What are belt conveyor systems used for?

Belt conveyor systems are used to transport materials efficiently across manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and food production environments.

What industries use belt conveyors?

They are widely used across manufacturing, warehousing, food and beverage processing, agriculture, packaging, and automation sectors.

How do belt conveyors compare to chain conveyors?

Belt conveyors offer smoother, quieter operation and are ideal for fragile or irregular products, while chain conveyors are better suited to heavy palletised loads.

Are belt conveyor systems suitable for heavy loads?

Yes. Heavy-duty belt conveyor systems can be engineered with reinforced frames, suitable drive units, and specialised belt types to handle high loads.

Incline belt conveyor with cleated belts handling lightweight materials

BELT CONVEYOR SYSTEMS

MotionTech brings innovation and efficiency to the forefront of belt conveyor systems, delivering high-performance conveyor belt solutions for demanding industrial applications. With an extensive UK manufacturing base and a reputation for advanced automation, we design and manufacture bespoke conveyors engineered for reliability, scalability, and long-term performance across multiple industry sectors.

Whether you require a warehouse conveyor system, a hygienic food conveyor belt, or heavy-duty conveying for manufacturing, our belt conveyors provide smooth, continuous transport. Each system is designed to integrate seamlessly into automated environments while supporting a wide range of conveyor lengths, belt speeds, and product types.

What is a Belt Conveyor?

A belt conveyor is a mechanical handling system that uses a continuous smooth belt to transport materials efficiently from one location to another. The belt runs over a series of conveyor rollers, supported by roller bedding or a flat bed, providing consistent product support and controlled movement.

Power is transmitted through a conveyor drive, typically consisting of a drive unit, motor units, and a powered drive roller, with belt return supported by an idler pulley. Depending on load and application, systems may also incorporate a drive chain and drive sprocket for enhanced torque and durability.

Common belt types include PVC, rubber, and composite materials reinforced with a polyester carcass. These systems are suitable for horizontal transport as well as incline and decline conveying, making belt conveyors ideal for both simple and complex material handling tasks.

How Belt Conveyor Systems Work

Belt conveyor systems operate by transferring power from the drive unit to the drive roller, pulling the belt around the system at a controlled maximum belt speed. Return rollers, tensioning systems, and idler pulleys ensure stable belt tracking and efficient operation.

A properly engineered belt guide arrangement, including adjustable side guides, helps maintain belt alignment and protects product flow. Optional features such as pop out rollers simplify maintenance, while precision-engineered roller bedding ensures smooth operation across varying loads.

Systems can be configured as end-driven belt conveyors or alternative drive layouts depending on space, load, and operational requirements.

Types of Belt Conveyor Systems Available

We supply a wide range of systems to suit different environments and applications, including:

Flat belt conveyors for general material handling and packaging

Heavy-duty belt conveyors for bulk materials and industrial loads

Food conveyor systems for hygienic washdown environments and food production applications

Incline and decline belt conveyors for elevation changes

Curved belt conveyors for flexible routing within restricted layouts

Each system is engineered based on load type, throughput, operating environment, and integration requirements.

End-Driven Belt Conveyor

Description

End-driven belt conveyors are a practical and efficient way to transport a variety of products. With the drive motor located at the end of the conveyor, these systems offer a space-saving design. With its robust construction and ease of maintenance, end-driven belt conveyors are a more cost-effective solution.

end drive belt conveyor section with drive motor mounted at the end

Description

product features

industrial end drive conveyor belt with support frame and motor

product features continued

heavy duty end drive belt conveyor module in factory setting

product advantages

End-Driven Belt Conveyor

product advantages
- Low Profile
- Budget Friendly
- Flexible
Available In:
- Powder Coasted (As Standard)
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
Description
End-driven belt conveyors are a practical and efficient way to transport a variety of products. With the drive motor located at the end of the conveyor, these systems offer a space-saving design. With its robust construction and ease of maintenance, end-driven belt conveyors are a more cost-effective solution.
product features
- 75, 112, 150 mm pitch available as standard
- Can be used for zero-line pressure and standard transportation applications
- 50mm Dia. bright zinc plated rollers - Spring Loaded Hex 11 mm A/F – 1.5mm wall, plastic endcaps
- Comes in standard widths, but additional sizes are available on request
product features continued
- Additional colour options available on request
- Product to be handled: Carton Boxes, Plastic Bags, Paper Bags, Plastic Totes
- Product size: 235 mm (L) x 235 mm (W)
- Product weight allowed per zone: 35kg
- Maximum linear speed: 110 m/min
product advantages
- Low Profile
- Budget Friendly
- Flexible
Available In:
- Powder Coasted (As Standard)
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
Description
End-driven belt conveyors are a practical and efficient way to transport a variety of products. With the drive motor located at the end of the conveyor, these systems offer a space-saving design. With its robust construction and ease of maintenance, end-driven belt conveyors are a more cost-effective solution.

