Pick roller replacement: how long rollers last and how to change them

The pick roller is the rubber roller that grabs the top sheet from the input tray and starts it into the scanner. It works with a separation roller (also called a brake or retard roller) or a separation pad, which holds back the sheets underneath so only one page goes through at a time. Both wear with every page, and they are the parts you'll replace most often on any scanner with a document feeder.

How long do rollers last?

The manufacturer rates each roller for a number of pages, typically in the tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand depending on the model, and pads often wear out sooner than rollers. Your scanner's operator guide lists the figure. Paper type matters too: recycled paper, carbonless forms and dusty or glossy paper wear rollers faster.

Most current scanners count pages since the last roller change, in the driver or the maker's utility software, and many show a warning when the count is reached. If the scanner feeds well past that number, there's no need to change rollers early; if feeding gets worse before it, clean them first.

Replacing them

• It's usually a user job. On most models the rollers clip or slide out without tools in a few minutes; the operator guide shows how.
• Replace pick and separation parts together. A new pick roller working against a worn pad still double feeds. A consumables kit includes the set.
• Reset the counter in the scanner's software after the change, so the next reminder comes at the right time.
• Clean the paper path while it's open; see cleaning kits.

Finding the right roller

Rollers are specific to the scanner model. Open your scanner's page and use List parts, check which Fujitsu kit fits, or send us the model and we'll confirm the part before you order.

Related

Scanner roller kits and signs of wear  -  Double feeds and paper jams  -  Kodak scanner maintenance