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Des Moines, IA
2276 NE 46th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
Gravity Conveyors
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192S Gravity Roller Conveyor and Curves – 1.9″ x 12 ga. Steel Rollers
The Roach 192S delivers 260 lbs per roller in a 10-gauge steel frame with grease-packed ball bearings. Available in straight and curve sections with 24-hour shipment on standard sizes.Read more -
196G Galvanized Roller Gravity Conveyor and Curves – 1.9″ x 16 ga.
The Roach 196G features galvanized steel rollers for corrosion resistance and extended service life. 250 lbs per roller in a 10-gauge frame with straight and curve sections available.Read more -
196S Steel Roller Gravity Conveyor and Curves – 1.9″ x 16 ga.
The Roach 196S delivers 250 lbs per roller in a 10-gauge steel frame with grease-packed ball bearings. The economical standard-steel choice in the Roach 1.9-inch gravity roller series, with 24-hour shipping on straight sections.Read more -
199S Heavy Duty Steel Roller Gravity Conveyor and Curves – 1.9″ x 9 ga.
The Roach 199S is the heaviest option in the 1.9-inch Roach gravity roller lineup. 9-gauge steel rollers rated at 260 lbs each in a 10-gauge frame with grease-packed ball bearings for demanding industrial applications.Read more -
251S Structural Steel Channel Gravity Conveyor and Curves – 2.5″ x 11 ga.
The 251S Structural uses 4-inch structural steel channel framing for maximum rigidity under heavy continuous loads. 540 lbs per roller with up to 8,000 lbs per section at 5-foot support centers.Read more -
254S Structural Steel Channel Gravity Conveyor and Curves – 2.5″ x 14 ga.
The 254S Structural combines 14-gauge, 290 lb rollers with a 4-inch structural steel channel frame rated at 8,000 lbs per section. Maximum frame rigidity at a mid-range per-roller capacity.Read more -
254TC Tapered Roller Gravity Curve Conveyor – 2.5″ x 14 ga.
The 254TC uses tapered rollers that progressively narrow from 2-1/2 inches to 1-11/16 inches to keep products aligned through curves. 250 lbs per roller with removable grease-packed bearings in a 10-gauge frame.Read more -
25TRC Tapered Roller Gravity Curve Conveyor – 2.5″ Diameter
The LEWCO 25TRC uses tapered rollers that taper from 2.5 inches to 1.687 inches to keep products centered through curves on gravity decline lines. Pairs with 1912, 1916, and 2514 straight sections.Read more -
297S Structural Heavy Wall Gravity Conveyor and Curves – 2-9/16″ x 7 ga.
The Roach 297S combines large 2-9/16-inch diameter, 7-gauge heavy wall rollers with a structural steel channel frame. 540 lbs per roller and 8,000 lbs per section for demanding pallet and drum handling with maximum impact resistance.Read more -
3509S Structural Steel Roller Gravity Conveyor – 3.5″ x 9 ga.
The Roach 3509S delivers 700 lbs per roller in a 3.5-inch diameter, 9-gauge roller with a structural steel channel frame. Removable grease-packed bearings and pinned axles for demanding pallet and drum applications. 24-hour shipment on standard lengths.Read more -
3530S Structural .300 Wall Gravity Conveyor and Curves – 3.5″ Maximum Capacity
The Roach 3530S is the most substantial gravity conveyor available from either brand Barron carries. Schedule pipe .300 wall rollers rated at 2,500 lbs each in a structural steel channel frame rated at 16,000 lbs per section. Built for extreme loads.Read more -
Ball Transfer Gravity Conveyor – Model B
The Roach Model B replaces rollers with 1-inch steel ball assemblies that allow products to move in any direction. Ideal for workstation positioning, packaging lines, and sorting operations where items need to be aligned, rotated, or redirected by hand.Read more
Gravity Conveyor Sizes and Duty Ratings
Choosing the correct gravity conveyor starts with the weight, size, and bottom surface of the items being handled. Roller diameter and wall gauge determine the conveyor’s general duty classification and capacity.
| Model Series | Roller Diameter | Roller Gauge | Duty Rating | Capacity Per Roller | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1418 | 1-3/8″ | 18 ga. | Light Duty | 50 lbs | Parcels and small packages |
| 1916 | 1.9″ | 16 ga. | Medium Duty | 250 lbs | Cartons, totes and distribution |
| 1912 | 1.9″ | 12 ga. | Medium-Heavy Duty | 260 lbs | Heavier cartons and manufacturing |
| 1909 | 1.9″ | 9 ga. | Heavy Duty | 300 lbs | Industrial and automotive loads |
| 138A | 1-3/8″ aluminum | 18 ga. | Light Duty | 35 lbs | Portable and lightweight applications |
| 138G | 1-3/8″ galvanized | 18 ga. | Light Duty | 50 lbs | General light-duty handling |
How to Read Gravity Conveyor Model Numbers
The four-digit LEWCO Conveyors model number describes the roller diameter and wall gauge.
- 14 indicates a 1⅜-inch roller diameter.
- 19 indicates a 1.9-inch roller diameter.
- 18, 16, 12, or 09 indicates the roller wall gauge.
- A lower gauge number indicates a thicker roller wall and a heavier-duty construction.
For example:
- 1418: 1⅜-inch-diameter, 18-gauge rollers
- 1916: 1.9-inch-diameter, 16-gauge rollers
- 1912: 1.9-inch-diameter, 12-gauge rollers
- 1909: 1.9-inch-diameter, 9-gauge rollers
Letter suffixes identify the conveyor configuration:
- C: Curve
- SL: Left-hand spur
- SR: Right-hand spur
- No suffix: Straight section
Straight, Curve, and Spur Conveyors
Straight Sections
Straight gravity conveyors move products in one direction along the main material-handling line. They are commonly used at packing stations, assembly areas, warehouses, and loading docks.
Curve Sections
Curves redirect products around corners or equipment. Available configurations may include 30-, 45-, 60-, and 90-degree turns, depending on the selected product series.
Spur Sections
Spurs merge products onto or divert products away from the main conveyor line. Left- and right-hand configurations can connect workstations, sorting areas, or secondary conveyor sections to the primary line.
How to Choose the Right Gravity Conveyor
Load Weight
Begin with the heaviest item the conveyor will handle. Choose a roller diameter and gauge rated for the expected load, then verify the complete frame capacity for the selected width, length, and support arrangement.
Roller Spacing
A minimum of three rollers should support the smallest item at all times. To estimate the maximum roller-center spacing, divide the shortest load dimension by three.
Shortest load dimension ÷ 3 = Maximum roller spacing
For example:
12″ carton ÷ 3 = 4″ maximum roller spacing
Conveyor Width
The conveyor should support the load without unnecessary overhang. Product width, orientation, and expected movement through curves should be considered before final sizing.
Pitch and Product Flow
Gravity conveyors require either a manual push or a slight downward incline. The analysis identifies a general pitch range of approximately 2 to 8 inches per 10-foot section.
The appropriate pitch depends on:
- Product weight
- Bottom-surface condition
- Roller material
- Roller condition
- Required travel speed
- Conveyor length
Lighter products may require a steeper slope, while heavier products may move on a shallower pitch.
Gravity Roller vs. Skatewheel Conveyors
Gravity roller and skatewheel conveyors are both non-powered systems, but they serve different applications.
| Feature | Gravity Roller Conveyor | Gravity Skatewheel Conveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Loads | Light to heavy unit loads | Light, flat-bottomed loads |
| Construction | Cylindrical steel or aluminum rollers | Rows of small wheels |
| Configuration | Rigid conveyor sections | Often flexible or expandable |
| Best For | Warehouses, manufacturing and mixed loads | Parcels, truck loading and temporary lines |
Gravity vs. Powered Conveyors
Choose a gravity conveyor when:
- A slight downward incline is available
- Manual pushing is practical
- Throughput is moderate
- Easy reconfiguration is important
- Motorized movement is unnecessary
Consider a powered conveyor when:
- Products must travel horizontally over longer distances
- Automated accumulation is required
- Speed control is important
- The process requires continuous, high-volume movement
Many facilities combine both systems, using powered conveyors for primary transport and gravity sections for staging, packing, assembly, and loading.
Common Applications
Gravity conveyors are commonly used for:
- Warehousing and distribution
- E-commerce order fulfillment
- Manufacturing and assembly
- Packing and shipping stations
- Truck loading and unloading
- Parcel and small-package handling
- Automotive parts
- Industrial supplies
The appropriate conveyor depends on the load, throughput, floor layout, pitch, and required duty rating.
Gravity Conveyor Accessories
Accessories can improve product control, layout flexibility, and system operation.
Common options include:
- End stops
- Guard rails and side guides
- Tripod supports
- H-stand supports
- Permanent floor supports
- Brake and speed-control rollers
- Conveyor couplings
- Hinge gates
- Walkover plates
Accessory requirements should be evaluated with the conveyor layout so supports, product controls, and access points work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gravity conveyor?
A gravity conveyor is a non-powered system that moves cartons, totes, packages, and other unit loads using a downward slope or manual push. It does not require motors, belts, or electrical power.
What is the difference between the 1418, 1916, 1912, and 1909 models?
The 1418 is a light-duty conveyor with 1⅜-inch, 18-gauge rollers rated at 50 pounds per roller. The 1916 uses 1.9-inch, 16-gauge rollers rated at 250 pounds per roller. The 1912 uses thicker 12-gauge rollers rated at 260 pounds per roller. The 1909 uses 9-gauge rollers rated at 300 pounds per roller.
What is the difference between straight, curve, and spur conveyors?
Straight sections move products along the main line. Curves redirect products around corners, while spurs merge items onto or divert items away from the main conveyor.
What is the three-roller rule?
The three-roller rule states that at least three rollers should support the smallest item being conveyed. Divide the item’s shortest bottom dimension by three to estimate the maximum roller-center spacing.
When should I choose gravity instead of powered conveying?
Gravity conveyors are appropriate when a slope or manual push can move the load and automated speed control or accumulation is unnecessary. Powered conveyors are generally better for longer horizontal travel, continuous high-volume movement, and automated product control.
Does Barron Equipment install gravity conveyors?
Yes. Barron Equipment provides gravity conveyor planning, installation, and service support. Barron Equipment serves all of Iowa and Illinois, plus parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Gravity Conveyor Selection and Installation
Barron Equipment helps warehouses, manufacturers, distribution centers, fulfillment operations, and industrial facilities select gravity conveyors based on product dimensions, load weight, roller spacing, conveyor pitch, duty rating, and facility layout.
Request a quote online to determine the right gravity conveyor configuration for your application.