To meet the demands of mechanical power transmission, equipment supplier Oscillating Systems Technology Africa (OST-Africa) has developed an advanced range of tensioning elements that maintain correct tension on chains and belts, which is essential for efficient, reliable and long-lasting operation.

The company’s tensioning system incorporates arms, idler sprockets, chain riders and rollers, all built with powder metal or cast iron housings and fitted with heavy-duty casted arms that house rubber inserts.

These components provide progressive, self-adjusting tensioning, absorbing vibration and shock loads, while maintaining consistent pressure in demanding operating conditions.

“Correct chain and belt tensioning is fundamental to system reliability. Our units are engineered to deliver maintenance-free operation, reducing downtime, while extending the service life of belts, chains, bearings and drive shafts,” explains OST-Africa marketing manager Chantelle Scheepers.

“By addressing vibration, noise and shock loading, our tensioners protect both equipment and operators.”

OST tensioners are suitable for safe and efficient use in a range of equipment. In conveyor belt scrapers, the self-adjusting design maintains continuous belt contact, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing material build-up that can damage belts.

OST’s system ensures fewer production stoppages, reduced maintenance intervals and greater overall system availability.

“To meet growing market demand, we have expanded our TE series tensioners to provide targeted solutions for specific applications in many sectors, including mining, materials handling, food processing, manufacturing and general industry,” says Scheepers.

The standard TE and TE-F models, with front-mount options, are designed for general use, particularly where installation requires additional flexibility. Meanwhile, the TE-G unit is galvanised for outdoor or oily environments and uses an oil-resistant rubber mix to operate reliably between –30 °C and 90 °C.

The TE-W version, with a working range between 80 °C and 120 °C, is manufactured for safe use in high-temperature conditions and is marked with a white dot for easy identification.

Other models in the range, such as the TE-B unit which is suited to long-length chain drives and can withstand operating temperature ranges from –40 °C to 80°C, have been developed to meet specialist needs.

The TE-S4 tensioner is produced in stainless steel for food and pharmaceutical industries, combining corrosion resistance with food-safe materials while maintaining reliable tensioning.

All TE models are supplied with zinc-plated mounting screws and locking washers to simplify installation and ensure secure fitting.

Housings extend from powder metal to cast iron, with investment cast or welded steel arms, providing durability under load. Larger sizes are also available for heavy-duty applications, enabling tensioning capacity tailored to specific system requirements.

Complementary products have been designed to enhance performance of the TE series. Available for chain sizes from 06B1 to 24B3, OST idler sprockets incorporate double-sealed, self-lubricating bearings. Chain riders, produced from high-strength polymers, provide low friction, water resistance and reduced noise in low-speed applications.

Belt tensioning rollers are manufactured in nylon and aluminium, with self-lubricating bearings and an operating range from  -35 °C to 100 °C. Mounting brackets and safety sockets are also available to support installation and secure positioning.

By combining a robust design, adaptive performance and low-maintenance operation, OST-Africa’s tensioning elements deliver high efficiency in many industries, from freezing storage facilities to high-temperature processing plants.