12-10-2012, 07:25 PM
I'll be changing my belts in the not-so-distant future and am concerned about buying a belt that may have been sitting on the shelf at the dealer / distributor , etc.
for who knows how long - maybe ten, perhaps fifteeen years or more.. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/blink.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> So I contacted Gates to find out what their mfg suggested shelf life is for the 968 belts, and also if their belts have any markings which indicate the manufacture date so in case the dealer sends one that's ancient I can return it and ask for one with a recent date on it.
Here is Gates' response to those two questions ( keep in mind, the dealers / distributors are under no obligation to comply with Gates' prescribed shelf life, it's just a sugestion ) :
1. " Storage Effects Belts may be stored up to six years if properly stored at temperatures less than 85°F and relative humidity less than 70%. If the storage temperature is higher than 85° F, the storage limit for normal service performance is reduced byone half for each 15°F increase in temperature. Belts should never be stored at temperatures above 115°F. At relative humidity levels above 70%, fungus or mildew may form on stored belts. This has minimal affect on belt performance, but should be avoided. When equipment is stored for prolonged periods of time (over six months), the belt tension should be relaxed so that the belt does not take a set, and the storage environment should meet the 85°F and 70% or less relative humidity condition. If this is not possible, belts should be removed and stored separately in a proper environment. "
2. Mfg date : " Attached is an example of what it should look like - it's the 6 digits after the part number which is - day - year then plant code I.E. 0868MC - 86th day of 2008 - MC is the plant "
for who knows how long - maybe ten, perhaps fifteeen years or more.. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/blink.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> So I contacted Gates to find out what their mfg suggested shelf life is for the 968 belts, and also if their belts have any markings which indicate the manufacture date so in case the dealer sends one that's ancient I can return it and ask for one with a recent date on it.
Here is Gates' response to those two questions ( keep in mind, the dealers / distributors are under no obligation to comply with Gates' prescribed shelf life, it's just a sugestion ) :
1. " Storage Effects Belts may be stored up to six years if properly stored at temperatures less than 85°F and relative humidity less than 70%. If the storage temperature is higher than 85° F, the storage limit for normal service performance is reduced byone half for each 15°F increase in temperature. Belts should never be stored at temperatures above 115°F. At relative humidity levels above 70%, fungus or mildew may form on stored belts. This has minimal affect on belt performance, but should be avoided. When equipment is stored for prolonged periods of time (over six months), the belt tension should be relaxed so that the belt does not take a set, and the storage environment should meet the 85°F and 70% or less relative humidity condition. If this is not possible, belts should be removed and stored separately in a proper environment. "
2. Mfg date : " Attached is an example of what it should look like - it's the 6 digits after the part number which is - day - year then plant code I.E. 0868MC - 86th day of 2008 - MC is the plant "
