Conveyors
Chevron & cleated belts: profiles and incline angles
Reviewed August 2026
Short answer
A plain smooth belt carries most free-flowing material to about 18°. Beyond that, a moulded chevron (V) or cleated pattern holds material against slip-back — typically useful from roughly 18° to 40° depending on the material, the pattern and the cleat height. Above about 40°, move to a sidewall belt.
When material slips back down a plain belt, the fix is a moulded top profile — but the pattern and cleat height have to match the material and the angle.
Roughly how angle maps to belt type
- To ~18° — plain smooth belt for most free-flowing material
- ~18° to ~40° — chevron or cleated belt, pattern and cleat height matched to the material
- Above ~40° — sidewall belt (see the linked guide)
Patterns and cleat heights
- Low chevron (~15 mm) — fine, dry, free-flowing material on moderate inclines
- Medium / high chevron (to ~32 mm) — coarser, wetter or stickier material, or steeper runs
- Full transverse cleats — bucket-style carrying of lumpy material
What to send us
The incline angle, the material (type, size, moisture, stickiness), the belt width and speed, and whether this is a new conveyor or a re-belt. We match the profile and confirm the carcass and cover grade underneath it.
Related questions
Low chevron profiles around 15 mm suit fine, free-flowing material on moderate inclines. Higher patterns to about 32 mm hold coarser or stickier material on steeper runs. The material behaviour matters as much as the angle — send a description and the incline.
Not by a conventional blade scraper on the pulley face — the profile fouls it. Chevron conveyors use different cleaning arrangements, and carry-back handling should be considered at selection.
