BELT INSTALLATION TOOL
A belt installation tool (10) for installing a flexible belt on a pulley. The tool (10) comprises a belt bearing surface (11) comprising a ramp having a large radius. The ramp (11) is connected to a side of a pulley adjacent to a pulley groove. The ramp (11) also comprises a surface (13) substantially normal to the ramp (11). In use, a belt is loosely placed on the ramp (11) with the ramp at one end of the pulley rotation. As the pulley is rotated, the ramp (11) and belt move with the pulley. As the pulley is rotated, the ramp (11) progressively moves to a position under and supportive of the belt. The normal surface (13) substantially simultaneously aligns the belt with the pulley groove. As the pulley rotates further, the ramp (11) supports the belt while it is trained into the pulley groove. As the pulley rotation is completed, the tool (10) disengages from the belt. Two tool may be used on opposing sides of a pulley to further facilitate installation of a belt.