This tensioner is a take-up idler for restoring an elongated chain or belt to its original tension and preventing uneven drive surges and power loss. (Idler shaft and sprocket/pulley not included.) It is self-adjusting for maintenance-free use. It has a sintered iron housing and a steel arm for strength and durability and four elastomeric inserts in the housing for shock and vibration absorption. The tensioning arm will deflect up to 30 degrees either side of its neutral position, and it can be mounted at any angle for 360-degree controlled tensioning. The arm has two holes for additional flexibility to generate two levels of force.Belt and chain tensioners reduce belt or chain slack that occurs in power transmission drive systems through normal operation. Slack reduces drive efficiency and decreases the life of drive components. Belt and chain tensioners help to maintain the correct drive belt or chain tension in a system by reducing this slack and transmitting drive torque uniformly, resulting in reduced noise and vibration and decreased sprocket, pulley, belt, or chain wear. They also reduce the risk of over-tensioning that exists with manual retensioning operations. Tensioners are available in three categories: fixed, adjustable, and automatic. Fixed tensioners must be remounted in order to alter the tension of a drive system. Manual tensioners require operators to adjust screws or reposition parts as belt or chain slack increases. Automatic tensioners apply tension as needed through the use of weight, springs, elastomers, or compressed air. Factors to consider in selecting a proper tensioner include drive power, speed, torque, load, operating cycles, and available mounting space. Belt and chain tensioners are used in industrial machinery, conveyor belts, automobiles, and other applications.Lovejoy manufactures flexible couplings, universal joints, variable speed drives, and other transmission and mechanical power products. The company, founded in 1900, is headquartered in Downers Grove, IL.
