We are looking at purchasing a laser alignment system to use on our belt and chain driven equipment, with the major equipment type being Gardner-Denver blowers.

Has anyone had positive experiences with any of the systems out there? I was pointed towards the "belt hog" system by one of our contractors, but I'm looking for other opinions.

Thanks in advance,
Jack

I use an older model with a red laser from Sieffert Industrial (pulley partner). This is truly a one person belt or chain alignment system. You can see the alignment change WHILE you are tightening up the driver.

With the green laser they are touting now, I suppose it is easier to see, although I haven't had problems.

http://www.seiffertindustrial.com/pulley-pro.htm

I know the arguments for the use of a groove mounted vs. side mounted. However, since I always have my "alignment" possibles bag, I have a set of calibers with me, so different thickness of pulleys (different manufacturer) does not effect the outcome. I have also only ran across this a couple of times I think (I can't remember when the last time was )

Another thing I like about the two beam systems (the belt hog fits this one) is that you don't have to reverse the beam to see what is happening. Most of the ones with the three "v" targets you have to reverse, but most folks using them don't.

Dave

I also have used both styles, haven't done research on the latest stuff. I somewhat prefer the belt hog type, but can you use it on roller chain sprockets?
The Easy Laser BTA Digital 2 can be used to align with great precision if used correctly. You can use the digital part of it, or the clip-on magnet targets.
Of course, any method can trick you into thinking you have good alignment if used improperly.

The red laser types can be hard to use in sunlight. Maybe the green lasers are better?

quote:

Originally posted by webcruiser829:
I also have used both styles, haven't done research on the latest stuff. I somewhat prefer the belt hog type, but can you use it on roller chain sprockets?

The belt hog has a magnetic bracket you can get as an accesory that fits on the side of the sprocket. The transmitter snaps on to two posts which are over the teeth on the sprocket.
It works well, but it's harder to do with the chain in place.


"The red laser types can be hard to use in sunlight. Maybe the green lasers are better?"

Yes, the green laser is much easier to see in bright sunlight than the red laser.

D

We provide a variety of laser belt alignment systems from Seiffert, Vibralign, Easy-Laser, SKF, and Laser Tools, red and green lasers - compare specs and pricing:
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Laser-Belt-Sheave-Alignment-s/63.htm

quote:

Originally posted by Dave G.:
We provide a variety of laser belt alignment systems from Seiffert, Vibralign, Easy-Laser, SKF, and Laser Tools, red and green lasers - compare specs and pricing:
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Laser-Belt-Sheave-Alignment-s/63.htm

Took a look. Which would you recommend as being the easiest and quickest to use?

Jack J
I use the Gates EZ ALIGN laser system along with the gates 507C sonic tension meter. Add to those the free Design Pro software for precise tension and you have a great belt alignment tool. The aligner is red laser and magnetic so it is not as good as those that fit in the grooves of the pulleys but for 95% of my machinery driven by belt it works great. The sonic tension meter with the software makes this one special in my opinion. See attachment for sample report.


Just noticed the Gates tool is the same thing as the Sieffert, just painted a different color....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: noisemakr,

_3finisher.pdf (28 Kb, 20 downloads) gates belt document

Personal preference would be for a groove mounted system. Belt Hog and SKF fall into that category. The magnetic target versions are more popular, but that is because of their lower cost.

I have tried several units over the years and I have to say that the Seiffert unit with the green laser is very impressive - simple, more accurate/sensitive and no problem with visibility indoors or outdoors (even works in sunshine).

Tom Murphy

I don't do many belts, so I did not want to spend $1000.00 or more for a laser system. I made my own laser system for about $80.00 in parts.

Walt

Thanks for all the replies. We went with the SKF unit, since I wanted one that sits in the grooves, but it's $500 cheaper than the "belt hog" version, albeit with one less laser. Plus our major vendor stocks the SKF units.

So far, I am impressed with the build quality and ease of function.

Thanks again,
Jack

Jack,

Your original post said you wanted to align chain drives. The Belt Hog has a chain sprocket adapter (included??). Does the SKF system you bought have a chain sprocket adapter?

Walt

The SKF unit has the chain sprocket adaptor as an option (TMEB G2):
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/SKF-TMEB-2-BeltAl...2-p/skf-tmeb%202.htm

Always consider "level"! And bearing to shaft alignment and bearing to bearing alignment; then with good sheave/belt alignment you'll do fine.