Editorial Technical Reference

Tail Pulley

This page explains how Tail Pulley is classified within Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A pulley located at the tail end of a conveyor belt system that provides tension and guides the belt's return path.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Tail Pulley

Definition
The tail pulley is a critical component positioned at the discharge end of a conveyor belt system. It serves to maintain proper belt tension, guide the belt's return path after material discharge, and often incorporates cleaning mechanisms to remove residual material. As the final point of contact before the belt returns to the loading zone, it plays a key role in ensuring smooth belt operation and preventing misalignment. This directory entry covers tail pulleys used in machinery and equipment manufacturing, typically as part of bulk material handling systems. The pulley is available in carbon steel, stainless steel, or with rubber lagging, depending on the application requirements. Key parameters include belt width (500–2400 mm, per ISO 15236-1), pulley diameter (200–1600 mm, per DIN 22107), face width (600–2600 mm), shaft diameter (50–300 mm, per ISO 8539), belt speed (0.5–6.5 m/s, per ISO 5048), radial runout (≤0.5 mm, per DIN 22107), surface hardness (HRC 40–50, per ASTM A668), lagging thickness (8–20 mm, per DIN 22129), operating temperature (-20–60 °C), bearing life (50,000–100,000 h, per ISO 281), and weight (100–5000 kg). These values are reference ranges and must be confirmed for the specific model and application with the legal manufacturer or supplier. Standards listed are for procurement and verification reference only, not proof of certification or compliance. The tail pulley is typically driven by the belt's movement, but some systems may include driven tail pulleys for specific applications. Proper selection requires consideration of belt width, load, speed, and environmental conditions. Maintenance signals include excessive vibration, belt misalignment, or unusual wear on the pulley surface. Failure boundaries include excessive radial runout, bearing failure, or lagging wear beyond acceptable limits. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
The tail pulley rotates as the conveyor belt moves, providing a smooth surface for the belt to wrap around. It creates tension in the belt system through its position and sometimes through adjustable mounting mechanisms. The pulley's rotation is typically driven by the belt's movement rather than having its own power source, though some systems may include driven tail pulleys for specific applications. The pulley's diameter and face width are selected to match the belt width and to minimize belt flexing. The shaft diameter is chosen based on the load and bearing requirements. The surface may be lagged with rubber or ceramic to increase friction and reduce wear. The pulley must be aligned properly to prevent belt misalignment and ensure smooth operation.
Common Materials
Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Rubber Lagging
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Belt Width500–2400 mmMatches conveyor belt widthISO 15236-1
Pulley Diameter200–1600 mmLarger diameter reduces belt flexingDIN 22107
Face Width600–2600 mmTypically belt width plus 100–200 mm
Shaft Diameter50–300 mmDetermines bearing selectionISO 8539
Belt Speed0.5–6.5 m/sHigher speeds require dynamic balancingISO 5048
Radial Runout≤0.5 mmExcessive runout causes belt vibrationDIN 22107
Surface HardnessHRC 40–50For rubber lagging, use Shore A 60–70ASTM A668
Lagging Thickness8–20 mmCeramic lagging available for high frictionDIN 22129
Operating Temperature-20–60 °COutside range, special materials required
Bearing Life50000–100000 hL10 life at rated loadISO 281
Weight100–5000 kgDepends on diameter and face width

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Pulley Shell Part
    Main cylindrical body that provides the contact surface for the conveyor belt
    Material: steel
  • End Discs Part
    Circular plates welded to the shell ends that provide structural support and mounting points
    Material: steel
  • Shaft Part
    Central rotating element that transmits load to bearings and supports the entire assembly
    Material: alloy steel
  • Bearings
    Reduce friction between rotating shaft and stationary housing, allowing smooth rotation
    Material: steel with brass/bronze cages
  • Lagging Part
    Rubber or ceramic coating applied to pulley surface to increase friction and protect the belt
    Material: rubber or ceramic

