Mitoos MXL z90 timing belt

Lossless transmission with the Mitoos MXL z90 toothed belt

When the goal is to transfer every revolution of the motor to the rear axle without losing anything along the way, the choice of transmission system is key. The Mitoos MXL z90 toothed belt (ref. CXM490) is specifically designed for Mitoos mounts in 1/32 scale, ensuring a clean, quiet, and slip-free transmission under any RPM condition.

Function and performance

This standard pitch MXL belt features 90 teeth and a width of 2 mm. The MXL pitch is one of the most widely used standards in precision toothed belt transmissions, with a tooth profile designed to fit perfectly into the pulleys, eliminating the play that occurs in conventional crown gear and pinion systems. The result is a more linear response to acceleration variations and greater fidelity in the transmission of torque.

Compared to gear transmissions, toothed belts provide quieter operation and better absorb small vibrations, which can translate into more predictable driving and less wear on drivetrain components.

Compatibility

The MXL z90 belt fits directly with the entire range of Mitoos toothed pulleys:

• Plastic pulleys: references M136 to M140.
• Aluminium pulleys: references M143 to M149.

This dual compatibility allows it to be used in both standard mounts and more elaborate configurations with machined pulleys, without the need to change the belt when upgrading other transmission components.

Installation and preparation

Installing a toothed belt requires properly adjusting the tension between the two pulleys. A belt that is too loose may skip under hard acceleration; too tight, it adds load to the motor and accelerates wear. Ideally, the belt should have a small vertical play without becoming loose. Always check the alignment of the pulleys before finalising the installation: a slight misalignment can cause premature lateral wear of the tooth.

Common mistakes

• Installing the belt without checking axle alignment: even if the adjustment is correct, if the pulleys are not perfectly aligned, the belt will operate at an angle and wear out sooner.
• Reusing belts with worn teeth: a belt that has lost definition in the tooth transmits poorly and may skip during hard braking. Having a spare on hand is a good practice.
• Combining this belt with pulleys from another manufacturer without checking the pitch: although the MXL pitch is standardised, small differences in diameter or profile between manufacturers can lead to imperfect coupling.

Frequently asked questions

What does "MXL pitch" mean in a toothed belt?

The MXL pitch is an international standard for miniature toothed belts with a pitch of 2.032 mm between teeth. It is one of the most commonly used in precision transmissions for slot cars and small-format robotics, making it easy to find compatible pulleys.

How many teeth does this belt have and what length does it represent?

The belt has 90 teeth. With the MXL pitch of 2.032 mm, this equates to a total pitch length of approximately 182.9 mm when the belt is closed.

Is it compatible with pulleys from other slot manufacturers?

Being of standard MXL pitch, it may be compatible with pulleys from other manufacturers that use the same standard. However, Mitoos guarantees a perfect fit only with its own range of pulleys (M136-M149). Outside of that range, it is advisable to always check the pitch and width before installation.

How often should the belt be checked or replaced?

It depends on the usage and the level of preparation of the car. In competition cars with high RPM, it is advisable to check it after each intense session and replace it at the first sign of worn teeth or loss of tension. For recreational use, periodic visual inspection is sufficient.

Can I use this belt with both aluminium and plastic pulleys interchangeably?

Yes. The MXL z90 belt is designed to work with both types of pulley in the Mitoos range, both plastic (M136-M140) and aluminium (M143-M149), without the need for additional adjustments.

The Mitoos MXL z90 toothed belt (ref. CXM490) is a precision 90-tooth MXL-pitch drive belt for 1/32 slot car transmission systems. With a 2 mm width, it fits the complete range of Mitoos pulleys, both plastic (M136–M140) and aluminium (M143–M149). Designed for high-RPM axle-to-axle power transfer without traction loss, this replacement belt is an essential spare for any Mitoos belt-drive setup. Available at Ministry of Hobby, your specialist for slot car spares and transmission components.