out on the floor.

14
Installing chain

All cast link chains, i.e., cast offset sidebar chains in which all links are the same, must be installed so the open
end of link points in the direction of chain travel. Straight sidebar chains, such as class C and SS, are the same
at both ends and can operate in either direction.

Chain installation

The quickest and easiest method for installing an elevator chain is to lower it down over the head sprocket as
shown in Fig. 7974. The chain ends are then coupled together at one of the lower casing openings. Adequate
overhead space and hoisting equipment must be available in order to employ this method of installation.
A more common method, shown in Fig. 7974, is to feed the chain either with or without buckets depending
on access opening and working room through one of the lower casing openings, hoisting it in place one end at
a time. This is done by hooking the chain several links back from one end. Slowly hoist the chain and place the
short "free" end over the head sprocket.

Fig. 7974

15
 CAUTION. Secure the chain in such a way using a hoist or tying off to a structural member laid
across the bearing angles so that there is no chance of chain running away and
dropping into boot.

Now hook the other end of the chain and hoist it into position. Couple the two ends together at the head
sprocket.

AT All TIMES USE EXTREME CAUTION TO RETAIN FIRM GRIP ON CHAIN.

When double strand matched and tagged chain is used, make sure only chains with proper tagging, right
and left are used together.
On double strand chain elevators, or when preceding chain and bucket assembly method is not used for
single strand elevators, install chains over the head and foot sprockets and couple the ends. Attach buckets to
chain on opposite sides at the top and bottom of elevator at the same time so chain line will be balanced.
In order to avoid damage to chain if necessary to drive pins in place in making chain couplings, use
support blocks if outside casing or bucking bar for connection inside casing.
Adjust screw take-ups for minimum slack in order to prevent buckets from striking casing when in normal
operation. Level take-up head shaft or take-up foot shaft from reference marks previously placed on side of
casing. Make this adjustment carefully on chain elevators, as over tightening resulting in excessive chain tension
with all slack removed will result in undue chain and/or sprocket wear. The occasional striking of a bucket, caused
by a new, stiff elevator chain or by the action of material in the elevator, should not be confused with excessive
slack in the chain.
Gravity take-ups are usually shipped with a minimum amount of counterweight, and additional weight
may have to be added to obtain proper chain action as described in preceding paragraph for screw take-ups.
User should provide suitable safety guard around limit of travel of external gravity take-ups to permit full
travel yet protect against any injury to personnel. Guard must be suited to physical surroundings for each
individual installation.

Fig. 8317

16
Belt and Buckets

Install belt over head and foot pulleys after one end of belt has been squared. Make sure proper side of belt is
on pulley and that when in place, the holes for the buckets will be in proper "up" position to receive buckets.
One method of installing belt is as follows:
thread rope or cable around boot and head pulleys. Pull belt through casing with winch. Support
roll of belting so it is free to turn. See Fig. 601-6.

Fig. 601-6
Use a belt clamp arrangement as shown in Fig. 601-7 to pull belt, bolting through last row of bucket bolt holes
at squared end of belt. To prevent damage to belt do not use "C" clamps.

Fig. 601-7

Pull ends of belt together with belt clamps inserted through doors provided and splice belt as instructed
on elevator drawing. If metal belt fasteners, such as Flexco, are used, follow instructions provided with the
fasteners. Take-ups should be at minimum elevator centers when belt is spliced.

17
 Other types of splices are shown in Fig. 601-8. For thin belts lap joints may be used. Lap belt ends two
to four times bucket spacing and bolt the buckets through both belt strands. Consult belt manufacturer's
recommendations. For centrifugal discharge elevators only the top row of bolts on each bucket should pass
through both belt strands. On heavy belting the inside strand end should be tapered for smoother pulley passage.

Fig. 601-8

For heavier belts the best joint is a butt splice. Cut belts to proper length and square ends. Butt ends and
fasten with butt strap cut from same extra belt. Butt strap should pass under at least two buckets. Consult belt
manufacturer's recommendations. Only one row of bolts in each bucket should pass through both strands. Note:
shorter projection buckets are used at lap joints where the extra belt thickness requires.
Vulcanized splices generally require temporary belt installation to establish exact length with take-up in
minimum position. After marking belt for length, foot pulley is removed to obtain sufficient slack to allow ends of
belt to be led out through suitable access opening to permit splicing outside casing. Recommendations and
arrangements for vulcanized splices are usually done by belt vendor.
When using the newer synthetic belts, they should be installed using a temporary splice or belt clamps,
buckets applied and let hang for 24 hours before making permanent splice.

