John Deere Genuine OEM Mower Drive Belt 325 345 LX 172 GT 225 235 242 262 GX 325 335 Part # M119696

What It Is

This is a Genuine John Deere OEM drive belt (Part # M119696) that transfers power from the engine pulley to the mower deck on select John Deere lawn and garden tractors. It’s designed for heavy-duty residential and light commercial use.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your machine model and deck size. This belt fits:

• Models: John Deere 325, 345, LX 172, GT 225, GT 235, GT 242, GT 262, GX 325, GX 335.
• Deck sizes: Typically 42-inch, 48-inch, or 54-inch stamped decks – but not all decks on these models use this belt. Check your owner’s manual or the old belt’s part number.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is genuine John Deere, not a universal or aftermarket belt. It matches factory specs exactly. Aftermarket belts (e.g., Stens, Oregon) may work but can vary in length or width by a few mm, risking slippage or poor fit.
• Measurements: OEM spec is 1/2-inch wide by 96.5 inches long (approx.). Measure your old belt’s length (lay flat, measure outer circumference) and width to confirm.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Genuine OEM belts use Kevlar-reinforced cord for longer life and better grip than most aftermarket belts. Expect 300-500 hours under normal use.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate – requires removing the mower deck and routing the belt around pulleys and idlers. A deck lift or jack helps. Budget 30-60 minutes.
• Common gotcha: The belt must be routed correctly around the spring-loaded idler pulley. If it’s too loose, the deck won’t engage; too tight, it can burn out the idler bearing. Check your deck diagram.
• Alternative part numbers: This belt also replaces John Deere parts M119696, M134570, and M144763 on some models – confirm cross-reference with your machine’s serial number.

Should You Buy It

If you own one of the listed John Deere tractors and want a belt that fits perfectly, lasts, and won’t cause deck engagement issues, this is the right choice. It’s a premium price for premium reliability – ideal for owners who value OEM quality over saving a few dollars on an aftermarket belt.