adjustable link v-belt

Rich'sToys · Jun 6, 2018

Has anyone used these? Some friends are working on a Farmall M which has been switched over to 12 volts. In order for the alternator to fit under the hood they need a shorter belt than they have. They have only been able to locate belts in 1" increments, and the next 1" smaller is too short.
I'm not that familiar with these link belts, but was wondering if one of those might work in this application.
Has anyone had any experience with these? Do they come in 1/2" increments? Are they rated for this type of use? When I googled it I read where many of them are used on such things as table saws, etc.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

gab · Jun 6, 2018

I guess I've never seen a link belt but I prefer what came with it. I stuffed a Delco alt. under my Super M hood and used the original belt.

Janicholson · Jun 7, 2018

Adjustable link belts work just fine. Getting a regular belt to fit usually requires the orignal generator bracket to be turned upside down. A easier
solution is to use a Hitachi 14231 alternator. It wires the same L is Spade lug 1 in the Delco S is spade 2 Jim

sms · Jun 7, 2018

I used a B width link belt on my forklift where it would be a nightmare to
put a new belt on because of the hydrualic pump. It works very well. I
don't know what the length changes when you remove a link.

jimmyjoe · Jun 7, 2018

I have had a link belt on my SMTA for years.

Steve@Advance · Jun 7, 2018

I've heard good things about them. Their primary purpose though is replacing a belt that that has to go around some accessory that would be difficult to disassemble.

Obviously you have very limited adjustment. My concern would be stretch as slack is pulled between each link. Each link is aprox 1" long, so not much to be gained there unless it just happened to come out the right length.

Possibly you could go with a different size pulley, adjust the length of the adjustment strap, or shim the pivot mount to get the belt you have (or can get) to work.

Bret4207 · Jun 7, 2018

I've used them and they work very, very well. They seem to have more "grab" than a standard Vee Belt. Expensive, but very good IME.

Greenfrog · Jun 7, 2018

I have not actually used one, but have seen them used in places where something extensive has to be removed in order to get a belt on...for
example on a DC CASE. The entire cast iron radiator has to be partially removed, tipped forward , to just put the belt on. With llnk belt can
just string it around there and adjust tension With generator bracket.
Table saw use is because they produce no vibratiion. Motion industries has them . Harbor Freight has em.
I would use one, but pricey.

Rex Simpkins · Jun 8, 2018

I just put one on a Super M and it works fine

adjustable link v-belt

Rich'sToys

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gab

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Janicholson

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sms

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jimmyjoe

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Steve@Advance

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Bret4207

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Greenfrog

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Rex Simpkins

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