CAUTION: In splicing operations, make sure belt and/or head pulley is secured so that any imbalance
cannot result in belt running away overhead pulley and dropping into boot.

18
 Attach buckets to belt on opposite sides at top and bottom at same time to maintain an even balance on
belt. Use leather washers provided, between buckets and belt, as illustrated in Fig. 5852.

Fig. 5852

Adjust screw take-ups or apply only sufficient weight to gravity take-ups to keep slack out of belt when
elevator is operating loaded and to provide the necessary head pulley traction to drive the elevator under normal
operating conditions.
After bucket line is installed, adjust throat plate in discharge spout to clear buckets by 1 inch. See Fig.
5851 on Page 10.

Bucket Elevators
(Bucket Installation)

• Bucket to Belt
1. Bolting buckets to a belt requires a special elevator bolt with a typical bolt shown to the right.

2. Note! Leather washers are to be used between the buckets and the belt to absorb shock as the bucket
passes over the pulleys.

3. Note! Leather washers also are used to seal the bolt holes against moisture and as a spacer to reduce
accumulation of material between the bucket and the belt.

4. Bolt should have an “A” dimension of at least 1/16” shorter than the overall belt gauge.

5. Bolt “B” dimension should be at least 1/16” less than the overall thickness of the belt, bucket thickness,
and any washers used.

6. Tighten nuts far enough down to get a good set and compression of the bolt head. The bolt head should
not protrude above the surface to the belt.

7. Nuts should be retightened at least once within 24 hours after the elevator begins to operate.

19
Bucket Elevators
(Installation-Belt Elevator)
Bucket to Belt Installation

1. Note! A backstop should not be the primary method of preventing movement of the head
shaft. Secure the head shaft to prevent movement in any direction not just in the
backwards direction.

2. Attach buckets to the belt on opposite sides at the head and boot section at the same time
to maintain an even balance on the belt. Visualize two buckets at the top and two at the
bottom opposite of each other.

3. Continue to mount buckets as per above instruction as the belt is rotated in the casing.

4. Note! Make sure that the elevator bolts are installed correctly and leather washers are
used.

5. Once the buckets are installed, let the belt hang for 24 hours before making a permanent
splice. Most belts will stretch very early in their belt life and the 24 hour time frame will
allow for this to take place.

6. Caution! During any splicing operation, make sure that the belt and / or the head shaft /
pulley is secured in some way to prevent the belt from running away, due to an imbalance
load, and dropping into the boot.

Types 12 and 13 Elevators

Because the construction features of the Types 12 and 13 Internal Discharge Elevators require special erection
and maintenance procedures, the following steps should be observed for these elevators - in addition to the
preceding instructions.
The inherent rigidity of the bucket and chain assembly requires particular care to assure alignment of the
machinery components. This is especially true of the Type 13 elevator with double head shafts. Proceed as
follows in erecting these elevators:

Fig. 8318
20
1. Assemble boot section with hopper and take-up. (Hopper is optional.)
a. Install one take-up frame. Locate hopper and gate assembly in uppermost position.
b. Install other take-up frame.
c. Lower hopper assembly and align bolt holes with those in take-up frames.
d. Bolt hopper to take-up frames.
e. Raise and lower hopper and take-up assembly to make certain it moves freely.

2. Install wiper blades in discharge hopper as shown in Fig. 8319 below.

Fig. 8319

3. Assemble the buckets and double strand chain as follows:

a. Fit buckets together and, by swinging chain to one side, insert rod through buckets only, as
shown in Fig. 8320. Stop rod flush with outside of buckets.

Fig. 8320

b. Swing chain links into place, and push rod through until it is flush with outside of buckets on
opposite side, as shown in Fig. 8321.

21
 c. Swing other chain into place and push rod through until it is seated against milled shoulder;
while pushing, turn rod to align milled flat. Insert pins in ends of rod, and bend them around

CAUTION: If necessary to drive rods into place, use a bucking bar at position "A" in Figs. 8321 and
8322. Use light blows to avoid damage to rods.

4. Adjust loading chutes, if furnished, to provide uniform flow of material and to control flow into buckets.
Loosen wingnut on hand slide gate on internal (floating) chute, and raise or lower gate to obtain desired
performance.

Fig. 8321 Fig. 8322

OPERATION

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Taking into consideration all of the physical aspects of the installation, any or all of the following
safeguards may be required to protect the operators and those working in the immediate area of
the elevator.
22
 1. HOPPER GRATINGS. Open hoppers should be provided with protective grating to prevent contact with
moving bucket line by personnel. Maximum opening size to be 2" x 2". Material in feed hopper must
not be poked or pushed with any item.

2. GUARDS. For protection of operator and other persons in working area, purchaser should provide
guards for all exposed equipment such as drives, gears, shafts, couplings, etc.

3. COVERS AND GRATINGS. Use rugged gratings or checkered plate covers over pits unless
OSHA * approved handrail, ladder and / or cage is used. Handrail must be provided with toe
plates.

4. PLATFORMS, LADDERS AND CAGES. Platforms, ladders and cages should conform to the
OSHA * requirements as relates to handrail construction, step across distances, maximum ladder
heights between platforms, ladder and cage dimensions, toe plates, etc.
*
Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended and future
amendments as may be forthcoming.

5. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Electrical equipment conforming to the National Electrical Code

or the National Electrical Safety Code, including requirements for the environment should be
considered for the following functions –
a. Overflow devices. Electrical interlocks to warn personnel and shut off power
whenever discharge of elevator is interrupted.
b. Overload protection. To shut off power whenever operation of elevator is stopped as a
result of excessive material, foreign objects, excessively large lumps, etc.
c. No-speed protection. Devices such as zero-speed switches to shut off power in the
event of any incident, which might cause elevator to cease operating.
d. Safety shut-off switch with power lock-out provision at elevator drive.
e. Emergency stop switches readily accessible wherever required and known to proper
personnel.
f. Electrical interlocking to shut down feeding conveyors whenever a receiving elevator
stops.
g. Signal devices to warn personnel of imminent start up of elevator, especially if started
from a remote location.

PRECAUTIONS FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

The standard Link-Belt bucket elevator is normally not equipped to operate in hazardous conditions and locations
or with hazardous materials. Consult Syntron Material Handling, LLC if any of the following circumstances are
involved in your operation.
Hazardous conditions - when product area is pressured or casing is equipped with jackets for heating or cooling
material. Provision must be made to keep pressures within design limits. Check local, state, and federal codes
for unfired pressure vessels. Standard components are not designed for this service.
Hazardous materials - can be explosive, flammable, toxic, or noxious, etc. Provide safeguards to prevent per-
sonal injury, especially while loading or unloading.
Explosive conditions - may require spark-proof bronze chain, sprockets and buckets. Spring-loaded blast relief
doors may be required.
Handling foodstuffs - subjects elevators to special codes for construction, location, accessibility. Investigate
before using standard components! Food elevators often require hinged access doors for cleaning.
23
INITIAL STARTUP (WITHOUT MATERIAL)
1. Remember - drives are shipped WITHOUT oil. Add oil to drive in accordance with drive nameplate or
separate service instructions.
2. Lubricate all bearing units in accordance with separate instructions.
3. Adjust take-ups for proper belt tension or chain slack. Belt elevators have the inherent problem of belt
stretch. Normally this is a problem of take-up travel. During belt installation, allow the belt to hang for at
least 24 hours before splicing to remove the initial stretch.

4. Guards must be in place on chain or belt drives, back stops and all moving or rotating parts to protect the
operator or other personnel from possible injury.
5. Be sure all debris, foreign objects and tools are removed from the elevator and adjacent area.
6. All removable plates and inspection doors must be in place before operating elevator.

CAUTION: INSPECTION DOORS SHOULD ONLY BE OPENED BY AUTHORIZED AND COM-

PETENT PERSONNEL WHEN UNIT IS OPERATING AND ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
TO INSPECT PERFORMANCE OF UNIT. DO NOT PUT HEAD, HANDS OR OTHER OBJECTS
INTO OPENING.

7. Jog drive to check for proper rotation. If rotation is not correct, have electrician change motor rotation.
Incorrect rotation can result in serious damage to the unit and related equipment.
8. Have operation of interlocking controls, overflow or over load devices and safety controls checked by
qualified personnel who thoroughly understand the manner of operation and the function of every item of
equipment.

THESE DEVICES SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED OR BYPASSED. SHOULD ANY ITEM

BE FOUND TO MALFUNCTION IT SHOULD BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED BEFORE ELEVA-
TOR IS PLACED IN SERVICE.
9. Complete one cycle of the bucket line by jogging the drive to check for proper assembly and throat plate
clearance. If no difficulties are experienced during jogging, run without load for four hours to break in unit.
After break in and before operating unit with material re-check all bolts for tightness.

24
 INITIAL STARTUP (WITH MATERIAL)

1. Before startup, make sure there is no obstruction to free discharge of material.

2. Start elevator with buckets and elevator empty. Controls should start elevator before feed to it begins.
3. Stop elevator only after feed has been halted and elevator allowed to discharge all material.
4. The successful operation of any elevator is dependent on controlled feed. Material must be fed at a
controlled rate within rated capacity or boot will flood and stall elevator. If the unit is manually fed, deliver
material to loading hopper in a continuous and uniform manner.
5. Should a stoppage occur for any reason, shut off and lock out drive. Backlegging, most often caused by
having the adjustable throat plate in the discharge spout too far away from the buckets. This allows a
certain amount of material to miss the discharge spout and fall back in the boot. Sluggish materials
sticking in the bottom of the buckets until the bucket is past the discharge is another cause. On continuous
discharge elevators, lowering the discharge spout to allow more time for the buckets to empty can often
correct this .Remove boot access doors or back plate, using caution in the event material has built up
sufficiently to create a hazard to personnel. Empty boot and determine and remedy reason for flooding
before restarting elevator.
6. After initial twenty-four hours of operation under load, retighten bucket bolts and check position of take-
ups for correct chain slack or belt tension. On belt elevators using the newer synthetic belts it may be
found necessary at this time to re-splice belt if additional excess stretch has occurred. FOLLOW
PREVIOUSLY STATED PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT LOSING GRIP ON BELT ENDS.

EXTENDED SHUT DOWN

1. If an elevator is to be shut down, for an extended period of time, run it until material discharge stops.
Many materials if allowed to stand tend to become hard or sticky in boot or buckets. If material is
corrosive, hygroscopic, can deteriorate or set in a hard cake during the shutdown, the elevator
should be thoroughly cleaned by authorized personnel only. All possible loose material should be
removed from unit.

CLEANING WORK SHOULD BE DONE WITH DRIVE LOCKED OUT.

2. Elevators should be run for brief periods at regular intervals during extended shut downs to prevent
chain joints from stiffening or binding as a result of rust, corrosion, hardening of material in joints,
etc.

3. LOCK OUT POWER DURING EXTENDED SHUT DOWNS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL

STARTING AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO PERSONNEL OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
MAINTENANCE
Chains
Inspect chains regularly for loose pins, missing cotter pins, excessive roller wear and for wear on inside bar
faces, which indicates sprocket miss-alignment. These conditions all indicate that corrective steps must be taken
immediately. Missing cotter pins, which allow the pins to back out. Sidebar inner faces should be checked for
wear. High wear areas indicate a potential misalignment problem. Loose or unseated pins which are warning
signals that could lead to a sudden and unexpected shutdown. Excess material building in the chain and
attachments which prevents proper seating on sprockets and rough conveyor operation. This result in

25
accelerated wear. “Frozen” rollers or other round parts such as pins and bushings. Alignment and excessive
tooth wear on sprockets..
Do not use new chain on old sprockets or new sprockets with old chains. On double strand elevators do
not replace one strand of chain; order in pairs, and specify matched and tagged right and left hand.
When replacing an elevator chain, uncouple the worn chain at the lower sprocket and attach the new
chain. Thread the new chain into the elevator casing by jogging the elevator drive or by pulling on the loose end
of the old chain. MAINTAIN SECURE GRIP ON CHAIN WHEN UNCOUPLING AND COUPLING SO A LOOSE
END CANNOT RUN AWAY OVER HEAD SPROCKET AND COLLAPSE IN BOOT. PERSONAL INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE CAN RESULT.

