Toro 'Variable Speed' is the manual version of 'Personal Pace', controlled by a conventional bail instead of a sliding handle. The belts are designed to slip and seem to last for a long time. The Personal Pace system was invented by Lawn-Boy before Toro owned it. I think LB called it 'Automatic Drive' or something like that. I've been using the Lawn-Boy versions of 'Personal Pace' and 'Variable Speed' since about 1998 and I have yet to replace a belt. My current two 'Variable Speed' mowers have been in service since 2004 and 2008 respectively.