V-Plow

Installation, Operation
and Maintenance Manual

www.flexco.com
www.flexco.com 1
V-Plow

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Purchased From:

Installation Date:

Serial number information can be found on the Serial Number Label

included in the Information Packet found in the cleaner carton.

This information will be helpful for any future inquiries or questions

about belt cleaner replacement parts, specifications or troubleshooting.

2 V-Plow
Table of Contents

Section 1 - Important Information..................................................................................... 4

1.1 General Introduction................................................................................................... 4
1.2 User Benefits.............................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Service Option............................................................................................................ 4

Section 2 - Safety Considerations and Precautions......................................................... 5
2.1 Stationary Conveyors.................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Operating Conveyors.................................................................................................. 5

Section 3 - Pre-Installation Checks and Options.............................................................. 6
3.1 Checklist..................................................................................................................... 6

Section 4 - Installation Instructions................................................................................... 7

Section 5 - Pre-Operation Checklist and Testing............................................................... 9
5.1 Pre-Op Checklist......................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Test Run the Conveyor................................................................................................ 9

Section 6 - Maintenance....................................................................................................10
6.1 New Installation Inspection.......................................................................................10
6.2 Routine Visual Inspection..........................................................................................10
6.3 Routine Physical Inspection.......................................................................................10
6.4 Blade Replacement Instructions................................................................................11
6.5 Maintenance Log...................................................................................................... 12
6.6 Cleaner Maintenance Checklist................................................................................ 13

Section 7 - Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 14

Section 8 - Specs and CAD Drawings.............................................................................. 15

8.1 Specs and Guidelines............................................................................................... 15
8.2 CAD Drawings.......................................................................................................... 16

Section 9 - Replacement Parts......................................................................................... 17

9.1 Replacement Parts List............................................................................................. 17

Section 10 - Other Flexco Conveyor Products................................................................. 18

3
Section 1 - Important Information

1.1 General Introduction

We at Flexco are very pleased that you have selected the V-Plow for your conveyor system.

This manual will help you to understand the operation of this product and assist you in making it work up to
its maximum efficiency over its lifetime of service.

It is essential for safe and efficient operation that the information and guidelines presented be properly
understood and implemented. This manual will provide safety precautions, installation instructions,
maintenance procedures and troubleshooting tips.

If, however, you have any questions or problems that are not covered, please visit our web site or contact our
Customer Service Department:

Customer Service: USA: 1-800-541-8028

Visit www.flexco.com for other Flexco locations and products.

Please read this manual thoroughly and pass it on to any others who will be directly responsible for
installation, operation and maintenance of this cleaner. While we have tried to make the installation
and service tasks as easy and simple as possible, it does however require correct installation and regular
inspections and adjustments to maintain top working condition.

1.2 User Benefits

Correct installation and regular maintenance will provide the following benefits for your operation:
• Reduced conveyor downtime
• Reduced man-hour labor
• Lower maintenance budget costs
• Increased service life for the plow and other conveyor components

1.3 Service Option

The V-Plow is designed to be easily installed and serviced by your on-site personnel. However, if you would
prefer complete turn-key factory service, please contact your local Flexco Field Engineer or your Flexco
Distributor.

4 V-Plow
Section 2 - Safety Considerations and Precautions

Before installing and operating the V-Plow, it is important to review and understand the following safety information.
There are set-up, maintenance and operational activities involving both stationary and operating conveyors. Each case
has a safety protocol.

2.1 Stationary Conveyors

The following activities are performed on stationary conveyors:
• Installation • Blade replacement • Repairs
• Tension adjustments • Cleaning

! danger ! WARNING
It is imperative that OSHA/MSHA Lockout/Tagout Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
(LOTO) regulations, 9 CFR 1910.147, be followed before • Safety eyewear
undertaking the preceding activities. Failure to use LOTO • Hardhats
exposes workers to uncontrolled behavior of the plow • Safety footwear
caused by movement of the conveyor belt. Severe injury or
death can result. Close quarters, springs and heavy components
create a worksite that compromises a worker’s
Before working: eyes, feet and skull.
• Lockout/Tagout the conveyor power source PPE must be worn to control the foreseeable
• Disengage any takeups hazards associated with the plows. Serious injuries
• Clear the conveyor belt or clamp securely can be avoided.
in place