Belts
On belt elevators, check regularly for alignment and for condition of splice. Miss-alignment of head or foot shaft
and build-up of material on either pulley will cause belt to run off. The belt and casing will be damaged if miss-
alignment is not quickly remedied. Avoid material build-up on pulleys.
Repair cuts or tears in belt in accordance with belt manufacturer's recommendations.

Buckets
Keep bucket bolts tight. Replace bent, worn or damaged buckets, and remedy cause of such damage.
Inspect bucket wipers occasionally and replace when worn; this applies to Types 12 and 13 elevators only.
Materials such as foundry sand have a tendency to build in the buckets and require periodic cleaning. Normally
when an elevator is designed, the capacity is set at 60% to 65% of line XX which allows the unit to operate for
longer periods of time between cleanouts. If conditions warrant, plastic buckets may be an option as they will
discharge cleaner. Most very fine mesh materials tend to aerate when handled. Some more than others.
This will cause a change in density and increase in volume for a given weight of material. Size elevator at water
level capacity when handling aerated material. It is often required to furnish buckets with holes in the bottom to
allow air to escape from the bucket as it fills. Hygroscopic materials have a tendency to build up in the elevator
boot section. If allowed to remain for any length of time, can become quite hard and cause potential damage to
the elevator such as buckets being torn off, take up not operating, and excessive bucket wear. Periodic clean
out is a necessity. Some elevator operators supply dry air to the interior of the elevator to prevent the material
from picking up moisture.

Bearing Blocks
Maintain shaft and bearing block alignment. Keep all sprockets tight on shafts. Correct any interferences that
develop.

Casing
Paint casing and framework periodically to avoid rusting and corrosion. Keep aligned and plumb if vertical.
Inspect hoppers, chutes, loading legs, etc., regularly and replace when wear becomes excessive.

Take-ups
Adjust take-ups as elevator chain wears or belt stretches. When all adjustment is used remove one or more
chain links or a section of belt and retract the take-ups.
Frequent checks of chain for proper slack and belt for proper tension with appropriate adjustment of take-
ups is important to long chain or belt life.

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Housekeeping

For safety to personnel and equipment, keep areas around loading and discharge points, drives, controls, and
safety devices clean and free from obstructions.

Bucket Elevators
(Preventative Maintenance)

• 100 Hour (Preliminary) Inspection

– Check bolt torque on segmental rim bolts on the sprockets or traction wheels.
– Inspect for premature chain wear. Look for “scrubbing” on inner sidebars. This is an indication of
machinery misalignment.
– Correct any evident machinery misalignment.
• 2,000 Hour (Minor) Inspection
– Check chain for missing cotter pins.
– Check inside chain side bars for excessive wear indicating machinery misalignment.
– Check all sidebars at bushing holes and pin holes for fatigue cracks.
– Check for uneven or deep wear patterns on the chain bushing outside diameters.
– Visually check for clearances between inner and outer sidebars. Excessive clearance is an
indication of chain pin fracture. Remove pins and inspect for fracture. If more than five (5) pins
are fractured, set a schedule to replace all the pins in the chain at the earliest convenience.
– Check segmental traction wheels and sprockets for unusual wear patterns. Check torque values
of segmental rim bolts.
– Check for loose or missing bucket bolts and any unusual wear patterns or damage on the
buckets.
– Inspect gravity hold down bolts to ensure that they are not damaged. If they are severely bent,
then replace.
– Correct any deficiencies before restarting elevator.
• 8,000 Hour (Major) Inspection
• Chain
– Check chain for missing cotter pins.
– Check inside chain side bars for excessive wear indicating machinery misalignment.
– Check for excessive chain elongation which indicates excessive wear of component parts.
– Check all sidebars at bushing holes and pin holes for fatigue cracks. Replace all sidebars with
fatigue cracks. If there are more than two sidebars with fatigue cracks, set a schedule to replace
all the sidebars in the chain at the earliest convenience.
– Check for uneven or deep wear patterns on the chain bushing outside diameters.
– Visually check for clearances between inner and outer sidebars. Excessive clearance is an
indication of chain pin fracture. Remove pins and inspect for fracture. If more than five (5) pins
are fractured, set a schedule to replace all the pins in the chain at the earliest convenience.
• Segmental Traction Wheels & Sprockets
– Check segmental traction wheels and sprockets for unusual wear patterns.
– Check for loose or missing segmental rim bolts. If bolts are missing replace with the proper
diameter and high strength type.
– Check torque values of segmental rim bolts.
– Check for loose or missing bucket bolts and any unusual wear patterns or damage on the
buckets
• Bearings
27
 – Check head shaft bearings for evidence of wear.
– Check foot shaft hard iron bearings and hardened steel sleeves (if furnished) for evidence of
wear.
• Gravity Take-up
– Check hold-down bolts (excessively bent or broken).
– Check for free operation in take-up guides.
– Check for excessive wear on take-up guides
• Buckets
– Check for loose or missing bucket bolts.
– Check for unusual wear pattern or damage.
• Return to Operation
– Correct all deficiencies before returning the elevator to operation

