Engineering solutions provider BMG’s extensive range of specialised Gates belting includes heavy-duty Predator V-belts, which were specially designed to meet the challenges affecting drives that must perform optimally in harsh conditions, including sugar processing applications.

Predator belts are particularly suited for use in the sugar industry on heavy-duty crushers, grinders and shredders, where standard V-belts often experience performance issues.

Gates Predator V-belts – which have the highest power density of any V-belts – provide a reliable solution for drives where single belts tend to vibrate, turn over or jump off pulleys, explains BMG power transmission division business unit manager Carlo Beukes.

“The Predator PowerBand design comprises several V-belts joined together by a permanent, high-strength tie band, allowing the belts to work together as one unit,” he explains.

Beukes highlights that Predator V-belts offer at least 40% higher power ratings compared with standard Gates Super HC belts. Manufactured from advanced materials, these heavy-duty belts are designed to enhance machinery performance and durability, reducing maintenance requirements and minimising downtime in challenging environments.

“The exceptionally high-power rating per belt allows the drive designer to reduce the number of belts required, resulting in narrower pulleys and lighter weights than standard systems. All these design features increase overall drive efficiency in sugar production,” Beukes says.

Additionally, the use of aramid tensile cords ensures that these V-belts can offer high shock, load resistance and “virtually zero stretch”. Other key benefits include increased productivity, reduced need for re-tensioning and safe reliable operation in temperatures ranging from -30 °C to 60 °C, Beukes explains.

A specially treated double fabric cover enhances abrasion resistance, allowing the V-belts to withstand debris, punctures, slippage and shearing forces. The outer surface of the double fabric cover is manufactured in a bareback, non-rubber impregnated construction, enabling the belt to endure heavy shock and impulse loads without excessive heat generation.

BMG offers the Predator range in both PowerBand and Single belt options. The Predator PowerBand belt replaces several belts with the strength of a single belt, featuring a multiple-layer tie-band that provides significant lateral rigidity, preventing belts from turning over or from coming off the drive.

Single belts are designed for heavy-duty applications where PowerBand belts may not be suitable, such as when debris needs to pass between individual belts without causing damage to the belt section.

PowerBand belts are available in SPBP, SPCP, and 8VP sections, while Single belts are available on demand in SPBP and SPCP sections.

This robust and flexible range of Gates V-belts is available from BMG’s extensive branch network and is enhanced by a technical advisory and 24-hour support service throughout Africa.