Overview
196G is a gravity roller series with 1.9-inch diameter galvanized steel rollers and frame components designed for corrosion resistance and extended service life. Integral plain steel bearings with grease packing support consistent roller rotation. Typical distributed load capacities support mid-range unit weights, making this series suited to general material handling and packaging operations where galvanized finishes provide environmental robustness.
The galvanized roller construction is the primary advantage the 196G offers over painted steel conveyor models. In environments where moisture, humidity, temperature swings, or occasional washdown are present, galvanized rollers resist rust and surface degradation that would shorten the life of a standard carbon steel conveyor. The 196G is manufactured by Roach Conveyors and is available in both straight and curve configurations.
Specifications
The 196G uses 1.9″ x 16 ga. galvanized steel tubing with smooth swaged ends. The frame is formed steel painted channel — 3-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. x 10 ga. set high or 4-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. x 10 ga. set low. Bearings are integral plain ball bearings, zinc plated, grease packed. Axles are 7/16-inch hex shaft, spring loaded. Couplings are butt type.
- Roller diameter: 1.9 inches
- Roller gauge: 16 ga. galvanized steel
- Frame (set high): 3-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. x 10 ga. formed steel painted channel
- Frame (set low): 4-1/2 in. x 1-1/2 in. x 10 ga. formed steel painted channel
- Bearings: Integral plain ball bearings, zinc plated, grease packed
- Axles: 7/16-inch hex shaft, spring loaded
- Couplings: Butt type
- Optional frame: 4 in. @ 5.4 lbs structural steel channel frame, rollers 3/16 in. high
Straight Sections
Straight 196G sections are available in multiple lengths and between-frame widths, with roller center spacing options of 3 in., 4.5 in., 6 in., 9 in., and 12 in. Widths range from 7 inches to 51 inches between frames. Standard sizes ship quickly for operations that need corrosion-resistant conveyor sections without extended lead times.
Curve Sections
The 196GC curve companion is available in 45° and 90° configurations. Narrower curves use a single roller design, while wider sections use a double roller design that provides better product support through the turn. The curve connects to straight sections using the same butt-type coupler system.
Load Capacity
Each galvanized roller is rated at 250 pounds. Frame-level capacity varies based on support placement.
- Supports on 10-foot centers: 1,300 lbs maximum distributed live load per 10-foot section
- Supports on 5-foot centers: 3,200 lbs maximum distributed live load
Why Galvanized Rollers
Standard carbon steel rollers work well in dry, indoor environments. When conditions include moisture exposure, high humidity, outdoor-adjacent staging areas, cold storage transitions, or periodic washdown procedures, the zinc coating on galvanized rollers provides a protective barrier against corrosion. The result is a longer conveyor service life, less frequent roller replacement, and lower total cost of ownership in demanding environments.
The 196G’s grease-packed ball bearings add a second layer of protection by sealing the bearing assembly against moisture intrusion — an advantage over oil-lubricated bearings that may wash out in wet conditions.
Applications
Applications include truck loading and unloading, parcel and small package handling, e-commerce fulfillment and sortation, retail back room operations, airport baggage and package movement, and temporary conveyor lines in warehouses and distribution centers.
The galvanized finish makes the 196G especially well suited for food and beverage packaging lines where moisture is present, cold storage dock areas where condensation forms on equipment, outdoor-adjacent shipping and receiving zones, and any facility that performs periodic washdown or cleaning of conveyor equipment.
Selection Assistance
Choose the 196G when your environment presents moisture, humidity, or corrosion challenges that would degrade painted carbon steel rollers. For dry indoor environments where galvanization is unnecessary, the Roach 192S (12 ga. carbon steel) or the LEWCO 1916 (16 ga. carbon steel) offer comparable capacity at a lower material cost.
Barron Equipment provides conveyor system planning, installation, and service support across Iowa, Illinois, and parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. Request a quote to determine whether galvanized or standard steel rollers are the right fit for your operation.