ATV & UTV belt buying basics
Most CVT belts on an ATV/UTV have similar base components: a rubber compound surrounding an aramid (Kevlar) cord. But each brand is different in how the fiber cords are treated, and how the heat/wear resistant rubber polymers are designed and engineered. The rubber grips the clutch faces and holds the cord in place. However, it’s the fiber cord–which is visible on the side of the belt–that distributes stress evenly. This is where the belt’s strength comes from, and where the belt does the work of transmitting power.
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which belt to choose for your ATV/UTV. First of all, UTVs are heavier, so they are harder on CVT belts, whether they are high-horsepower models or not. They require stronger belts with possibly deeper cogs. Also, keep in mind that if you have anything that adds weight to your ATV or UTV, like lift kits or bigger tires, your belt is under more stress and could benefit from a stronger belt.
You may be wondering whether you want a stock or aftermarket drive belt. The stock belt is generally recommended for its predictability and reliability, but can be more expensive than even high-end aftermarket belts, which may offer more durability through cog size, flexibility, or specially formulated tensile cord materials.
Two of the most well known brands of ATV/UTV drive belts are Dayco and Gates. Dayco makes XTX belts for extreme torque applications with engines larger than 800cc, HPX for high performance, and the HP for “high-performance outdoor-activity.” Dayco claims the XTX is engineered with specially formulated, high-temperature polychloroprene with the highest level of aramid fiber reinforcement available. Its design features deeper cogs on top and rounded cogs on the bottom for better flexibility and longevity. Gates is another big name in belts. Their G-Force and G-Force C12 belts are both solid options with an aggressive top-cog design. The G-Force has aramid tensile cords and is designed for low to mid-range horsepower applications. The G-Force C12 has a carbon tensile cord and is designed for machines that have a bit more performance but still have engine sizes below 800cc.
Sixity offers the VS-Series belt, which is engineered for high performance as well as a long service life. Built with extra-strength aramid-cord reinforcement, you can expect superior heat dissipation without slippage. If you’re looking for a quality belt at a low price point, the VS-Series is a great option.
Return to Sixity Resource Center
