Portable Conveying Updates: Smarter Designs & Cost Improvements

Product development is a constant process, whether it’s identifying the need for new equipment or enhancing proven products. Much of that progress happens through close collaboration with dealers, whose feedback shapes everything from minor refinements to major innovations.

“Nobody understands day-to-day end user challenges better than dealers,” says Zach Ourada, Superior's inside sales manager. "That’s why their input is so valuable."

One area where that partnership is especially active is in portable conveying, where several advancements are currently in development. Here’s a preview of what’s taking shape.

Stackable Conveyors Evolve for Efficiency

Superior recently made several enhancements to its Stackable Conveyors, which are primarily used for in-plant applications. Updates include a universal frame and stationary support, plus two new features with better maintenance in mind.

The conveyor’s frame is now designed to universally accept either stationary supports or a wheeled undercarriage, providing more flexibility within each model. While the standard and Stackable Plus frames remain distinct, each benefits from this simplified design.

“One frame accepts both options,” explains Billy Bearson, a mechanical designer of portable conveyors. “With fewer designs, we improve quality and make any future updates easier across the board.”

The ability to switch between stationary supports and wheeled undercarriages also increases rental fleet versatility to give dealers a competitive edge. Additionally, Superior transitioned from weld-in skirting to a bolt-in design, which aligns with other products.

“Weld-in skirting made replacing tough and time consuming,” says Ourada. “Now, your customers can just pop out the bolts and drop in new skirting.”

Lastly, the conveyor's take-up covers were redesigned with a new shape that prevents material from collecting and makes cleanup easier.

Slidetrack System for Harsher Environments

The TeleStacker® Conveyor’s Slidetrack System debuted more than a decade ago as a significant improvement for supporting the hydraulic and electrical hoses that move with the telescoping stinger. Since then, dealer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

More recently, however, a challenge surfaced in a wet sand application, prompting a fresh look at how the system performs in tough environments.

“Even if it’s an isolated case—like this one appears to be—we’re carefully considering how to take a system we thought was bulletproof to the next level,” says Zach Ourada, inside sales manager at Superior.

As part of the evaluation, Superior’s engineers are exploring several design improvements, including a self-cleaning track, the use of stainless steel components, and the elimination of ball bearings.

“We’ve already started testing in the factory, and this summer, we’ll take it to the field," Ourada says. "If all goes well, our dealers will be the first to know."

PilePro™ Automation Tackles Voids

Now in its 14th iteration, the TeleStacker Conveyor’s PilePro Automation program continues to evolve as Superior explores updates to improve pile void detection.

“The current program doesn’t fully address voids created while building stockpiles,” Ourada says. “We’ve heard that feedback from a few customers and our R&D team is actively working on it.”

While PilePro Automation builds a great stockpile from scratch, Superior recognizes that an enhancement addressing pile voids is necessary for the program to remain best in class.

Even flagship products have room to get better!

3D Design Drives More Progress

Superior is making a broader transition to 3D CAD for its portable conveyor offerings, starting with Stackable Conveyors.

“As we move more designs into 3D, it’s a natural opportunity to review and improve them,” says Bearson. “We’re doing the work anyway, so it makes sense to explore design changes at the same time.”

Ourada adds that this shift could lead to entirely new product developments.

“It gives us the chance to reevaluate designs that have been around for 20 years,” he says. “We're looking for opportunities to simplify designs that benefit dealers and end users.”