954-0241A 965-05040 Drive Belt Replace MTD Troy-Bilt Craftsman Cub Cadet 954-05040 ，754-05040，954-0241, 954-0241A ，754-0241, 754-0241A Upper Drive Belt （ 5/8" x 35 1/4" ）

What It Is

This is an upper drive belt (5/8" x 35 1/4") that transfers power from the engine pulley to the transmission on select MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and Cub Cadet lawn tractors. It controls forward/reverse movement, not the deck blades.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things:

• Belt dimensions: Must be exactly 5/8" wide and 35 1/4" long. Measure your old belt (lay flat, measure inner circumference) to verify.
• Cross-reference numbers: This belt replaces OEM numbers 954-0241A, 965-05040, 954-05040, 754-05040, 954-0241, 754-0241, and 754-0241A. Any of these on your old belt or machine manual means it fits.
• Machine compatibility: Fits many MTD-built tractors (Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman) with 13-26 HP engines and 42-54" decks. Check your model number (stamped under seat or on frame) against the seller’s list. Not for zero-turn mowers or older MTD models with different pulley spacing.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket belt; good for the price but may wear slightly faster than OEM. Inspect for fraying after 50-100 hours.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty (30-60 minutes). You’ll need to remove the deck, loosen deck idler pulleys, and route the belt per your machine’s diagram. A wrench set and belt tension gauge help.
• Common gotcha: This is the upper drive belt—it does not drive the blades. If your mower cuts but won’t move, this belt is likely the issue. If it moves but won’t cut, you need a separate deck belt.
• Tension check: After installation, ensure the belt is snug but not overly tight. Too loose = slipping; too tight = bearing wear.

Should You Buy It

If you need a budget-friendly replacement for a worn upper drive belt on a common MTD-style lawn tractor and can confirm the 5/8" x 35 1/4" size and cross-referenced numbers match your model, this is a solid value at $8.66. It’s not built for heavy commercial use but works fine for residential cutting. Avoid if you want OEM longevity or need a deck belt instead.