A draper belt includes a carcass (7), a plurality of cleats (1) extending from the carcass (7), a plurality of v-guides (4) disposed perpendicular to the plurality of cleats, and at least one sensor for measuring and relaying information regarding key measureable properties about the draper belt. The key measureable properties may be relayed to an operator, a control system, or combination thereof. In some cases, the sensors measure and relay potentially damaging condition(s) of the draper belt. In some aspects, the sensors measure and relay in real time so one or more properties of the draper belt is ascertainable in situ.