954-04249A Lower Drive Belt | Replaces 754-04249/754-04249A/954-04249 | 5/8" x 71" | Fits MTD Troy-Bilt Pony Tuffy Craftsman T100 T110 LT1500 LT2000 Lawn Mowers

What It Is

This is the lower drive belt for select MTD-built lawn tractors (Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, etc.), transferring power from the engine pulley to the transaxle or transmission. It’s used on machines with a 5/8" wide, 71" long belt, typically on 42" and 46" deck models.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm these three things:

1. Model number: Works with Troy-Bilt Pony, Tuffy, and Craftsman T100, T110, LT1500, LT2000 series. Check your mower’s model tag (under seat or on frame) against the belt’s OEM cross-references: 754-04249, 754-04249A, 954-04249.
2. Belt dimensions: Must be exactly 5/8" wide x 71" long. Measure your old belt (lay flat, not stretched) to verify; a 1/2" or 1" difference in length will cause slippage or no engagement.
3. Deck size: Common on 42" and 46" decks, but also fits some 38" and 50" models. Check your parts diagram – this is the lower (drive) belt, not the deck or mower belt.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket replacement (not OEM), but rated 5.0/5 stars. Should last 1-2 seasons under normal use. Expect slightly less longevity than OEM if mowing heavy grass or hills.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty – requires removing the deck, releasing belt tension (usually a spring-loaded idler pulley), and routing around pulleys. Take photos before removing the old belt.
• Common gotcha: This belt is not the deck belt. Don’t confuse it with the upper (mower deck) belt. If your mower’s blades don’t engage but the wheels drive, this belt is likely fine.
• Check pulleys: If the old belt wore unevenly, inspect pulleys for damage or debris before installing the new one.

Should You Buy It

If you need a reliable, budget-friendly replacement for the lower drive belt on a compatible MTD/Craftsman/Troy-Bilt tractor and you’re comfortable with moderate DIY installation, this is a solid choice. It’s not for heavy commercial use, but for residential lawns, it delivers good value at $12.88.