What are the uses of a belt drive?

A belt drive is an alternative to a chain drive (as you would normally find on a bicycle or motorcycle). There are several types of belt used in belt drive systems including V-belts and toothed belts. The more common is the V-belt. A cross section of the pulley used shows that the belt runs in a V-shaped groove. Washing machines, older cars, and machinery use this type of belt system. The toothed belt is normally wide and flat with teeth on the inside to prevent slippage. Harley Davidson motorcycles use these, as do super-charged engines in cars.