A gravity spiral conveyor, or spiral chute, lowers cartons, totes, and packages down a helical slide using gravity alone, with no motor or power. Product enters at the top and descends a low-friction spiral path to a lower level. It saves at least three times the floor space of a straight decline conveyor and needs almost no maintenance.

Key facts

•   Moves product down only, by gravity, with no electrical power

•   Saves at least 3x the floor space of a straight decline conveyor

•   Built from gel-coated fiberglass modules or stainless/carbon steel

•   Stair-step designs prevent jams even when product accumulates

•   Silent operation, zero energy use, no mechanical wear

•   Handles cartons, totes, polybags, pouches, and corrugated boxes

How does a gravity spiral conveyor work?

A gravity spiral conveyor uses no drive at all. Product placed at the top descends a continuous helical slide, and gravity carries it down to the discharge at a lower level. The slope and surface are engineered so items move at a controlled speed, the low-friction gel-coated fiberglass or polished steel sets the descent rate, and the spiral shape fits a tall drop into a small footprint. Because there is no motor, belt, or chain, a gravity spiral has almost no moving parts to maintain. This is the core difference from a powered vertical spiral conveyor, which uses a driven belt to move product up or down on demand.

Gravity spiral vs. powered spiral

 

Where are gravity spiral conveyors used?

•   Lowering product from mezzanines, platforms, or overhead conveyor

•   End-of-line transfer to packing or shipping

•   Unloading and let-down at receiving

•   Returns and reverse-logistics drop points

•   Airport and parcel baggage let-down

•   Any down-only transfer where power and maintenance should be minimal

When should you use a gravity spiral instead of a powered spiral?

Use a gravity spiral when product only needs to go down and you want the simplest, lowest-cost option. With no motor or controls, it runs silently, uses no energy, and needs almost no maintenance, while fitting a tall drop into a small footprint. Choose a powered vertical spiral instead when product must move up, or when you need a controlled, metered rate rather than a gravity descent.

Plan a gravity spiral conveyor

HOJ engineers and integrates gravity spiral conveyors as an authorized Hytrol Integration Partner, sizing the slide pitch and surface to your product and drop height, then installing and servicing it from regional service infrastructure. Talk to a conveyor specialist.