UNDER-SLUNG DRIVEN Belt Conveyor

Description

Underslung-driven belt conveyors are a versatile and reliable choice for material handling across industries. The drive motor is positioned underneath the conveyor. This configuration makes underslung-driven conveyors are ideal for longer straight-line applications. Underslung-driven belt conveyors ensure smooth and reliable movement of goods.

underslung drive belt conveyor showing motor located underneath

Description

underslung drive conveyor unit with lower mounted motor

product features

long underslung drive conveyor for continuous product handling

product features continued

underslung drive conveyor module for mid-length transport

product advantages

UNDER-SLUNG DRIVEN Belt Conveyor

product advantages
- Reversible
- Long Runs
- High Load
Available In:
- Powder Coasted (As Standard)
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steal
Description
Underslung-driven belt conveyors are a versatile and reliable choice for material handling across industries. The drive motor is positioned underneath the conveyor. This configuration makes underslung-driven conveyors are ideal for longer straight-line applications. Underslung-driven belt conveyors ensure smooth and reliable movement of goods.
product features
- 2-ply smooth-top PVC belt as standard / Grip-face option available
- Endless belt option available
- 219.1 mm (4.5”) Dia. Drum – Lagged as standard
- Central-Tensioned Belt / Reversible Operation
product features continued
- 0.75 kW Hollow-shaft gearmotor fitted as standard (not braked)
- Lengths up to 15 m / Uniformly distributed load up to 300 kg (for higher requirements consult Sales)
- Under-guard covers are optional, unless grip-face belt is used
product advantages
- Reversible
- Long Runs
- High Load
Available In:
- Powder Coasted (As Standard)
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steal
Description
Underslung-driven belt conveyors are a versatile and reliable choice for material handling across industries. The drive motor is positioned underneath the conveyor. This configuration makes underslung-driven conveyors are ideal for longer straight-line applications. Underslung-driven belt conveyors ensure smooth and reliable movement of goods.

incline / decline Belt Conveyor

DESCRIPTION

Incline/decline belt conveyors offer a dynamic solution for transporting materials up or down. With adjustable angle options, including 15°, 20°, and 25° incline/decline, these conveyors efficiently handle a range of goods.

The central-tensioned belt design ensures secure and reliable movement, while the inclusion of slave-driven power-feeder and nose-over. Whether handling heavy loads or sensitive materials, incline/decline belt conveyors provide a reliable and adaptable solution for optimising material flow in a variety of applications.

incline / decline swan-neck belt conveyor in operation”

DESCRIPTION

swan neck incline conveyor from side view

product features

angled view of incline conveyor swan neck section

product features continued

product advantages

incline / decline Belt Conveyor

product advantages
- Improved Accessibility
- Multi-Level Layouts
- Space Optimisation
Available In:
- Powder Coasted (As Standard)
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
DESCRIPTION
Incline/decline belt conveyors offer a dynamic solution for transporting materials up or down. With adjustable angle options, including 15°, 20°, and 25° incline/decline, these conveyors efficiently handle a range of goods.

The central-tensioned belt design ensures secure and reliable movement, while the inclusion of slave-driven power-feeder and nose-over. Whether handling heavy loads or sensitive materials, incline/decline belt conveyors provide a reliable and adaptable solution for optimising material flow in a variety of applications.
product features
- 2-ply Grip-face PVC belt as standard
- 76.2mm (3”) dia. Tail roller
- Central-Tensioned Belt / Reversible Operation
- 15°, 20° & 25° Incline / Decline angle options as standard
- Slave-driven power-feeder and nose-over sections available at fixed lengths
product features continued
- 1 kW Hollow-shaft gearmotor fitted as standard (braked as standard)
- Up to 25° inclination angle as standard
- Uniformly distributed load up to 250 kg (for higher requirements consult Sales)
- All under-guard covers included as standard
product advantages
- Improved Accessibility
- Multi-Level Layouts
- Space Optimisation
Available In:
- Powder Coasted (As Standard)
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
DESCRIPTION
Incline/decline belt conveyors offer a dynamic solution for transporting materials up or down. With adjustable angle options, including 15°, 20°, and 25° incline/decline, these conveyors efficiently handle a range of goods.

