Conveyor Belt Tracking
ON-Track® — proactive belt alignment
Belt misalignment destroys belt edges, spills material and forces emergency shutdowns. Most tracking devices react after the belt has already wandered — and their swivel bearings and pivot arms are notorious for seizing in dusty, wet conveyor environments. The Richwood ON-Track® Belt Tracking Idler takes a different approach: it proactively guides the belt on its intended path before damage occurs.
How it works
ON-Track® uses a multi-roll, smooth-radius design that cradles the belt evenly across its width, reducing lateral movement and protecting belt edges. Because it operates without pivot arms or swivel bearings, there are no moving joints to seize or fail — the geometry itself does the tracking. The result is long-term alignment reliability without manual intervention or constant adjustment.
What correct tracking saves you
- Belt life — edge damage from rubbing structure is a leading cause of premature belt replacement
- Clean-up costs — a centred belt keeps material on the belt, not under the conveyor
- Component wear — mistracking loads idlers and pulleys unevenly, shortening their life
- Downtime — no emergency stops for belt realignment or edge repair
Why choose ON-Track®
- Multi-roll smooth-radius design prevents belt edge damage while correcting alignment
- No swivels, no pivots — eliminates the failure points of conventional trackers
- Proactive correction keeps the belt centred through load changes
- Backed by Richwood — U.S. designed and manufactured conveyor products since 1976, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Frequently asked questions
Where should tracking idlers be installed?
Typically on the carry and return sides ahead of known problem zones — we’ll recommend positions based on your conveyor profile and where mistracking originates.
How is ON-Track® different from conventional training idlers?
Conventional trainers pivot on swivel bearings that seize in dirty environments and over-correct in surges. ON-Track® has no pivoting parts — its fixed multi-roll geometry guides the belt continuously and gently.
What belt widths are available?
ON-Track® units are matched to standard belt widths — send us your belt width and trough angle and we’ll spec the right unit.
Ask us about ON-Track® belt tracking →
Related: Impact saddles & idlers · Load zone solutions · EMRI retractable idlers
