Product Manual

3. Sheave Location
Install sheaves as close to the housings as possible to increase the
bearing life of the motor and driven equipment.
4. Belt Tension
In general, belt tensions are to be kept as loose as possible while still
transmitting the required torque without slipping. Belt tensions must be
measured with a belt tension gage. These inexpensive gages may be
obtained through belt manufacturers, or distributors.
Proper belt tension is determined by measuring the required force to
deflect the center of the belt at a given distance. See Fig. 3. The proper
deflection (in inches) is determined by dividing the belt span in inches
by 64. Calculate the proper deflection and then see Table 1 for the
required belt deflected force to achieve the calculated deflection.
After tensioning the belt, rotate the sheaves for several rotations or start
the system and run for a few minutes if possible to seat belts into the
grooves, then re-tension the belts.
Belt tensioning by feel is NOT acceptable. Tensioning by “feel” can be
very misleading, and can damage equipment. New belts will stretch
during use, and should be retensioned after the first eight hours of use.
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AVOID
DESIRED
AVOID
DESIRED