High friction points with metal belting can require lubrication, and contamination can occur in residual lubrication found in metal-to-metal contact points.
Lubrication systems are commonly used with the drum design and in chain-based systems but not used with side-driven designs.
Overall, the side-driven design has eliminated many of the problematic, time-consuming areas to clean. This design has no lubrication system, no drum, and some systems even make use of no outside side-frames. Side-driven spiral conveyors with open construction require less maintenance which increases productivity while reducing OPEX.