Lawn and Garden Belts

How to identify the size of belt needed?Vapormatic hold in stock three main size of belts, these are 10mm, 13mm and 17mm(3/8", 1/2" and 5/8") as well as a selection of special sized belts for certain OEM makes.To identify which belt you need, simply measure the top width and the outsidecircumference of the current belt. If the original belt is damaged or unavailable,you will need to measure the width of one of the pulleys and run a tape around thepulleys where the belt runs to get the belt length needed.Alternatively, you can also use the mower make and model/reference, if known, tofind the right belt size or manufacturers part number.Summary of rangeBelt section Depth Length of belt rangeMetricImperial3L (10mm) Z (3/8") 6mm 28mm – 4064mm4L (13mm) A (1/2") 8mm 381mm – 4928mm5L (17mm) B (5/8") 10mm 533mm – 5588mmAA (13mm) – 10mm 1143mm – 9525mmHTD (Double sided timing belts) Various VariousHow to diagnose V-belt failureClean breakCause: Clean break reveals sudden snap.Prevention: Maintain proper and constanttension on the driveDistorted beltCause: Breakdown of adhesion orbroken cordsPrevention: Do not pry belt onto the drives.Check sheaves for recommendeddiameters.AbrasionCause: Foreign material and rust insheaves wear away sidewalls, letting thebelt drop to the bottom of groove.Prevention: Dust guards help protectagainst abrasion. Tension must bemaintained in dusty atmospheres.Oil deteriorationCause: Oil-softened rubber.Prevention: Check splash guards areprotecting the drive belts against oil.Cover fabric ruptureCause: Cover fabric ruptured when beltwas pried over sheave during installation.Prevention: Proper installation of belts bymoving motor and avoiding the need to prythe belts into the grooves.Slip burnCause: Belt too loose. Belt didn’t move, frictionagainst sheave burned rubber. When belt finallygrabbed, it snapped.Prevention: Maintain proper tension on the drive.Base crackingCause: Severe back-bend idlers. Improperstorage. Excessive ambient operatingtemperature.Prevention: Check storage conditions. If back-bendidler cannot be avoided, install idler for largerdiameter. Avoid ambient temperature over 140°C.Ply separationCause: Split along pitch line indicating belt ranover too small a sheave.Prevention: Redesign drive using sheaves ofproper size.RupturedCause: Ruptured cords in the pliesPrevention: Check for stones or tools falling intosheave grooves. Check tension. Belts looseenough to twist in groove can rupture cords.Worn belt sidesCause: Misalignment. Grit or dirt. Normal wear.Prevention: Align sheaves. Replace belts asrequired.2 www.vapormatic.com