Difference between apron feeder and belt feeder

January.06,2025

Feeders are usually located at the bottom of the hopper of most crushers and screens, and their task is to move material from the hopper to the screen, crusher or feed conveyor at a steady rate.

Apron feeder

Apron feeders consist of a chassis chain, rollers and tail wheels, similar to the tracks on a bulldozer. The two undercarriages are placed side by side and connected by heavy-duty track bars. The chain links are sealed to prevent material penetration and wear on the system. Due to their structure, apron feeders are more suitable for heavy-duty projects and can handle rocks up to 600mm and above.

Pros

Made of hardened steel
Can handle heavy loads (rocks up to 600mm)
Can withstand shocks
Handles many different types of materials

Cons

Large upfront investment
Slower movement
May be worn by very wet, fine material
May have some fines leaking out

Belt Feeder

A belt feeder is a feeder that operates using a single endless hardened rubber belt, a drive drum, an idler drum, and multiple rollers. This system allows material, typically less than 300mm, to be conveyed over longer distances at higher speeds. However, belt feeders wear out much faster and don’t take as much shock as apron feeders, and are suited to applications where there may be more liquid runoff.

Pros

Great for small pieces of material, either wet or dry
More suitable for smaller materials (max size 300mm)
Moves faster
Reduces upfront cost

Cons
Generally require more maintenance
Cannot tear with sharp materials
Material falling onto the belt may cause damage
Potential for material slipping on the belt