2.2 Operating Conveyors

There are two routine tasks that must be performed while the conveyor is running:
• Inspection of the cleaning performance
• Dynamic troubleshooting

! danger ! WARNING
Every plow is an in-running nip hazard. Never Never adjust anything on an operating plow.
touch or prod an operating plow. Plow hazards cause Unforseeable belt projections and tears can catch
instantaneous amputation and entrapment. on plows and cause violent movements of the plow
structure. Flailing hardware can cause serious injury
or death.

! WARNING
Plows can become projectile hazards. Stay as far
from the plow as practical and use safety eyewear
and headgear. Missiles can inflict serious injury.

5
 Section 3 - Pre-installation Checks and Options
3.1 Checklist

• Check that the plow size is correct for the beltline width
• Check the product carton and make sure all the parts are included
• Review the “Tools Needed” list on the top of the installation instructions
• Check the conveyor site:
· Are there obstructions that may require plow location adjustments
· Ensure proper clearance is available between top side and
return side belts (10”/ 250mm)

6 V-Plow
Section 4 - Installation Instructions - V-Plow

MOUNTING
BRACKET

MAIN LINKAGE ARMS

ADJUSTER
MAIN Tail Pulley
FRAME
BLADE

6"
(150mm)

Belt Direction

Flat Return Roller

Physically lock out and tag the conveyor at the power source
before you begin installation.

Tools Needed:
Before Installation: Ideally the V-Plow should be positioned in a - 9/16” (14mm) wrench
flat area on the inside of the belt close to the tail pulley. For optimum - 1/2” (13mm) wrench
cleaning performance, the nose of the plow should be located about - 3/4” (19mm) wrench
6" (150mm) behind a return roller. - 15/16” (24mm) wrench

Fig. 1

STEP 1. Measure the distance between the top side and return TOP BELT

belts. A minimum of 10" (250mm) is required (Fig. 1). Place the V-Plow
on the belt, positioned as specified above, to check for any clearance or 10" (250mm)
obstruction problems. Minimum Clearance

RETURN BELT

STEP 2. Position the mounting brackets in either a horizontal or vertical position.

The centerline of the pole must be within a range of 8" to 14" (200mm to 350mm) above the return
belt to insure proper performance (Fig. 2a). IMPORTANT: The main linkage arms must be operated
in a range between a minimum of 10° and a maximum of 45° (Fig. 2b). This allows the V-Plow to
float on the belt.
HORIZONTAL VERTICAL MAIN LINKAGE
ARMS

8"-14" 8"-14"
(200-350mm) (200-350mm)

BELT

Fig. 2a Fig. 2b

7
Section 4 – Installation Instructions (cont.)

Fig. 3 STEP 3. Mark and drill holes for the mounting brackets.
Attach with 1/2" (13mm) bolts and nuts provided (Fig. 3). Welding is optional.

LOCK BOLTS SHAFT STEP 4. Center the V-Plow on the belt.

& JAM NUTS COLLAR POLE Loosen the jam nuts and lock bolts on both stop collars on the
pole. Slide the plow in the direction needed to center it on the
belt. Once located, slide stop collars up to main linkage arms
and tighten the lock bolts and jam nuts (Fig. 4). NOTE: Do not
SHAFT
push stop collars too tightly against the main linkage assemblies
COLLAR so that it restricts easy movement of the linkage.

MAIN LINKAGE ARMS

Fig. 4

Fig. 5 CENTER SLEEVE STEP 5. Attach the adjuster to the center sleeve.
Remove the nut and bolt from the center sleeve, insert the end of the adjuster
between the brackets, and reinstall the nut and bolt (Fig. 5).
IMPORTANT: Tighten only until snug; the adjuster should move freely.

ADJUSTER

STEP 6. Position the V-Plow to the belt.

