I just got through talking to a rep from Optibelt, he was trying to sell us Tufting Machine Drive belts, I asked if they sold belts for other applications.... Answer yes.
I need to know the width , Pitch and tooth count of our belts
He said 25 to 50 Bucks but I want to know for sure
with  this info he can give me a solid quote
what do ours usually cost.

Kel

ours cost $180 new

At $180 each, you can buy a heck of a chain conversion and have coins left over.

Other than accidents (eating rocks, etc.) have any of us actually worn a belt out yet?

Chck this out guys, it might be interesting to some of you.

http://www.bandousa.com/html/pdfs_industrial/bu-200_power_trans.pdf

Check out pages 14 and 89 for the 14pitch x 40 wide belts, makes good reading. Looks like the profile is right.

Also stopped by the local Suzuki/Kawi dealer and told him we were
lengthening our swingarm, and the owner said it wouldn't be a prob
for him to find a longer belt, so they are out there.

The Bando's in this catalog are STS series. The Sukuki belt is a UTS
series, but don't think it affects the profile.

A polyurethane blend belt may be more UV resistant or something,
the STS belts here say they are neoprene.

I'm no belt expert for sure! Just passing on what I've come across
on the net.
                                                    Keith
                                                 

Belts of this type are a flat series of cords with rubber or plastic molded over them to form the teeth.

Our teeth are the most "durable" hard plastic material possible -- this is proven out by the crushed & formed coins and powdered rocks folks have pulled out of their belts and posted pics of on this list.  It is a durable system.

I did ask who has worn out a belt apart from a disaster scenario -- and I think the answer is "nobody".  They are very very durable apart from an accidental damage event.  We have heard about people tearing up the sprockets, yes -- the splined center hub of the powdered metal small one wears out as a high mileage item, but the belt keeps on kicking.

Example, I own a Savage chain conversion but have not installed it yet -- still waiting for something to push me past the limitations of the belt system we have now.  My real issue on this topic is that I have a shaft drive road bike for the long trips and the gearing offered by the Savage belt is just plumb optimal for scooting around town type use and I can't find motivation to change it out.

From Email


A[i]lso the belt I was asking about

Bando 133U 14M 40.0

I guess that means 133 teeth, 14mm pitch and 40mm wide
[/i]



Would this work?

Kel

If that is the case, the belt is 73.3” long?

If so the industrial number is 1862-14M-40.

The closest I got is an 1890 mm length. That would increase the center distance by 14 mm or 5/8” of an inch. Is there a tensioning sprocket on the bike that can adjust for differences in belt length?
Eric Steele

Thats what I responded back with.... will probably never hear from him again

Kel

The closest I got is an 1890 mm length. That would increase the center distance by 14 mm or 5/8” of an inch.

Bill, he already cut it in 1/2 once. It really is 5/8ths, IF the Savage belt is 73.3".