• 20,000 Hour (Special) Inspection

• Chain
– Remove approximately 10’ of chain and buckets and disassemble buckets from chain.
– Completely check chain components for fatigue cracks by non-destructive methods such as
magna flux, dye check or sonic testing.
– If any fatigue failures are detected in this sample, set a schedule to replace all the chain at the
earliest convenience.
– If no evidence of fatigue, check the 10’ sample for elongated wear.

(Same Checks as 8,000 Hours)

• Segmental Traction Wheels and Sprockets

• Bearings
• Gravity Take-up
• Buckets
• Return to Operation
– Correct all deficiencies before returning elevator to service.

• 40,000 Hour (Special) Inspection

– Perform same inspection as outlined for 20,000 hours.
– Expected life of some elevator chains is 40,000 hours.
– Exercise judgment on chain replacement. A lightly loaded or short centered elevator may run to
60,000 to 80,000 hours.

• Important Note!
– If at any time a chain or sidebar breaks and the chain falls during operation, follow the 8,000
hour (Major) inspection procedure plus complete a non-destructive test of the chain as
explained in the 20,000 hour (Special) inspection.

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29
Bucket Elevators
(Chain Elongation)

• To Determine Chain Elongation

– Count the number of chain pitches in a five or ten foot section.
– Compare the measured length with the measurements from
the original length (when new).
– This will give the % of elongation.
– Example
– 20 pitches of a 3 inch pitch chain measure 60 inches when
new.
– If the chain now measures 63 inches, then 3 divided by 60 =
5% elongation
– Maximum permitted wear on a conveyor chain is 3 to 6%. This
chain falls with the acceptance category provided it meets
other criteria concerning fatigue. This 5% is at the upper end
so a new chain purchase is on the horizon.

Chain Life
– In most applications, sprockets limit the effective life of a chain because
of the amount of chain elongation they can accommodate.
– Chain wear and elongation beyond 3 to 5% for drive chains and 3 to 6%
for conveyor chain, it will no longer engage the sprocket teeth properly.
– The longer effective pitch cause the chain to ride up on the sprocket
teeth an will eventually jump one or more teeth.

30
Bucket Elevators
(Trouble Shooting)

Possible Causes

• Foreign matter in boot.

• Excessively tight chain / belt
• Excessively loose chain / belt
• Loose or broken buckets
• Buckets hitting throat plate
• Misaligned head & boot shafts
• Elevator inadequately braced
• Chain / belt hitting inside of casing
indicating casing not plumb

Obstruction in boot
Electrical problems
• Backstop incorrectly installed
• Broken V-belts or drive chains
• Reducer failure
• Boot excessively plugged with material
• Excessive tight chain / belt

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 Possible Causes
• Over lubrication
• Under lubrication
• Excessive chain / belt tension
• Misalignment of head shaft
pillow block bearings
• Misalignment between head
and boot shaft

• Speed incorrect—consult
factory
• Air cushion present—vent the
compartment being
discharged into
• Light fluffy materials—reduce
speed up to 15%--consult
factory
• Certain materials may require
perforated buckets—consult
factory
• Some materials may be
affected by static electricity—
consult factory

32
Bucket Elevators
(Trouble Shooting-Belt El

• Problem • Cause • Correction

• Bucket bolts pull • Bucket bolts not tight • Inspect bucket bolts
through belt or frequently and keep tight
belt tears at bolt
hole
• Inadequate belt • Proper belt
construction for bolt recommendation should
holding consider minimum plies
for bolt holding.

