deck v belt issue

[RB]

Got a challenge for you tractor and mower gurus.

We have an RZT50 Cub Cadet mower that uses an MTD belt, p/n 954-04044. This belt sells for approx $35-40. This belt measures approx 133" outside diameter.

The one that was on there broke, the other day. None of my local lawn mower shops or auto parts places had a reference to this belt. Nor could they match it when I took it in. The only way I could get it was to have our Cub Cadet service center order one.

Granted the ends are jagged, but it measures approx 132".

I'm now trying to find a standard belt that costs less, and is available.

There are A-128s, A-133s, and A-135s that are standard, and they cost approx $6ea.

How do I cross the MTD belt p/n to a standard belt so I can get them at my local NAPA store? Should I just try using an A-133 and see if it works? We have a slop factor which the idler arm can accommodate.

[ee]

Just take the belt in to an Auto Parts Store (NAPA, CarQuest, Etc) and they will match it with an 'in house' brand or suitable substitute that will fit.

[ds549]

good luck with substitute belt, unless its an exact cross,i don think it will last to long.. sometimes you can get away with it though. i use the oem belts most of the time for that reason,especially if it turns and twists.. lucas

[RB]

}}} Just take the belt in to an Auto Parts Store (NAPA, CarQuest, Etc) and they will match it with an 'in house' brand or suitable substitute that will fit.{{{

Good try; didn't work.

Note this passage below: None of my local lawn mower

----- Original Message ----- From: ee Newsgroups: alt.home.lawn.garden Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 12:33 PM Subject: Re: deck v belt issue

Just take the belt in to an Auto Parts Store (NAPA, CarQuest, Etc) and they will match it with an 'in house' brand or suitable substitute that will fit.

[ee]

Then I'd bring that information (length, size, type, etc) and Google for "replacement V belt" or similar phrase until you locate a replacement. I'd think you'll have much luck crossing the original number. I'd also contact the mfr and the 'authorized repair shops'.

[Chas Hurst]

Your problem is the parts guy doesn't know how to identify a belt. Here's a Gates vendor that has just about every v-belt ever made listed along with dimensions.

the belt you need and take the Gates number to the store.

[Srgnt Billko]

I doubt very seriously wether a $6 belt is going to last more than a day or two on a mower deck.

[Srgnt Billko]

Not sure what you call "rough terrain" - and how many hours does this Z have on it ? Are you brush hogging with it ? It sounds like a relatively new machine and lawn, and I would be trying to figure out why it is tearing up belts . I cut small sumacs and briar patches with my machines on really rough terrain (for years) and can only think of 2 mower deck belts I've replaced on my old machines.

[RB]

It's tearing up belts when we hit big tree limbs hidden in the grass. Remnants of hurricane Ivan. We had big pines down all over the place. Had to cut 'em up and get 'em out of there. Pieces still remain waiting for a mower. No matter how many times we mow, new chunks still surface.

[Srgnt Billko]

I've mowed to much to swallow that - doesn't make sense.

[Pat]

Don't start the deck turning when it is in grass. Turn the deck on when you are over asphalt or concrete so that the blades can spin up freely before any cutting is started. Walk over the ground before beginning to mow to pick up all debris. Don't over work the mower in extremely tall grass. A poorly trained operator can ruin a belt in minutes. The cheap belts are for fractional horsepower applications and burn up quickly in a mower. I would buy a very good belt (expensive) and then take care of it. Train every operator.

[pacman]

That's good advice. Your belt should never 'chirp' or 'big down the motor' when you engage it.

If you take good care of your equipment, it will last.

[Srgnt Billko]

Well said. The stuff we take for granted needs to be spelled out for some people I guess.