Advantages/Drawbacks of Flat belt Drives

Advantages of belt
drives include:
1. No lubrication isrequired,
or desired.
2. Maintenance is
minimal and infrequent.
3. Belts dampen
sudden shocks or
changes in loading.
4. Quiet, smooth operation.
5. Sheaves (pulleys)
are usually less expensive
than c h a i n
d r i v e s p r o c k e t s
and e x h i b i t l i t t l e
wear over long periods
of operation.

Disadvantages:

1. Endless belts usually

cannot be repaired when

they break. They must be

replaced.

2. Slippage can occur, particularly

if belt tension is not properly set

and checked frequently. Also, wear of

belts, sheaves, and bearings can reduce

tension, which makes retensioning

necessary.

3. Adverse service environments

(extreme temperature ranges, high

moisture, oily or chemically filled atmospheres,

etc.) can damage belts or

cause severe slipping.

4. Length of endless belts cannot be

adjusted.