Drive Tensioner

Drive Tensioner

Belts and chains stretch or elongate through usage. As belts wear, the initial tension is lessened and will result in slippage and consequently, horsepower loss; unless a form of take-up is used to restore the belt to its original tension. As chains wear, they are elongated and can result in slapping or increased vibration. This shock loading can also result in added bearing wear. Both chain and belt drives, if allowed to run loose will show an increased rate of wear. The Mectron Drive Tensioner is designed to operate in all directions, and adjusts easily as tension requirements change. A properly tensioned drive runs smoother and quieter, delivers maximum horsepower, and wears longer.

The Advantage of Mectron Drive Tension Products

• Low cost take-up for chain and belt drives.
• Idler shafts are interchangeable with all models.
• Idler shafts are hardened and ground for maximum idler life.
• Idler shafts are shouldered and threaded into units an locked with set screw to insure maximum rigidity.
• DA Series - full 360° positioning.
• Serrated pad for positive locking. Slot in base to provide precision tensioning as well as additional vertical movement. Rotating arm action for greater adjustment.
• At Series - Automatic Tensioning.
• TT Series - Screw adjustment and positive locking.
• VA Series - Adjusting & positioning.
• Mectron Tensioners & Positioners are painted and mounting bolts plated to provide maximum rust protection
• Idler - Both Needle Bearings and Bronze Bushed, Ball bearings. For single and multiple width drive.

Tips on Idler Usage

• Tensioning that is too tight causes excessive chain, belt and bearing wear.
• Tensioning that is too loose allows belt slippage or chain vibration, causing wear or loss of horsepower.
• Idlers should be located on the slack side of the drive.
• The use of idlers on the back of Vee belts causes reverse bend, and can reduce the life of the belt. However, when inside idlers are used, the arc of contact is reduced and allowance must be made for horsepower loss.
• The M.D.T. flanged flat face idler pulley can be run on the inside or outside of belt drives, and will produce no additional wear on the sides of Vee belts.
• Chain idlers should be run on the outside of the chain.
• Idler sprockets should have at least 3 teeth engaged with the chain.
• Idlers, when used on the outside of the drive, should be located approximately 1/3 of the center distance from the small pulley or sprocket.
• Idlers, when used on the inside of the drive, should be located approximately 1/3 of the center distance from the large pulley or sprocket.