[Izzy]

Thanks Paul

Joe - 3 layers of blue jeans should hold up pretty good - probably depends more on the vinyl than the dirt as it's moving in the trough. Many large scale conveyors use rollers rather than a trough - I did come across neoprene belting - fairly pliable but they still call for a 3" roller

How about leather? Belts of old were either leather or cloth that was treated.

For extra grab without tension I used 220 grit sandpaper with glue back on the drive - as you said fine for rubber but I doubt for dirt