V-Belt Sheaves

V-belt sheaves (V-belt pulleys) are grooved wheels that drive V-belts by wedging the belt sidewalls into the groove. This collection stocks 1,875 fully machined, statically balanced cast iron sheaves across every common configuration: narrow wedge 3V, 5V, and 8V for multi belt industrial drives, classical A, B, and C sections, light duty AK and BK sheaves for fractional horsepower motors, and VP, VL, and VM adjustable pitch sheaves for drives that need field speed tuning.

Diameters run 1.75 in to 71 in with one to twelve grooves. Light duty sheaves come bored to size with set screws; industrial sheaves take industry standard QD® style bushings so one sheave fits any shaft. Every product page carries published cross references to Dodge®, Browning®, Martin, TB Woods®, Carlisle, Maurey, and other major brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 3V, 5V, and 8V sheaves?

Belt cross section, and therefore capacity. 3V belts are 3/8 in wide at the top, 5V are 5/8 in, and 8V are 1 in. Narrow wedge sections carry more horsepower per belt than classical A, B, and C sections of similar size, which is why multi groove 3V and 5V drives dominate fans, pumps, and compressors.

How do I read a sheave part number like 43V1060SK?

Groove count, belt section, outside diameter, bushing. 43V1060SK is a 4 groove, 3V section sheave, 10.60 in outside diameter, taking an SK bushing. The same designation pattern is shared across manufacturers, which is why cross referencing sheaves is straightforward.

Can a BK sheave run both A and B belts?

Yes. AK and BK light duty sheaves have combination grooves: a BK sheave runs 4L and A belts on an inner pitch line and 5L and B belts on an outer one, which is why product pages list two pitch diameters. Use the pitch diameter matching your belt section when calculating drive ratios.

When should I replace a sheave instead of just the belt?

Check the groove walls. Shiny, dished, or bottomed out grooves mean the sheave is worn and will glaze a new belt quickly. A simple check: a new belt should ride at or slightly above the rim, never touching the groove bottom. Replace sheave and belts together on worn drives.