Mining Conveyor Belts: Bearings, Housings, Pulleys and Torque Limiters to Keep the Line Running

In mining conveyor belts, spherical roller bearings are the first choice for pulleys and drums. Their design with two rows of rollers and a spherical raceway in the outer ring allows them to absorb misalignments and shaft deflections without losing load capacity. In applications where the structure operates outdoors or with variable loads, this self-aligning capability prevents premature failures.

We work with references such as 22325 and 22361 from SKF, 20222-MB and 20240-MB from FAG, and 6203U and 22318 from LINK-BELT. Each has specific capacity and speed limit characteristics. If you need to replace an existing bearing, we quote the exact reference or indicate the equivalent alternative for your application.

A key point is internal clearance. In mining belts, where shafts can heat up due to friction or the environment, a C3 or C4 clearance is often specified to avoid excessive tightening. If you have doubts about the appropriate clearance, consult us with your equipment data.

Split housings are the natural complement to spherical roller bearings in conveyor belts. Being divided into two halves, they allow mounting and dismounting the bearing without dismantling the entire shaft, reducing downtime. In mining, where every hour of maintenance costs, this advantage is decisive.

We supply SAF housings such as SAF 322 and SAF 520 from SKF, and SNL housings such as SNL 211 and SNL 216. These housings are made of cast iron or steel, with seal and cover options for dusty or humid environments. The choice between SAF and SNL depends on bearing size and load conditions.

To complete the assembly, we also work with covers and accessories: TS 34 and TS 52 from SKF, and LO519 and VR317 from TIMKEN. These components ensure sealing and retain lubrication, which is critical in environments with abrasive particles.

Pulleys are the power transfer points in a conveyor belt. They must withstand high radial loads, material impacts and, in many cases, corrosive conditions. Therefore, material selection and hub design are fundamental.

We work with pulleys of various diameters and configurations, adapted to the requirements of each belt. If you need a drive, tail or bend pulley, we quote according to your project specifications. We can also advise you on the type of bushing and shaft fit.

In mining, pulleys with ceramic or rubber lagging are common to increase friction and reduce slippage. Although we do not manufacture custom pulleys, we indicate the available alternative on the market and quote it for you.

Although main conveyor belts often use direct drive, many auxiliary applications—feeders, screens, elevators—use roller chains. These chains must withstand shock loads and abrasive environments, so material quality and heat treatment are critical.

We supply roller chains in different pitches and configurations, including long-pitch chains for special applications. If your equipment uses a specific chain, we quote the reference or help you identify it with a photo or sample.

Chain maintenance includes periodic lubrication and stretch control. Excessive wear can cause sprocket skipping and system damage. Therefore, we recommend checking tension and link condition at each scheduled stop.

Couplings are the link between the motor and the reducer, or between the reducer and the drive pulley. In mining belts, where starts are under load and blockages can occur, it is essential to use couplings that limit torque peaks and absorb vibrations.

We work with elastic, gear and disc couplings, among others. Each type has advantages depending on the application: elastic couplings dampen impacts, gear couplings transmit high torques in small spaces, and disc couplings are torsionally rigid and require no lubrication.

When selecting a coupling, consider nominal torque, maximum torque, speed and allowable misalignment. We help you choose the right coupling for your system, quoting the most convenient option.

In mining, the maintenance strategy has evolved from reactive to predictive. Monitoring vibrations, temperature and lubricant of bearings and housings allows anticipating failures and scheduling interventions during shutdown windows, avoiding unplanned stops.

Spherical roller bearings, due to their self-aligning capability, are more tolerant to misalignments, but not immune. Regular temperature monitoring in housings can indicate lubrication problems or excessive load. We recommend establishing visual inspection and thermography routines.

In addition, vibration analysis can detect incipient defects in raceways or rollers. If you detect an anomaly, consult us: we quote the replacement bearing and advise you on the probable cause.

At MR Accesorios Industriales, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we work with the leading brands of bearings, housings, pulleys, chains and couplings for the mining industry. Our experience since 1945 allows us to understand the demands of this sector and offer reliable solutions.

We don't just sell products: we advise you on the correct selection for your application. If you have a conveyor belt with recurring problems, we can help you identify the cause and propose component improvements.

Contact us via WhatsApp or email, sending the product code, size or a photo of the part. We will quote you promptly and coordinate delivery.