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Flexible Conveyors
Fixed conveyors handle the main transport line. But the last stretch — from the dock to the trailer — changes every time a new truck backs in. Trailer lengths vary. Door positions shift. Load plans change between inbound and outbound. Flexible conveyors are purpose-built for this problem. They expand to reach deep into trailers, contract for compact storage between loads, and curve around obstacles to serve multiple dock doors from a single portable unit.
Barron Equipment carries both gravity and powered flexible conveyors from FMH Conveyors, the industry leader in truck loading and unloading systems. Whether your operation needs a simple non-powered expandable skatewheel for retail backroom receiving or a fully powered roller conveyor with zero-pressure accumulation for high-volume DC outbound loading, the NestaFlex and BestFlex product lines cover every application.
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BestFlex 1.5 – Powered Flexible Roller Conveyor for Shipping and Receiving
Expandable powered roller conveyor with 1.5-inch rollers, variable speed DC drive, and maximum compaction ratio for space-saving storage. 100 lb/ft capacity for parcel and e-commerce shipping.Read more -
BestFlex 1.9 – Heavy-Duty Powered Flexible Roller Conveyor
Heavy-duty 1.9-inch powered roller flexible conveyor with variable speed DC drive, zero-pressure accumulation, and 8x2-inch casters for distribution center truck loading and unloading.Read more -
Expandable Gravity Roller Conveyor for Odd-Shaped Packages
All-steel expandable roller conveyor for odd-shaped cartons, drums, and pails. Self-tracking design with 200 lb per linear foot capacity for low-to-medium volume loading and unloading.Read more -
MBL30 Mobile Belted Loader – Ergonomic Power-Assist Conveyor for Truck Loading
Rugged mobile belted conveyor with articulating snout for ergonomic floor-loaded truck loading and unloading. Connects to BestFlex powered flexible conveyors for a complete dock system.Read more -
NestaFlex 226 – Expandable Skatewheel Conveyor for Retail and Packaging
Self-tracking expandable skatewheel conveyor for retail backrooms, packaging areas, and low-volume shipping departments. 226 lb per linear foot capacity with three wheel options.Read more -
NestaFlex 376AL/FL – Heavy-Duty Expandable Skatewheel Conveyor
Heavy-duty expandable skatewheel conveyor with double-welded cross braces and four-point leg connections for high-volume distribution, manufacturing, and shipping operations.Read more -
NestaFlex 376PL – Expandable Truck Loading Conveyor with Guide Track
The leading expandable gravity conveyor for outbound trailer loading. Perpendicular legs, guide track integration, and herringbone transition for high-volume distribution centers.Read more -
XL Impact Cart – Heavy-Duty Conveyor Protection for Loading and Unloading
Heavy-duty impact roller cart that absorbs repeated package drops at the infeed end of flexible conveyors. Available in gravity or powered configurations with optional LED lights, accumulation, and operator controls.Read more
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Flexible Gravity Conveyors
Expandable gravity conveyors that roll, curve, and extend to reach into trailers. Portable skatewheel and roller models for loading docks, shipping, and receiving. -
Flexible Powered Conveyors
Powered flexible roller conveyors with adjustable speed control for high-volume truck loading, unloading, and manual sortation. BestFlex and MBL30 models from FMH Conveyors.
Gravity vs. Powered Flexible Conveyors
The choice between gravity and powered comes down to slope, throughput, and how much work you want operators to do.
Gravity flexible conveyors use skatewheels or rollers and move packages using a slight downward pitch or manual push. They require no electricity, have no motors to maintain, and are lighter and more portable than powered models. They are ideal for retail receiving, low-to-medium volume shipping, packaging lines, and any application where a slope is available and consistent speed control is not critical.
Powered flexible conveyors use DC-driven motorized rollers to move packages at adjustable speeds from 0 to 120 feet per minute. They work on level surfaces, move packages against inclines, and provide consistent flow regardless of package weight. Optional zero-pressure accumulation, electronic package stops, and indexing add intelligent flow control. They are the standard for high-volume distribution centers, 3PL operations, and outbound trailer loading systems.
NestaFlex Gravity Models
The NestaFlex lineup includes four models covering every gravity application from light retail to heavy-duty truck loading. The NestaFlex 200 uses steel rollers for odd-shaped products like drums and pails. The NestaFlex 226 is a light-duty skatewheel for retail and packaging. The NestaFlex 376AL/FL is a heavy-duty skatewheel with adjustable or fixed legs for demanding dock environments. The NestaFlex 376PL is a dedicated truck loader with perpendicular legs, guide track, and herringbone transition for outbound loading operations.
BestFlex Powered Models
The BestFlex lineup includes two powered roller conveyor models with 1.5-inch and 1.9-inch roller options. Both deliver variable-speed motorized conveyance with optional electronic flow control. The 1.5 is optimized for lighter parcels and maximum storage compaction. The 1.9 uses heavier rollers and larger casters for distribution center environments that handle heavier cartons every shift. Both integrate with the MBL30 Mobile Belted Loader and PowerTrax power-assist system for complete dock-to-trailer solutions.
Accessories and System Integration
Flexible conveyors work best as part of a system. The XL Impact Cart protects the infeed end of any flexible conveyor from repeated high-impact package drops. The MBL30 Mobile Belted Loader provides a belted power-assist conveying surface with an articulating snout for ergonomic floor-loaded truck loading and unloading. Herringbone transitions, guide tracks, and rigid discharge carts integrate flexible conveyors with fixed feed systems for seamless package flow from sortation to trailer.
What is a flexible conveyor?
A flexible conveyor is a portable, expandable material handling system built on an accordion-style frame. It extends, contracts, and curves to connect loading docks with truck trailers, fixed conveyor lines, or temporary work areas. Flexible conveyors are available in gravity (non-powered) and powered configurations.
When should I use gravity vs. powered?
Use gravity when a downward slope is available, throughput is moderate, and consistent speed control is not critical. Use powered when the path is level or uphill, packages vary significantly in weight, consistent speed matters for downstream operations, or you want to reduce the manual effort required from operators.
Can one flexible conveyor serve multiple dock doors?
Yes. Both gravity and powered flexible conveyors roll on heavy-duty casters and can be repositioned between dock doors as trailers arrive. This allows a single unit to serve multiple loading or unloading positions without purchasing dedicated conveyors for each door.
Does Barron Equipment install flexible conveyor systems?
Yes. Barron Equipment provides selection assistance, installation, and service support for all FMH NestaFlex and BestFlex flexible conveyor systems. Our team helps you determine the right model, configuration, and accessories for your dock layout and throughput requirements. Barron serves Iowa, Illinois, and parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska.