Why I Believe In
BeltTracker Belt Misalignment Sensors Sensitive, Reliable, Maintenance-Free

Maxi-Tronic’s BeltTracker belt misalignment sensors are designed for bucket elevators, belt conveyors, rotary drums, food processing equipment, and material handling equipment.

According to Product Manager Doug McCan (866-333-3363), “The BeltTracker sensors are sensitive, reliable, and maintenance free. They are designed with a switch-type mechanism for instant detection of belt misalignment conditions.

“The BeltTracker features a simple design with no internal electronics, and no power supply is required,” says McCan.

Here is what some users say about the BeltTracker belt misalignment sensors:

Bill Bravo | Project Engineer | Bartlett Grain | Kansas City, MO

“We began using Maxi-Tronic BeltTracker sensors in 2016. We utilize the Maxi-Tronic MaxiScan software to monitor the sensors and send data to a PLC. In the event of a PLC failure, MaxiScan will continue to monitor the BeltTracker sensors and remain in OSHA compliance.

“We had tried a few other brands of touch-style alignment sensors over the years and found that we would receive an unreasonable amount of false alarms. For hazard monitoring, false alarms are a significant problem, and they tend to remove the seriousness of an issue as the employees become complacent with the silencing of nuisance alarms.

“The BeltTracker sensors have performed well. The pressure threshold to trigger an alarm appears to be right where it needs to be, as we do not get the false alarms we did with other brands.

“The BeltTracker sensors have a notable maintenance advantage when compared to the many thermocouple alignment sensors we have installed throughout our facilities. This advantage is that the sensor can be tested by simply applying pressure to the sensor plate. Thermocouples, on the other hand, require costly freeze spray to verify correct function. The BeltTracker is also much more resilient to electrical noise than thermocouples.

“Another large benefit of the BeltTracker is that it will continue working without any wear issues after experiencing many alignment events. This is a great cost savings over thermocouples, as the soft brass quickly deteriorates once in contact with a belt and requires replacement.

Don Schwenning | Special Projects Manager | Kalmbach Feeds | Upper Sandusky, OH

“We installed our first BeltTracker sensors from Maxi-Tronic five to eight years ago. Our old sensors were corroding, so we wanted to try a different product.

“So far, we haven’t had any problems with them. We want to keep our belts in good shape so they don’t go wandering all over our pulley heads. We’re satisfied with the BeltTracker sensors.

“The BeltTracker sensors require very little maintenance. We have them connected to our automation system, and we’re not having many problems.

“Overall, these sensors have a more robust design compared to the previous sensors we’ve had. We like Maxi-Tronic’s products, because we have so many things going on that when we find something that works properly and is built well, we’ll use it – and that’s why we’ve continued to use Maxi-Tronic’s sensors.”

Garret Wedekemper | General Manager |Wedekempers, Inc.| Carlyle, IL

“We’re a millwright company, and we’ve been in business since 1953. Over the years, we’ve used a lot of different manufacturers of belt tracking sensors. We switched to Maxi-Tronic seven years ago when we started having trouble with our old sensors. – they just wouldn’t hold up. A lot of them would have to be replaced after a couple of trips, after the belt would strike and trip the sensor.

“The BeltTracker sensors are actually surprisingly rugged. We’ve had multiple instances of major belt misalignments, and we just had to straighten out the belt and the sensor would reset automatically like it was supposed to. I anticipated having to replace the sensor because it looked like it would have been damaged, but I didn’t have to.

“Many people think a belt tracker works well to warn you of a belt misalignment, but we’ve found that they actually can diagnose a lot of trouble that you have with your leg, meaning if you’re monitoring your leg, you can actually determine when you need it tightened. The BeltTracker also can help you catch a bad splice or loose cup.

“We try to sell BeltTracker sensors with every leg we install, not because it’s another sale, but because it’s able to save the customer a lot of headaches and repairs.”

Reprinted from Grain Journal November/December 2018 Issue