aftermarket belts , Goodyear ?

[Tonyp 285]

So being lazy for a few years plus having extra belts around, I was researching "after market belts  yesterday for  a 315-8 that I just acquired  and ran across "GOODYEAR" branded V belts , Kevlar, at 1/3 the price.   generally a drive belt from Stens or True Blue is in the $40 range, the same belt  labeled GOODYEAR comparison belt is about $15.  

 

Ok, so is the $40 belt really a $40 belt and is the $15 belt really a low quality $15 belt ? The GOODYEAR labeled deck belts are in the $11 range. 

 

I can say this, maybe 10 years ago the 89"  drive belt broke on my 310-8, having no spare I went down to the auto parts store and found an 89 " belt , installed it on the 310 and that belt is STILL on the machine. That belt is probably 1/2 vs 5/8 .

 

All thoughts comments really appreciated. 

[squonk 43,869]

Napa has good belts. They are green and kevlar wrapped. They are what I use. Guys also have good luck with the blue TSC kevlar belts. I wouldn't hesitate to use the Goodyear kevlar belt.

[Retired Wrencher 5,812]

There is nothing like the original belt from Wheel Horse it is a precise fit. But the Big $$ on it. They last a long time. I find them on e-bay.

[Tankman 3,523]

Tractor Supply. Huskee Kevlar belts, on the rack, inexpensive.

Never had a problem with 'em.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

I try to stick with original. But have a couple extra back up belts for the snowthrower. napa kevlar. 

 

Glenn

[pfrederi 18,698]

I use Gates Power rated (green) for decks, blowers and hydros.  For 4-8 speeds I find the WH belts are smoother in engaging

[TDF5G 2,073]

8 hours ago, T1257 RETIRED WRENCHER. said:

There is nothing like the original belt from Wheel Horse it is a precise fit. But the Big $$ on it. They last a long time. I find them on e-bay.

[DennisThornton 4,771]

I'm quite frugal and I've had great luck with TSC Huskies!  I would be all over a Goodyear Kevlar at a third of the price.  Even if you are OEM fan it's still nice to have spare belts around for that odd thing that happens.  Like a stick or limb popping up into somewhere it shouldn't!  Now I should also say I would NOT give anything for a belt that was NOT Kevlar!  But I don't much care which brand, just that it's Kevlar.