Bucket Elevator Drive
Motor, Gearbox & Backstop Selection
A bucket elevator starts with its buckets full. That single fact drives the whole selection: high breakaway torque, a backstop that must hold the full reversing load, and a gearbox rated for continuous duty at low output speed.
Send us the lift height, capacity and material. We select the motor, gearbox or geared motor, coupling and backstop, and quote them as one matched package.
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
| Lift height | Centre-to-centre height in m |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Throughput in tph or m³/h |
| Material | Bulk density in t/m³, lump size, temperature, abrasiveness, whether it is dusty or explosive |
| Elevator type | Chain bucket or belt bucket elevator, bucket spacing and width |
| Speed | Chain or belt speed in m/s, and the resulting head shaft speed in rpm |
| Power supply | Voltage, frequency, phases, permitted voltage drop |
| Site conditions | Ambient temperature, altitude, indoor or outdoor, dust or hazardous area classification |
| Backstop and brake | Whether a backstop is already fitted, and the required holding torque |
How we select it
- 1
Calculate the absorbed power from capacity, lift height and material density.
- 2
Apply the service factor for the elevator class and check thermal power against ambient and running hours.
- 3
Match the ratio to the head shaft speed and confirm the output torque and shaft fit.
- 4
Rate the backstop for the full reversing load at standstill.
- 5
Select the starting method and quote the matched package.
Selection points that decide the outcome
It starts loaded
Unlike a conveyor that can be started empty, a bucket elevator usually starts with material in the buckets. Rate the motor and starter for the loaded start.
The backstop is not optional
Without a correctly rated backstop the elevator runs backwards when stopped, dumping material into the boot. Rate it for the full reversing torque.
Low output speed, high torque
Elevator head shafts run slowly. Confirm the gearbox ratio and check the thermal rating, which is often the limiting factor at low speed.
Dust and explosive atmospheres
Grain, coal and cement dusts carry ignition risk. State the hazardous area classification so the motor and gearbox are specified correctly.
Chain tension and take-up
Chain stretch changes the load over time. Confirm the take-up arrangement and the maintenance access.
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
Chain bucket elevator · 40 m lift · 300 tph cement · dusty, 45 °C
Package
- Motor: ~55 kW, 4-pole, IE3, IP55, high-ambient design
- Gearbox: Flender bevel-helical or helical gear unit rated for loaded starting and thermal duty at 45 °C
- Coupling: Flender FLUDEX fluid coupling for soft starting and overload protection
- Backstop: integral backstop rated for the full reversing torque
- Alternative: Flender geared motor where the layout allows a compact direct-mounted unit
What we supply for this duty
Geared motors and gearboxes
- Flender geared motors
- Flender helical and bevel-helical gear units, 3,100 – 1,400,000 Nm
- WEG WG20 gear units and geared motors
Motors
- Innomotics SIMOTICS low-voltage motors
- WEG W22 cast iron, IE3 / IE4
- ABB IEC motors
- Flameproof designs for hazardous areas
Couplings, backstops and brakes
- Flender FLUDEX fluid couplings
- Flender N-EUPEX, RUPEX, ARPEX and ZAPEX couplings
- Backstops and brakes
Drives and starting
- Siemens SINAMICS G120C and G120X
- ABB ACS380, ACS480 and ACS580
- WEG CFW11 and CFW500
Control and monitoring
- Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 / S7-1500
- B&R X20 system
- Speed, belt or chain alignment and temperature monitoring
Ratings we can supply
Typical ratings available
| Motor power | Commonly 11 – 250 kW for bucket elevator duty; higher on request |
|---|---|
| Gearbox torque | Flender FZG: 3,100 – 1,400,000 Nm, 28 sizes, ratio i = 1.25 – 450 |
| Output speed | Matched to head shaft speed, typically 20 – 90 rpm |
| Backstop | Integral or external backstop rated for the full reversing torque |
| Hazardous area | Flameproof and increased-safety motors available; state the classification |
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 drive components for both chain and belt bucket elevators?
Yes. We supply the motor, gearbox or geared motor, coupling and backstop for both chain and belt bucket elevators, matched to your lift height, capacity and material.
What do you supply for a bucket elevator?
We supply the complete drive package for bucket elevators — motor, gearbox or geared motor, fluid coupling or flexible coupling, and the backstop — together with the matching spare parts. Send us the lift height, capacity and material and we will select and quote the package.
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