954-05001 Lawn Mower Drive Belt Fits for MTD Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt 754-05001 CC30 CC30H TB30 TB30R Craftsman 490-501-C065 490-501-M065 CMXGZAM501065 R110 R140 R105 R1000 R1500 (1/2" x 43-1/2")

What It Is

This is a 1/2" wide by 43-1/2" long lawn mower drive belt (OEM cross 954-05001 / 754-05001) that transfers power from the engine pulley to the mower deck blades on select MTD-built riding mowers. It’s commonly used on Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and MTD models with 30-inch or smaller decks.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify three things:

1. Model number – Fits CC30, CC30H, TB30, TB30R, Craftsman R110, R140, R105, R1000, R1500, and equivalents. Check your model plate under the seat or on the frame.
2. Belt dimensions – Must be exactly 1/2" wide and 43-1/2" long (outside circumference). Measure your old belt laid flat, or confirm the OEM part number matches 954-05001, 754-05001, 490-501-C065, 490-501-M065, or CMXGZAM501065.
3. Deck size – This belt is for 30-inch or smaller decks. Larger decks (42", 46") use a longer belt.

This is an aftermarket replacement, not OEM Cub Cadet, but meets OEM specs.

Key Things to Know

• Quality is acceptable – Users report it works as well as OEM for normal residential mowing. Not recommended for heavy commercial use.
• Installation is moderate – You’ll need to remove the deck, route the belt around idler pulleys and spindles, and re-tension. A diagram helps; take a photo before removing the old belt.
• Common gotcha – If your mower has a spring-loaded idler, ensure the belt is seated in all pulley grooves before releasing tension. A mis-routed belt will slip or throw off quickly.
• Lifespan – Expect 1-3 seasons with proper tension and no debris damage. Replace if you see fraying, cracking, or glazing.

Should You Buy It

If you need a budget-friendly direct replacement for a 30-inch MTD-family riding mower and can handle a basic belt swap, this is a solid choice. Avoid if you want an OEM-branded part or run a commercial mowing operation.