In addition to the flat leather and fabric belts used in belt drives of the early 1900s, industry used hemp or wire rope running in grooved pulleys. These rope systems inspired development of the ...

One common misconception is that belts will slip more frequently on composite pulleys than on metal pulleys. Not so! The wedging action of V-belts is so efficient that slip should never be an issue; ...

Over-tensioning shortens not only the life of V-belts but also that of the sheaves, electric motor, and driven equipment bearings. In extreme cases, it can even bend or break a motor shaft.