Introduction to Belt Drive Maintenance

 After this lesson, you will be able to knowledgeably discuss the general use and maintenance of belt drive systems.

• Define common belt drive terminology including:

– Belt pitch length

– Center distance

– Arc of contact

– Speed ratio

– Sheave, driven sheave, driver sheave, idler sheave, and sheave pitch diameter

• Identify advantages and disadvantages of belt drive systems

• Explain basic techniques for proper belt drive tensioning

• Describe some ways to alter a belt’s arc of contact