754-04331 954-04331 Drive Belt for MTD Craftsman Riding Mower Lower Replaces 754 04331 954 04331

What It Is

The 754-04331 / 954-04331 is a lower drive belt for MTD and Craftsman riding mowers. It transfers power from the engine pulley to the transmission, enabling forward/reverse movement—not the mower deck blades.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Brands: MTD, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Huskee—any model using the 754-04331 (OEM) or 954-04331 (aftermarket) belt.
• Measurements: 1/2" width x 93.4" effective length. Verify your old belt’s part number or measure its length (lay flat, measure inner circumference).
• Check your model number: Look under the seat or on the frame. Cross-reference with your owner’s manual or a parts diagram. Common decks: 42", 46", 50" (but deck size alone doesn’t guarantee fit—transmission type matters).
• OEM vs aftermarket: OEM MTD is more consistent. This aftermarket belt (954-04331) is cheaper but may run slightly tighter or looser. If your mower has a spring-loaded idler, minor length differences are usually fine.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the deck or at least the belt guard. A belt tool or long screwdriver helps route it around pulleys.
• Common gotcha: The belt must match the pulley groove depth—too deep and it slips, too shallow and it rides high. Measure your old belt’s cross-section.
• Quality: Expect 1–2 seasons of normal use. Not heavy-duty; avoid extreme loads (towing, steep slopes).
• Double-check routing: Take a photo before removing the old belt. Misrouting causes slipping or premature wear.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you need a budget-friendly replacement for a worn or snapped lower drive belt on an MTD/Craftsman riding mower and you’re comfortable with a basic belt swap. Skip it if you want OEM longevity or if your mower uses a different belt length/width—measure first.