Quick answer: Pick the CE-TRA-37S for containers up to 7 3/4 in. in diameter on a stand-alone conveyor. Pick the CE-TRA-37B if your containers run up to 8 1/2 in. or are tapered, since it adds tilting capability. Pick the CE-TRA-12FM C-frame if you'd rather add a 12-inch gap over an existing conveyor than install a stand-alone unit; it handles containers up to 8 in. diameter and 13 in. tall, including boxes and pouches, and has a tilting head.
All three do the same basic job: grip containers by the sides so the bottom stays open for coding or inspection. The differences come down to container size, container shape and how the machine mounts.
Side-by-side comparison
| CE-TRA-37S | CE-TRA-37B | CE-TRA-12FM (C-frame) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Stand-alone, own stand | Stand-alone, own stand | C-frame over an existing conveyor |
| Max container diameter | 7 3/4 in. | 8 1/2 in. | 8 in. |
| Max container height | Set by belt engagement | Set by belt engagement | 13 in. |
| Tapered bottles | Not listed | Tilting capability | Tilting head |
| Height, floor to belt | 37–43 in. | 35 1/2–42 in. | 26–44 in. |
| Machine size | 37 x 27 x 48 in. | 37 x 24.5 x 44 in. | 12 in. gap length |
| Weight | About 165 lbs | About 245 lbs | Not listed |
| Power | 115V; 110V or 220V available | 115V; 110V or 220V available | 115V, 1-phase, 60 Hz, 5 A |
| Adjustment | Hand wheel and crank handle | Hand wheel and crank handle | Tool-less, with position indicators |
Choose the CE-TRA-37S if…
- Your containers are straight-sided round bottles up to 7 3/4 in. in diameter
- You're bridging two conveyors and want a stand-alone machine on its own stand
- Your line's belt height falls in the 37 to 43 in. range
Choose the CE-TRA-37B if…
- Your containers run up to 8 1/2 in. in diameter
- You fill tapered bottles, where a straight belt can only touch at one point
- Your line's belt height is a little lower, from 35 1/2 to 42 in.
The 37B is also the heavier machine at about 245 lbs, against 165 lbs for the 37S, so plan how you'll move and place it.
Choose the CE-TRA-12FM C-frame if…
- You want to add a bottom-coding or inspection gap without rebuilding the line, since it fits over existing conveyors
- You run boxes or flexible pouches as well as bottles
- You want tool-less gripper belt adjustment with position indicators for quick changeovers
- Your containers are up to 8 in. in diameter and 13 in. tall
It's manufactured in the USA with 100% UL-certified components, in stainless steel and aluminum, with an emergency stop button and pinch-point protection.
Measure these three things before you order
- Container diameter at its widest point, and whether the sides are straight or tapered
- Container height, and where on the side the belts can grip without hitting a shoulder, handle or label
- Your conveyor belt height from the floor, so the transfer lines up without a bump
Send us those three numbers and we'll tell you which model fits. Call 866-888-6327.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the CE-TRA-37S and CE-TRA-37B?
Both are the same bottomless side belt transfer conveyor. The CE-TRA-37S handles containers up to 7 3/4 inches in diameter, adjusts from 37 to 43 inches floor to belt, measures 37 x 27 x 48 inches and weighs about 165 lbs. The CE-TRA-37B handles containers up to 8 1/2 inches in diameter, adds tilting capability for tapered bottles, adjusts from 35 1/2 to 42 inches floor to belt, measures 37 x 24.5 x 44 inches and weighs about 245 lbs.
Which bottomless conveyor is best for tapered bottles?
Choose the CE-TRA-37B or the CE-TRA-12FM. The 37B has tilting capabilities for tapered bottles and the CE-TRA-12FM has a tilting head, so the gripper belts can match the angle of the container instead of gripping it at a single point.
Should I buy a stand-alone transfer conveyor or a C-frame?
Choose the stand-alone CE-TRA-37 if you're creating a transfer between two conveyors and want a unit on its own height-adjustable stand. Choose the CE-TRA-12FM C-frame if you want to add a gap over an existing conveyor without major modifications to your line.
How tall a container can these conveyors handle?
The CE-TRA-12FM lists containers up to 13 inches in height and 8 inches in diameter. On the CE-TRA-37 the limit is set by container diameter, 7 3/4 inches on the 37S and 8 1/2 inches on the 37B, along with where the belts can grip the container.
Do these conveyors handle boxes and pouches, or only bottles?
The CE-TRA-12FM is listed for bottles, boxes and flexible pouches. For any container that isn't a standard round bottle, send us the dimensions and we'll confirm the fit before you order. Call 866-888-6327.
What are the power requirements?
The CE-TRA-37 manuals list 115V electrical, and the machine is available in 110V or 220V power. The CE-TRA-12FM lists 115V, 1-phase, 60 Hz at 5 amps.
Talk to us about your line
Tell us your container size and shape, your line speed and what you need to code or inspect, and we'll tell you which transfer conveyor fits. Call 866-888-6327 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm CST), email sales@clevelandequipment.com, or see the CE-TRA-37 bottomless side belt transfer conveyor.