Cleated Conveyors – Secure Your Incline, Never Look Back

What Is a Cleated Conveyor Belt?

A cleated conveyor belt features vertical cleats (or ribs) molded or attached across the belt surface. These cleats act like miniature walls, preventing product rollback on inclines and ensuring positive product movement. Common materials for the belt include PVC, PU, or rubber, with cleats matched to the product’s characteristics.

Cleated Belt Conveyor Design:
When designing a cleated belt conveyor, key factors include cleat height and spacing (to match product size and incline angle), belt tensioning (to prevent slip under load), and cleat geometry (straight, angled, or curved) for efficient material release. Frame strength, pulley lagging, and sidewall integration ensure a robust, tailored system that keeps products securely moving through any elevation change.

 

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Cleated Conveyor Belt – Typical Technical Parameters

Parameter Specification
Belt Material PVC/Rubber/PU
Frame Material Stainless Steel/Aluminum
Belt Width Customizable
Belt Speed Variable
Load Capacity Up to 1000 kg
Power Supply 220V/380V
Temperature Range -10°C to 60°C
Compliance CE/ISO Standards

How Cleated Conveyor Belts Work

  1. Drive Pulley spins the belt, generating motion.

  2. Cleats engage with the product, carrying it up or down slopes without slippage.

  3. Idler Rollers support the belt and maintain belt tension and tracking.

  4. Take-Up Unit adjusts tension to compensate for belt stretch and wear.

On cleated incline conveyors, the cleats keep granular or bulky items in place, enabling steep-angle transport up to 35° or more

How Cleated Conveyor Belts Work
cleated belt conveyor application

Applications of Cleated Conveyor Belts

  • Bulk Materials: Grain, pellets, seeds, and powders
  • Packaged Goods: Bags, cartons, and pails on inclines/declines
  • Food Processing: Fruits, vegetables, candy, bakery products on angled runs
  • Waste & Recycling: Scrap, components, and lightweight parts

These cleated conveyors are essential wherever you need to elevate, lower, or retain products on inclines without rollback.

Types of Cleated Conveyor Belts

  1. Straight Cleated Conveyor – Standard vertical cleats for moderate inclines.

  2. Inclined Cleated Conveyor – Deep cleats and higher sidewalls for steep angles.

  3. Sidewall & Cleat Hybrid – Combines sidewall and cleat features for maximum containment.

  4. Sanitary Cleated Belts – Food-grade materials with easy-clean cleats for hygienic environments.

Related terms: cleated incline conveyor, cleated conveyor belt manufacturer

Types of Cleated Conveyor Belts
Advantages of Cleated Conveyor Belts

Advantages of Cleated Conveyor Belts

  • Positive Product Control: Prevents rollback and slip on inclines

  • Versatile Handling: Moves both bulk materials and packaged items

  • Low Maintenance: Simple design, cleats and belt replaceable individually

  • Customizable Cleat Profiles: Heights, spacing, and shapes tailored to product needs

  • Hygienic Options: Food-grade belts that meet wash-down requirements

Frequently Asked Questions – Cleated Conveyor Belts

How steep of an incline can a cleated conveyor handle?

With deep cleats and sidewall options, cleated conveyors can transport products up angles of 30°–35° or more, depending on belt material and cleat design

Can I use a cleated belt for wet or sticky products?

Yes.
Choose food-grade PVC or PU cleated belts with smooth surfaces and rounded cleat edges to minimize buildup and facilitate wash-down cleaning.

How do I maintain and replace worn cleats?

Cleats are modular or welded on.

  • Modular cleats snap into place and can be swapped individually.

  • Welded cleats require belt replacement, but modern belts often feature replaceable cleat strips for easier maintenance.

What belt widths and cleat heights are available?

We offer custom belt widths from 100 mm to 2 m, and cleat heights from 10 mm to 100 mm.
Your choice depends on product size, weight, and desired incline angle.

How do I integrate a cleated conveyor into my line?

Our team provides full cleated belt conveyor design services, including 2D/3D layouts, mounting options, and interface drawings to connect to weighers, fillers, or downstream packagers.

What lead time should I expect?
  • Standard cleated belt conveyors: 15–20 working days
  • Custom cleated designs: 20–30 working days, depending on complexity
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