08/18/2026
When selecting a live roller conveyor system, understanding the differences between Belt Driven and Chain Driven options can help determine which solution best fits the application.
Belt Driven Live Roller conveyors transmit power from a continuous belt to individual rollers. They are used for controlled transport of cartons, totes, and unit loads where accumulation, zoning, product spacing, and handling accuracy are important. Belt Driven systems can also integrate with curves, spurs, merges, and elevation changes, making them well suited for accumulation, sortation, and product routing in manual and automated material handling environments.
Chain Driven Live Roller conveyors transmit power through chains that mechanically link adjacent rollers. This roll-to-roll chain drive provides positive traction and consistent roller rotation under load, making Chain Driven systems well suited for palletized products, drums, and other rigid unit loads. They are also commonly selected for applications involving accumulation, frequent starts and stops, reversing, or indexing, as well as environments where oil, grease, or debris may be present.
The right conveyor depends on the application. Belt Driven systems offer controlled handling for cartons, totes, and unit loads, while Chain Driven systems provide positive traction for heavier or irregular loads.
Understanding the load, environment, and required product movement is an important part of selecting the right conveyor for your material handling system.