954-05078 Mower Deck Belt for/0.656 x 143.5 inches/for Cadet 50 Inch ZT1 50 RZT 490-501-C070 Troy Bilt Mustang 754-05078 490-501-M070 Craftsman Z550 Z5600 Z5650 ZS6700 / Aramid Cord

What It Is

This is a 50-inch mower deck belt with a 0.656-inch width and 143.5-inch length, designed to drive the blades on zero-turn and lawn tractors. It’s a direct replacement for OEM belts on specific Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and RZT models.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 50-inch deck (not 46", 48", or 54"). This belt fits Cub Cadet ZT1 50, RZT 50, Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 (models 490-501-C070, 490-501-M070), and Craftsman Z550, Z5600, Z5650, ZS6700. It replaces OEM part numbers 954-05078, 754-05078. Measure your current belt – it should be exactly 0.656" wide and 143.5" long. If yours is a different length or width, it won’t work. Aftermarket belt is compatible but check belt routing diagram for your specific model (some use a spring-loaded idler pulley that affects installation).

Key Things to Know

• Aramid cord construction – stronger than standard rubber, resists stretching and heat better than cheap belts. Expect longer life than OEM belts in heavy-use conditions.
• Installation difficulty – moderate. You’ll need to release tension from the idler pulley (usually a 3/8" or 1/2" socket). Watch for sharp deck edges; wear gloves. Routing can be tricky on some ZT1 models – take a photo of old belt before removing.
• Common gotcha – this belt is not for 42" or 46" decks, even on the same tractor model. Double-check deck size stamped on the deck or in your manual. Also, some aftermarket belts labeled “fits” may be slightly shorter – this one matches OEM length exactly.
• Price vs OEM – at ~$30, it’s roughly half the cost of a Cub Cadet branded belt, with similar durability. Good value for DIY replacements.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 50" deck on a Cub Cadet ZT1, RZT, Troy-Bilt Mustang, or Craftsman Z5000-series zero-turn, and you want a durable aftermarket belt at a fair price. Skip it if your deck is a different size, or if you prefer OEM for warranty reasons – otherwise, this is a solid, reliable replacement.