Belt Conveyor
A compact belt conveyor gearbox can provide steady low-speed drive for packaging, warehousing and general material transfer. Ratio, pulley diameter, belt load and incline should be checked together.
Gearboxes for Different Conveyor Systems
Each conveyor type places different demands on speed reduction, starting torque, duty and installation space. The following overview helps buyers identify a suitable starting point without assuming a final reducer size.
Roller Conveyor
A roller conveyor gear motor is commonly selected for low-speed, continuous operation. Roller diameter, line speed, accumulation load and starts per hour influence the drive choice.
Chain Conveyor
A chain conveyor gearbox must be checked for output torque and starting conditions, particularly when moving concentrated or high-inertia loads through sprockets.
Material Handling Conveyor
Industrial handling and automated production lines may use a gearbox, gear motor or matched motor package according to layout, load, duty, environment and control requirements.
Recommended Gearboxes for Conveyor Applications
SMK can match worm, hypoid and motor options to the required conveyor speed and installation arrangement. Final selection remains subject to torque, service factor and operating conditions.
| Conveyor requirement | Recommended starting option | Selection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Standard low-speed conveyor | NMRV Worm Gearbox | Ratio, torque and duty |
| Compact right-angle drive | NMRV Worm Gearbox | Mounting space and output arrangement |
| Higher efficiency | BKM Hypoid Gearbox | Load, ratio and energy use |
| Adjustable conveyor speed | Gear Motor + VFD | Speed range, motor suitability and controls |
| Higher torque | Larger NMRV / Helical Gearbox | Required torque, peak load and service factor |
| Complete drive solution | Gearbox + Electric Motor | Motor power, voltage, flange and mounting |
How to Select a Gearbox for a Conveyor
A reliable gearbox for a conveyor system is selected from the mechanical load and required output—not from motor power alone. Provide the following information so the ratio, torque capacity, motor and mounting can be checked together.
- Conveyor Type
Belt, roller, chain or other - Motor Power
kW or HP - Motor Speed
Input RPM - Required Output Speed
Gearbox output RPM - Required Output Torque
Normal and peak torque - Conveyor Load / Capacity
Including incline if applicable - Operating Hours per Day
Intermittent or continuous duty - Starting Frequency
Starts per hour - Mounting Position
Foot, flange or torque arm - Voltage / Frequency
Motor supply requirement
How to Calculate Conveyor Gear Ratio
Gear Ratio = Motor Speed ÷ Required Output Speed
Motor Speed: 1400 RPM
Required Output Speed: 35 RPM
Calculation: 1400 ÷ 35 = 40
Required Gear Ratio: approximately 40:1
A 40:1 gearbox can reduce an input speed of approximately 1400 RPM to about 35 RPM. The final gearbox model must still be confirmed from actual torque, conveyor load, efficiency and service factor.
Use the SMK Gear Ratio Calculator →Conveyor Gearbox Selection Example
Application: Belt Conveyor
Motor Power: 0.75 kW
Motor Speed: 1400 RPM
Required Output Speed: 35 RPM
Required Gear Ratio: 40:1
This example identifies a preliminary ratio only. The final reducer model requires confirmation of conveyor load, required torque, operating hours and service factor.
Worm Gearbox vs Hypoid Gearbox for Conveyors
Both are compact right-angle options, but their selection priorities differ. Use this practical comparison as a starting point and verify the application data before ordering.
| Selection point | NMRV Worm Gearbox | BKM Hypoid Gearbox |
|---|---|---|
| Cost priority | Often selected for economical standard drives | Consider when lifecycle energy use is a stronger priority |
| Efficiency | Suitable when worm-drive characteristics match the duty | Typically considered for higher-efficiency right-angle transmission |
| Compact design | Compact | Compact |
| Right-angle drive | Yes | Yes |
| Noise | Generally smooth running; verify application and speed | Designed for smooth geared transmission; verify application and speed |
| Standard conveyor applications | Common starting option for compact, low-speed drives | Available when efficiency and duty favor a hypoid design |
| Energy-efficient applications | Check ratio, duty and thermal capacity | Useful option when efficiency receives greater weight |
For a deeper technical overview, see NMRV vs Hypoid Gearbox.
Why Choose SMK Conveyor Gearbox Solutions?
SMK supports equipment builders and industrial buyers with application-based matching instead of treating every conveyor as the same drive problem.
Multiple Gearbox OptionsCompare worm and hypoid right-angle arrangements according to the application.
Custom RatiosSelect from available ratios to approach the required conveyor output speed.
Motor MatchingCoordinate reducer ratio, motor power, input speed, voltage and frequency.
Mounting ConfigurationsConfirm foot, flange, torque-arm and output arrangements subject to the selected model.
OEM CustomizationDiscuss quantities, interfaces, packaging and configuration needs for equipment projects.
Technical Selection SupportReview conveyor parameters before final gearbox and gear motor confirmation.
Conveyor Gearbox FAQ
What gearbox is best for a conveyor?
The best option depends on conveyor speed, torque, duty, mounting and efficiency priorities. NMRV worm gearboxes suit many compact and economical drives, while BKM hypoid gearboxes may be considered when higher transmission efficiency is important.
What gear ratio is used for conveyors?
There is no single standard conveyor ratio. Calculate motor speed divided by required output speed, then confirm the reducer from torque, load, efficiency and service factor.
Can I use an NMRV worm gearbox for a conveyor?
Yes, provided the selected NMRV size, ratio, torque rating, operating duty and thermal capacity match the conveyor application.
How do I calculate conveyor gearbox ratio?
Use Gear Ratio = Motor Speed ÷ Required Output Speed. For 1400 RPM input and 35 RPM output, the preliminary ratio is approximately 40:1.
What information is required to select a conveyor gearbox?
Provide conveyor type, motor power and speed, output speed and torque, load, operating hours, starting frequency, mounting position, voltage and frequency.
Related guidance: how to select a conveyor gearmotor and how service factor affects gearbox selection.
Need Help Selecting a Conveyor Gearbox?
Send us your motor power, input speed, required conveyor speed, load and mounting requirements. Our team can recommend a suitable gearbox and gear motor configuration.