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Tail Pulley.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Not applicable (mechanical component)
other spec: Belt speed: 0-6 m/s, Belt tension: Up to 100 kN, Shaft load capacity: Up to 200 kN
temperature: -20°C to 120°C
Media Compatibility
✓ Dry bulk materials (coal, grain, aggregates) ✓ Packaged goods on conveyor belts ✓ General industrial belt systems
Unsuitable: Highly corrosive chemical environments without proper coating
Sizing Data Required
  • Belt width (mm)
  • Maximum belt tension (kN)
  • Shaft diameter requirement (mm)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Bearing seizure
Cause: Inadequate lubrication, contamination ingress, or misalignment leading to excessive friction and heat generation
Shaft fatigue fracture
Cause: Cyclic loading from belt tension variations, corrosion pitting, or improper installation creating stress concentrations
Maintenance Indicators
  • High-pitched screeching or grinding noises during operation
  • Visible wobble or irregular rotation of the pulley
Engineering Tips
  • Implement precision laser alignment during installation and re-tensioning to minimize eccentric loading
  • Establish condition-based lubrication program using ultrasonic monitoring to detect under/over-lubrication before failure

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 178:2019 - Plastics - Determination of flexural properties ANSI/CEMA 402-2003 - Bulk Material Belt Conveyor Idlers DIN 22101 - Continuous conveyors - Belt conveyors for bulk materials - Basics for calculation and dimensioning

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Bore diameter: +/-0.025mm
  • Shaft alignment: 0.05mm per meter
Quality Inspection
  • Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) for surface cracks
  • Dimensional verification with coordinate measuring machine (CMM)

Manufacturers of Tail Pulley

4 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Jiangsu Wuyun Transmission Machinery Co., LTD
Jiangsu, CN
ISO 9001 ISO14001 ISO45001 five-star product after-sales service certification +2
Also makes: Belt Cleaner, Industrial Conveyor Belt, Pulleys and 1 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Rui Le'er Conveying Equipment
Beijing, CN
Founded 2019
ISO9001:2015 MA
Also makes: Industrial Conveyor Belt, Belt Cleaner, Pulleys and 1 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Haihui Environmental Protection Equipment Co., Ltd.
Shandong, CN
Also makes: Pulleys, Control System, Dust Collector and 3 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Hebei Tongxiang Conveyor Machinery Co., Ltd.
Hebei, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Supply Chain Compatible Machinery & Devices

Hydraulic Press

Industrial machine using hydraulic pressure to compress, form, or assemble materials

Explore Specs →
Heavy-Duty CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

The Heavy-Duty CNC Plasma Cutting Machine is a standalone industrial device designed for cutting conductive metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper alloys.

Explore Specs →
Automated Powder Coating System

Integrated industrial system for applying dry powder coatings to metal substrates.

Explore Specs →
Centrifugal Pump Impeller

The centrifugal pump impeller is a critical rotating component that converts mechanical energy from the motor into kinetic energy in fluid systems.

Explore Specs →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of a tail pulley?

The tail pulley is located at the discharge end of a conveyor belt system. It maintains proper belt tension and guides the belt's return path after material discharge. It also often incorporates cleaning mechanisms to remove residual material.

What materials are available for tail pulleys?

Tail pulleys can be made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or have rubber lagging. The choice depends on the application, such as corrosion resistance or friction requirements.

What standards apply to tail pulleys?

Relevant standards include ISO 15236-1 for belt width, DIN 22107 for pulley diameter and radial runout, ISO 8539 for shaft diameter, ISO 5048 for belt speed, ASTM A668 for surface hardness, DIN 22129 for lagging thickness, and ISO 281 for bearing life. These are reference standards for verification.

How do I select the right tail pulley?

Selection depends on conveyor belt width, load, speed, and environmental conditions. Key parameters include belt width, pulley diameter, face width, shaft diameter, and operating temperature. Always confirm model-specific values with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.
Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Tail Pulley

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes
Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here
We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman
CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim
A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

Your business information is used only to process this request.

Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1–3 business days.
Sorry, we couldn't send your message. Please try again, or email us at contact@cnfx.com.

Need to Manufacture Tail Pulley?

Compare manufacturer profiles with relevant product and process capability.

Previous Product
Z-axis Ram/Spindle
Last Product
Get QuotesChat