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Torque Team
®
V-Belts
Installation Guide
Tensioning Methods
When you install belts at optimal tension, you save time and
money. To illustrate this point, the figure below compares the
cost and accuracy of various V-belt drive tensioning methods.
Choose one of two tensioning methods
for V-belts:
TensionRite® Belt Frequency Meter
Using advanced optical technology, our TensionRite® Belt
Frequency Meter provides a simple, repeatable and reliable
method for tensioning belts. It displays the natural vibration
frequency of the belt strand so you can closely monitor belt
tension. The device works with all industrial transmission belts,
including V-belts, synchronous belts, banded belts and Poly-V®
belts and calculates the corresponding belt tension in either
English or SI units.
Deflection Principle
Plunger-type gauges utilize the deflection principle to check the
tension of a belt drive.
The gauge deflects the center of the belt span and the force of
this deflection is compared to a target deflection force for the
particular span. Then, one can adjust the belt tension until the
actual deflection force equals the target.
Banded Belts
Installation Guide
21
64%
Average % Accuracy and Cost of Tensioning Devices
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Comparison of V-Belt Tensioning Methods
Percent Accuracy
Cost ($)
$1,500
$1200
$900
$600
$300
$0
Percent Accuracy
Cost ($)
Thumb
Plunger
TensionRite®
Test
FrequencyMeter
$80
90%
$1200
99%
$0