Avoid Costly Mistakes: 7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Industrial Conveyor

Selecting an industrial conveyor system is a major investment, whether you manage a poultry farm, food processing facility, or industrial production line. Choosing the wrong system can lead to frequent breakdowns, hygiene issues, wasted feed or materials, and long-term maintenance costs that far exceed the initial purchase price.

For many first-time buyers, the challenge is not finding a conveyor but knowing what to ask before making a decision. This guide covers the 7 most important questions that will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your conveyor supports your operation for years to come.

A properly selected conveyor must match the task required. Common uses include:

• Feed movement in poultry houses
• Egg collection and transport
• Manure removal beneath layer cages
• Material handling for food or industrial production
• Transfer between manufacturing stages

A conveyor designed for one application may not work well in another. For example, a belt conveyor suitable for moving packaged items may not be suitable for carrying granular feed or manure.

Create a simple specification list, including:

• Type of material (eggs, feed, manure, components)
• Capacity required
• Operating hours per day
• Required belt/chain speed
• Flow direction or elevation changes

A clear specification helps equipment suppliers recommend a system that fits your needs accurately.

Environmental conditions strongly influence conveyor performance and lifespan.

Common conveyor types include:

• Belt conveyors
• Chain conveyors
• Roller conveyors
• Screw/auger conveyors (e.g., feed transfer systems)
• Manure belt conveyor systems

When selecting a conveyor, evaluate:

• Humidity and moisture exposure
• Presence of dust, feathers, organic waste
• Required hygiene and cleaning frequency
• Temperature variations
• Corrosive gases such as ammonia (common in poultry houses)

The conveyor’s construction material determines durability and hygiene performance.

Suitable options include:

• Stainless steel: Excellent for high-hygiene environments and corrosion resistance.
• Galvanised steel: Widely used in poultry equipment as it offers better rust resistance than mild steel.
• PVC or rubber belts: Suitable for light to medium-duty applications.
• Food-grade plastics: Used in specific agricultural or food handling systems.

TSIS typically uses galvanised steel in poultry equipment such as feed troughs, silos, and cage structures due to its durability and cost-effectiveness in humid environments.
However, buyers should confirm the exact material of each conveyor model, as construction differs based on application (eggs, feed, manure, or industrial use).

A low purchase price does not always mean long-term savings.

Consider all ongoing costs, including:

• Energy consumption
• Belt or chain replacement frequency
• Spare parts cost and availability
• Routine maintenance requirements
• Expected service lifespan
• Downtime due to breakdowns
• Labour time needed for cleaning

A reliable supplier should offer a realistic view of both upfront and ongoing costs.

Maintenance access and parts availability directly affect uptime.

Ask the supplier:

• Are moving parts easy to access?
• How quickly can belts, chains, or motors be replaced?
• Is a clear maintenance schedule provided?
• How often should lubrication or tension adjustments be performed?
• Are spare parts stocked locally in Malaysia?

In poultry environments, easy cleaning is particularly important, especially for conveyors used for egg collection or manure handling.

A conveyor must work smoothly with your current equipment to avoid bottlenecks.

Check for compatibility with:

• Existing cage systems or production lines
• Automated feeding systems
• Silo discharge and feed transfer lines
• Manure collection systems
• Control panels and electrical supply
• Building layout and available space

A conveyor is only as dependable as the supplier and installer behind it.

Before purchasing, check:

• Industry experience
• Local installations and case studies
• Warranty terms
• Availability of service support
• Customisation capability
• Technical knowledge of your specific sector

Tong Seh Industries Supply (TSIS) is known for supplying poultry automation equipment such as egg conveyors, egg elevators, manure belt systems, feeding systems, and farm accessories.