While applying downward pressure to the nose of the
plow, turn the adjuster so that the nose just begins to lift
off the surface of the belt (about .010"/.25 mm). Tighten
ADJUSTER the adjuster jam nut (Fig. 6).
JAM NUT
Apply downward
pressure
Slight clearance
between plow nose
and belt surface

Fig. 6

STEP 7. Test run and inspect.

Run the belt and check that the V-Plow runs smoothly and has an effective cleaning action. If any vibration occurs,
turn the adjuster to raise the nose slightly.

8 V-Plow
Section 5 - Pre-Operation Checklist and Testing

5.1 Pre-Op Checklist

• Recheck that all fasteners are tightened properly
• Check the blade location on the belt
• Be sure that all installation materials and tools have been
removed from the belt and the conveyor area

5.2 Test Run the Conveyor

• Run the conveyor for at least 15 minutes and inspect the performance
• Make adjustments as necessary

NOTE: Observing the plow when it is running and performing properly will help to detect
problems or when adjustments are needed later.

9
Section 6 - Maintenance

Flexco belt plows are designed to operate with minimum maintenance. However, to maintain superior
performance some service is required. When the plow is installed a regular maintenance program should be
set up. This program will ensure that the plow operates at optimal efficiency and problems can be identified
and fixed before the plow stops working.

All safety procedures for inspection of equipment (stationary or operating) must be observed. The V-Plow
operates near the tail pulley and is in direct contact with the moving belt. Only visual observations can be
made while the belt is running. Service tasks can be done only with the conveyor stopped and by observing
the correct lockout/tagout procedures.

6.1 New Installation Inspection

After the new plow has run for a few days a visual inspection should be made to ensure the cleaner is
performing properly. Make adjustments as needed.

6.2 Routine Visual Inspection (every 2-4 weeks)

A visual inspection of the plow and belt can determine:
• If the blade has optimal tensioning
• If the belt looks clean or if there are areas that are dirty
• If the blade is worn out and needs to be replaced
• If there is damage to the blade or other belt plow components
• If fugitive material is built up on the plow or in the transfer area
• If there is cover damage to the belt
• If there is vibration or bouncing of the plow on the belt
• Check for build up on the leading return roll

If any of the above conditions exist, a determination should be made on when the conveyor can be
stopped for cleaner maintenance.

6.3 Routine Physical Inspection (every 6-8 weeks)

When the conveyor is not in operation and properly locked and tagged out a physical inspection of
the belt plow to perform the following tasks:
• Clean material buildup off of the belt plow blade and frame
• Closely inspect the blade for wear and any damage. Replace if needed.
• Ensure full blade to belt frame contact (tip should have slight clearance)
• Inspect the belt plow pole for damage
• Inspect all fasteners for tightness and wear. Tighten or replace as needed.
• Replace any worn or damaged components
• When maintenance tasks are completed, test run the conveyor to ensure the belt plow is
performing properly

10 V-Plow
Section 6 - Maintenance (cont.)
6.4 Blade Replacement Instructions
PHYSICALLY LOCK OUT AND TAG THE CONVEYOR AT THE POWER SOURCE
BEFORE YOU BEGIN MAINTENANCE.

Tools Needed:
- 9/16” (14mm) wrench
- 1/2” (13mm) wrench
- 3/4” (19mm) wrench
- 15/16” (24mm) wrench

ADJUSTER
JAM NUT

1. Loosen adjuster jam nut. After adjuster jam nut

is loose the adjuster can be turned to provide more
clearance for the new blade (Fig 1.)

Fig. 1

2. Remove worn blade. Unscrew all bolts securing the

worn blade to plow main frame. Remove the blade
and clean off any remaning material on plow frame
(Fig 2.)

3. Install new blade. Use current bolts to secure new

blade to main frame.
Fig. 2

4. Position the V-Plow to the belt. While applying

downward pressure to the nose of the plow, turn the
adjuster so that the nose just begins to lift off the
ADJUSTER
surface of the belt (about .010”/.25 mm). Tighten the JAM NUT

adjuster jam nut (Fig. 3). Apply downward

pressure
Slight clearance
between plow nose
and belt surface
5. Test run and inspect. Run the belt and check that the
V-Plow runs smoothly and has an effective cleaning
action. If any vibration occurs, turn the adjuster to
raise the nose slightly. Fig. 3

11
Section 6 - Maintenance (cont.)
6.5 Maintenance Log

Conveyor Name/No.

