A rubber conveyor belt is the standard choice for moving bulk material in South Africa, from coal and ore to aggregate and grain. The right belt depends on the rubber grade, the carcass and the width, not only on the price. ConveyorBelting.co.za is a free quote-request service. Describe your material, tonnage and conveyor, and we pass your request to independent belting suppliers who quote you directly. We do not make or sell belts ourselves, the request is free and you are under no obligation to accept any quote.
How a rubber conveyor belt is built
A rubber belt has a carcass that carries the tension and rubber covers that protect it. Textile carcasses use EP (polyester and nylon) or NN plies, with ratings such as EP630/4. Steel-cord belts use ST ratings for long, high-tension lines. The top cover meets the material, the thinner bottom cover meets the pulleys and idlers. Edges are moulded or cut. General textile belting follows SANS 1173, and steel-cord belting follows SANS 1366.
Conveyor belt rubber grades
The rubber compound must suit the duty. Common conveyor belt rubber grades include:
- Abrasion grades such as SANS 1173 grade M and N, or DIN W, X, Y and Z
- Heat-resistant rubber for hot clinker, sinter or ash
- Oil-resistant rubber for fats, oils and recycled material
- Fire-resistant belts tested under ISO 340 or SANS 971 for coal
Abrasion is compared using ISO 4649 or DIN 53516 test results.
Choosing width, strength and cover
Width depends on tonnage, belt speed, material density and lump size. Common SA widths are 600, 750, 900, 1050, 1200, 1350, 1500 and 1800 mm. Strength depends on tension, length and the number of plies. A sharp, heavy or hot material needs thicker covers. A long belt may need steel cord. Troughing angles of 20, 35 or 45 degrees, pulley diameters and the take-up system should match the belt chosen. Your supplier can check these against the drawing.
Joining and care
Rubber belts are joined by hot vulcanised splice, cold bonding or mechanical fasteners. A hot splice usually gives the strongest and longest-lived joint. Keep belts clean, track them straight, maintain the idlers and use scrapers and skirting to cut carryback and spillage. Store rolls on their sides in the shade, away from oil and ozone sources. Ask for the manufacturer's data sheet and a joint procedure for your belt. Plan a regular inspection of covers, edges and joints, and measure cover wear so you can order the next belt before the carcass is exposed. Keep a record of splice dates and repairs for each belt, because this history helps the supplier advise on the next order.
Comparing rubber conveyor belts quotes
Prices change with rubber and steel costs, the exchange rate and stock levels. When quotes arrive, check:
- Exact specification: width, carcass and strength, cover grade and thickness, or the part number, size and standard.
- Quantity and units: per metre, per roll, per item or per set, and any minimum order or cutting charge.
- Lead time: ex stock, or imported or made to order, and how long that takes.
- Delivery and VAT: transport to site, offloading of heavy rolls, whether VAT is included and how long the price holds.
What to include in your request
- Belt width, length and conveyor speed
- Material carried, lump size and tonnes per hour
- Temperature, oil or fire-resistance requirements
- Current belt rating and cover thickness if known
- Splicing, delivery town and timing
Frequently asked questions
Are you a rubber conveyor belt supplier?
What rubber grade do I need?
How do I read a rating like EP630/4?
How long does a rubber conveyor belt last?
Rubber Conveyor Belts by province
- Rubber Conveyor Belts Gauteng
- Rubber Conveyor Belts Mpumalanga
- Rubber Conveyor Belts North West
- Rubber Conveyor Belts Limpopo
- Rubber Conveyor Belts Northern Cape
- Rubber Conveyor Belts Free State
- Rubber Conveyor Belts KwaZulu-Natal
- Rubber Conveyor Belts Eastern Cape
- Rubber Conveyor Belts Western Cape
Rubber Conveyor Belts by city and town
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Johannesburg
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Pretoria
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Germiston
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Boksburg
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Benoni
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Kempton Park
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Springs
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Vanderbijlpark
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Vereeniging
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Carletonville
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Krugersdorp
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Middelburg
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Secunda
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Ermelo
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Kriel
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Lydenburg
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Rustenburg
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Brits
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Klerksdorp
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Potchefstroom
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Polokwane
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Lephalale
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Burgersfort
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Phalaborwa
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Mokopane
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Kimberley
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Kathu
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Postmasburg
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Upington
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Springbok
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Bloemfontein
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Welkom
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Sasolburg
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Kroonstad
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Durban
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Pinetown
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Pietermaritzburg
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Richards Bay
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Newcastle
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Empangeni
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in East London
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Cape Town
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Bellville
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Saldanha
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in George
- Rubber Conveyor Belts in Worcester
