How To Measure V-Belts

All A,B,C,D,E,AX,BX belts list the inside circumference measurement after the letter of the v belt part number. Example: A88 has a 88" inner circumference, then you add 2 inches for the A Section (Listed below) to obtain the outer circumference. If you measure the outer circumference, then you would subtract the number of inches based on the section you have (Listed below) to obtain the v belt number. This is also the same for the banded belts. Measure each individual band for banded belts to obtain the correct width.

Examples of how belt numbers are coded per section:

• A Section= Add 2" to belt number (Example A88 = 90" Outside Circumference)
• B Section= Add 3" to belt number (Example B88 = 91" Outside Circumference)
• C Section= Add 4" to belt number (Example C88 = 92" Outside Circumference)
• D Section= Add 5" to belt number (Example D105 = 110" Outside Circumference)
• E Section= Add 6" to belt number (Example E144 = 150" Outside Circumference)
• AX Section= Add 2" to belt number (Example AX60 = 62" Outside Circumference)
• BX Section= Add 3" to belt number (Example BX50 = 53" Outside Circumference)

How fractional & wedge belt numbers are coded

All sections 3L,3V,5V,8V,3VX,5VX belts have the outside circumference after the number and letter(s). Example: Belt # 3V600 has a 60" outside circumference. Inside circumference are not measured for these sections. This is also for the banded belts. Measure each individual band for banded belts to obtain the correct width.

Examples of how belt numbers are coded per section:

• 3L Section= (Example 3L450 = 45" Outside Circumference)
• 3V Section= (Example 3V800 = 80" Outside Circumference)
• 5V Section= (Example 5V1180 = 118" Outside Circumference)
• 8V Section= (Example 8V2120 = 212" Outside Circumference)
• 3VX Section= (Example 3VX520 = 52" Outside Circumference)
• 5VX Section= (Example 5VX810 = 81" Outside Circumference)

Measuring K,L,M Micro Rib Belts:

Width's

• K Section= 0.140" X's the number of ribs
• L Section= 0.185" X's the number of ribs
• M Section= 0.370" X's the number of ribs

All sections K,L,M belts will have the outside circumference in front of the letter. The rib count will be the number after the letter.

Outside Circumference & Rib Count per section:

• K Section= (Example 845K8 = 84.5" Outside Circumference and 8 Ribs)
• L Section= (Example 540L10 = 54" Outside Circumference and 10 Ribs)
• M Section= (Example 940M6 = 94" Outside Circumference and 6 Ribs)

Lawn Mower Belt Problems?

Belts do so much to keep your equipment running smoothly.

That’s why it’s important to keep them working in peak condition. Check them regularly to avoid serious problems.

The chart below shows some possible signs of belt problems and solutions. This chart can be used as a general guide

and is not meant to be used as the sole source of information on belt problems.