754-0241 954-05040 Upper Drive Belt Replace Craftsman, MTD, Murray, Huskee Riding Mower Drive Belt Compatible Troy Bilt Pony 954-0241A 754-05040 754-0241A 954-0421 Drive Belt （5/8'' x 35-1/4''）

What It Is

This is an upper drive belt (5/8’’ x 35-1/4’') that transfers power from the engine pulley to the transmission on riding lawn mowers. It’s designed for Craftsman, MTD, Murray, Huskee, and Troy-Bilt Pony models with a manual or foot-operated drive system.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Measure first: The belt must be exactly 5/8 inch wide and 35-1/4 inches long (outside circumference). Any variation will cause slipping or poor engagement.
• Check your model number: This belt replaces OEM numbers 754-0241, 954-05040, 954-0241A, 754-05040, and 954-0421. Cross-reference with your mower’s manual or deck sticker.
• Brand compatibility: Fits most MTD-built machines under Craftsman, Murray, Huskee, Troy-Bilt (Pony series), and some Yard-Man models. Not for zero-turn or hydrostatic drive systems.
• Deck size doesn’t matter for the upper drive belt—it’s for the transmission, not the cutting deck. Focus on engine/transmission pulley spacing.
• Aftermarket vs OEM: This is an aftermarket belt. It should work fine, but OEM belts may have slightly different rubber compounds. Check reviews for reports of premature wear on heavy-use mowers.

Key Things to Know

• Installation is moderate: You’ll need to remove the deck and possibly the mower deck belt to access the upper drive belt. A belt tensioner tool or long screwdriver helps.
• Watch routing: Take a photo of the belt path before removing the old one. Misrouting can cause the belt to slip or snap immediately.
• Check pulleys: Inspect the engine and transmission pulleys for rust, debris, or wobble. A worn pulley will shred a new belt quickly.
• Break-in period: The belt may stretch slightly in the first few hours. Re-tension after 2–3 mows if your mower has an adjustable tensioner.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you need a reliable, low-cost replacement for a manual-drive MTD-style riding mower and you’re comfortable with basic mechanical work. It’s a solid value at $9.47, but skip it if your mower uses a hydrostatic drive or if you need an OEM belt for warranty purposes.