Full definition
The pulley at the feed (loading) end of a conveyor system that redirects the belt from the return strand back to the carrying strand. The tail drum typically incorporates the belt tensioning (take-up) mechanism. Types of take-up: (1) Screw take-up — threaded rods adjust drum position along the conveyor frame; travel limited to 1-3% of belt center distance; for short conveyors (<100 m). (2) Gravity take-up — the tail drum (or a separate take-up drum) is mounted on a movable carriage with counterweights; for long conveyors where belt stretch exceeds screw take-up capacity. Diameter: typically 50-75% of the head drum diameter, but must meet minimum bending radius for the belt type. Lagging is optional but recommended in wet conditions to maintain traction on the return belt. Self-cleaning wing drums help shed material buildup. The tail drum is the primary belt tracking adjustment point — small rotational adjustments steer the belt left or right. Per CEMA and DIN 22101. Tail drum misalignment is the most common cause of persistent belt mistracking.