Conveyor length is a significant variable, as the undulating action of the belt as it moves over the idlers causes the fines to settle through the material and become compacted on the belt. On long overland conveyors, this effect can be significant. For this reason, longer conveyors are almost always harder to clean than shorter belts.

Short belts or belts that are allowed to run empty for long periods of time can suffer problems with the heat generated by the belt cleaner. A blade in contact with the belt will create heat due to the friction of the belt against the blade. Belts that are allowed to run for long periods without a cargo can cause heat to build up in the blade and the blade-holding mechanism, reducing blade-life or damaging the holder. If the belt is short, the top cover of the belt may not dissipate the heat and will degrade. A belt cleaner provided with high tension against the belt will aggravate this problem to the point in which the blade may stick to the belt when the belt stops.