Keep on Paving with These Ways to Reduce Downtime in the Asphalt Industry

As the entire country looks forward to new bridges, repaired transportation routes, and freshly paved roads, now is the time for the asphalt industry to gear up and prepare for a season of high demand.

The worst thing that could happen to your business right now is unnecessary downtime in the face of all of this upcoming opportunity. You will always have to deal with weather delays and schedule changes, but there are some issues you can head off with solid planning and smart decision making.

Everyday, the team at Webster talks to companies like yours that encounter issues with their chains, buckets, slats, sprockets, and traction wheels that result in delays that could have been avoided. Here are some common problems asphalt companies encounter regularly with their conveyor equipment, whether they’re using a single slat conveyor, dual slat conveyor, transfer conveyors, chain bucket elevators, or incline conveyors:

Improper Maintenance of Equipment

Every industry is currently facing staffing shortages, asphalt not excluded. When something goes wrong on the job, limited onsite staffing can lead to quick fixes that might get them through the next couple of hours but can result in major damage to your equipment in the long run, not to mention the potential safety hazards caused by such temporary fixes.

Excessive Material Build-Up on Chains and Conveyors

You’re working with hot, sticky material all day long; there’s going to come a point where that asphalt begins to accumulate. Pay attention to and regularly inspect your SBR chain and HSB chains, and conveyors to ensure that all is running properly to avoid breakdowns out in the field.

Excessive Material Build-Up on the Sprockets

Just as material can accumulate and cause problems for you on chains and conveyors, it can also be the source of breakdowns when it builds up on your sprockets. Just because the chain or conveyor looks fine doesn’t mean you should assume the sprockets aren’t caked with asphalt and tar.

A good rule of thumb to make sure your equipment is maintained properly is to replace your sprockets whenever a new chain is installed. This ensures even wear and tear and avoids needing to take a piece of equipment down for repair and maintenance twice.

Webster Industries provides chains, sprockets, buckets, and more designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of the asphalt industry.

Sprocket Timing and Alignment

Dual strand inline conveyors require precise sprocket timing and alignment. If these are off, it can wreak havoc on your asphalt equipment.

Solve Your Asphalt Maintenance Issues with Webster Industries

The best solution for these maintenance issues is to put into place a regular preventative maintenance routine by your in-house mechanic, or you can consult with Webster Industries for preventative maintenance recommendations for chains and conveyors. 

When something happens in the field, our technicians can help inspect and evaluate what’s going on when you don’t have the crew you need on-hand to address the problem. Our engineering experts help you build predictive maintenance practices so you can minimize the impact to your production line caused by faulty or broken equipment. 

The Webster engineering team is available to help you troubleshoot immediate conveyor issues you’re facing. When something breaks down, make Webster your first call, at (800) 243-9327. We can make sure that your production line keeps moving longer and more efficiently with the best conveyor and chain equipment in place. We are readily available 24/7 - 365 days a year.

Give Webster Industries a call today or contact us now to keep your asphalt equipment running.