There is much more to a belt spec than size. Divide that $50 belt by six years and it seems reasonable to me. You could post part #s and maybe we can convert them to size if you wish.

Buy the real simplicity OEM belt... you won't be sorry.

Buy an aftermarket belt and more likely than not you will be sorry and waste time replacing it with a real Simplicity OEM belt shortly.

I just don't get people who don't skimp when they buy the tractor and then put the cheapest parts they can find on it.

OK, let's call it $45. Mmmm, 45 divided by 6 = 7.5 or $7.50 per year for belt maintenance over a 6 year span. What? 2 belts? OK, a whopping $15 per year for belt maintenance over 6 years! Get you some cheapo belts for around $25 each, replace them every year or 2 and.............well, I think you know where I'm going with this :^)

Thanks, yes, I've had good luck as far as maintenance on this tractor. That's why it cost twice as much as a box store tractor. As to my the original question, I was trying to use a surplus of belts at shop that will probably get tossed in six monthes if I don't find a use for them. They are mostly 4Lxxx sizes and quality Browning, Gates, Goodyear belts. I can't read the sizes on my existing old belts if it was on them to begin with, that's all. Just thought someone might know the sizes from their experience with a Broadmoor.

OK, if you strongly suspect that there might be some matching belts in the surplus batch, you might want to go ahead and pull off your old belts for a match-up. At least while you have them off you can have them measured with a proper belt gauge or you can use a tape measure. Tape method works well and is easier if you have a helper to hold the tape measure body so you can use both hands on the belt and tape. Mark a spot on the flat side of the belt, align the end of the tape on the mark and hold the tape and belt together tightly with your left hand. Now, place your right hand around the belt and tape as far away from the mark and end of tape and grip the tape and belt together tightly. Let go of the belt and end of tape with your left hand and move your left hand to grip the tape and belt next to your right hand. Holding the belt and tape with your left hand, move your right hand as far as you can to grip a new spot on belt and tape. Repeat this until you have brought the belt full circle to the mark you made. When you have the mark centered between your left & right hand, read the number on the tape scale. This will be the length of belt. Measuring across the flat of the belt will be the width. If you do go to the trouble to measure your belts, be sure you record the specs so you will no longer be in the dark about the belt sizes. Also, if you go to the trouble to measure, you may want to use the opportunity to inspect the deck and underside of the tractor real good at this time.

Thank you, mownie, those expensive OEM belts to keep for spares are starting to look better already. I will try to get a tape measure on the existing belts next time I'm under there--hopefully there is enough belt life left to make it past the point of mowing every three to four days like now. I checked the underside the other day, looks good. Definately not disappointed with the overall quality of this Simplicity.

What is the 169# on the tractor and i can tell Ya how long the belt is. Dave

Often times OEMs use a different V angle than standard and using the simple measurements may not get you a belt that is the same as an OEM belt.

I had a Simplicity Broadmoor tractor, and the belt numbers were on the inside of the hood, back near the cowl area.

Also, i have an MTD lawn tractor here, and surprise of all--the belt numbers are under the hood, on the under side of the hood, easy to see when ya open the hood.

Thanks to all again, didn't get out there last night, will mow tonight and check under hood for part #'s, etc. Dave, the tractor is a #1694429....

The belt is 1/2 BY 61 so eather a A59 or 4L610 will work. For the engine to deck. For the deck Spindle belt it is. 1/2 By 83 or A81 or 4L830 For tractor Engine to Hydrostat belt if it has K57 hydrostat belt is 1/2 by 92.5 no aftermarket maybe a 92 inch would fit? simplicity # 1721696. If it has a K-62 hydrostat belt is 1/2 by 90 so eather a A88 or 4L900 simplicity # 1722644 Simplicity cross # for belts http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/belts/simplicity_belts.asp

Hope this helps Dave

That does help. I wrote down the Simplicity numbers under the hood cowl last night. Also checked to be certain deck is 44". Under the hood it says 'Drive Belt 1601672' and 'Deck Drive Belt 1721532'. I also found a paper in my shed where I wrote 'Drive 1721696' and think a Dealer gave me that Part #, corresponding with your Part # for the Engine to Hydro belt. I'll check the Manual and also the link you provided later today, and also try to find out which Hydro I have. K-57 rings a bell, but not 100% sure. Many thanks, I'll post later today.

Hi, it's the K57 Hydro so it's looks like OEM would be my best option. The Engine PTO to Hydro belt is definately the most frayed and in need of replacement because I do a lot of backward-forward moves while cutting around trees, beds, etc, and up and down the grade of a septic mound. Since it looks like it could be a bit of a chore to measure it accurately, I will order the $45 OEM belt rather than chance it with a belt that may or may not fit just right when I crawl under there to change it out. The PTO to deck belt and the third belt between the three deck blades actually look better than I thought previously and those two will probably last for quite a while yet. But I'll keep an eye out for the sizes posted by Dave above to keep as spares since those sizes appear correct and are readily available from any local belt distibuters or maybe even a tractor supply, Thanks, will let you know some time soon how the PTO to Hydro belt change-out goes.

Check the idler and tensioner pulleys on the drive belt before you order... you may need one or two.

OK, actually found the drive belt which I need most in stock at the place I bought the tractor in '04, $35. I can wait now on the deck belts, but a local belts distributer has both the A59 and A81 for $6 and $9, respectively. Will grab them someday to hang in the shed.

Hi, just have to tell you 'you're alright!' And you're all right, too--there is not a bit of incorrect info posted here for these belts. The Drive-Hydro OEM Belt is a #1721696 and is in fact 92.5". The OEM belt also looks a bit different than a standard "A" or "4L" belt. It is more rounded on the outside, larger side of the "V", probably to ride better and cause less wear on the tensioner pulley it contacts. Very glad I bought the OEM as many recommended.

As for the arbor and deck belts, it looks like the standard "A" belts will fit just fineand would probably be OK for a while, but I did not have the correct sizes in surplus. Then I called a local supply house and told the counter guy I needed belts for my lawn tractor. He said their belts might stretch, that's what just happened with his MTD. So maybe the OEM's would again be the better option than even a decent, name brand non-OEM. Have to save my pennies again it looks like. Thanks for all the advice, will still tell you how things change out, and if there is a trick to it that makes it easier.