What can excessive belt tension lead to?

Excessive belt tension can significantly reduce the life of the belt. This occurs because increased tension places additional stress on the belt material, which can lead to premature wear, stretching, and potential failure. When a belt is too tight, it may cause friction between the belt and pulleys, generating excess heat that can also degrade the belt material over time. This deterioration can manifest as cracks, fraying, or even complete breakage, which ultimately necessitates more frequent replacements and repairs, negatively impacting system reliability and efficiency.

In contrast, while increased performance, improved alignment, and enhanced grip might seem beneficial, they are often not achieved through excessive tension. Instead, proper tension levels are crucial to maintain optimal performance, alignment, and grip while extending the life of the belt.