Overview
This conveyor series uses 3.5-inch diameter 9 gauge steel tubing rollers and heavy structural frames to enable gravity handling of significantly heavy loads. Removable heavy-duty bearings and robust axles support extended service in demanding industrial environments. Both straight and curved units are available for full gravity lane layouts.
The 3509S is the Roach equivalent of the LEWCO 3509, entering the 3.5-inch roller diameter class that provides maximum surface contact with the bottom of pallets, drums, and heavy containers. The structural steel channel frame and removable grease-packed bearings are built for permanent installations that handle heavy loads continuously. Standard straight sections ship within 24 hours for rapid project deployment.
Specifications
- Roller diameter: 3.5 inches (3-1/2 in.)
- Roller gauge: 9 ga. steel with straight ends, reamed to provide smooth bearing seats
- Frame (set high): 4 in. at 5.4 lbs structural steel painted channel
- Frame (set low): 5 in. at 6.7 lbs structural steel painted channel (extra charge)
- Roller capacity: 700 lbs per roller
- Axle: 11/16-inch hex shaft with pinned shafts
- Bearings: Removable type, heavy duty ball bearings, zinc plated, grease packed
- Roller centers: 4 in., 6 in., 8 in., 12 in.
- Between frames: 10 inches to 50 inches
- Couplings: Butt type
Load Capacity
Each 3.5-inch, 9-gauge roller is rated at 700 pounds. The structural steel channel frame provides the highest section-level capacity available 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
Structural Design Features
The 3509S uses structural steel channel framing rather than formed sheet metal, providing substantially greater rigidity under heavy concentrated and distributed loads. Additional construction details that distinguish the 3509S from lighter conveyor models include reamed roller ends that provide smooth bearing seats for consistent rotation under heavy loads, removable heavy duty bearings that are zinc plated and grease packed for dust and debris protection, pinned axle shafts that provide a more secure connection than spring-loaded retention alone, and an optional set-low frame (5 in. at 6.7 lbs) for applications that require rollers below the top of the frame.
Quick Shipment
Standard straight sections in 1-foot increments from 1 to 10 feet ship within 24 hours. This quick-ship capability allows operations to deploy or expand pallet-grade conveyor systems rapidly without extended lead times.
Applications
The 3509S is designed for the most demanding gravity conveyor applications. Typical uses include permanent pallet transfer lanes in manufacturing and distribution, heavy drum and container handling in chemical, petroleum, and food processing operations, automotive and heavy industrial dunnage rack movement, structural steel and heavy fabrication component staging, high-throughput loading dock conveyor systems, and continuous-duty conveyor lanes that handle heavy loads throughout every shift.
Selection Assistance
The 3509S is the right Roach conveyor when your application requires the 3.5-inch roller diameter class with a structural steel frame. For a comparable LEWCO option, the LEWCO 3509 provides 750 lbs per roller in a structural frame with welded crossties and couplers. For lighter loads in the 2.5-inch class, the 251S Structural (540 lbs/roller) and 297S (540 lbs/roller, heavy wall) offer more compact alternatives.
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 3.5-inch conveyor for your operation.

