I don't think it's a dumb question

I've used standard automotive belts before, in a pinch - My experience is they only last about 1/3rd as long, so I've found it more cost effective in the long run to buy the special belts designed for mower decks . . . . not to mention it's much less hassle than changing them so often

Don

I'd check out the "industrial drives" supplier in the area. They can usually match them up, in all respects.

Thanks guys.

When is the recommended interval to change drive and mower belts? I am wondering of I should change drive belt, even though it is still intact.

I keep the dimentions,and part# and a spare belt,and run the belts till I see them fray,or break.I had never seen a chart for specific hourly /yearly belt replacements.

Automoptive belts have a different "V" angle than L&G belts.They may look alike ,and fit,for a while,but wear out quickly,as stated, and don't help the service life of the sheaves(pulleys. tbk

tom k de,

Thank you, and I wish I had read your post (and I would have listened to your advice) before I went to the auto store today. I went to a local NAPA and purchased a 4L 950W heavy duty Gates belt to replace the 144959 OEM deck belt. I think I am going to leave it on until it wears or breaks, because this Sears deck is a pain to keep taking on and off.

"I am wondering of I should change drive belt, even though it is still intact."

No.

"I went to a local NAPA and purchased a 4L 950W heavy duty Gates belt "

No problem there, the fact that a belt is purchased in an Auto Parts Store does not necessarily mean it is a belt for automotive use. NAPA for example has a wide selection of products including some lawnmower engine parts and belts for machines as well as belts for automobiles.

A Gates 4L belt is not an auto belt.

SOME mower decks do require special belts, some with a steel cable inside for example.

I buy 5L or 5/8" belts at an oil well supply store for half the price of Stens even and they are heavy duty, made in the USA, belts.

Walt Conner

I got the mower belt for mine at the local parts store, a Gates belt thats meant for L&G equipment. It's already lasted twice as long as the Massey Ferguson belt. Try to with the same lenght of belt, if the auto parts don't have the right one they should be able to get it within a day.

I always run universals on my honda. Ever since the $50 honda belt broke with 5hrs on it. I find them to be more reliable than the honda belt. I think it is a half inch bigger than the OEM belt, no problems.

I forgot to mention,L&G "V" belts usually have a "clothlike" covering,whereas automotive and fractional horsepower "V"(L series) belts do not.I use a 4L390 "V" belt on my 1/2 horse power motor in my domestic home furnace blower,but I surely would not use it on my OPE .I purchase all my belts from the local KAMANN bearing supply shop.Memory fails me at the moment,but it is the "green" top of the line belts with kelvar.If the drive system is properly aligned and tensioned,they can outlast the unit it is installed on. jmho tbk

The Gates belt I got at O'Reilly Auto Parts is a green belt, they told me it was meant for mowers and etc. Took the old in (what was left of it) and they got me the right belt, they said they'd start stocking one in case I ever need one again.

To get a higher quality 1/2" v-belt get a "A" belt or a "B" belt for a 5/8" belt. They do not come in exactly the length size as the others, but the are more durable, are heavier duty and will last longer. They will, however, cost a little more.

Please don't tell me you can't to this. We have been using them on a large variety of equipment for 30 years or more with good results. You may have to buy them from an industrial supply house for they are not stocked everywhere. Take your old belt and they can match it!

i want to know the actual size and section of belts used in massey fergusion tractors
part no:
185175M1
629004M1
893575M1
1693745M1
3637306M91

Most hardware stores carry "fractional Horsepower" belts. These are better than nothing, but won't last too long.

I find them particularly useful when building something, or repairing something that I have no belt nor specs as a low cost "test belt" to make sure the size is good.

OPE uses "dry" belts. The best are dry Aramid reinforced belts. Aramid is the generic term for Kevlar.

Autoparts stores can get the right belts, and often even have them in stock. Gates has an excellent brand if they have it.

I will use any dry Aramid belt unless it is a belt I have had problems with in which case I will order the top of the line from an OPE supplier (they often have more than one grade)