According to different uses, transmission belts can be divided into general industrial transmission belts, automobile transmission belts, agricultural machinery transmission belts and household appliances transmission belts. Friction type drive belt can be divided into flat belt, V-belt and special belt (multi-wedge belt, round belt) according to its different section shape.

Belt drive has the characteristics of simple structure, stable transmission, buffering and vibration absorption, power transmission between large axle spacing and multi-axes, low cost, no need of lubrication, easy maintenance, and so on. It is widely used in modern mechanical transmission. The friction type belt transmits kinetic energy overload, slipping, low running noise, but the transmission ratio is not accurate (the sliding rate is less than 2%); The synchronous belt drive can ensure the transmission synchronization, but the absorption capacity of load change is slightly poor, and there is noise during high-speed operation. In addition to transmitting power, belt drive is also sometimes used for conveying materials and arranging parts.