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The header drive belt in a forage harvester transmits power from the engine or gearbox to feeder drums or cutterheads. Over time, tension loss, fraying, or cracking can impair belt performance, leading to slippage, overheating, or complete drive failure. Timely replacement of header belts is vital to maintaining uninterrupted harvest operations and safeguarding more costly mechanical components.
Visual Inspection: Look for cracks on the tension side, missing chunks from the ribs, or glazing that indicates overheating.
Tension Check: A belt tension gauge or manual deflection method (1%–2% of span length) can confirm if the belt remains within operational tension.
Noise Diagnostics: Squealing or chirping noises under load often indicate slip or misalignment.
Disable Power Source: Park the machine securely, lower the header, turn off the engine, and remove the key.
Relieve Belt Tension: Locate the belt tensioner pulley and rotate or unbolt to reduce tension before belt removal.
Loosen Pulleys: If necessary, slightly slacken adjacent pulley bolts for easier belt removal, taking care not to disturb pulley alignment.
Extract the Belt: Slide the belt off all pulleys, noting the routing path. Photographing the belt path can aid reinstallation.
Correct Profile and Length: Match the belt width, rib count, and length to OEM or header manufacturer specifications.
High-Quality Material: Choose belts constructed from durable synthetic rubber compounds, resistant to oil and heat common in harvest environments.
Route Belt Accurately: Follow the original routing diagram or photographs, ensuring belt ribs align with pulley grooves.
Set Proper Tension: Adjust the tensioner until the belt exhibits correct deflection under moderate finger pressure. Over-tensioning risks bearing damage; under-tensioning leads to slip.
Align Pulleys: Use a straightedge to confirm pulleys lie in the same plane; misalignment can accelerate belt wear.
Manual Rotation: Turn drive components by hand to verify smooth belt travel and correct tracking.
Test Under Power: Start the engine at low idle, observe belt operation, and listen for unusual noises. Gradually apply load to confirm stability.
Readjust if Necessary: Pause and refine tension or alignment based on observed performance.
Routine belt inspection before each harvest season and mid-season checks during peak operation help prevent unexpected failures. For replacement belt kits and tensioning tools, please contact Shijiazhuang Tianren Agricultural Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd.