How To Avoid Mobile Conveyor Skirtboard Problems

Mobile conveyors are widely used in ports, mining, and bulk handling because of their flexibility. However, skirtboard problems—such as spillage, belt wear, and excessive drag—are common at loading points. Preventing these issues requires proper design, installation, and maintenance practices. Our mobile stacker conveyors and ship loaders feature our carefully designed skirtboard. We have listed the causes of the spill skirt board problem and the main solutions.

The skirtboard is a very important type of conveyor parts for belt conveyors.

Typical Skirtboard Problems

• Material spillage→ caused by poor sealing or short skirtboards.
• Excessive belt drag→ when skirtboards press too tightly against the belt.
• Belt cover damage→ steel or misaligned skirts gouge the belt surface.
• Energy inefficiency→ long skirtboards increase friction and power demand.
• Misalignment→ leads to uneven wear and mistracking.

Best Practices to Avoid Skirtboard Problems

• Follow CEMA guidelines: Maintain proper edge distance and skirtboard clearance.
• Optimize skirtboard length: Keep skirts short, only at loading zones.
• Set correct clearance: Entry clearance ~6 mm (¼ in), exit clearance ~9–12 mm (⅜–½ in).
• Use sealing rubber: Flexible seals prevent leakage without damaging the belt.
• Maintain belt tracking: Install trackers to keep the belt centered.
• Inspect load points: Regular checks reduce downtime and extend belt life.

Efficient vs Inefficient Solutions

The skirtboard of the belt conveyor can effectively prevent material from spilling, especially at the material receiving point of the conveyor.

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