FIND US
Davenport, IA
4710 N Brady St
Davenport, IA 52806
Des Moines, IA
2276 NE 46th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
Flexible Powered Conveyors
Gravity conveyors work well when you have a slope to work with. But when packages need to travel on a level surface, move against an incline, or flow at a controlled speed regardless of weight, powered flexible conveyors are the solution. BestFlex powered roller conveyors from FMH Conveyors give distribution centers, 3PL providers, and high-volume shipping departments the flexibility of an expandable accordion conveyor combined with the controlled movement of motorized rollers.
These conveyors expand, contract, and curve just like their gravity counterparts, but instead of relying on slope and manual effort, fractional DC drive motors power the rollers to move packages at adjustable speeds from 0 to 120 feet per minute. When not in use, they retract to a compact footprint to free up floor space.
-
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 -
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 -
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
Why Choose Powered Over Gravity
Gravity flex conveyors are a great fit when a slope is available and throughput demands are moderate. But many dock operations need more. Powered flexible conveyors step in when gravity alone cannot keep packages moving reliably — especially in scenarios where trailer floors are level with the dock, packages vary significantly in weight, consistent speed matters for downstream operations, or the layout requires horizontal or uphill movement.
The powered rollers also reduce manual effort for operators. Instead of pushing packages along the conveyor path, the motors handle transport while operators focus on loading, stacking, or sorting. This improves ergonomics, reduces injury risk, and increases throughput per shift.
Product Flow Control and Accumulation
Optional read-between-the-rollers photo eyes enable zero-pressure accumulation on BestFlex conveyors. Packages move to the discharge end automatically and stop without contacting other cartons. When a package is removed, the conveyor advances the next one into position. This electronic product flow control eliminates slug releases and gives operators a steady, manageable flow of packages at the loading or unloading point.
Applications
Flexible powered conveyors are used in truck loading and unloading, manual sortation, receiving operations, and anywhere packages need to be moved between a fixed conveyor system and a trailer without relying on gravity. They are a standard tool in distribution centers, e-commerce fulfillment, retail stores, 3PL warehouses, parcel post operations, and manufacturing and packaging environments. A single unit can serve multiple dock doors by rolling it into position as needed, and the compact retracted footprint makes storage practical between shifts or during off-peak periods.
Choosing the Right Powered Flexible Conveyor
The BestFlex lineup includes 1.5-inch and 1.9-inch roller diameter options. The 1.5-inch roller model handles lighter packages and provides faster flow speeds for parcel and e-commerce environments. The 1.9-inch roller model supports heavier cartons and higher-capacity applications typical of distribution and manufacturing. For operations that need power assist to physically push and pull the conveyor in and out of trailers, the MBL30 Mobile Belted Loader provides a heavy-duty belt-driven solution that integrates with BestFlex and NestaFlex systems. The XL Impact Cart protects the infeed end of any flexible conveyor from repeated high-impact package drops during unloading.
What is a powered flexible conveyor?
A powered flexible conveyor is an expandable, motorized roller conveyor that moves packages using DC-driven rollers instead of gravity. It expands, contracts, and curves like a gravity flex conveyor but does not require a downward slope or manual pushing. Line speeds are adjustable from 0 to 120 feet per minute, giving operators control over package flow.
When should I choose a powered flexible conveyor instead of gravity?
Choose powered when the dock-to-trailer path is level or uphill, when consistent conveying speed is important for downstream operations, when packages vary significantly in weight, or when you want to reduce the manual effort required from operators. Gravity conveyors are appropriate when a slope is available and throughput demands are moderate.
Can a powered flexible conveyor accumulate packages?
Yes. With the optional read-between-the-rollers photo eyes, BestFlex conveyors provide zero-pressure accumulation. Packages travel to the discharge end and stop automatically without contacting one another. When a package is removed, the next carton advances into position — providing a steady, controlled flow to operators at the loading or unloading point.
What is the MBL30 Mobile Belted Loader?
The MBL30 is a heavy-duty belt-driven conveying unit that assists operators in pushing and pulling powered or gravity flex conveyors into and out of truck trailers. It provides power-assist movement for the conveyor itself — not for the packages — making it easier and safer to maneuver heavy, fully extended conveyors in receiving and shipping operations.
Does Barron Equipment install powered flexible conveyors?
Yes. Barron Equipment provides selection assistance, installation, and service support for powered and gravity flexible conveyor systems. Our team can help you determine the right BestFlex model, roller size, accessories, and integration with your existing dock layout. Barron serves Iowa, Illinois, and parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska.