Over-tensioning shortens not only the life of V-belts but also that of the sheaves, electric motor, and driven equipment bearings. In extreme cases, it can even bend or break a motor shaft.

“Replace chains when ‘stretch’ exceeds 2% of their original length,” says Greg Madlinger, Daido Chain. If a chain’s original length is unknown, consider this: The distance between the pins on a roller ...

The V-ribbed concept combines some of the best features of flat belts and V-belts. It employs what is essentially a flat belt with a series of V-shaped ribs running the length of the belt on the ...

In addition to the flat leather and fabric belts used in belt drives of the early 1900s, industry used hemp or wire rope running in grooved pulleys. In addition to the flat leather and fabric belts ...

DETROIT—The old-fashioned fan belt is losing its grip. The familiar toothed rubber belt, a staple of car engines for nearly a century, is driving fewer mechanical components as electricity takes over ...