Regal Rexnord
Idlers
Regal Rexnord conveyor chain idlers are specially designed rollers and wheels that support, guide, and tension industrial chains on the return side of conveyors and bucket elevators, preventing catenary sag, reducing chain wear, and maintaining proper chain tension for sprocket engagement.Under the Rexnord and Link - Belt brands, our idler portfolio includes plain and flanged return rollers in cast iron, ductile iron, and engineered polymers; sealed ball - bearing idler assemblies for clean, contamination - protected return -way support; and traction wheels that engage the chain and assist positive motion transfer.Maintenance and reliability engineers in aggregate, mining, and bulk - material - handling operations specify Regal Rexnord idlers to replace worn or seized return rollers — often the first line - of - defense against the chain sag that causes uneven sprocket loading, accelerated joint wear, and chain slap that can damage conveyor casing and generate excessive noise.With standardized shaft diameters, bearing types, and mounting configurations matched to the specific chain series and conveyor design, our idlers are simple to install, reduce chain wear significantly, and contribute to the safe, quiet, and efficient operation of heavy industrial chain conveying systems.
Send an Enquiry
We'll get back to you on WhatsApp.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Sealed, Greaseable Ball Bearings
Idler bearings sealed and factory - lubricated for the dusty, wet, and abrasive environments of aggregate and mining conveyors — with regreasing provisions for extended service life.
Flanged & Plain Tread Designs
Plain tread for simple chain support; flanged tread for positive chain guidance that prevents the side - travel and sprocket mis - tracking that accelerates wear.
Ductile Iron & Hardened Steel Materials
Ductile - iron wheels provide impact resistance and moderate wear life; hardened - steel treads extend life on high - speed, high - cycle applications with heavy chain pull.
Engineered Polymer Idlers for Clean Service
Polymer idler wheels that operate without lubrication, reduce noise, and resist the corrosion of washdown and chemical environments.
Standardized Shaft & Mounting Configurations
Designed to directly replace existing idler assemblies on standard conveyor frames with shaft diameters, keyways, and set - screw / flat dimensions matching industry norms.
Traction - Wheel Configurations for Power Assistance
Idlers with integral sprocket teeth that engage the chain — providing a driven return -way assist that reduces chain tension on long, high - capacity conveyors.
Selecting the Right Idler for Welded, Engineered & Drop Forged Chains
Different chain types impose different idler requirements.Welded steel chains with flat link surfaces run effectively on simple plain - tread idlers, while engineered steel chains with wider sidebars may benefit from flanged idlers that control lateral position.Drop forged chains with integral trolley wheels often ride directly in track rather than on idlers.The idler spacing is equally important — too - few idlers cause catenary sag and dynamic tension fluctuations; too - many idlers add unnecessary cost and maintenance points.Regal Rexnord application engineers can calculate the optimal idler spacing and type for a given chain specification, conveyor geometry, and operating speed, ensuring that the return -way support system minimizes chain wear while maintaining the proper chain tension for sprocket engagement.
The Impact of Worn or Seized Idlers on Chain Life
A seized return idler becomes a stationary drag point that multiplies chain tension and accelerates joint wear locally.As the chain slides over a seized idler, it generates heat, wears the sidebar bottoms, and can cut a groove that further impedes roller replacement.Idler inspection should be a regular part of conveyor preventive - maintenance rounds; a seized idler quickly reveals itself through increased motor amps or an obvious flat spot on the roller.Regal Rexnord idlers are designed for easy replacement from one side of the conveyor frame, and many are available with regreasing provisions that extend the service interval to match scheduled conveyor outages.A proactive idler - maintenance program is among the most cost - effective ways to maximize the service life of industrial conveyor chains.