• Obstruction in casing or • Check terminal pulleys for

insufficient clearance proper alignment to
ensure straight-running
belt

• Jammed boot • Install controlled feed to

help eliminate jams and
turbulence in boot

• Too-small pulleys or • Install larger head pulley if

incorrect spice strains possible. Use correct
bolts as belt flexes splice. Check belt
construction for possibility
of a thin belt.

• Service conditions • For larger lumps, change

changed. Lump size or feed or boot design to
weight in buckets handle them. For heavier
increased from original material, change belt
design construction to fit
application.

33
• Problem • Cause • Correction

• Belt cover • Bucket not completely • Change speed to affect

wearing discharging material. better discharge
excessively on Material down legging
bucket side and getting between
bucket and belt

• Fine abrasive material • Use rubber washers or

between bucket and bucket pad between bucket
bucket side belt cover and cover

• Too light a cover gauge • On replacement belt,

or improper belt quality increase cover thickness or
upgrade belt, or both

• Excessive wear • Abrasive material • Use slotted or self-cleaning

on pulley side of dropping between belt type of pulley
cover and boot pulley

• Belt slips at drive • Lag head pulley. If

pulley necessary, increase tension
at terminal pulley

• Too light of a cover • On replacement belt,

gauge or improper belt increase cover thickness or
quality upgrade belt , or both

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• Problem • Cause • Correction

• Belt carcass • Lumps of material • Some type of slotted or self-

breaks dropping between the cleaning pulley should be
belt and boot pulley used

• Operating tension is • Calculate belt tension and

higher than maximum install belt with correct
allowable working strength design
tension of belt

• Separation of • Severe service • Improve cover adhesion by

rubber cover form condition using breaker between
carcass carcass and cover

35
Bucket Elevators
(Trouble Shooting-Chain Elevator-continued)

• Problem • Cause • Correction

• Pulsation • Chain tension too low • Adjust take-up to restore

proper tension

• Chain speed too slow • Increase size of sprocket

or increase elevator
speed

• Obstruction • Remove obstruction and

be sure lower strand is
not striking foreign
obstruction, guides, or
casing

• Sprocket with too few • Replace with sprockets

number of teeth, resulting in having the correct
a large amount of chordal number of teeth
action

• Chain Clings • Incorrect or badly worn • Replace chain and

to Sprockets sprockets sprockets

• Material build-up in drive or • Remove excess material

foot sprocket tooth pockets build-up. Use special
sprockets with special
tooth reliefs (mud
sprockets)

LUBRICATION
Most elevator chains are designed to operate without lubrication. Therefore, do not oil or grease elevator chains
except where particular provision has been made for this purpose. Do not use lubricant when handling abrasive
materials or materials which would be harmed by oil or grease contamination.
Lubricate motors, drives, drive chains and bearing blocks in accordance with individual instructions
provided.
LOCATING AND ORDERING PARTS
When ordering bucket elevator parts, refer to the drawing furnished for the elevator. If a drawing is provided,
specify Link-Belt order number, part identification number, and complete specifications in material list. When a
drawing is not provided, order replacement parts by giving a complete description of the parts required.

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37
Corporate Office
P.O. Box 1370
Tupelo, Mississippi 38802
Phone: 662.869.5711
Fax: 662.869.7449

Tupelo Changshu
2730 Hwy 145 South #2 Road No. 1
Saltillo, Mississippi 38866 Changshu Export Processing Zone
Phone: 662.869.5711 Changshu, Jiangsu, China 215513
Fax: 662.869.7493 Phone: +86 0512.52299002
Toll Free: 800.356.4898 Fax: +86 0512.52297228
info@syntronmh.com info@syntronmh.com

Form No. 2689 070816 Printed in U.S.A