Gates Timing Belts
Gates Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of synchronous timing belts and the originator of the PowerGrip, HTD, and GT tooth profiles that define the industry. Texas Belting stocks Gates PowerGrip HTD, PowerGrip GT3, Poly Chain GT Carbon, Synchro-Power urethane, and trapezoidal timing belts for same-day shipping from Houston. Gates timing belts are the specification standard for OEMs and maintenance teams worldwide.
PowerGrip HTD: Standard curvilinear in 3M, 5M, 8M, 14M (neoprene, fiberglass cord)
PowerGrip GT3: Modified curvilinear in 3M, 5M, 8M, 14M (HNBR, near-zero backlash)
Poly Chain GT Carbon: Carbon fiber cord, polyurethane, 8M and 14M (chain replacement)
PowerGrip Trapezoidal: MXL, XL, L, H, XH, XXH (neoprene)
Synchro-Power: Polyurethane with Kevlar cord in T5, T10, and other metric profiles
Twin Power: Double-sided HTD and GT timing belts
Gates Timing Belt Product Lines
PowerGrip HTD (Standard Curvilinear)
PowerGrip HTD is the original curvilinear timing belt that Gates introduced as a significant improvement over trapezoidal profiles. The rounded tooth shape distributes load more evenly than straight-sided trapezoidal teeth, increasing torque capacity and belt life. PowerGrip HTD is the most widely used industrial timing belt worldwide and the benchmark against which all other manufacturers are measured.
| Pitch | Gates Product | Standard Widths | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M | PowerGrip HTD 3M | 6, 9, 15 mm | View |
| 5M | PowerGrip HTD 5M | 9, 15, 25 mm | View |
| 8M | PowerGrip HTD 8M | 12, 20, 30, 50, 85 mm | View |
| 14M | PowerGrip HTD 14M | 40, 55, 85, 115, 170 mm | View |
PowerGrip GT3 (Modified Curvilinear)
PowerGrip GT3 is Gates' premium timing belt, featuring a modified curvilinear tooth that provides near-zero backlash, up to 25% higher load capacity than standard HTD, and significantly reduced vibration and noise. GT3 uses HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile) rubber compound for a wider temperature range (-40F to 250F) compared to standard neoprene HTD (-30F to 185F). GT3 belts fit on existing HTD pulleys for a direct performance upgrade.
| Feature | PowerGrip HTD (Standard) | PowerGrip GT3 (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth shape | Standard curvilinear | Modified curvilinear (Gates Tooth) |
| Backlash | Standard | Near-zero (tighter pulley engagement) |
| Load capacity | Standard rating | Up to 25% higher than HTD at same pitch/width |
| Body compound | Neoprene (-30F to 185F) | HNBR (-40F to 250F) |
| Noise/vibration | Standard | Reduced (smoother tooth entry/exit) |
| Pulley compatibility | HTD pulleys | Runs on standard HTD pulleys (full performance with PowerGrip GT2 sprockets) |
| Best for | General industrial replacement | Servo drives, CNC, robotics, automation, high-temp |
For detailed GT3 information, profiles, and applications, see our dedicated GT / GT2 / GT3 Timing Belts page.
Poly Chain GT Carbon
Poly Chain GT Carbon is Gates' premium chain-replacement timing belt, using a polyurethane body with carbon fiber tensile cord. Poly Chain GT Carbon replaces roller chain on drives up to 400 HP with no lubrication, no chain stretch, and up to 24x longer service life than chain. Available in 8M and 14M pitch.
| Feature | Poly Chain GT Carbon | Roller Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Lubrication | None required | Regular lubrication required |
| Maintenance | None (install and forget) | Tension adjustment, chain replacement, sprocket wear |
| Stretch | Near-zero (carbon fiber cord) | Chain elongation requires periodic re-tensioning |
| Noise | Quiet | Loud (metal-on-metal) |
| Cleanliness | Clean (no oil) | Oil contamination of product and environment |
| Weight | 80% lighter than equivalent chain | Heavy |
| Service life | Up to 24x longer than roller chain | Standard |
| Pitches | 8M and 14M | Various ANSI sizes |
For detailed Poly Chain information, sizing, and applications, see our dedicated Poly Chain GT Carbon Belts page.
