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Telescopic conveyors

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Telescopic belt conveyors, also known as boom conveyors, are used for loading and unloading trucks and containers, mainly in courier and express parcels environments. These conveyors are typically placed in front of the docks and can extend into the container.

They come in several variants and options:

  • 1-4 telescopic segments
  • Height adjustment
  • Operator platform
  • Stepper mode
  • Ski-jump to connect to conveyor system
  • Adjustable nose to efficiently load cartons
  • Rail mount for serving multiple docks
  • Swivel wheel mount for free manoeuvring

Advantages:

  • Flexibility and reach: The extendable design allows the conveyor to reach deep into the trailer or container, ensuring that all areas are accessible without needing to move the conveyor. Many vendors offer adjustable height settings to accommodate different truck sizes.
  • Ergonomic design: They provide a more ergonomic solution for workers, reducing physical strain and fatigue. By reducing the need for manual lifting and carrying, boom conveyors help lower the risk of worker injuries associated with heavy lifting and repetitive motions.
  • Product handling: Suitable for handling various types of goods, including small items, parcels, and irregularly shaped items. Therefore these type of conveyors are used in various industries such as logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and retail.

Disadvantages

  • Cost: Boom conveyors typically have a high initial cost compared to other types of conveyors, which can be a significant investment for small to medium volume operations. Installation can also be costly and complex, requiring specialized skills and equipment. Prices range from approximately 50 – 120k euro depending on length, width, height adjustment options etc.
  • Flexibility: Unlike flexible conveyors, boom conveyors are generally fixed installations and are not easily moved to different locations within a facility.
  • Footprint: Requires specific dock configurations and sufficient space to operate effectively, which may not be available in all facilities.
  • No accumulation: Belt telescopes are not suited for buffering. The belt stops running when a carton covers the end sensor.

Conclusion

Telescopes offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency, flexibility, safety, and versatility, making them an excellent choice for high-volume loading and unloading operations. However, the high initial investment, maintenance requirements, space needs, limited portability, and operational limitations are important factors to consider. Businesses should evaluate these pros and cons in the context of their specific operational needs, budget, and facility constraints to determine if boom conveyors are the right solution for their material handling requirements.

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