Flexco MMP Precleaner, Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual

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3.4 Correct Blade Installation and Tensioning
For optimal cleaning efficiency and long wear life, the TuffShear™ blade must be located and tensioned correctly on
the belt head pulley. If the cleaner pole is in the wrong location the performance of the new blade may be adversely
affected. See “Possible Problems” below. For tensioning, please follow these instructions.
Incorrect:
no gap
Correct Tension:
Full contact
between blade
face and belt
Fig. 4
Tip pushed away
from belt
Incorrect:
Larger than
3mm
(1/8") gap
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Correct Tensioning:
The blade should be tensioned until the gap is gone (Fig. 4).
Possible Problems:
• Pole location too far out - The initial blade/belt
contact gap will be larger than 3mm (1/8") (Fig. 2).
If the blade is correctly tensioned it may flip through
before it is fully worn. If tensioned too lightly, it
will develop the “smile effect” quickly and not clean
properly.
• Pole location too far in - If there is no gap at the initial
blade/belt contact (Fig. 3), the tip of the blade may not
be touching the belt. In this case, the blade will push
away and lose its shearing (cleaning) effect. The blade
may also develop a flap at the tip which may trap
material.
Correct Location:
When blade contact is made against the head pulley (prior to tensioning) there
should be a 1.6mm (1/16") to 3mm (1/8") gap at the bottom of the blade
face (Fig. 1).
For optimal cleaning and reduced blade retensioning, the cleaner blade width should be sized to fit the material
path of the belt. The material path is typically the center 2/3 of the belt width. Choosing a blade only slightly wider
than the material path can decrease differential blade wear which reduces blade retensioning maintenance, as well
as reducing the frequency of blade replacement.
The “Material Path” Option
Fig. 1
Correct Location:
3mm (1/8") gap at
initial blade/belt
contact
Section 3 - Pre-Installation Checks and Options (cont.)
Match blade width to belt’s material path
Material Path
Belt Width
Blade Width
Material Path
Belt Width
Blade Width
Belt Width Minus 450mm (18")
Material Path
Belt Width
Blade Width
Belt Width Minus 150mm (6")
Belt Width Minus 300mm (12")