Warning: My mortar mixer's belt snapped halfway through a foundation pour

It happened yesterday morning on a job in Dayton. I was about halfway through mixing a 60-pound bag of mortar when I heard a loud pop and the drum just stopped. The drive belt had completely shredded. I had to run to the supply house, grab a replacement for about $25, and swap it out right there in the mud. Anyone know a good brand for a more durable belt that can handle the cold? Mine was only six months old.

3 comments

3 Comments

ray_martinez829d ago

Man, I used to just buy whatever generic belt was on the shelf. Then I had TWO snap in one winter on my old mixer. Switched to a Gates PowerBand belt, the one with the notched ribs, and it's been solid for three seasons now. The cold really seems to kill the cheap ones.

michael6699d ago

Ever notice how the cheap version of something always fails at the worst possible time? It's like a hidden tax for trying to save a few bucks up front. Your belt story is just the shop version of a budget phone dying right when you need directions.

william_garcia9d ago

Yeah, that "hidden tax" thing michael669 said is so true. My buddy had a cheap belt on his snowblower snap right as the big storm hit last year. He was halfway down his driveway, snow blowing back in his face, totally stuck. Had to shovel the rest by hand in the dark.