Re: (ET) E-15 pulley removal -> drive belt modifications

[Andrew Poush <agp vt edu>]

I appreciate the feedback so far. I had already seen the thread in the 
forum about the synchronous belt upgrade and that's why I wanted to copy 
it. But there's no info on procedure to remove the pulleys and that is 
where I am concerned I may be biting off too much. The thing that is 
bothering me about the V-belts is that there are two of them. It seems 
they don't stretch at the same rate so I always end up with a looser one 
that slips and then the other one gets worn out quicker. If it were a 
single belt I could easily adjust it but this tandem arrangement just 
leaves me unhappy. I have been fighting a bronchitis and just got a good 
look at the motor pulley today. I saw a hex set screw holding it onto the 
shaft and that the face of the pulley has no threaded holes to aid in 
removal. Also noted that the clearance required for removing the pulley 
cannot be met with the motor in place. So now I am considering scrapping 
the synchronous upgrade if I can solve the issue another way. 

Has anyone tried running V-belts of slightly differing properties (tensile 
strength or thickness)?

Andy


On Feb 10, 2013, at 10:26 PM, "Jim Coate" <lists freerangeelectric com> 
wrote:

Andy Poush wrote:
> I have had an E-15 ... needing to
> remove the pulleys (for doing a synchronous belt upgrade).

I wouldn't rush to 'upgrade' belts, but if I wanted to get the pulley off
I would plan on dropping the transmission. The frame may make it
impossible to slide of the pulley once loose and it certainly gets in the
way of using a puller or just getting in to the set screw. Lots of
penetrating oil and patience as don't want to crack the pulley near the
set screw or break off an edge with a puller. I think Mark H is in your
area if need a hand he might be willing.

Using a synchronous belt means it has teeth and can't slip. A properly
adjusted notched V-belt won't slip under normal use and provides a bit of
a safety as it can slip if something unexpected happens. Unless you are
building a tractor for show or pulling competition use only, where know
the load will always be smoothly applied.

Jim Coate
Free Range Electric
www.ElectricTractorStore.com