The Conveyor - the Heart of Every Tunnel - Professional Carwashing & Detailing

The Conveyor – the Heart of Every Tunnel

As tunnel operators know, when it's time to wash, we get limited days to do so.

Blendco_600x160.gif

As tunnel operators know, when it's time to wash, we get limited days to do so. There are many tricks to keeping your wash up and running to get through the busiest of days. When night falls, we work on the carwash well into the wee hours of the morning.

The conveyor is probably the single most important piece of equipment a tunnel operator owns. Operators in most parts of the country are about to go into the prime wash season and need their conveyors to be in tip top shape. Here are things to keep an eye on before, during and after this busy season:

  1. In almost every tunnel carwash I visit, there is sand and dirt all over the conveyor shelves or shelf surface. This will wear your rollers faster than anything else. A simple remedy is to spray down the conveyor every night. Consider it as important as locking the doors before you leave. It is also a good idea to spray down the prepping and presoak areas as well to rid them of excess dirt.
  2. Many times, there is more slack than needed in the chain. Not only does this wear on the chain, it also wears on the chain guide rails and the rollers too. Plus, it can cause rollers to get jammed. Be sure there is adequate slack in the chain without excess.
  3. Sometimes, the metal wear strips on the conveyor shelf can come loose because of sand and dirt buildup. Make sure the strips are welded to prevent them from catching the roller chain and causing additional problems.
  4. Investigate the drive shaft area for leaks. Even the smallest leak can cause issues in a tunnel. While you're checking for leaks, also check the bearings and hydraulic fittings for wear. Ensure that the slide rail for the chain tensioner is clean, greased and moving freely and that the air regulator that supplies air for the tension is working properly.
  5. Check the roller occasionally to see if it needs adjusting. Also, be sure that the pulse switch is working properly.

While these seem like simple things that every operator should know, they are the first things to slip through the cracks when things get hectic. The conveyor is the heart of the tunnel- the wash won't work without it! Standard maintenance and a little extra diligence can help prevent a major problem from occurring when you have a line of cars around the block. Just like how good farmers always have their tractors running well for their busy plant and harvest seasons, so should you be prepared for your busy winter ahead!

Happy Washing!

Brent Anderson is the Midwest Regional Manager at Blendco Systems. Blendco manufactures a full line of detergents and waxes for the professional carwash industry. You can contact Blendco at: www.blendco.com.

You May Also Like

BendPak industrial complex under development in Alabama

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. — The company is building on 33 acres near its existing East Coast campus.

BendPak developing a light industrial space on 33 acres in Mobile County, Alabama.

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. — Diversification is paying dividends for BendPak, Inc., according to a company press release.

Driven by exponential business growth from new products and markets, the global garage equipment manufacturer has announced it is developing a light industrial space on 33 acres in Mobile County, Alabama.

Equipment Leasing and Finance survey results

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Volume was up 32% from $7.9 billion in February. Year-to-date, cumulative new business volume was up 4% compared to 2022.

Tech talk

Professional carwashes are increasingly using technology to remain competitive.

Transforming carwash technology

SmartOperators are created when “artificial intelligence” and “industrial internet of things” technologies are applied to the carwash world.

Smart warehouse management system with innovative internet of things technology to identify package picking and delivery . Future concept of supply chain and logistic network business .
Benefits of drying aids to a carwash

The science, uses and benefits of adding drying aids to the car cleaning process.

Other Posts

Mentoring through a changing workforce 

How carwash operators and detailers can overcome a changing workforce with mentoring.

Get the most from your RO membranes

Maintain these critical components to improve performance and lower cost of ownership.

New innovations on display

Operators find virtual solutions at 2023 The Car Wash Show™.

Keep your cool on the job

As temperatures surge, use innovative portable air coolers to make sure productivity doesn’t dip.