954-04249A Lower Drive Belt Replacement for MTD, Troy-Bilt Pony, TB42 7-Speed, Craftsman T110 T100 LT1500 LT2000 Riding Mower, Replaces 754-04249 754-04249A 954-04249, 5/8" x 70.75" Transmission Belt

What It Is

This is a replacement lower drive (transmission) belt for select MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and other riding mowers. It transfers power from the engine pulley to the transmission, enabling forward/reverse movement. Designed for 42-inch deck models with a 7-speed transaxle.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm these three things:

• Deck size & model: Fits 42-inch deck models only. Key compatible machines: Troy-Bilt Pony (42”, 7-speed), Craftsman T110, T100, LT1500, LT2000. Also fits MTD Yard Machines and Yard Man equivalents from the same era.
• OEM part numbers: Replaces 754-04249, 754-04249A, 954-04249. If your original belt has a different number, cross-reference first.
• Measurements: This belt is 5/8” wide and 70.75” outside circumference. Measure your old belt (lay it flat, measure end-to-end) to verify. A mismatch of even 0.5” can cause slipping or poor engagement.
• Not for: Zero-turn mowers, hydrostatic transmissions, or decks above 46 inches.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket belt, but rated 4.5 stars from 930 reviews. Users report it lasts 1–2 seasons under normal residential use (1/2–1 acre). Not as durable as OEM in heavy commercial cutting.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the mower deck and possibly the belt guard. A diagram or video for your specific model helps. Expect 30–60 minutes if you’re handy.
• Common gotcha: The belt routing matters. Many models have a specific pulley path—install it wrong and the mower won’t move. Mark or photograph the old belt before removing.
• Tension check: After installation, ensure the belt is snug but not overly tight. A loose belt slips; an overtight one wears pulleys and bearings faster.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you need a reliable, budget-friendly replacement for a worn lower drive belt on a 42-inch MTD/Craftsman/Troy-Bilt riding mower with a 7-speed transmission. It’s a solid value for residential use, but skip it if you have a different deck size, a hydrostatic drive, or need a heavy-duty belt for frequent commercial cutting.