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supplying products since 1983

Variable Pitch Bushings & Sheaves

Belt-driven power transmission systems often need precise speed adjustments and variable speed control. Variable pitch bushings and variable pitch sheaves are the components to do the job, and Dixie Industrial Sales carries a wide selection from top brands such as MasterDrive, Maurey Power Transmission Products, and Martin Sprocket and Gear.

Variable Pitch Bushings and Sheaves

Variable pitch bushings and sheaves work together to adjust the effective diameter of the sheave in power transmissions, changing the speed ratio as needed. Typical applications include:

  • Agricultural Equipment: Tractors, combines, harvesters
  • Textile machinery: To regulate the speed of yarn processing equipment
  • Conveyors: Material handling facilities, manufacturing, distribution centers
  • Industrial Machinery: Agitators, compressors, mixers, pumps
  • Machine Tools: Milling machines, drill presses, lathes
  • Metalworking and Woodworking Equipment: Grinders, polishers, band saws, sanders

Variable pitch sheaves and bushings give versatility and flexibility to their applications and contribute to overall performance and productivity.

Variable Pitch Bushings

Variable pitch bushings are mechanical devices that change the pitch diameter of a sheave. The tapered bushing has axial grooves along its length and a corresponding mating bore in the sheave hub. When the bushing rotates within the bore, it changes its axial position, which causes the sheave to contract or expand, regulating the pitch diameter.

Variable pitch bushings appear in conjunction with adjustable sheaves to create variable speed belt drives.

Variable Pitch Sheaves

Variable pitch sheaves are pulleys with adjustable pitch diameters. The segmented construction has moveable flanges that adjust radially to modify the sheave’s working diameter. As the pitch diameter increases or decreases by changing the flange position, the application can operate at variable speeds while maintaining constant belt tension.

Things to Consider When Using Variable Pitch Sheaves
  • Load Capacity: Ensure the chosen sheave has an adequate load rating to handle the application's requirements.
  • Speed Range: Consider the desired range of speed adjustments within your system.
  • Belt Type: Variable pitch sheaves are designed for specific V-belt types. Ensure compatibility between the sheave and the belt used.
  • Maintenance: Regularly inspect/adjust the sheave to maintain proper belt tension.

About Our Variable Pitch Sheaves

Characteristics

A variable pitch sheave typically consists of two split flanges with V-shaped grooves, connected by threaded mechanisms (screws, wedges) and a central hub that mounts onto the shaft 

By adjusting the screws or wedges, the two flanges move closer or further apart. This movement changes the effective diameter of the V-groove 

As the flanges move together, the groove tightens, causing the belt to ride higher and increasing the driven shaft's speed (relative to the other) moving the flanges apart loosens the groove, lowering the belt and reducing the driven shaft's speed 

Benefits

Precise Speed Control: Variable pitch bushings enable fine-tuning of the speed ratio between the driving and driven shafts within a belt drive system.

Versatility: They offer a broader range of speed adjustments compared to fixed sheave systems.

They are also space saving in the sense that by using one sheave with an adjustable bushing you can eliminate many fixed sheaves along your system.

Dixie Industrial Has Your Variable Pitch Sheaves and Bushings

At Dixie Industrial Sales, our customers keep returning for our comprehensive selection, competitive pricing, and expert technical support. Request a quote on variable pitch bushings and variable pitch sheaves today.

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