Flat belt advise

Dr. Bert

Member
Getting ready to use a Bearcat grinder powered with a flat belt instead of a PTO. I have only used the ones with the pto so know little about flat belt use. Remember threshing years ago, but have forgotten about setting up for belt use. My question--do both the grinder and the tractor need to be level so the belt won't run off the belt pulleys, or will the crowned tractor pulley prevent runoff if it is tipped a little? The pulley on the grinder appears to be flat, but has a guide to keep the belt on. Would appreciate any comments. Thanks. Email open.
 
You do not want to let the "guide" keep the belt on but you absolutely have to get the pulleys lined up. That does not mean that the shafts have to be level as there are times the shaft you are driving could be vertical. The belt will adjust to shafts that are out of level and it can be a lot. It will take some trial and error but the first time you start it up watch the belt (go slow and turn it only a little) and see if the belt tends to run off. If it does you got to shut it down and move the drive pulley in the direction of the run off. Do this until the belt stays centered on both pulleys. If you let the belt touch the guide it will fray and destroy the belt in short order.
 
On 10-02-2013, in Tractor Talk, Super A asked about belt-drives. The topic was covered pretty well. Check the Tractor Talk archive.
 
you have to be lined up straight, levelness within reason don't really matter. it may take you 3-4 trys at it but you have to rotate slowly to see where the belt is running. absolutely can not run on the guide. that is for when the belt gets whipped as say in the wind.
that is why pulleys are crowned so the belt don't fly off.
don't forget you may need a twist in the belt as that is another common thing with flat belts.
 
Being lined up is really important. That is the hardest part, but when your set your set. Ussually the longer the belt is that your using the less problems you will have. Allows you to make more drastic changes when getting lined up, and the extra length will provide you with more belt tension on the pulley's. No need to get un-godly long though. Things will work a little better if you put a twist in the belt. If a half twist is not needed to run the right direction, you might consider putting a full twist in it. A relatively long belt will also be more suitable for a half or full twist. Secure the grinder down solid. Once the tractor is in an operational position, you might want to pull forward and dig holes for the tractor wheel's to set in. That will make it alot more stable than just having the brakes set.
 

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