754-05027 Drive Belt for Cub Cadet XT1-LT 42/ XT1-LT 46 / XT2-LX 42 / XT2-LX 46 954-05027A 954-05027b 490-501-C061 XT1 XT2 MTD Troy Bilt Super Bronco Craftsman/Aramid Cord / 90.90 inches

What It Is

This is a 90.90-inch drive belt (part 754-05027) that transfers power from the engine pulley to the mower deck blades on select Cub Cadet XT1, XT2, and compatible Troy-Bilt/Craftsman lawn tractors. It replaces OEM belts 954-05027A, 954-05027B, and 490-501-C061.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 42-inch or 46-inch stamped deck (not fabricated). This belt fits:

• Cub Cadet XT1-LT 42 (LT42), XT1-LT 46 (LT46)
• Cub Cadet XT2-LX 42, XT2-LX 46
• Troy-Bilt Super Bronco (42/46)
• Craftsman models using the same MTD chassis with 42/46-inch decks

Critical checks:

• Measure your existing belt length: 90.90 inches (nominal). A 1/4-inch difference can cause slipping or deck damage.
• Verify the belt routing diagram under your deck—this belt uses a serpentine path around three spindle pulleys and one tensioner.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is a genuine Cub Cadet belt (not a generic replacement). Aftermarket versions may use aramid cord (stronger) but can be slightly thinner, causing premature wear.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the deck, release the tensioner, and route the belt around all pulleys. A belt routing diagram is usually on the deck or in your manual.
• Aramid cord advantage: This belt uses aramid fiber (like Kevlar) for higher tensile strength and heat resistance than standard rubber belts. It’s less likely to stretch or snap under heavy grass loads.
• Common gotcha: If your old belt broke, check the tensioner pulley and all spindle bearings for wobble or roughness before installing the new belt. A seized pulley will shred a new belt in minutes.
• Deck removal: On XT1/XT2 models, you must remove the deck to replace the belt—don’t try to thread it on without dropping the deck.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you own a Cub Cadet XT1-LT or XT2-LX with a 42/46 stamped deck and need a direct OEM replacement with proven durability. Skip it if you have a fabricated deck, a different brand’s chassis, or want a cheaper generic belt—generic belts often fail faster under the tension of these decks.