Classical v belt:
Conventional v belt is the most common v belt type and has been around the longest. The Initial classical V design replaced leather belts by taking over their applications in a wide range of industries, such as agriculture, ventilation, and industrial machinery. Classical v belts are capable of covering a load range from fractional(less than 1 HP) to 500 horsepower. They are less efficient than narrow v belt and generally contribute to higher bearing loads. However, classical v belts have high tolerance for poor operating conditions.
The general part number format is the cross section size and the inside length in inches ( e.g. B50 is a B section of 50 inches inside length ).
General cross sectional dimensions that are used in the US are shown below.
Narrow V series:
Narrow belts are optimum for load transfer and force distribution because of their greater depth to width ratio. That’s their advantage over classical V belts. Narrow belts are also suitable for drives with high belt speeds, again, for their powerfully compact size. Narrow belts have the ability to transmit up to three times the horsepower of classical v belt in the same drive space. They can handle drives from 1 to 1000 horsepower.
Part number designation for wedge belts are shown in terms of belt top width followed by nominal outside length in inches. The numerical prefix indicates the belt top width in one eighth of an inch. For example 5V500 part number indicates 5/8” top width with 50.0” outside length.
General cross sectional dimensions that are used in the US are shown below.
Fractional Horsepower Belt:
FHP light duty v belts are used most often as single belt on drives of 1 horsepower or less. Its design is for relatively light loads. The common applications for this v belt type are domestic washing machines, small fans, refrigerators, and garage equipment. Light v belts should never be used on any heavy-duty industrial applications, even if they seem to fit the classical or narrow v belt pulley grooves.
Part number designation for FHP belts are similar to wedge. They are identified with a 2L, 3L, 4L or 5L prefix. The numerical prefix indicates the belt top width in one eighth of an inch followed by nominal outside length in inches. For example 3L300 part number indicates 3/8” top width with 30.0” outside length.
General cr
