Abstract: An example external bearing system includes a base plate that, for example, is configured to be attached to or form part of a housing (e.g., the housing of a conveyor system). The base plate includes a front surface and a back surface. The base plate also defines a base elongated opening. The external bearing system further includes a bearing apparatus positioned adjacent to and attached (e.g., indirectly attached) to the base plate. The bearing apparatus is configured to have a shaft rotatably attached thereto. The bearing apparatus is configured to move along the elongated opening. The external bearing system further includes a plurality of moveable plates covering or configured to cover substantially all of the base elongated opening that is not occupied by the shaft regardless of a position of the bearing apparatus relative to the base elongated opening. One or more of the moveable plates are configured to move relative to the base plate as the bearing apparatus moves relative to the base plate.