What effect does too much tension on a belt have?

Excessive tension on a belt can lead to premature wear and potential damage to components due to an increase in the forces exerted on both the belt itself and the pulleys or gears it interacts with. When a belt is over-tensioned, it can cause additional friction and heat generation, leading to accelerated wear on the belt material. Moreover, the constant high tension can place undue stress on the components attached to the belt drive, such as bearings and pulleys, which may result in mechanical failures or misalignments over time.

The belt may also experience stretching or deformation, compromising its performance and longevity. Thus, maintaining the correct tension is crucial to ensure operational efficiency and the overall longevity of the equipment involved.