Sep 20, 2023

Can You Wreck Your Blower with the Belt to Tight Truck Mount

Ever wondered, can you wreck your blower with the belt too tight on a truck mount? Well, you're not alone.

We've been in the cleaning business for 31 glorious years, and we've seen this question pop up more times than we can count. We decided to put our expertise to work and answer this burning question for you.

And while a too-tight belt can absolutely wreck your blower, it’s important to understand exactly why this happens. So, let’s dive in.

What this article covers:

Can the Belt Being Too Tight Wreck Your Blower on a Truckmount?
How Tight Should the Belt on a Truck Mount Blower Be?
Troubleshooting: Belt Tightness Tips & Tricks

Can the Belt Being Too Tight Wreck Your Blower on a Truckmount?

You bet it can! A belt that's too tight is more than just a minor inconvenience; it's a ticking time bomb for your truck mount blower. Let's find out why this is such a big deal.

The Role Of The Belt

First, let's understand the role of the belt in this machinery. The belt is not just a piece of rubber looping around pulleys; it's the lifeline of your blower. It transfers the rotational force from the engine to the blower, enabling it to suck in and expel air. In simpler terms, no belt, no cleaning.

The Consequences Of A Tight Belt

Now, what happens when this lifeline is pulled too tight? Several things and none of them are good:

Bearing Damage: The excessive tension from a tight belt puts a lot of strain on the bearings, causing them to wear out faster. Damaged bearings can lead to a noisy operation and, eventually, complete failure of the blower.
Motor Stress: A tight belt means your motor has to work harder to turn the blower. This added stress can lead to overheating and reduce your motor's lifespan.
Reduced Efficiency: Believe it or not, a too-tight belt can make your blower less efficient. The extra tension restricts the free movement of the blower, reducing its ability to move air effectively.
Premature Breakdown: After conducting experiments with various belts, we found that blowers with overly tight belts tend to break down much sooner than those with adequately adjusted belts.
Increased Operational Costs: Replacing bearings, motors, and even the blower itself can be expensive. Not to mention the downtime you'll experience, which could lead to lost business.

How Tight Should the Belt on a Truck Mount Blower Be?

Now that we've established the risks let's discuss the ideal tightness. According to our research, the tension should be just right—not too loose and not too tight. We suggest the belt have 3/4" deflection in or out on the long side when the motor is cold.

Troubleshooting: Belt Tightness Tips & Tricks

Wondering, How Can I Tell If The Blower On My Truckmount Siezed? If you're struggling with belt tightness, here are some quick tips:

Check for squealing sounds; From our experience, they often indicate a loose belt.
Use a tension gauge for accurate measurements.
Only adjust the belt when the motor is cold.
Look for signs of wear and tear and replace the belt as needed.
After putting it to the test, make adjustments as you go along.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! A belt that's too tight can wreak havoc on your truck mount blower. But don’t worry, with our troubleshooting tips, you’ll get that tightness fixed without any hassle.

Remember, with Truckmount Forums by your side, you'll always have top-of-the-line professional carpet cleaning equipment and expert advice to keep your cleaning business running smoothly.

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