Types of Installation Holes
Generally, there are two types of mounting holes for elevator buckets. One is a flat hole. The other is a recessed hole.
Most of the buckets produced in our factory are drilled for a flat hole. Except for a small number of metal buckets, which are drilled with recessed holes. So let’s talk here on the blog about recessed holes.
Recessed, Flat, and Undrilled Elevator Bucket Holes
Recessed Hole
Flat Hole
Elevator Bucket Without Hole
Why Are Flat and Recessed Holes Used?
Generally speaking, the recessed hole bucket type can put the mounting elevator bolts into the recessed hole. In this way, the elevator bucket bolts can be hidden below the plane of the bucket. The contact friction between the bolts and the head and tail pulley drum is reduced. The fastening rate of the elevator belt, bolt and bucket system is improved.
At present, the head drum pulley and the tail drum pulley used in the bucket elevator are almost covered with a rubber layer type. So if we use the flat hole type for the bucket, it’s not a big problem for the elevator bolts to protrude.
Why Are Most of Our Elevator Buckets Drilled with Flat Holes?
It is obvious that recessed holes are better than flat holes. But why do we still choose flat holes over recessed holes?
This involves the production process, market sales, and customers’ experience. It is the result of our factory’s long-term choice.
In terms of the production process, the recessed hole in the elevator bucket is made directly from the mould. Mould costs are usually very expensive. Once the hole is made, the hole diameter and hole distance cannot be changed. This can not meet the individual requirements of customers.
Usually, we use the molds to make the elevator bucket without any holes. Then drill holes according to the customer’s hole distance and hole size needs. The size of the hole should match the suitable elevator bolts, and the size of the elevator bolts is related to the handling force of the bucket elevator system.
Why Are Recessed Holes Still Used for Some Metal Elevator Buckets?
Some metal elevator buckets are designed for heavier loads and require stronger, more secure fastening.
Many International Brands Also Use Flat Holes
Tapco, Maxi-lift, and 4B all use the flat hole type elevator bucket to meet the customers’ customize requirement.
What can we do?
For standard orders, we normally manufacture elevator buckets without holes first and then drill the mounting holes according to the required hole diameter and spacing. This gives customers more flexibility to match different elevator bolts and belt arrangements. For large and continuous orders requiring recessed holes, a dedicated mould can also be developed according to the customer’s specifications.
For more related products, explore our bucket elevator components, including plastic and steel elevator buckets, elevator bolts, belts, pulleys, and other compatible accessories.
