When to Use Excavator V Belt？

A V-belt is a wedge-shaped belt manufactured out of a rubber compound, reinforced with a tensile cord specifically engineered to transmit power into movement. V-belts can be found in driving mechanisms, such as engines in air compressors, fans, and pumps. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials to meet the needs of particular applications.

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V-Belt Product Types

There are several possible types of V-belts available:

• Light Duty - Suitable for light-duty applications normally using fractional horsepower motors.
• Classical Heavy Duty - Wide range of sizes.
• Molded Cogged - Cogs allow the use of smaller diameter pulleys and provide heat dissipation; Raw Edge Sidewalls prevent slippage.
• Wedge - Narrower, deeper profile with higher power capacity than classical v-belt; allows for smaller, more compact drives.
• Wedge Cogged - Same properties as Wedge, but cogged for greater flexibility and heat dissipation.
• Banded – Two or more v-belts joined to form a single belt allowing the belts to function as a single belt with equal load distribution and wear.

How to Identify a V-Belt?

Belts with Branding

If the branding on the v-belt is still intact, the easiest way to identify it is to simply read the part number. Unfortunately, after hours of use, the brand is often worn off and not legible. In this case, it becomes necessary to take note of the dimensions of the belt.

Belts without Branding

You then need to find the measurements for your V-belt. The following steps will allow you to do so:

Step 1: Determine Belt Cross Section

V-belt cross sections are categorized based on their top width and depth measurements. Each width/depth combination is labelled using a letter of the alphabet. For example, v-belts with 21/32 in. width and 7/16 in. depth are labelled a "B" belt. Specially designed Browning V-Belt Rules are also available with a gauge to help you select the correct belt type. 

Step 2: Identify Belt Construction

V-belts are available in either wrapped or raw edge styles. A conventional wrapped v-belt will have an envelope of rubberized fabric covering the belt. A raw edge cogged v-belt will have exposed rubber sidewalls and moulded cogs on the bottom that resemble teeth. The following characteristics may also be present, depending on the construction type:

1. Rubberized fabric cover – Cover envelopes the entire belt and protects the belt core.
2. Top fabric – Provides heat and oil resistance.
3. Load carrying section – Cords (also known as tensile members) give the ability to transmit power and ensure uniform load distribution.
4. Compression section – Elastomer resists compression fatigue and dissipates internal heat build-up, providing firm lateral pressure against the sheave/pulley sidewall and distributing the load to the cords.
5. Precision molded cogs – Provide additional flexibility, allowing for the use of smaller pulley diameters, and aiding in heat dissipation.

Step 3: Measure V-belt length

The most difficult part of identifying a v-belt is measuring the length. There is no precise method that is practical to perform in the field for v-belt measurement. Precise measurement requires a measuring fixture with pulleys of prescribed dimension and the ability to apply a specific tension to the belt according to ARPM (Association for Rubber Product Manufacturers) standards for the given belt section.

Additionally, there are several terms used in the industry to describe length (e.g. inside length, outside length, pitch length, effective length) making it very confusing. 

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Some belt providers instruct end users to utilize tapes to measure outside length. While this method can approximate belt length, it can still be off by inches. If the drive has ample installation and take-up range, using a tape can yield a belt that will fit the drive in many cases, however, there is no guarantee it is the optimum length designed for the drive. 

Contact Megadyne Application Engineering, who will work with you to perform the drive analysis and ensure the belts we deliver are the best choice for your application.

Step 4: Label the Drive

Finally, to avoid the issue of identifying the v-belt each time it needs to be replaced, a good maintenance practice is to properly label the drive with the correct belt part number. Use an adhesive sticker or any type of permanent signage where you can easily read the belt part number, making it easy to obtain belts in the future. Recording the date when the belts were installed can also enhance your maintenance program with increased uptime by knowing when to replace belts before they fail. 

Quality V-Belts From Megadyne

The Excavator V-belt plays a vital role in powering the water pump, ensuring its continuous operation. So, how exactly does a V-belt work? The main V-belt, often referred to as the drive belt, is connected to a pulley on the engine’s crankshaft. As the engine runs, the crankshaft rotates, which in turn moves the pulley and the drive belt around it. This motion drives the water pump and several other components of the engine system. Clearly, the V-belt is an essential part of the engine, particularly in maintaining the cooling system.

Professional Excavator V belt Manufacturer

As a professional Excavator Belt Manufacturer, Colorful Tower offers a comprehensive range of Excavator V belts. Please scroll down to explore our wide selection of products. Welcome to contact us for more details or technical support. Colorful Tower is your reliable partner for high-pressure hydraulic solutions.

Tips & Tricks to Maintain Your V-Belt

1. Maintain Proper Belt Tension

It’s important to keep the belt tension at the correct level. Belts that are too loose will slip, leading to increased wear and tear. On the other hand, belts that are too tight can put extra strain on the bearings. To avoid these issues, always choose the correct V-belt for your system and install it correctly. Many modern belts come pre-tensioned for an immediate fit, but make sure to check the tension within the first 24–48 hours of use and adjust it if necessary.

2. Check the Pulleys and Bearings

After turning off the engine, always check if the pulleys feel hot. Overheating can be caused by improper lubrication or a belt that’s too tight or too loose. If the pulleys are hot, apply the appropriate lubricant or adjust the belt tension to resolve the issue.

3. Keep Belts Clean

Dirt, grease, and oil can significantly shorten the lifespan of a V-belt. To avoid this, regularly wipe the belt with a dry cloth or rag. If oil or grease splashes onto the belt, clean it with soap and water, and make sure to thoroughly dry it afterward. Ensuring that all belts and pulleys are properly aligned is also important for smooth operation.

4. Replace Pulleys and Belts Simultaneously

If you replace a new belt on a worn pulley, it can reduce the lifespan of the new belt by up to 50%. As a general rule, when the pulley shows visible signs of wear, it’s best to replace both the pulley and the belt at the same time.

5. Don’t Mix Old and New Belts

Avoid mixing old and new belts on the same drive. Doing so can lead to a number of problems, including uneven tensioning, a shortened lifespan for the new belt, and inefficient power transmission. Always ensure that all belts are in similar condition to maintain optimal performance.