PowerGrip Trapezoidal (MXL, XL, L, H, XH, XXH)
Gates PowerGrip is the original trapezoidal timing belt line and remains the standard for millions of drives worldwide. Neoprene body with fiberglass cord and nylon tooth facing.
| Profile | Pitch | Load Class | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| MXL | 0.080" | Miniature | |
| XL | 1/5" (5.08 mm) | Light | View |
| L | 3/8" (9.525 mm) | Medium | View |
| H | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | Heavy | View |
| XH | 7/8" | Extra Heavy | |
| XXH | 1-1/4" | Maximum |
Synchro-Power (Polyurethane with Kevlar)
Gates Synchro-Power timing belts use a polyurethane body with aramid (Kevlar) tensile cord for applications requiring chemical resistance, moisture resistance, or FDA compliance. Available in T5, T10, and other metric profiles. Synchro-Power is Gates' answer to Continental Synchroflex and Megadyne Megalinear.
Twin Power (Double-Sided)
Gates Twin Power timing belts have teeth on both sides for serpentine drive configurations where the belt must engage pulleys on both the tooth side and the back side. Available in HTD and GT profiles.
Gates vs. Other Timing Belt Brands
| Product | Gates | Comparable From Others |
|---|---|---|
| Standard HTD | PowerGrip HTD | Continental Synchrobelt, Bando, Diesel Belting, Megadyne Isoran |
| Premium curvilinear | PowerGrip GT3 (HNBR, Gates-exclusive tooth) | Megadyne Isoran RPP (comparable performance) |
| Chain replacement | Poly Chain GT Carbon (Gates-exclusive) | No direct equivalent from other manufacturers |
| Standard trapezoidal | PowerGrip (MXL-XXH) | Continental, Bando, Diesel Belting, D&D Global (all interchangeable) |
| Urethane / Kevlar | Synchro-Power | Continental Synchroflex, Megadyne Megalinear |
Why Choose Gates Timing Belts
- The industry standard. Gates invented the HTD and GT tooth profiles. More OEM equipment is designed around Gates timing belts than any other brand. Replacing with Gates ensures exact match to original specifications.
- GT3 is Gates-exclusive. No other manufacturer makes the GT3 tooth profile with HNBR compound. If your application demands the lowest backlash, widest temperature range, and highest performance at a given pitch, GT3 is the only option.
- Poly Chain GT Carbon is Gates-exclusive. The only timing belt on the market that replaces roller chain up to 400 HP with carbon fiber cord. No equivalent from any other manufacturer.
- Widest distribution and availability. Gates is the most widely stocked timing belt brand. Texas Belting carries the deepest inventory of Gates timing belts in the Houston area.
- Engineering support. Gates provides the most complete engineering documentation, design software (Design Flex Pro), and technical support of any timing belt manufacturer.
- Proven reliability. Decades of field performance data across every industry. Gates timing belts are the lowest-risk specification for critical drives.
Or call 888-203-2358. We cross-reference Gates part numbers to all other brands.
Related Pages
Gates Timing Belt FAQs
Gates manufactures PowerGrip HTD curvilinear (3M, 5M, 8M, 14M), PowerGrip GT3 modified curvilinear, PowerGrip trapezoidal (MXL, XL, L, H, XH, XXH), Poly Chain GT Carbon (8M, 14M), Synchro-Power urethane, and Twin Power double-sided belts.
Both are curvilinear profiles at the same pitches (3M, 5M, 8M, 14M). GT3 has a modified tooth shape for near-zero backlash and up to 25% higher load capacity. GT3 uses HNBR compound (temperature range -40F to 250F) vs. neoprene (-30F to 185F) for HTD. GT3 fits on existing HTD pulleys. See our GT Timing Belts page for the full comparison.
Yes, for standard PowerGrip HTD and trapezoidal profiles. Continental, Bando, Diesel Belting, D&D Global, and Megadyne all manufacture to the same RMA/ISO standards with the same part numbers. Gates-exclusive products (GT3, GT4, Poly Chain GT Carbon) cannot be replaced with other brands.
Poly Chain GT Carbon is Gates' premium chain-replacement timing belt. Polyurethane body with carbon fiber tensile cord. Replaces roller chain on drives up to 400 HP with no lubrication, no stretch, and up to 24x longer service life. Available in 8M and 14M pitch. No equivalent product from any other manufacturer.
Yes. Gates Synchro-Power timing belts use a polyurethane body with aramid (Kevlar) tensile cord. Available in T5, T10, and other metric profiles. For the broadest urethane open-end selection, also see Continental Synchroflex and Megadyne Megalinear.
Yes. Texas Belting carries the widest selection of Gates timing belts in the Houston area, including PowerGrip HTD, GT3, Poly Chain GT Carbon, trapezoidal, and Synchro-Power. Same-day shipping on stocked sizes. Call 888-203-2358 or request a quote online.
