Skip to content
English
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Choosing the Right Conveyor Belt by Industry: Expert Insights from Smiley Monroe

As industries become more automated and uptime becomes more critical, choosing the right conveyor belt is no longer just about fit — it's about performance, safety, sustainability, and efficiency. At Smiley Monroe, we’ve been helping OEMs and operators across the globe select and supply the optimal belting solutions for over four decades. Whether you’re in quarrying, recycling, ports, or agriculture, here’s everything you need to know about selecting the best conveyor belt for your application — with expert insight from the Giants of Belting.

1. What is the best conveyor belt for quarrying and aggregate handling?

In quarrying, where operations are 24/7 and conditions are extreme, your belt needs to stand up to impact, sharp material, and abrasive fines — all without frequent downtime.

Smiley Monroe’s recommendation:
Our ToughFlex® belts are built specifically for high-impact, abrasive environments like crushers, screeners, and stockpilers. Constructed using a unique two-ply EPP carcass and a specialised warp weave, ToughFlex® offers:

  • Excellent impact resistance without the need for steel reinforcement

  • Lower weight for easier installation and energy efficiency

  • 100% recyclability

These belts are trusted by the world’s top 10 materials processing OEMs, making them a proven solution for quarry sites across the globe.

Which belts are ideal for recycling and demolition environments?

Handling construction and demolition (C&D) waste is tough — especially when your conveyor belt must manage unpredictable materials like rebar, concrete chunks, scrap metal, and sharp edges. A traditional multi-ply belt won’t cut it here.

Smiley Monroe’s recommendation:
Our Ripstop conveyor belts are engineered with reinforced steel wire mesh integrated into the carcass for maximum tear and puncture resistance. They’re ideal for use:

  • Under overband magnets

  • On crushers and screeners handling sharp or jagged material

  • In mobile recycling equipment where mechanical durability is key

With longer service life and resistance to belt splitting, Ripstop belts are the trusted choice for recycling operations that can’t afford frequent belt changes.

 What belts perform best in washing systems and wet environments?

Wet, sticky, and fine materials are notoriously difficult to handle. They tend to cling to belts, clog systems, and accelerate wear. In washing and screening systems, the right belt makes all the difference to efficiency and belt lifespan.

Smiley Monroe’s recommendation:
We supply Chevron Endless Belts with optimised cleat height and pitch to maintain consistent material flow in damp conditions. Paired with our:

  • PU Chevron Belt Cleaners

  • Impact Bars to prevent sag and material spillage

  • Self-cleaning Polymer™ Rollers

…you get a complete belting solution that supports clean, continuous operation and minimal carryback.

Our belts are routine-tested in our in-house lab, ensuring they stand up to the realities of washing systems in both mobile and static plants.

⚓ 4. What conveyor belts are best for ports and bulk handling terminals?

Port operations involve high volumes, long-distance conveying, and exposure to wind, salt, and corrosion — a unique set of challenges that demand heavy-duty belting and reliable components.

Smiley Monroe’s recommendation:
For these demanding environments, we recommend high-tensile strength EP630 or EP800 Endless Belts, available in widths up to 2600mm. These belts are ideal for conveying:

  • Sand, salt, ore, coal, and aggregates

  • High-throughput material transfers over long distances

  • Outdoor environments with variable weather conditions

To reduce wear and corrosion risks, we also offer:

  • HDPE Polymer Rollers (up to 50% lighter than steel)

  • PU Belt Cleaners for consistent surface maintenance

Combined, these solutions ensure maximum throughput with minimal downtime, and are increasingly used in port terminals and industrial facilities around the world.

Are there conveyor belts suitable for agriculture and food-related use?

Agricultural applications — whether grain handling, potato grading, or soil processing — require belts that are gentle, chemical-resistant, and easy to clean. Durability and low contamination risk are key.

Smiley Monroe’s recommendation:
While our belts are not certified for food-contact use, we do supply a range of belts suitable for agricultural, food adjacentcent and light industrial use, including:

  • Cleated belts with PU covers for incline movement

  • Cut rubber & plastic parts tailored to OEM agri-equipment

  • Lightweight, energy-efficient options for indoor/outdoor applications

All belts are supplied cut to order, with no minimum quantities, and tagged with a unique quality ID number for easy reordering and maintenance tracking.

For clients in equipment manufacturing and agriculture-adjacent industries, our solutions offer the perfect balance between performance and customisation.

Smiley Monroe: Global Experts in Industry-Specific Conveyor Belting

From recycling to rock crushing, Smiley Monroe offers more than conveyor belts — we offer solutions built around maximum uptime, reduced downtime, and proven industry results. Our in-house engineering team, global manufacturing footprint, and dedication to innovation make us the first call for OEMs and operators who demand more from their belting partner.

🔗 Learn more: www.smileymonroe.com