Date: Work done by: Service Quote #

Activity:

Date: Work done by: Service Quote #

Activity:

Date: Work done by: Service Quote #

Activity:

Date: Work done by: Service Quote #

Activity:

Date: Work done by: Service Quote #

Activity:

Date: Work done by: Service Quote #

Activity:

Date: Work done by: Service Quote #

Activity:

12 V-Plow
Section 6 - Maintenance (cont.)
6.6 Plow Maintenance Checklist
Site: Inspected by: Date:

Plow: Serial Number:

Beltline Information:
Beltline Number: Belt Condition:

Belt Width: 18" 24" 30" 36" 42" 48" 54" 60" 72" 84" 96"
(450mm) (600mm) (750mm) (900mm) (1050mm) (1200mm) (1350mm) (1500mm) (1800mm) (2100mm) (2400mm)

Head Pulley Diameter (Belt & Lagging): Belt Speed: fpm Belt Thickness:

Belt Splice Condition of Splice Number of splices Skived Unskived

Material conveyed

Days per week run Hours per day run

Blade Life:
Date blade installed: Date blade inspected: Estimated blade life:

Is blade making complete contact with belt? Yes No

Distance from wear line: LEFT MIDDLE RIGHT

Blade condition: Good Grooved Smiled Not contacting belt Damaged

Was Plow Adjusted: Yes No

Frame Condition: Good Bent Worn

Lagging: Slide lag Ceramic Rubber Other None

Condition of lagging: Good Bad Other

Plow's Overall Performance: ( Rate the following 1 - 5, 1=very poor - 5= very good )

Appearance: Comments:

Location: Comments:

Maintenance: Comments:

Performance: Comments:

Other Comments:

13
Section 7 - Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Possible Solutions

1. Check location of plow to flat return roller
Poor cleaning
Plow not making proper contact with belt
performance 2. Check turnbuckle adjustment and check main linkage
arm angles

Attaing proper float Restriction in movement on linkage arms Shaft/ stop collars may be too tight

Check V-Plow nose for proper clearance between nose

Too much space between belt and blade
Material getting and belt. Check adjuster arm angles.
through
Mechanical splice damaging blade Repair, skive, or replace splice

14 V-Plow
Section 8 - Specs and CAD Drawings
8.1 Specs and Guidelines

V-Plow
Belt Width Specifications
BELT WIDTH
(Min-Max)
SIZE mm in.
Extra Small 450-600 18-24
Small 750-900 30-36
Medium 1050-1200 42-48
Large 1350-1500 54-60
72" 1800 72
84" 2100 84
96" 2400 96
Use next larger size for belt widths between
ranges.

V-Plow
Blade Specifications
Material UHMWPE
Durometer 67-D
Working Temperature
°C -40° to 71°
°F -40° to 160°
Grease & Chemical
Excellent
Resistance
Sticky Material
Excellent
Performance

Application Guidelines
• Belt Splice................................... Mechanically Fastened/Vulcanized
• Belt Speed................................... 5M/sec (1000 FPM) for V-Plow
• Belt Direction.............................. One Way

15
16
"B"
"E"
02955
2 PLCS

03277

V-Plow
"D" BLADES
2 PLCS
73392
"G" PLACES
"F"
8.2 CAD Drawings

PLACE LABEL
HERE 03061 G3544
2 PLCS 2 PLCS
G3854
4 PLCS "C"
G1337

G1752
G4079
2 PLCS G4281
2 PLCS 73533 G4155
2 PLCS
"A"
Section 9 - Replacement Parts
9.1 Replacement Parts List

Replacement Parts - V-Plow

6 3 4 5 1
BELT WIDTH
(Min-Max) ORDERING ITEM WT.
REF DESCRIPTION mm in. NUMBER CODE LBS.
V-Plow Pole XS 450-600 18-24 VPXS 73400 13.0
V-Plow Pole S 750-900 30-36 VPS 73408 15.0
V-Plow Pole M 1050-1200 42-48 VPM 73409 18.0
1 V-Plow Pole L 1350-1500 54-60 VPL 73410 21.0
V-Plow Pole 72 1800 72 VP72 74395 24.0
V-Plow Pole 84 2100 84 VP84 74396 27.0
V-Plow Pole 96 2400 96 VP96 74397 30.0
V-Plow Mainframe XS 450-600 18-24 VMFXS 73535 12.0
V-Plow Mainframe S 750-900 30-36 VMFS 73549 15.0
V-Plow Mainframe M 1050-1200 42-48 VMFM 74037 22.0 2
2 V-Plow Mainframe L 1350-1500 54-60 VMFL 74038 28.0
V-Plow Mainframe 72 1800 72 VMF72 74398 35.0 8 7
V-Plow Mainframe 84 2100 84 VMF84 74399 42.0
V-Plow Mainframe 96 2400 96 VMF96 74440 50.0
3 VP Main Linkage Kit* (1 ea.) VMLK 74982 5.0
4 VP Center Sleeve VCS 73533 1.0
5 V-Plow Adjuster Kit* VAK 76416 0.5
6 VP Stop Collar* (1 ea.) VSC 74983 1.0
7 VP Mounting Bracket Kit* (1 ea.) VMBK 73399 5.0
REPLACEMENT BLADE KITS**
Replacement Blade Kit XS 450-600 18-24 VBK-XS 73190 4.5
Replacement Blade Kit S 750-900 30-36 VBK-S 73191 6.0
Replacement Blade Kit M 1050-1200 42-48 VBK-M 73192 7.5 Shaded items are made to order.
8 Replacement Blade Kit L 1350-1500 54-60 VBK-L 73193 9.0 Lead time: 10 working days
Replacement Blade Kit 72 1800 72 VBK-72 74457 13.0
Replacement Blade Kit 84 2100 84 VBK-84 74458 15.0
Replacement Blade Kit 96 2400 96 VBK-96 74459 17.0
*Hardware included
**Kit includes blades and replacement blade bolts.
Lead time: 1 working day

17
Section 10 - Other Flexco Conveyor Products

Flexco provides many conveyor products that help your conveyors to run more efficiently and safely.
These components solve typical conveyor problems and improve productivity. Here is a quick
overview on just a few of them:
EZP1 Precleaner DRX Impact Beds

• Patented ConShear™ blade renews its cleaning • Exclusive Velocity Reduction Technology™
edge as it wears to better protect the belt
• Visual Tension Check™ for optimal blade • Slide-Out Service™ gives direct access to
tensioning and simple retensioning all impact bars for change-out
• Quick and easy one-pin blade replacement • Impact bar supports for longer bar life
• Material Path Option™ for optimal cleaning and • 4 models to custom fit to the application
reduced maintenance

EZS2 Secondary Cleaner PT Max™ Belt Trainer

• Long-wearing tungsten carbide blades for • Patented “pivot & tilt” design for superior
superior cleaning efficiency training action
• Patented FormFlex™ cushions independently • Dual sensor rollers on each side to minimize
tension each blade to the belt for consistent, belt damage
constant cleaning power • Pivot point guaranteed not or freeze up
• Easy to install, simple to service • Available for topside and return side belts
• Works with Flexco mechanical belt splices

Flexco Specialty Belt Cleaners

• “Limited space” cleaners for tight conveyor applications

• High Temp cleaners for severe, high heat applications
• A rubber fingered cleaner for chevron and raised rib belts
• Multiple cleaner styles in stainless steel for corrosive
applications

18 V-Plow
19
 The Flexco Vision

To become the leader in maximising

belt conveyor productivity for our customers worldwide
through superior service and innovation.

2525 Wisconsin Avenue • Downers Grove, IL 60515-4200 • USA

Tel: (630) 971-0150 • Fax: (630) 971-1180 • E-mail: [email protected]

Visit www.flexco.com for other Flexco locations and products.

©2014 Flexible Steel Lacing Company. 09/14. X2854