What mechanical benefit do belts provide over gears in certain applications?

Belts offer lower noise levels compared to gears in certain applications, making them a favorable choice in environments where noise reduction is a priority. This characteristic is particularly important in settings such as offices, residential areas, or any applications where sound pollution is a concern. The construction and materials used in belts allow for smoother operation, which contributes to the reduced noise when compared to the meshing of gears, which can create more mechanical noise due to friction and impact.

In addition to noise reduction, belts typically provide a level of flexibility in terms of alignment, which can further decrease vibrations and noise during operation. They are designed to absorb shocks and are generally quieter than gear systems, especially in applications involving continuous operation or where precision at high speeds is less of a concern.

Other mechanical benefits like higher precision and exact speeds, higher load capacities, or better alignment capabilities do not categorize belts as superior to gears in these areas, as gears are typically designed for those precise applications or higher load-bearing requirements.