Need primary drive belt for an old MTD

Geo-TH,In · May 23, 2022

I have a very old MTD that uses a variable speed pulley and 2
belts. The primary belt, the one from the engine to the variable
pulley, measures 5/8 x 53 inches which I can't find on Amazon,
ebay, locally at Lowes or at a lawn mower repair place in town.
The secondary belt, the one that goes from the variable pulley
to the transaxle is 5/8 x 43 1/2. That is still a common belt.

Can anyone tell me where I can buy the primary belt or give me
the number on the belt and who makes it?

These belts are kevlar and not exactly like a V-belt

Thanks,
George..

J Hamilton · May 23, 2022

Yes they are still available, I just replaced some a few weeks ago for someone. Unless someone else beats me to it, I can get you the part numbers this evening. If needed I can order them for you

Geo-TH,In · May 23, 2022

Thank you..
I can't find any 5/8 x 53 belt anywhere..

J Hamilton · May 23, 2022

George, the OEM part number is 754-0280 and 954-0280A it shows in stock at the warehouse I order from.

timcasbolt · May 23, 2022

(quoted from post at 19:46:46 05/23/22) Thank you..
I can't find any 5/8 x 53 belt anywhere..

$14.69 at vbeltsupply.com

Geo-TH,In · May 24, 2022

Thank you thank you that's the one.

Duner Wi · May 24, 2022

Here is one of the belts

https://www.mkrittenhouse.com/us/variable-speed-belts-for-mtd-mowers

T.R.K. · May 24, 2022

Geo, These guys are spot on!. I have tried twice to make universal 5/8 belts work on a MTD vari-drive and both times I was disappointed.

Those MTD belts are a special cross section and material that works well with the MTD variable drive. Both times I tried other make belts, either the machine was jerky or very very slow. By jerky I mean you push in the clutch and the belt (If it releases at all) gives you a good jerk before the machine comes to a stop. (And you are 3 to 5 feet farther than you wanted to be.)

You really need the correct belts in that application.

P.S. be sure no rust in your pulleys. That really shortens belt life. And make sure the flange in the variable pulley can slide back and forth easily.

Geo-TH,In · May 25, 2022

I ordered a pair of belts off Amazon.
Should be here Friday.
I hate changing those belts.
Usually lose skin and blood.

Geo-TH,In · May 25, 2022

P.S. be sure no rust in your pulleys.

Rust is a belt killer. I cleaned the rust with a wire brush on the grinder.

People who think they can leave a riding mower outside don't think about pulleys rusting and eating belts.

I always put garage door lube on the variable pulley too.

I'm not impressed with the variable speed transmission, but you can replace belts if you can find them.

Some HST's you can't easily change fluids and they don't last very long if you pull anything.

I have 2 JD mowers, both you can easily change the fluids.

gab · May 26, 2022

On my old JD 110 the variator belts should be replaced as set. Then there's a procedure to adj. the lever. Also before you put the belts on the center pully sheave needs to slide and spin effortlessly. I think I have the least trouble with mine is if I always set the brake when I park it, it relaxes the belts in the pulleys.

tractorguy2 · Jun 5, 2022

I have replaced those belts many times on MTD mowers. You need to replace both belts with belts made for that mower. I order them from carquest through their Prime Line brand.

Need primary drive belt for an old MTD

Geo-TH,In

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J Hamilton

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Geo-TH,In

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J Hamilton

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timcasbolt

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Geo-TH,In

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Duner Wi

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T.R.K.

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Geo-TH,In

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Geo-TH,In

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gab

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tractorguy2

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