Belt Drive Monthly

Volume 30• February 2011

What Is The Shelf Life And

Storage Recommendation For V-Belts?
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) states in RMA Bulletin IP-3-4, that the quality of
a belt will not change significantly within seven years of proper storage.
It is important to note that in order to achieve maximum storage life that temperatures are
required of less than 85 Degrees and relative humidity below 70%. Equally important is the
absence of direct sunlight. In reality, storage methods vary greatly among customers and as a
result v-belt performance can degrade and increase replacement dynamics for those who store
belts in contrast to recommendations of RMA and supplier.

Other Belt Storage

Best Practice Tips

Practice strict “first in – first out” rotation of stock

This will ensure the flow of new product is not sold prior to older stock.

Organize belts for easy put-away and retrieval

The organization of belts is really a matter of preference. A simple ascending in order by size/
type method may be of preference, or a even a model of most popular sizes being segregated.

Do not mix brands of v-belts

An industry standard B38 wrapped v-belt has a published tolerance from The Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) of + 0.7 – 0.7. or 45/64 of an inch (RMA engineering
standard IP-20).This means each belt can vary as much as 1.4 inches and still be called a B38.
Manufacturers make v-belts within RMA tolerances, but each makes slightly different based
on their manufacturing process. For this reason, a drive should never be installed with v-belts
from different manufacturers. The “matched” tolerance published by the RMA is significantly
closer at 0.15 or only 1/64 of an inch variation. All Browning v-belts meet or exceed RMA
“Matched” tolerances OFF THE SHELF!
 Belt Drive Monthly
Volume 30• February 2011

Don’t assume “private label or house brand” v-belts are made

by a specific vendor and mix the product
Browning does not private label its catalog v-belt offering. If it doesn’t say Browning on the
belt, it isn’t Browning. Construction and dimensions will vary among suppliers as mentioned
in step 3.

Only use belt rack for smaller lengts belts

Browning Belt Rack is a great organization
tool, but limitations of length are recom-
mended. As a belt increases in length the
weight of the belt increases. The added
weight puts stress on the belt where it
hangs on the hook. Belt rack is not recom-
mended for v-belts over 72” in total length
for this reason.

Store belts over 72” on shelving or in bins

Regal Power Transmission Solutions

7120 New Buffington Rd
Florence, KY 41042
Customer Service: 800-626-2120
Fax: 800-262-3292
Future article ideas or questions can be
Technical Service: 800-626-2093 Submitted to Don.Sullivan@regalbeloit.com

www.RegalPTS.com

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