Tail puley
The tail pulley is the terminal pulley located at the end of a conveyor system, opposite the drive (head) pulley. Its primary function is to support and guide the return side of the conveyor belt, maintain belt tension, and redirect the belt back toward
the head pulley.
Tail pulleys are typically constructed with a high-strength steel shell and mounted on a shaft with precision bearings to ensure smooth rotation under load. They may be equipped with crowned or lagged surfaces to improve belt tracking and reduce slippage.
In some designs, the pulley includes adjustable mounting or take-up mechanisms to
maintain proper belt tension throughout operation.
Standard Characteristics:
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Tensioning Function: Acts as a take-up pulley, mounted on a sliding carriage or screw-tensioner to eliminate belt slack and prevent drive pulley slippage.
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Adjustable Positioning: Features longitudinal adjustment (travel) to square the pulley and ensure the belt enters the return path perfectly centered.
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Surface Profile: Often crowned (tapered toward the edges) to assist in automatic belt tracking or winged (self-cleaning) to shed material buildup.
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Internal Bearings: Commonly fitted with heavy-duty spherical roller
bearings to accommodate the high radial loads caused by belt tension.
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Safety Guarding: Typically enclosed in safety cages or nip-point guards, as it is
a high-risk area where the belt wraps onto the pulley.
Tail pulleys play a critical role in maintaining conveyor efficiency by supporting the belt,
minimizing wear, preventing misalignment, and contributing to the overall stability and
longevity of the conveyor system. They are essential components in both carrying and
return belt sections of bulk material handling systems.
For technical inquiries or custom sizing, contact our engineering team via phone oremail today.
Tel: +389 43 412 500