Belt cleaners (or belt scrapers) are one of the most important tools for keeping a conveyor running efficiently. When they’re chosen and set up correctly, they reduce carryback, prevent build‑up, protect pulleys, and extend belt life. When they’re wrong… you get spillage, mistracking, and endless downtime.
Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of the different types of belt cleaners, how they work, and where each one performs best.
1. Primary Belt Cleaners (Head Pulley Cleaners)
These are the first line of defence, mounted directly against the head pulley to remove the bulk of carryback.
Features
- Usually made from urethane, tungsten carbide, or ceramic‑tipped blades
- Designed to scrape off 60–80% of material
Best for
- Most bulk materials
- Medium to heavyduty applications
Pros
- High cleaning efficiency
- Long blade life (especially carbide)
Cons
- Must be matched to pulley lagging and belt speed
2. Secondary Belt Cleaners (Plow or V‑Plow Cleaners)
Mounted after the head pulley, these remove the fine material left behind by the primary cleaner.
Features
- Multiple blades or segmented cartridges
- Often carbide or stainless steel tipped
Best for
- Sticky materials (recycled waste, compost, fines)
- High‑speed belts
Pros
- Removes residual fines
- Great for improving housekeeping
Cons
- Needs correct tensioning to avoid belt wear
3. Tertiary / Final Cleaners
Used when extremely clean belts are required.
Features
- Brush cleaners
- Wash boxes
- Air knives
Best for
- Food processing
- Wet or sticky materials
- High‑cleanliness environments
Pros
- Achieves the cleanest belt surface
Cons
- Higher maintenance
- More complex installation
4. V‑Plows (Return Belt Cleaners)
Mounted on the return side of the belt, before the tail pulley.
Features
- Prevents rocks, metal, or lumps from getting trapped
- Protects the belt from punctures and gouges
Best for
- Recycling plants
- Mining
- C&D waste
Pros
- Simple, robust, low maintenance
Cons
- Doesn’t clean the belt—only removes large debris
5. Rotary Brush Cleaners
A rotating brush that sweeps material off the belt.
Best for
- Light, powdery, or sticky materials
- Food, recycling, and agricultural conveyors
Pros
- Gentle on the belt
- Good for cleated or chevron belts
Cons
- Requires power
- Brushes wear faster than scrapers
6. Water Spray Bars / Wash Boxes
Use water and sometimes detergent to clean the belt.
Best for
- Very sticky materials (compost, sludge, wet fines)
- Environments where water use is acceptable
Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance
Cons
- Requires drainage
- More maintenance
7. Air Knives
High‑pressure air jets blow material off the belt.
Best for
- Lightweight materials
- Dry, dusty environments
Pros
- No contact with belt
- Low wear
Cons
- Not effective on heavy or sticky materials
8. Specialty Cleaners (Chevron & Sidewall Cleaners)
Designed for belts with profiles where standard scrapers can’t reach.
Features
- Finger scrapers
- Brush scrapers
- Spiral cleaners
Best for
- Chevron belts
- Sidewall belts
- Cleated belts
Quick Selection Guide
| Belt Type / Material | Best Cleaner Type |
| Standard flat belt | Primary + secondary |
| Sticky materials | Secondary + wash box |
| High‑speed belts | Carbide primary + secondary |
| Chevron belts | Brush or finger cleaners |
| Recycling waste | Primary + V‑plow |
| Wet materials | Spray bar or wash box |
| Fine powders | Rotary brush or air knife |
