Heavy Drive Shaft Chip Conveyor for Longer Runs and Heavier Loads
Most 2½” pitch chip conveyor applications can be served by the standard SteelTrak 721. But when the conveyor run is longer, the incline is steeper, the scrap is heavier, or the application demands a higher-horsepower motor than the standard drive shaft can support, the SteelTrak 720 steps in with a 1-11/16″ diameter drive shaft—a significant upgrade from the 721’s 1-7/16″ shaft. That additional ¼” of shaft diameter translates to meaningfully higher torsional strength, allowing the 720 to handle loads and run lengths that would strain a standard-duty drive.
The Model 723 is the liquid-tight version of the 720, adding a sealed bottom pan for machining applications where chips are mixed with coolant or cutting fluid. Both models share the same frame, belt, sprockets, and TruTrak-compatible roller design.
Specifications and Construction
The 720/723 uses a 2½” pitch hinged steel belt with 1⅜” high cleats on 12½” centers and 1½” high sidewings. The 1½” diameter rollers provide smooth belt travel, and flanged TruTrak rollers are available as an option to eliminate side-to-side belt movement within the track. Outside sidebars are required on belts wider than 18″ and optional for narrower widths.
The frame is 8½” deep, formed from 12-gauge steel—a full-depth standard profile that provides the structural backbone for medium to heavy-duty scrap handling. Standard belt widths include 6″, 8″, 12″, 18″, 24″, 30″, and 36″, with custom widths available. The 6-tooth sprocket with a 5″ pitch diameter is the same design used across the 2½” pitch SteelTrak lineup.
The standard drive is ½ HP (230/460V, 3-phase, 60 Hz, TEFC), top mount on the right side, with a standard speed of 30 FPM. The 720/723’s heavy drive shaft supports upgrades to ¾, 1, and higher HP motors for applications that need faster belt speed, longer runs, or greater chain pull force. Standard curves include 30, 45, and 60 degrees. Z-shape, L-shape, and horizontal configurations are available.
720 vs. 721: When the Standard Drive Shaft Isn’t Enough
The SteelTrak 721 is NLECO’s most popular and economical 2½” pitch conveyor. It handles the majority of CNC machining, turning, and general scrap applications with its 1-7/16″ drive shaft. The 720 is the same conveyor with a heavier drive shaft for applications that exceed the 721’s mechanical limits.
Choose the 720 when the total conveyor length (infeed plus incline plus discharge) exceeds the 721’s recommended run length for the given belt width and load. Choose it when the scrap type is heavier—larger turnings, small castings, thick stampings, or mixed-material loads that create higher belt drag. Choose it when the application requires a motor larger than ½ HP to maintain belt speed under load. And choose it when the conveyor operates in a demanding multi-shift environment where the additional shaft strength provides a longer service life margin.
If the application is standard-duty and the run length is moderate, the 721 (or 724 for liquid-tight) is the more cost-effective starting point. Barron Equipment can help evaluate which model fits your specific installation.
Open Frame vs. Liquid-Tight: 720 and 723
The Model 720 is the open frame version for dry chip and scrap applications. The Model 723 adds a liquid-tight bottom pan for machining operations where chips are saturated with coolant, cutting oil, or water-soluble fluid. Additional liquid-tight options for the 723 include marine bearings for submerged or high-moisture environments, bolt-on bottom pans, drain plugs, bottom pan drain holes, and quench tanks for hot-part applications.
Options and Accessories
The 720/723 supports the full SteelTrak accessory catalog. Belt options include perforated aprons with 5/32″ holes for coolant drainage, pimpled belt surfaces for improved grip on inclines, radial sidewings for tighter sidewing-to-apron fit, impact bars (top or bottom mounted), recessed cleats, cut-back cleats, and center land dividers for separating material streams on wider belts.
Frame and drive options include top covers, automatic chain oilers, access panels in the side frame, side-mounted drive, custom infeed hoppers, discharge chutes, optional side rails, floor supports, castered floor supports with floor locks, and custom paint. Controls and electrical options can be specified to match the facility’s requirements.
Applications
The 720/723 is specified for CNC machining centers producing medium to heavy chip loads, turning operations generating long curly turnings, multi-machine scrap collection systems where a single conveyor serves multiple discharge points, stamping press slug and scrap removal, cold heading and fastener scrap, die-casting sprue and runner removal on moderate-volume lines, and any 2½” pitch application where the run length, scrap weight, or motor requirement exceeds the standard 721’s drive shaft capacity.