Small Wheel Speed Safety

When using small wheel attachments on your Diktator 2x72 belt grinder, managing belt speed is critical to preserving bearing life and achieving consistent performance. Running small wheels at high speeds — especially under load — can cause the bearings to overheat and fail prematurely.

Why Speed Matters
Small wheels spin significantly faster than larger ones due to their reduced diameter. At full motor speed, this rapid rotation often exceeds the maximum allowable RPM for the bearings inside the wheels. Add pressure or load (such as heavy grinding), and the friction-generated heat increases even further — often beyond what the bearing was designed to handle.

Best Practice: Use a VFD
The most effective solution is using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), which allows you to control your belt speed from zero to full motor RPM. This makes it easy to dial in the ideal speed for precision grinding while preventing unnecessary wear or bearing damage.

Quick Guidelines for Small Wheel Use
Rule of Thumb: If your small wheel gets too hot to touch after a few minutes of no-load spinning, it’s running too fast.

Target Belt Speed: Aim for a belt speed of around 14 MPH (1884 Surface Feet per Minute) when using small wheels.

Smaller Wheels = Slower Speeds: As wheel diameter decreases, reduce your belt speed accordingly.

Tools to Help
Use our Belt Speed Calculator to find the correct belt speed for your specific grinder and wheel combination.

Still Unsure?
We’re happy to help you get the most out of your setup. If you have questions about small wheel speed, VFD selection, or safe grinding practices, contact us at support@diktatorgrinder.com.