What is a Grasshopper Conveyor?

A grasshopper conveyor, also known as a jump conveyor or portable conveyor, is a type of mobile conveyor system used primarily in mining and aggregate industries. These conveyors are designed to be easily moved and positioned to create a temporary conveyor system that can be adjusted as needed for different projects or stages of material handling. Here's an overview of what grasshopper conveyors are, their uses, and their benefits:

grasshopper conveyor for aggregate handling

Features of a Grasshopper Conveyor

1. Portability

• Mobility: Grasshopper conveyors are typically equipped with wheels or tracks, allowing them to be easily moved and repositioned by vehicles or other equipment.
• Adjustability: They can be set up quickly and adjusted to different heights and angles to suit the terrain and material flow requirements.

2. Design

• Modular Construction: Grasshopper conveyors are often part of a modular system, allowing multiple units to be connected to extend the conveyor line as needed.
• Length: They come in various lengths, typically ranging from 20 to 100 feet, depending on the application and site requirements.

3. Construction

• Durability: Built with rugged materials to withstand harsh conditions, including heavy-duty frames and conveyor belts.
• Ease of Assembly: Designed for quick assembly and disassembly to minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency.

Uses of Grasshopper Conveyors

Grasshopper conveyors are versatile and used in various industries, including:

1. Mining

• Material Transfer: They are used to transfer materials such as ore, coal, and overburden from one point to another, especially over uneven terrain.
• In-Pit Crushing and Conveying: Used to transport crushed material from the crushing site to the main conveyor or stacking system.

2. Aggregate Handling

• Stockpiling: They facilitate the creation of stockpiles by transferring materials from the processing plant to the storage area.
• Loadout Systems: Used in conjunction with radial stackers to load materials onto trucks, trains, or ships.

3. Construction

Temporary Conveying Solutions: Ideal for temporary material handling setups on construction sites where flexibility and mobility are required.

Benefits of Grasshopper Conveyors

1. Flexibility

• Easy Relocation: Their portability allows them to be moved quickly to different locations as needed, providing flexibility in material handling operations.
• Adaptability: Can be used in various configurations to handle different materials and accommodate changing project requirements.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

• Reduced Infrastructure Costs: Eliminates the need for permanent conveyor infrastructure, reducing setup and operational costs.
• Operational Efficiency: Quick setup and teardown reduce downtime, increasing productivity and efficiency.

3. Efficiency

• Improved Material Flow: Ensures a continuous flow of materials, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall site efficiency.
• Scalability: Multiple grasshopper conveyors can be linked together to scale the system according to project size and demand.

Example Specifications

While specific features can vary by manufacturer and model, typical grasshopper conveyor specifications include:

• Length: 20 to 100 feet
• Belt Width: 24 to 48 inches
• Capacity: Up to 2,000 tons per hour, custom for 2000+
• Mobility: Wheels or tracks for easy movement
• Construction: Heavy-duty steel frames, rubber belts

Grasshopper conveyors are an essential part of material handling systems in industries that require flexibility and mobility. Their ability to be easily relocated and configured makes them ideal for mining, aggregate handling, and construction projects. By choosing the right grasshopper conveyor for your needs, you can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and adapt quickly to changing project requirements.