954-04249A Lower Drive Belt for Troy Bilt Pony 42" Lawn Tractor - Replaces 754-04249, 490-501-M006, Fits Craftsman Huskee MTD - Aramid Cord, 70.90" x 0.66"

What It Is

This is a lower drive belt for 42-inch Troy-Bilt Pony lawn tractors and compatible MTD-built machines. It transfers power from the engine pulley to the mower deck, engaging the blades when the PTO is activated.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things:

1. Deck size: This belt fits 42-inch decks only. Measure your deck width or check your model number.
2. Machine brand/model: Direct fit for Troy-Bilt Pony 42" (models like 13WX78KS011, 13WX78KT011). Also fits Craftsman (917 series), Huskee, and MTD tractors with 42" decks using a 70.90" x 0.66" belt.
3. OEM vs aftermarket: Replaces OEM part numbers 754-04249 and 490-501-M006. This is an aftermarket belt—check that your original belt measures exactly 70.90" long and 0.66" wide. A mismatch in length or width will cause slipping or poor engagement.

Always verify your tractor’s model number and deck assembly diagram before ordering.

Key Things to Know

• Aramid cord construction: More durable than standard rubber belts, resists stretching and heat better. Good for heavy use or thick grass.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the deck, route the belt around deck pulleys and idler, then reinstall. Expect 30–60 minutes if you’re handy.
• Common gotcha: The belt routing diagram is often printed on the deck or in your manual. Take a photo before removing the old belt—routing mistakes cause blade engagement failure.
• Fitment nuance: Some MTD models use a slightly different belt length (e.g., 71.50"). Measure your old belt end-to-end before buying. If it’s not 70.90", this belt won’t work.

Should You Buy It

If you own a Troy-Bilt Pony 42" or a compatible MTD/Craftsman/Huskee model and need a reliable, affordable replacement for OEM belts, this is a solid choice. The aramid cord adds durability over standard belts, and it’s cheaper than OEM. Just double-check your old belt’s length and your deck diagram before ordering. Not for non-MTD decks or 46-inch/50-inch machines.