Technically linked belts are directional, and the installation states this. On something like a lathe where you are going forward and reverse, probably not an ideal choice. Also the issue of using them on small pulleys and as to speed specifications. If using higher motor speeds, there are better belt drive systems. In comparisons to standard belts that is a lot of different opinions. In many cases the issue is a problem with the OEM belt, in particular with Asian machines. Often they are poorly made, not even in dimension and take a set. There is also some discussion that to get a similar level of friction (prevent slip) that they need to be tensioned to a higher point then standard belts, and this can lead to premature bearing failure. This would make sense because the wrap contact interface is less. On the issue of vibration, once again often better than poorly made belts, but no better and maybe worse then a better well designed belt.
Probably just about everyone who has bought a Asian mill or lathe, the first thing they do is replaced the belts. With small pulleys they do better with notched belts, and they are less likely to take a set. I have been using the Gates Tri-Power notched belts and they have worked very well, no doubt there are numerous other choices. I just wouldn't knock down standard belts vs. link belts because a machine came with a crappy belt. There are lots of choices, linked belts are a good choice where it is a PTA to change the belt or a short term fix (which is what they were designed for). Long term, when is the last time you saw a link belt used in a car or they came standard equipment with a machine.
http://www.gates.com/products/autom...d-accessory-belt-drive-system/tri-power-belts
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