Gates Predator Belts

[Doug Cox]

As much as I love these belts, something has changed with them in the last year or two. They use to just crack when they were in need of replacing and I check them almost daily after a few months. Now they are just disintegrating just like the cogged belts which doesn't make me too happy, but they probably still last longer than BX belts.

 

[Larry Cobb]

Heat is a big factor in the life of belts . . .

Enclosed TM's are detrimental to belt life . . .

Some current TM designs have even been modified to give an acceptable belt lifetime . . .

 

[Doug Cox]

At 30 bucks a change, I'm not gonna bitch too much.

 

[dgardner]

That's one of the things I really like about Sapphires' design - the positive air supply over the belts to improve their lifespan.

 

[Able 1]

I think I got like 2,000 hours on my last set.. Belts are no longer a problem for me.

 

[Able 1]

I use BX belts..

 

[Nate The Great]

That's one of the things I really like about Sapphires' design - the positive air supply over the belts to improve their lifespan.

I've only read on the 570 having the fan blow through the frame.... The 870 didn't have the fan/frame cooler.... Maybe I'm wrong.....?

 

[dgardner]

I've only read on the 570 having the fan blow through the frame.... The 870 didn't have the fan/frame cooler.... Maybe I'm wrong.....?

Looking at the manuals I think you're right. Wonder why? Maybe the 870 layout allows better natural airflow?

 

[Nate The Great]

Looking at the manuals I think you're right. Wonder why? Maybe the 870 layout allows better natural airflow?

Not sure, but they made it a selling point for the 570.... I personally would rather have the 870...... More sucky sucky........... Yes, I have a small penis syndrome.........

 

[GeneMiller]

not sure about the 870 but i always supply my belts with their own air source courtesy of a radiator fan. since installing it I've never had a belt break. there is a chart i saw once that showed the temperature and life expectancy. it was pretty eye opening. when the belt temperature got above a certain number the life was cut in half. the hotter it got the shorter the life. it wasn't a very high number from what i remember.


gene

 

[Doug Cox]

Unfortunately my belts are only about a half inch from the exhaust which is challenging. Wrapping probably helps a little bit, but I think I have to just accept the fact that regular changes are a fact of life. After all, its 30-45 minutes to swap them out. Pretty good for a Genesis.

 

[Larry Cobb]

Doug;
At 1/2 inch, you need a heat shield plus wrap.
Wrap a single layer of 2" fiberglass , and add a thin SS layer held on with hose clamps.

 

[GeneMiller]

Larry I don't know the genesis but if they aren't stainless won't it cause them to rust. Doug even with fast belt changes it always seems to happen at the worst time. I hate changing them when the machine is hot.

Gene

 

[Larry Cobb]

Gene;
The exhaust system on every HX TM should be STAINLESS .

With 1/2" of clearance, belt life will be severely shortened.

A heat shield is the easiest solution.