Apron Feeder Drive
Heavy-Duty Motor, Gearbox & Coupling Selection
An apron feeder starts under a full column of material and runs at very low speed with high torque and heavy shock loading. The gearbox is selected on shock load and thermal duty, not on the running power alone.
Send us the capacity, material and chain speed. We select the motor, gearbox, coupling and starter, and quote them as one package with the service factor stated.
What we need from you to select this drive
The more of this you send, the faster and more accurate the selection. If you only have part of it, send what you have — we will tell you what is still missing.
Duty data and site conditions
| Capacity | Throughput in tph |
|---|---|
| Material | Bulk density in t/m³, lump size, temperature, abrasiveness, moisture |
| Feeder geometry | Pan width in mm, length in m, inclination in degrees, hopper opening |
| Chain speed | Chain speed in m/s and the resulting head shaft speed in rpm |
| Drive torque | Required or estimated head shaft torque in Nm |
| Power supply | Voltage, frequency, phases, permitted voltage drop |
| Duty and shock | Running hours, starts per hour, shock load class, whether it starts loaded |
| Site conditions | Ambient temperature, altitude, dust, indoor or outdoor |
How we select it
- 1
Calculate the absorbed power from capacity, chain speed, inclination and material density.
- 2
Apply the shock load service factor and check the thermal rating at the site ambient temperature.
- 3
Match the ratio to the head shaft speed and confirm the output torque and shaft mounting.
- 4
Confirm the loaded-start torque and select the starting method.
- 5
Quote the matched package including the holdback or brake where the inclination requires it.
Selection points that decide the outcome
It starts buried
Apron feeders routinely start with the pans loaded under a full hopper. Rate the motor and gearbox for the loaded-start torque, not for the running torque.
Shock load service factor
Impact from large lumps sets the service factor. Under-rating here shows up as pitting and broken shafts rather than as low power.
Very low output speed
Low speed means high torque and often marginal gearbox lubrication. Confirm the thermal rating and specify forced lubrication where required.
Shaft mounting
Hollow shaft with shrink disc or keyed solid shaft: confirm the head shaft diameter and the mounting arrangement before the gearbox is ordered.
Variable speed requirement
If the feeder speed must follow the process, confirm the turndown and check the motor cooling at the lowest speed.
An indicative package
An example of how a selection comes together. Your figures will differ — this is to show the level of detail we return with a quotation, not a fixed configuration.
Duty
Apron feeder · 1,500 tph limestone · pan width 1,800 mm · inclined · dusty, 45 °C
Package
- Motor: ~90 kW, 4- or 6-pole, IE3, IP55, high-ambient design
- Gearbox: Flender heavy-duty helical or bevel-helical gear unit with the shock load service factor applied
- Coupling: Flender FLUDEX fluid coupling or ARPEX coupling to the head shaft
- Control: VSD where the feed rate is process-controlled, otherwise a soft starter for loaded starting
- Optional: holdback where the inclination creates a reversing load
What we supply for this duty
Heavy-duty gearboxes
- Flender FZG helical and bevel-helical gear units, 3,100 – 1,400,000 Nm
- Flender FLENDER ONE
- WEG WG20 gear units
Motors
- Innomotics SIMOTICS low-voltage motors
- WEG W22 and W51 HD heavy duty
- ABB IEC and NEMA motors
Couplings and starting
- Flender FLUDEX fluid couplings
- Flender ARPEX, RUPEX and ZAPEX couplings
- Backstops and brakes
Variable speed drives
- Siemens SINAMICS G120X and G150
- ABB ACS580 and ACS880
- WEG CFW11 and CFW701
Control and monitoring
- Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 / S7-1500
- B&R X20 system
- Speed, temperature and chain tension monitoring
Ratings we can supply
Typical ratings available
| Motor power | Commonly 22 – 400 kW for apron feeder duty; higher on request |
|---|---|
| Gearbox torque | Flender FZG: 3,100 – 1,400,000 Nm, 28 sizes, ratio i = 1.25 – 450 |
| Output speed | Low-speed head shafts, typically 5 – 40 rpm |
| Service factor | Applied for shock loading; stated in the quotation |
| Mounting | Hollow shaft with shrink disc, or keyed solid shaft |
Brands we supply
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Related applications
Other Brands Available on Request
Beyond the brands shown here, we also source and supply spare units and parts for most international and Chinese industrial brands. Not sure what you have? Send us a photo of the nameplate — we will identify the unit and quote the original part.
Why work with us
- We select the whole drive train — motor, gear unit, coupling, starter and brake — as one matched package.
- You send the duty data; we return the ratings, service factors and alternatives in writing.
- We supply Siemens, Innomotics, Flender, ABB, WEG and B&R, so selection follows your duty, not one catalogue.
- Spare parts and replacements for the same units are available afterwards.
Service & support
Remote and on-site support available, from installation supervision to commissioning and troubleshooting.
What we need from you to quote
For replacements, send a nameplate photo — we identify the exact unit and quote the original part.
- Duty data — power, torque, speed, flow or head, and duty cycle
- Supply voltage, frequency and starting method
- Preferred brand, and your required delivery window
- Quantity, destination port and required delivery date
Answers before you ask
Frequently asked questions
Do you supply the drive package for an apron feeder as well as sourcing complete machines?
Yes. We supply the motor, gearbox, coupling and control for apron feeders, and we also provide procurement consulting for complete apron feeders sourced from vetted Chinese manufacturers.
Can the feeder speed be controlled?
Yes. We supply variable speed drives rated for the low-speed, high-torque duty, and confirm the motor cooling and gearbox lubrication at the lowest operating speed.
Do you only supply the eight brands shown on your homepage?
No. We source and supply spare units and parts for most international and Chinese industrial brands, not only the eight brands shown on this site.
I do not know the exact model number. Can you still quote?
Yes. Send us a photo of the nameplate and we will identify the exact unit before preparing the quotation for the original part.
Do you supply genuine original manufacturer parts?
Yes. We supply genuine original manufacturer parts. Send us a photo of the nameplate and we can identify the exact unit before quoting, so you do not need to look up a model number.
Do you provide installation guidance, commissioning and after-sales support?
Yes. We provide installation guidance, commissioning support and after-sales support, remotely or on site depending on your project.
What is the delivery time?
Lead time depends on the product and configuration. We confirm the delivery schedule together with the quotation, so you have a firm date before you order.
Which export documents and certificates can you provide?
We can provide applicable CE and ISO documentation, certificates of origin, packing lists and test reports according to the requirements of your destination country.
What payment terms and incoterms do you work with?
We accept T/T and L/C payment, and quote FOB, CIF or EXW terms to suit your project.
Send the duty data and we will select the package
We return a selection with the ratings, service factors and alternates stated — so you can compare before you buy.
Request a Quotation