The trough idler set, also known as a carrying idler set or troughing idler, is one of the most fundamental and widely used components in belt conveyor systems. Installed on the carrying side of the conveyor, trough idler sets support the Conveyor Belt and the transported material, helping the belt maintain a stable trough shape that maximizes material carrying capacity and minimizes spillage.
In bulk material handling industries such as mining, cement, power generation, ports, and metallurgy, trough idler sets play a critical role in ensuring smooth, efficient, and continuous conveyor operation. Their performance directly affects belt life, conveying efficiency, system stability, and overall operating cost.
A trough idler set is an assembly of idler rollers mounted on a rigid steel frame, designed to support the conveyor belt in a trough-shaped configuration. The most common configuration consists of three rollers: one center roller and two wing rollers angled upward to form a trough.
The trough shape allows the belt to carry more material while preventing material from spilling over the belt edges. Depending on the conveyor design and material characteristics, trough idler sets can be manufactured with different trough angles, roller diameters, and structural strengths.

The carrying side of a conveyor system bears the full load of transported material. Without proper support, the conveyor belt would sag, vibrate, and experience uneven stress distribution. Trough idler sets provide consistent support along the belt length, ensuring uniform load distribution and stable belt movement.
High-quality trough idler sets help reduce belt wear, minimize rolling resistance, and improve energy efficiency. They also contribute to reduced noise levels and smoother material flow, which are essential for large-scale industrial operations.
The center roller supports the central portion of the conveyor belt and carries the majority of the material load. It is typically larger in diameter or designed for higher load capacity.
Wing rollers are installed at an angle to the center roller, forming the trough shape. They support the belt edges and help contain material within the belt profile.
The idler frame is fabricated from high-strength steel and designed to hold the rollers securely in position. Precision welding and accurate alignment ensure stable operation and long service life.
Trough idler sets are available with different trough angles to suit various materials and conveyor capacities.
20° Trough Idler – Suitable for light materials and small conveyors
30° Trough Idler – The most commonly used configuration
35° Trough Idler – Increased carrying capacity for bulk materials
45° Trough Idler – Maximum material containment for steep or high-capacity conveyors
Choosing the correct trough angle is critical for achieving optimal conveying performance.
Typical specifications of trough idler sets include:
Belt Width Compatibility: 400 mm – 2400 mm
Roller Diameter: 89 mm / 108 mm / 133 mm / 159 mm / 194 mm
Roller Length: Customized according to belt width
Trough Angle: 20° / 30° / 35° / 45°
Frame Material: Carbon steel or reinforced steel
Surface Treatment: Powder coating / galvanizing
Bearing Type: Sealed deep groove ball bearings
Operating Temperature: -30°C to +80°C
Belt Speed Compatibility: Up to 6.5 m/s
All parameters can be customized based on customer requirements.
Used in most general-purpose bulk material conveyors.
Designed for mining and quarry applications with high loads and abrasive materials.
Installed at loading zones with rubber impact rollers for shock absorption.
Provides both load support and belt tracking correction.

High-quality materials are essential for reliable trough idler performance. Roller shells are manufactured from precision steel tubing with strict concentricity and straightness control. Shafts are made from high-strength steel and machined for accurate bearing fit.
Bearings are sealed to prevent dust and moisture ingress, ensuring long service life even in harsh environments. The idler frame is constructed using reinforced steel profiles and precision welding techniques to withstand continuous dynamic loads.
Trough idler sets are used in nearly all industries that rely on belt conveyor systems.
Used in ore, coal, and aggregate conveying systems.
Installed in limestone, clinker, and raw material conveyors.
Applied in coal handling and ash conveying systems.
Used in ship loaders, unloaders, and stockyard conveyors.
Installed in raw material and sinter handling systems.
Trough idler sets provide stable belt support and efficient material containment. Their simple and robust structure ensures reliable performance with minimal maintenance. By reducing belt sag and rolling resistance, they help improve energy efficiency and extend belt service life.
Well-designed trough idlers also reduce material spillage and improve conveyor safety and cleanliness.
Proper installation is critical for achieving optimal performance.
Trough idler sets should be installed at evenly spaced intervals along the carrying side of the conveyor. The idler frame must be aligned with the conveyor centerline and securely fixed to the structure.
After installation, the conveyor should be operated under no-load conditions to check belt tracking and roller rotation before introducing material.
During operation, ensure that materials are loaded evenly across the belt width. Avoid excessive overloading, which can cause premature roller wear and belt damage.
Regular monitoring during operation helps detect abnormal noise, vibration, or resistance early.
Routine maintenance helps maximize service life.
Inspect roller rotation regularly
Check bearing condition and noise
Remove accumulated material around idlers
Replace worn rollers promptly
With proper maintenance, trough idler sets can operate reliably for many years.
Excessive Roller Wear
Often caused by abrasive materials or overloading.
Belt Sag Between Idlers
May indicate incorrect idler spacing or insufficient roller diameter.
Bearing Failure
Usually caused by contamination or lack of sealing.
Selection should consider belt width, belt speed, material characteristics, load capacity, and operating environment. For heavy-duty or abrasive applications, reinforced frames and larger roller diameters are recommended.
Professional technical support helps ensure correct product selection.
We provide a full range of customization options:
Roller diameter and length
Trough angle and frame structure
Anti-corrosion coatings
OEM branding and packaging
Customized trough idler sets ensure optimal performance for specific conveyor systems.
Each trough idler set undergoes strict quality inspection, including dimensional checks, rotational resistance testing, bearing performance testing, and load simulation testing. This ensures consistent quality and reliable operation.
Trough idler sets are packed using reinforced export-grade packaging to prevent damage during transportation. Customized packaging solutions are available for international shipments.
What is the main function of a trough idler set?
To support the belt and material on the carrying side of the conveyor.
Which trough angle should I choose?
It depends on material type, belt width, and required capacity.
Can trough idlers be customized?
Yes, full customization is available.
How often should trough idlers be replaced?
Replacement frequency depends on operating conditions and maintenance practices.
As a professional conveyor equipment manufacturer, we supply high-quality trough idler sets with stable performance, long service life, and reliable technical support. Our products are designed to meet the demands of modern bulk Material Handling Systems.
Trough idler sets are essential components of belt conveyor systems, providing stable support, efficient material containment, and reliable long-term operation. With robust construction, flexible configuration options, and wide industry application, they are the preferred choice for bulk material conveying. Choosing high-quality trough idler sets helps improve conveyor efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and extend belt service life.
يستخدم هذا الموقع ملفات تعريف الارتباط لضمان حصولك على أفضل تجربة على موقعنا.