Stock & Roll: Boost Warehouse Productivity & Savings with Gravity Roller Conveyor

Gravity Roller Conveyors – the Right Way to Roll for Your Warehouse

There’s a saying in business that “time is money” and this is especially true for production facilities, fulfillment centers, and warehouse operations facing tight deadlines and fast, efficient throughput requirements. The addition of gravity roller conveyor can quickly and economically boost productivity, streamline staff allocation, and limit unnecessary movement in your facility.

What Are Gravity Roller Conveyors?

Gravity roller conveyors are non-powered systems that rely on gravity to move cartons down the conveyor line. They are often built on inclines and can be manually adjusted to hasten or slow down carton movement. While automated conveyor systems generally require significant initial investment for implementation, potentially offsetting the short-term economic advantages, gravity roller conveyor is a non-automated solution that can be seamlessly folded into your facility’s design and workflow. Gravity roller beds come in different sizes and different heights so you can expand them when the need arises and there are different-sized rollers, axles, and frames for lighter and heavier-duty applications. Many standard sizes are available for quick shipment of 24 hours with delivery around 1 week from order.

Standard Gravity Roller Specifications:

• Lengths: Standard 5’-0”, 10’-0” sections and custom lengths upon request
• Curves: 30, 45, 60 and 90-degree curve sections
• Rollers: aluminum or galvanized steel set high or low
• Frames: galvanized steel or painted finish
• Bearing rollers and non-bearing on solid or spring-loaded axles
• Rail wheel conveyor

How Does Gravity Roller Work?

Cartons or pallets are loaded onto flatbeds containing galvanized steel rollers and given a slight push as they are loaded. Movement is facilitated further by adjustable inclines that allow for just the right amount of slope and momentum down the lane. As they’re traveling down the conveyor bed, gravity does the work, so there’s no need for automation or extra personnel to keep them moving. Gravity rollers lanes can be bolted to the floor for permanent installation and height-adjusted for maximum ergonomic positioning and efficiency. As your workflow needs expand, you can order more beds and seamlessly bolt them together to create longer runs. There are straight and curved options available to accommodate your spatial and material-flow needs.

How Does Gravity Roller Help My Facility Save Time and Money?

The simple design of gravity roller and its affordable assembly and construction make it an ideal choice for any warehouse or processing center. Gravity roller moves cartons from point A to point B quicker without having to involve any other member of your staff. A person loads the cartons onto the conveyor and may give them a slight shove to help them travel easier and faster. Since gravity roller conveyors are not powered, some slight human force may be essential for momentum. Gravity roller conveyors also reduce the time it takes to search for items for picking and selection, allowing you to increase your daily and long-term throughput.

Gravity Roller Advantages

• Design for lightweight to medium-duty applications
• Rollers require minimal pitch
• Choose from multiple sizes and lane configurations
• Available in aluminum and galvanized steel rollers and frames
• Ergonomic frame designs
• No electrical or plc required for gravity applications

Ball Transfer Decks

Walkable ball transfer decks serve a multitude of purposes in warehouses, manufacturing,  and the freight industry.  The decks are constructed of a nonslip galvanized surface with ball transfers spaced as needed to flow pallets or containers depending on the client’s application. Ball transfer mats create a natural forklift separation from personnel due to the height of the system is 8” off the floor.  Typical applications are in Quality Assurance and Repak areas that inspect incoming pallets from suppliers.  If defects are found the pallet or container can be pushed aside without the use of forklifts or powered equipment.  A typical worker can move a 2,500 Lb. pallet by hand without assistance from others or equipment.  Some containers require slave pallets which are flat sheets that roll easily on the ball transfers.  These pallets can be constructed of plastic or wood depending on the budget.  Ball deck systems are engineered for each application and usually ship within 6 weeks of approval drawings.  The decking is modular so installation goes quickly with minimal disruption to the client’s operation.  

Let WOI Keep You Rolling in the Savings

Whether you need to implement a new gravity conveyor concept into your warehouse or expand on your current system, the team at Storage Solutions Inc. (WOI) is ready to help. With our 5 Step Total Satisfaction Experience™ you are guaranteed that we listen and execute your project paying special attention to your 1. particular application, 2. project timelines, 3. safety, and 4. appearance of the finished product. We will walk you through each stage of the process and offer expert customer service and peace of mind. Contact a member of our team today and chat, Zoom, or call us at (865) 540-4004 for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers in Tennessee, Alabama, and throughout the Southeast.