The central-tensioned belt design ensures secure and reliable movement, while the inclusion of slave-driven power-feeder and nose-over. Whether handling heavy loads or sensitive materials, incline/decline belt conveyors provide a reliable and adaptable solution for optimising material flow in a variety of applications.

high speed metering belt

DESCRIPTION

This conveyor ensures products are placed and moved swiftly and accurately. It’s designed with a focus on precision indexing, making it a great fit for industries that need careful control over how products are positioned. This means placing products at specific points on the conveyor’s path. This controlled movement can include actions like stopping, starting, accelerating, decelerating, and even reorienting the products to align them optimally for downstream processes.

high speed indexing belt conveyor for precision positioning

DESCRIPTION

indexing belt conveyor used for automated alignment of products

product features

series of three high-speed indexing conveyor modules

product features continued

compact indexing belt conveyor for product spacing control

product advantages

high speed metering belt

product advantages
- Accurate alignment
- Reduced product damage
- Consistency
Available In:
- Powder Coasted (As Standard)
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
DESCRIPTION
This conveyor ensures products are placed and moved swiftly and accurately. It’s designed with a focus on precision indexing, making it a great fit for industries that need careful control over how products are positioned. This means placing products at specific points on the conveyor’s path. This controlled movement can include actions like stopping, starting, accelerating, decelerating, and even reorienting the products to align them optimally for downstream processes.
product features
- Available in lengths between 500 – 3000 mm
- 2-ply ribbed-top PVC belt supplied endlessly as standard
- 88.9 (3.5”) mm Dia. Drum – Lagged as standard
- 63.5 mm (2.5”) Dia. Tail Roller
- Underslung-Tensioned Belt / Fixed Zone Lengths
- Underslung End-Drive / Non-Reversible Operation
- Can be used for ZLP, high velocity, high acceleration / deceleration and gapping
- Comes in standard widths, but additional sizes are available on request
product features continued
- Additional colour options available on request
- Product to be handled: Carton Boxes, Plastic Bags, Paper Bags, Plastic Totes
- Min. product size: 100 mm (L) x 100 mm (W)
- Max. product weight allowed per zone: 50 kg
- Maximum linear speed: 120 m/min *(depending on choice of skid or roller-bed)
- All under-guard covers are included as standard
product advantages
- Accurate alignment
- Reduced product damage
- Consistency
Available In:
- Powder Coasted (As Standard)
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
DESCRIPTION
This conveyor ensures products are placed and moved swiftly and accurately. It’s designed with a focus on precision indexing, making it a great fit for industries that need careful control over how products are positioned. This means placing products at specific points on the conveyor’s path. This controlled movement can include actions like stopping, starting, accelerating, decelerating, and even reorienting the products to align them optimally for downstream processes.

Frame Profiles & Materials

Each belt conveyor is designed for strength, longevity, and performance, featuring:

Flat or steel trough construction
Reinforced frames for higher load ratings
Corrosion-resistant powder-coated or stainless finishes
Optimised conveyor rollers and roller bedding for smooth belt travel

These options ensure reliable operation in both light-duty and heavy-duty environments.

conveyor belt transporting boxes in warehouse environment

Wide Applications Across Industries

Our belt conveyor systems are used across a broad range of industry sectors, including:

Industrial processing and manufacturing
Warehouse conveyor system installations
Agricultural and bulk material storage
Automation equipment and integrated production lines
Food production applications requiring hygienic conveying

From loose lump materials to delicate packaged goods, MotionTech belt conveyors handle diverse products with precision and care.

Belt Conveyors vs Other Conveyor Types

Compared to roller conveyors, belt conveyors provide continuous product support, making them ideal for transporting small, irregular, or fragile items. When compared with chain conveyors, conveyor belt systems typically offer quieter operation, smoother handling, and improved suitability for food and packaging environments.

The optimal solution depends on load characteristics, environmental conditions, and required system flexibility.

Standard Accessories and Optional Equipment

To enhance system performance, we offer:

Variable speed motor units and advanced conveyor drive controls
Sensors, vision systems, and automated switches
Belt tensioners, scrapers, and sway switches
Interchangeable rollers and return assemblies
Full installation, commissioning, and ongoing technical support

Each conveyor is designed for durability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

multi-level conveyor system structure in warehouse

Versatile Operation & Gentle Conveying

Our conveyors are ideal for gentle horizontal conveying, even when handling fragile or irregular materials. Optional flat belt or modular belting options allow for smooth transport with reduced product impact.

Belt systems can be configured for: