engineguy63 238 #1 Posted May 23, 2014 Well, I like to do things right, so after learning a little more on this forum about my recently purchased 416H, I took a drive to an old Family owned Wheelhorse/toro dealer. I got an air filter, oil filter, hydro filter, gas filter, and a set of 3 blades. $140! Seamed a little high but I got a good deal on the tractor so what the heck,BUT, Now I noticed with the deck off (changing blades and greasing spindles) I need a pto belt to drive the deck (original worked but is real shabby). I hate to think what that may cost at the dealer, and its about 45 minutes away. I would like to get a belt at my local VERY WELL stocked hardware store, and I know they can measure the belt, but If I knew the size going in....I think it would be better....anybody Know the size I need for the deck I have (42" R D)? OR is there a reason why a generic belt would not work well?? Thanks Again!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,332 #2 Posted May 23, 2014 First off a old belt especially a old OEM belt will surprize you how long they will last. If I were you I would get a OEM belt. They just seem to do better and last longer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 488 #3 Posted May 23, 2014 Up until recently, I have always bought the OEM belts, but the downside to having a fleet of tractors is that parts get expensive! We now have a Tractor Supply in our neck of the woods and where they have my size, I'm using their blue Kevlar belts. These belts are banded on the back side (for lack of a better word) and are suitable for use with an idler pulley too. Go to the manuals section and I think there's a chart showing the belt size and length. BTW, the TSC belts are very reasonable in price too IMHO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulC 342 #4 Posted May 23, 2014 Ebay has become a go to for myself. I just recently got an OEM spindle belt for my 42" rear discharge brand new for what I would have paid or maybe even less for an aftermarket belt locally, and I never left my house!! I have purchased a decent amount of OEM stuff from ebay recently while redoing my 312H and I received most of the stuff within just a couple days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hodge71 665 #5 Posted May 23, 2014 (edited) One thing you will find is that Wheel Horse OEM belts are a bit bigger than an A profile belt and a bit smaller than a B profile belt. Yes you can get a generic fitzall whether it be a blue one, brown one, black one or whatever, it will not fit your pulleys the way the factory intended. This will cause the belt to wear incorrectly, and ultimately not tranfer power the way Sounth Bend intended. I have done the garbage blue belt fix to get through because a mower belt broke on a Sunday and TSC was the only place opened and I needed to finish the yard. I have realized the err of my ways and I will always keep 1 belt of evey type needed on hand just in case. That way if it breaks...no matter what I'm covered and can get to the Wheel Horse dealer during the week to get a replacement...I just had to change the belt on my 42" RD mower on the C-160...it was the original belt from 1977...How can you complain about longevity like that? Lets see a Chinese junk blue belt last like that...another reason I buy Toro belts...every one of them still says made in the USA on them Edited May 23, 2014 by hodge71 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
engineguy63 238 #6 Posted May 23, 2014 Well, For no other reason than , Made in the USA.....I will drive back to the dealer and get a set of belts...............................I am happy to pay more if indeed they are made in the USA!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,209 #7 Posted May 23, 2014 I use green Napa ( Gates Made in USA ) belts and they last for years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 488 #8 Posted May 24, 2014 I use green Napa ( Gates Made in USA ) belts and they last for years.Do the green Napa belts you use part number start with 4L and end in W I've got another color tractor and have this belt to use. Don't see much info on them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites