In lieu of chains?

[BigMerv]

Just wondering if anyone has tried using synchronous (toothed) belts and pulleys instead of chains in their ARGO. Seems to me that with the new carbon fiber reinforced belts that can handle the same HP for the same width as chains that this would be an attractive option. I think that there would be much less maintenance (no lubrication issues, no problems with water that gets on the belts) plus no tensioners or at least simpler ones.

Since many high horsepower motorcycles use these belts why not us? I think it would be a much better option.

[rodp]

The same thought had crossed my mind a few times. I don't know if belts would be robust enough if debris got in there and you would have to remove axles to fit them (or at least slide them part way out)

[chris davison]

I originally thought of Gates poly chain. Good year now makes it also. These belts are good for low speed high torq applications, we use some where I work for food processing machines. They really outlast chains but you have to design thier use in your machine. The two plates your bearings are on cant have anything welded between them where the belt goes. So you would put them in as you installed two axles then tention them with a roller. They dont streach hardly at all but you need to keep them tight-tight as I have replaced several with stripped teeth on a 50 hp electric motor. We also have a timming belt on a 100 hp motor but its 4" wide and the motor is 1725 rpm. It drives a gearbox that has a 4" dia output shaft with a sprocket on it that drives a large offset chain I dont know what size it is but each link weighs 40 lbs and the pins are 1.25" Thats some big chain!!!

[North Country Tough]

Would be a fantastic improvement, although I think that inherent flex in the chassis might derail these belts they require parallel shafts at all times.NCT

[eddieb1965]

I also think that to keep the belts from jumping teeth you would have to run them banjo tight and this would kill the bearings.

[number1cas]

I too have pondered this, a two piece gear would ease install. You would still have to slide the shafts out to put the belts on but the gear could be put together and bolted up under the belt. This would allow you to use a short belt for tension. idler pulleys close to the gears would allow you to have contact 3/4 of the way around the pulley and that would allow you to run less tension. I have some ideas I want to try for this and have an idea of how the gear should be constructed. I have been pricing plastic 3D printers to make some prototypes and cast them to try. I have a lathe, but not a milling machine, yet....

If debris was a problem, it wouldnt be much trouble for Argo to make the box rails with a bottom plate welded on and a bolt on top plate, effectively making a sealed area for the belts to run in. Just think of how quiet your machine would be!!! Chains make a TON of noise, probably most of the noise you hear. And no more chain oiling all the time. Get rid of the most maintenance intensive area and I think you would see increased sales.