954-05040 Drive Belt Replacement for 954-0241A Upper Drive Belt Craftsman Troy-Bilt MTD 754-05040, 754-0241, 754-0241A, 954-0241, 954-0241A (5/8" x 35 1/4" V-Belt, Kevlar Cord)

What It Is

This is a replacement 5/8" x 35 1/4" V-belt (part 954-05040) that serves as the upper drive belt on select Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and MTD lawn tractors. It transfers power from the engine pulley to the transmission, enabling forward/reverse movement—not the cutting deck.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify three things:

• Measure your old belt: This belt is 5/8" wide (top width) and 35 1/4" outside circumference. If your original measures differently, it won’t fit.
• Cross-reference OEM numbers: This replaces 954-0241A, 754-05040, 754-0241, 754-0241A, and 954-0241. Check your mower’s manual or current belt for any of these numbers.
• Machine compatibility: Fits many 42" and 46" deck Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and MTD tractors from the 2000s–2010s (e.g., models with 13.5–26 HP engines). It does not fit all—confirm your model number via the manufacturer’s parts lookup tool.

Key Things to Know

• Kevlar cord construction: Offers better heat resistance and longer life than standard rubber belts. Worth the slight premium.
• Installation is moderate: You’ll likely need to remove the mower deck and possibly a pulley guard. Take a photo of the belt routing before removing the old one.
• Common gotcha: This is the upper drive belt, not the deck belt. Double-check you’re replacing the right one—mixing them up won’t work.
• Price vs. OEM: At ~$9, it’s significantly cheaper than OEM belts ($20–$30) but performs similarly for most homeowners.

Should You Buy It

If you need a reliable, affordable upper drive belt for a compatible Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, or MTD tractor and you’ve confirmed your measurements and model fit, this is a solid choice. It’s best for DIY homeowners who want Kevlar durability without paying OEM prices. Avoid if you need a deck belt or an exact OEM match for warranty purposes.