Full definition
A pulley manufactured in two halves that bolt together around a shaft without requiring the shaft to be removed from its bearings or the machine frame to be disassembled. The two halves are precision-machined at the split line and assembled with high-strength bolts that clamp the halves onto the shaft (usually with a key). This dramatically reduces installation and replacement time — critical in applications where shaft removal is impractical, such as long-line shafts, overhead drives, and tight machine layouts. Available in cast iron or steel for V-belt and flat belt applications. Diameters from 100 mm to 2,000+ mm. The split line must be carefully torqued to manufacturer specifications to ensure concentricity and prevent loosening under load. Balance quality may be slightly lower than one-piece pulleys due to the split joint. Brands: Martin, Browning, TB Woods. Per ANSI/RMA standards. Cost premium of 30-50% over solid pulleys is justified by reduced downtime.