A belt conveyor includes at least one belt module defined by at least one drive pulley and at least one other pulley that is generally an idler pulley positioned between opposite sidewalls of the conveyor, and having a continuous belt routed around the drive pulley and the other pulley. The drive pulley is operable to drive the continuous belt around the pulleys to move articles along the zone assembly. The belt conveyor may incorporate features that allow for improved maintenance methods and reduced down time during service intervals. These features may include a removable belt module, at least one pulley mounted on at least one pivot arm, or a combination thereof. The belt may have a low modulus characteristic and may be initially stretched when the belt is reeved or routed around the pulleys and the pivot arms are moved into their operating position.