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2.4 Specify the operating factors
Factors relating to operation include the ease which which belt drives can be fitted and dismantled. These procedures are crucial to a belt drive's economic operation. Most standard belt sections are supplied in ‘endless ‘ form and require to be fitted to the pulleys 'in situ'.

Access to allow this and regular inspection and maintenance must be allowed.

Dismantling for replacement implies the same requirement.

It should be noted that different belt section types are not generally interchangeable and pulleys of a matching section must be used.

Geometrical factors also have a crucial effect on belt drive performance. For 4example, the space available may help to determine the preferred belt configuration. The axial width available, the shaft centre distance and the pulley diameters required will affect the final choice.

Additionally, it is most important to provide the means for the belt tension to be adjusted both initially and during service. This may be done either by adjusting shaft centres or by providing a spring-loaded ‘jockey’ pulley.

Misalignment between pulleys is a major cause of premature belt failure, and provision for ensuring correct alignment should be made.