We often get asked about changing the speed on a drive. First, the Driver sprocket or sheave is the one on the source of the power (often an electric motor). The Driven sprocket or sheave is on the opposite end of the drive. To change speeds, you can change either.
To slow down a drive, you can either make the Driven larger or the Driver smaller. It is preferred to make the Driven larger as the horsepower rating on the drive is determined by the Driver sprocket or pulley. So if you decide to make the Driver smaller, be sure to check the HP rating of the new drive.
To speed up a drive, you can either make the Driver larger or the Driven smaller. Either is acceptable. Since changes to your pulley sizes proportionately effect the speed, you can easily determine the needed sizes of the new pulleys. If you want a 10% increase or decrease in speed, you need to change the appropriate pulley size by 10%.
If you have questions, please ask. We also have a cheat sheet with guidelines for changing speeds that we can send you.
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Whisler Bearings & Drives
5775 East 45th Avenue, Denver, CO 80216
Main: 303.377.3444
TF: 1 877 868 2883
Fax: 303 377 3434
Email: sales@trywhisler.com
Whisler Bearings & Drives has been in business since 1956 and moved into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Denver Colorado in 1994. Our experienced team has the knowledge; experience and inventory to ensure you get the right parts quickly. Our goal is to make your buying experience as smooth as possible.