954-05040 Upper Drive Belt Replacement for Troy Bilt Pony 42 Craftsman T110 MTD Cub Cadet, 35.5 Inch Aramid Cord Heavy Duty Lawn Mower Deck Part Replaces 954-0241A 754-05040

What It Is

This is a 35.5-inch aramid cord heavy-duty upper drive belt that transfers power from the engine pulley to the mower deck blades on select Troy-Bilt Pony 42, Craftsman T110, MTD, and Cub Cadet lawn tractors with a 42-inch cutting deck.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your mower has a 42-inch deck and uses an “upper” (deck drive) belt, not the lower (blade drive) belt. Cross-reference your OEM part number: this replaces 954-0241A and 754-05040. It fits Troy-Bilt Pony 42 (model series 13WC78, 13AN77, 13AL78), Craftsman T110 (917 series), Cub Cadet LT42, XT1, XT2, and many MTD-built tractors. Always measure your old belt’s length—this belt is 35.5 inches long, 1/2 inch wide. If your old belt is shorter or longer, or your deck is 46/50/54 inches, this won’t fit. Check your mower’s model number sticker under the seat or on the frame.

Key Things to Know

• Aramid cord vs. standard: Aramid (Kevlar-type) cords resist stretching and heat better than rubber or polyester—good for heavy mowing or tall grass. Expect longer life than OEM belts.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the deck or at least the belt guard, release deck tension (often a spring-loaded idler pulley), and reroute the belt around three pulleys. A belt diagram is usually on the deck or in your manual.
• Common gotcha: This belt only drives the deck on/off engagement—it does not spin the blades. If blades don’t spin, check the lower (blade drive) belt separately.
• Price vs. OEM: At $11.99, it’s usually 30-50% cheaper than OEM belts. Most users report equal or better fit and durability.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 42-inch Troy-Bilt Pony, Craftsman T110, or Cub Cadet LT42/XT1 and need a reliable, heavy-duty upper drive belt that won’t break the bank, this is a solid choice—just verify your old belt measures 35.5 inches and matches the OEM part number. It’s not for other deck sizes or lower belts.