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Most olive farmers in Australia harvest their crop using olive harvester machines. However, these harvesters can experience problems with blades, sensors or conveyer belts if poorly maintained. When you are repairing your conveyor belts, there are some essential factors to consider. These include the following: 

The Extent of Damage

Your olive harvester conveyor belt may encounter a minor tear which poses an insignificant risk. It may also experience edge fraying, which is less hazardous. You can repair these two issues at a scheduled downtime. However, rips in your conveyor belts cause energy loss, and if these rips are wide enough, the belts will eventually collapse. 

As a rule of thumb, if less than 25% of the conveyor belt is involved, a simple repair can be practical. However, when there is more than 25% damage, you must make a full replacement for your belt.

Is Replacement the Best Option?

Replacement means the near-term or instant availability of a spare belt. Changing a smaller belt takes less time than conducting a full repair. Hence, replacement of your conveyor belt may be preferable here. However, when the spare belt for your olive harvester is unavailable, you must consider the time factor in procuring one against the estimated repair time. Consider replacing the belt when it has significant damages such as wide rips and tears.

Would a Temporary Repair Make a Difference?

Many times, harvester equipment owners make temporary belt repairs which work well until necessary replacements are done. However, you need to understand that ill-conceived temporary repairs are a total waste of time. 

If the damage doesn't permit temporary fixes but offers some amount of success assurance, consider a full replacement for your belt. Some temporary repairs are done together with a reduction of the belt-feed rate to help lower its tension.

Which Repair Techniques to Use

When the situation calls for belt repairs, there are three options to consider. They include vulcanised, cold cure and metal fasteners. All these have their applicable uses and advantages for your olive harvester belt.

The Amount of Time Available

If you have trouble diverting your olives to an adjacent conveyor belt, then time is of great significance. The time factor may include the need to quickly complete daily olive harvesting, loading or unloading of containers, etc. Hence, any interruption of normal operations brings up the same questions — should you replace or repair your belt? 

Finally, basing on the current circumstances, you may need to institute a significant olive harvesting reschedule. This way, you get enough time to assess your olive harvester for possible problems and determine whether to repair or replace the conveyor belt.