Two of the most common problems that we deal with regarding belt drives are shaft breakage at the drive end bearing and failure of a motor drive end bearing. These failures are often the result v-belt over tensioning. Proper belt tensioning is critical to long bearing life as well as long belt and sheave life.
Poorly or improperly maintained belts are a leading cause of V-Belt failure. The belt must have a high level of friction for gripping, and the proper amount of tension. The belt drive must also be designed for the job at hand, and properly installed. These factors are subject to change or wear down over time, and neglectful and poor maintenance that follows takes a toll. Misalignment is one of the major contributors to early belt and sheave failure.
Design flaws are another leading cause of belt failures. Whether it’s the drive not compatible with the equipment that was originally in place, or some customized modifications to increase load or speed, this is a leading cause of malfunctions. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer software free of charge for creating the right belt for what you need. Certain information is required of course, such as type of belt needed, RPMs and horsepower, pulley speed, servicing requirements, and so on.
Incorrectly Installed belt drives, essentially improper tensioning is a major part of proper V-Belt function. Ideally, you want the tension to be as light as possible without causing any slippage during highest capacity loads for best results. The drive must also be aligned correctly. Poor alignment will reduce the duration of a V-Belt’s lifespan, and cause it to have stability problems.
The Flolo Corporation specialist stand ready to assist you with any and all alignment issues. Please contact your Flolo representative today.