Overview
The 297S leverages large diameter (2-9/16-inch) rollers with heavy 7 gauge structural tubing to support very high distributed loads in gravity lines. Structural components and bearing arrangements are engineered for sustained performance under heavy unit weights, and curved sections handle directional changes with robustness.
This conveyor combines two features that are rarely found together: heavy wall roller construction and a true structural steel channel frame. The 7-gauge wall thickness resists impact damage from fork trucks and dropped loads, while the structural steel frame provides rigidity that eliminates deflection under heavy concentrated loads. The result is a conveyor built for the most demanding pallet and drum handling environments where both impact resistance and structural integrity are required simultaneously.
Specifications
- Roller diameter: 2-9/16 inches
- Roller gauge: 7 ga. heavy wall steel with straight ends, reamed to provide smooth bearing seats
- Frame: 4 in. at 5.4 lbs structural steel painted channel
- Roller capacity: 540 lbs per roller
- Axle: 11/16-inch hex shaft, spring loaded
- Bearings: Removable type, heavy duty ball bearings, zinc plated, grease packed
- Couplings: Butt type
Straight Sections
Straight 297S 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. Between-frame widths range from 12 to 50 inches.
Curve Sections
The 297SC curve is available in 45° and 90° configurations. Narrower curves use a single roller design, while wider sections use a double roller design for consistent product support through the turn.
Load Capacity
Each 7-gauge heavy wall roller is rated at 540 pounds. The structural steel frame provides the highest section-level capacity in the Roach gravity conveyor lineup.
- Supports on 10-foot centers: 3,750 lbs maximum distributed live load per 10-foot section
- Supports on 5-foot centers: 8,000 lbs maximum distributed live load
Heavy Wall Plus Structural Frame
Most gravity conveyors use either a heavy wall roller in a standard frame or a standard-gauge roller in a structural frame. The 297S is one of the few models that provides both — combining the impact resistance of a 7-gauge roller wall with the rigidity of a 4-inch at 5.4 lbs structural steel channel frame.
This dual advantage makes the 297S the preferred choice for permanent pallet conveyor installations at fork truck load/unload stations where both direct impact abuse and sustained heavy distributed loads are expected daily.
Applications
The 297S is designed for the most demanding gravity conveyor applications in industrial operations. Typical uses include permanent pallet transfer lanes at fork truck loading stations, heavy drum and container staging in chemical and petroleum facilities, automotive assembly plant conveyor runs handling heavy dunnage racks, structural steel and heavy component staging areas, continuous-duty manufacturing conveyor lanes that handle heavy loads throughout the shift, and loading dock operations where pallets are loaded by forklift directly onto the conveyor surface.
Selection Assistance
The 297S is the right Roach conveyor when you need both heavy wall impact resistance and structural frame rigidity. For the same structural frame with lighter 14-gauge rollers, the 254S Structural provides 290 lbs per roller at a lower cost. For a comparable LEWCO option, the 2607 provides 750 lbs per roller in a heavy wall 7-gauge roller with an 8-gauge formed frame.
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 the right heavy-duty conveyor for your operation.