Maintenance & PM's

I’m seeing a lot of sites lately just replacing belts.

If the pulleys are aligned properly and the tension is set right, belts should last a lot longer than what we’re seeing.

Before swapping belts, it’s worth checking alignment.

You can do this with a straight edge or a piece of string. I usually just use string . (Cheap, easy to carry, fits in the tool bag, and does the job.)

A (top left)

✅ ALIGNED

• Straight edge flat

• Touching both pulleys evenly

B (top right)

❌ MISALIGNED (OFFSET)

• Pulleys parallel but not in line

• Needs moving in/out

C (bottom left)

❌ MISALIGNED (ANGLE)

• Pulleys not parallel

• Twisted alignment

D (bottom right)

D – ✅ ALIGNED

• Pulleys are in line and parallel

• No angular or offset issue

Step by step instructions

What you need

• String

• Straight edge (optional)

Steps

• Isolate unit

• Run string across pulley faces

• Pull it tight

• Check both pulleys

What to look for

• String/Straight Edge should touch both pulleys evenly

• No gaps front or back

✅ Good alignment

Quick Check

• String

• Isolate unit

• Run string across pulleys

• Pull tight

• Check both pulleys

• Should touch evenly

• No gaps = good