The under feed roller sits at the entry of the milling unit and helps guide prepared cane down into the rollers. It is a quiet part that has a real effect on how smoothly a mill feeds.
When the under feed roller wears smooth or runs unevenly, the cane no longer enters the mill in a steady blanket, and feeding turns rough. Rough feeding costs extraction on every tonne.
This guide explains what the under feed roller does, why it steadies feeding, and how to keep it gripping and guiding through the season.
What the Under Feed Roller Does
As prepared cane arrives at the milling unit, it needs to be guided into the gap between the rollers. The under feed roller helps carry and steer that cane down into the mill.
It works with the feed chute and the mill rollers to keep the cane moving in a full, even blanket. A steady blanket lets the mill press evenly and release juice cleanly.
Because it sits right at the entry, the under feed roller has a direct hand in whether the mill feeds smoothly or fights the cane.
Why Steady Feeding Protects Extraction
A mill works best on a full, even feed, because pressure then acts on a steady blanket rather than a surging one. The under feed roller helps deliver that steady blanket.
When the roller wears or slips, the cane enters in bursts, and the pressure on it swings up and down. That uneven pressure leaves juice in the fibre and lowers extraction.
Keeping the roller gripping and true is a simple way to hold the smooth feeding that clean extraction depends on.
Signs the Under Feed Roller Needs Work
A worn feed roller shows itself in the feeding trouble it was meant to prevent.
- Cane that enters the mill in bursts rather than a steady flow
- A surface that looks smooth or polished from wear
- Slipping or riding of cane at the mill entry
- Chokes forming at the feed opening
- Uneven pressure and falling extraction at the unit
What Makes a Good Under Feed Roller?
The roller is simple, but grip and durability decide how well it feeds and how long it lasts.
Grip Surface
The working surface needs enough grip to carry prepared cane without slipping. A surface made to bite the cane keeps the feed steady even when the cane is wet.
Sound Shaft and Bearings
The roller must run true on strong bearings so it turns smoothly under load. A sound shaft keeps the roller guiding cane cleanly rather than wobbling in its seat.
Keeping the Feed Roller in Order
Routine attention keeps the under feed roller gripping and the mill feeding well.
- Check the grip surface for wear at planned stops
- Renew the surface before feeding starts to slip
- Confirm the bearings are sound and the roller runs true
- Keep the feed chute and setting correct so the blanket stays even
Common Questions About Under Feed Rollers
It helps guide prepared cane from the feed chute down into the milling unit, keeping the cane moving in a full and even blanket so the mill feeds smoothly.
A worn or smooth roller loses its grip, so the cane enters in bursts instead of a steady flow. Renewing the grip surface usually settles the feed.
By keeping the feed steady it lets the mill press an even blanket, which releases juice more completely. Uneven feeding leaves juice behind in the fibre.
Yes. The grip surface can usually be renewed and the roller trued so it feeds well again, which is far cheaper than the extraction lost to poor feeding.
A Steady Entry to the Mill
The under feed roller quietly sets the tone for how a mill feeds. When it grips and runs true, the cane enters in a steady blanket and the mill presses it cleanly.
If your mill entry is choking or feeding in bursts, the under feed roller is worth checking. Explore our sugar mill machinery and spares to keep feeding smooth.
Browse our sugar mill machinery and spares and keep every mill taking a steady, even feed.
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