GANCO 954-04317A Drive Belt Replacement Part for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Craftsman, 1/2 Inch x 67 Inch Lawn Mower Belt

What It Is

The GANCO 954-04317A is an aftermarket replacement drive belt for lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers from Cub Cadet, MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman. It transfers power from the engine pulley to the cutting deck or transmission, designed for 42-inch to 50-inch decks that require a 1/2-inch wide by 67-inch long belt.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify three things: measure your old belt – it must be exactly 1/2 inch wide and 67 inches long (outer circumference). Check your mower’s model number against the GANCO compatibility list (includes Cub Cadet LT1042, MTD 13A-326-190, Troy-Bilt 13A-326-190, Craftsman 917 series, and many more). Confirm OEM part number cross-references: this replaces MTD 954-04317A, 954-04317, 754-04317, and Cub Cadet 954-04317A. Not for all models – always verify deck size (42-50 inch) and belt routing diagram.

Key Things to Buy

• Quality: Uses Kevlar cord construction – comparable to OEM durability for the price, but may wear slightly faster under heavy use.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty – requires removing deck or belt guards, and may need a wrench to release tensioner pulley. Allow 30-60 minutes.
• Common Gotcha: Belt must be routed exactly per your mower’s diagram (often printed on deck). Incorrect routing causes slipping or premature wear. Also, check tensioner spring condition – a weak spring will make the belt loose.
• Noise: Some users report a slight squeak for the first few minutes until the belt seats.

Should You Buy It

If you need a budget-friendly replacement for a worn OEM belt on a 42-50 inch Cub Cadet, MTD, Troy-Bilt, or Craftsman mower, this is a solid pick. It’s not as long-lasting as a premium OEM belt, but for $16 it’s a reliable fix for most weekend mowing. Avoid if your mower has a deck larger than 50 inches or requires a different belt length.