Which type of drive is more prone to slippage on V-belt systems?

In V-belt systems, the secondary drive is more prone to slippage due to its position in the system. The secondary drive typically refers to the belt drive that is not directly powered; it often transmits power from a leading or primary drive to additional pulleys or components. Because it is usually not the main source of power, the tension in a secondary drive belt can be lower, making it more susceptible to slippage, especially when there are variations in load or when the system is not properly aligned.

In contrast, leading drives are directly powered and designed to handle significant torque, reducing the likelihood of slippage. Similarly, idle drives and trailing drives typically do not experience the same conditions that contribute to slippage in secondary drives, as they are either used to redirect belts without transferring power or are positioned behind the primary drive in a manner that allows effective tension management.

Understanding the role and tension dynamics of different drives in a V-belt system is crucial for diagnosing performance issues and ensuring efficient operation, especially in applications like elevator systems where reliability is paramount.