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Got Questions About Interchanging and Replacing Belts?

A sizable percentage of inquiries directed to our Product Application Engineering Group are for belt replacements on all types of equipment and vehicles.  While we would like to help with all of these inquiries, our abilities are limited so please refer to the following guidelines.

Belts For Original Equipment Manufacturers

Gates works directly with many original equipment manufacturers to develop belt drive systems and special belt constructions that meet their specific system requirements.  Manufacturers often assign their own unique part numbers to these special belts and differ from industry standard belt part numbers.  While Gates supplies many special belts, specific details about them are considered to be proprietary and belts are only available from original equipment manufacturers directly.

Replacement Belts For Industrial Equipment

We are best equipped to identify and interchange industrial belts used in industrial applications.  This can be as simple as recognizing industry standard belt designations, or may require evaluating measurements and identifying equivalently sized standard industrial belts.

For assistance identifying industrial belt part numbers, go to http://www.gates.com/.  Note that the web page comes up with the “Parts/Interchange” tab highlighted.  Click the “Industrial” button and enter the part number to interchange.

Replacement Belts For Automotive Applications

We are not equipped to assist with belt interchanges for automotive applications.  These applications include all front end accessory drives for cars, trucks, buses and farm-construction equipment, etc. and engine camshaft drives.

For on-line assistance, go to http://www.gates.com/.  The web page comes up with the “Parts/Interchange” tab highlighted and the “Automotive” button activated.  Enter the part number to see if an interchange can be identified.  Or click on “Search by Application” to access the Part Locator Tool.

For personal assistance contact the Automotive Product Application Group directly at (303) 744-5651 or at apateam@gates.com.

Replacement Belts for Outdoor Power and Recreational Equipment

We are not equipped to assist with belt interchanges for outdoor power and recreational equipment.  Examples of these applications are lawn and garden equipment, and sport and utility vehicles.

For on-line assistance, go to http://www.gates.com/.  The web page comes up with the “Parts/Interchange” tab highlighted and the “Automotive” button activated.  Enter the part number to see if an interchange can be identified.  Or click on “Search by Application” to access the Part Locator Tool.

For personal assistance contact the Automotive Product Application Group directly at (303) 744-5651 or at apateam@gates.com.

Replacement Belts For Motorcycles

All belt drive components found on motorcycles as original equipment are available through the original equipment manufacturer only.  Gates does not offer replacement belts. 

Belt drive components applied to motorcycles as aftermarket components or kits are available from numerous motorcycle customizing and kit manufacturers.  Gates sells belts directly to many of these manufacturers, as with original equipment manufacturers, and does not offer replacement belts.

Hopefully this brief overview of belt interchanging and replacement will help in identifying the most direct and appropriate resources from Gates to help get you moving again.  For questions feel free to contact us at 303-744-5800 or at ptpasupport@gates.com

Minimum Sheave Diameters for Nu-T-Link® Belting

When applying Nu-T-Link® belting, the minimum diameter recommendations should be followed to maximize belt performance. Nu-T-Link belts have the same diameter recommendations as the Gates Hi-Power® II product line.

Nu-T-Link Part Number	Hi-Power® II Cross Section	Minimum Recommended Sheave Diameter (inches)
NTL/A	A	3.0
NTL/B	B	5.4
NTL/C	C	9.0
NTL/D	D	13.0

Note: the above diameters are for belt performance only.  NEMA recommendations should also be followed where applicable to protect the motor shaft and bearings.

Fluid Power: Use of Adaptors

Adapters can be used to make installation and orientation easier. Be aware, however, that adapters can also be a potential leak point. Adaptors can be used in the followingsituations: 1. To avoid fitting orientation, use a straight fitting and an angle adapter on one end. This makes installation easier and eliminates the need for orientation. However, this requires more parts and increases the number of joints for potential leakage. 2. When jump-size fittings are not available, make the jump with anadapter. 3. To ease port connection and hose installation.

Advantages of Preventive Maintenance for Hydraulic Hose

There are several good reasons to begin a preventive maintenance program. Costly emergency repairs, production downtime and worker safety to name a few. The main objective of a preventive maintenance program is to identify component weaknesses before failure and loss of production. Some people believe that PM actually should mean “predictive maintenance” rather than “preventive maintenance.” Preventive maintenance is especially important with hydraulic products. The high pressures and temperatures associated with hydraulics make hose and fitting maintenance as well as selection critical. If done correctly, the risk of injury and/or excessive, costly downtime decreases significantly. In addition, there is a growing awareness regarding costs associated with cleaning up a hydraulic spill (EPA). Combining top-quality Gates products with a regular preventive maintenance program will keep your equipment at maximum efficiency.

Is your Lawn, Garden, and Agricultural Equipment ready for the Summer?

As summer approaches, it is time to start inspecting your lawn, garden, and agricultural equipment to get them ready for the season ahead.  One key component you will want to examine is the belt drive system.  Whether it is powering the blade on your lawn mower or the auger on your harvester, the belt drive components will wear out over time and can degrade through the winter months.  To ensure you are getting the best performance and productivity from your equipment, it is best to replace any worn belts, sheaves, sprockets or bushings before the equipment is needed.   This will give you peace of mind that you will not be left with down equipment due to fatigued belts or worn hardware. 

Gates offers a variety of aftermarket and OEM specific replacement parts for your equipment that will help ensure you are ready for the summer months.  For any assistance with any of our Lawn, Garden or Agricultural products, please contact our Automotive Aftermarket team at 303-744-5651 or APATeam@Gates.com.