Mower belt replacement - generic part?

[jbwilson]

Soon I will need to replace the mid mower belt (Cub Cadet - 60 inch mower) for my Yanmar tractor (sc 2400 equivalent). It seems that new Yanmar tractors have stopped being sold in Australia along with parts support for anything beyond routine maintenance.

My question is can the belt be replaced by any generic drive belt of the same dimensions? I am hoping that the belt used by Cub Cadet is a size and type that is an industry standard rather than made specifically for Cub Cadet. If so then I would simply take the Cub Cadet belt to a retailer to identify a replacement. If not, then I'll probably need to import one from the U.S.

Thank you.

 

[jbwilson]

Studying by internet the specifications by various manufacturers of drive belts I think a replacement belt would be easily found. The Cub Cadet part no. is 954 3080 and is a 1/2 inch belt (probably a SPA profile). I assume the 3080 in the part no. refers to the length of the belt in mms which seems to be made by a number of companies (I will measure before buying). I assume that any brand would be suitable replacement.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

You should be able to find a 'generic' replacement. I've done it many times for my commercial mowers. It just needs to be the same size. We have several stores that specialize in selling just belts, and they readily have my sizes in stock.

It is very important that you replace it with a 'heavy duty' belt. I've made the mistake of buying the cheaper belts at a belt store, only to have them fail within a few hours of use.

 

[jbwilson]

Thank you CompleteLawnCare.

 

[mcfarmall]

Call vbeltglobalsuppy.com and they can help you out. They carry all sizes and styles of belts, kevlar, etc.. I purchase all my belts from them and no, I don't work there or stand to gain anything by recommending them.

 

[CaptFerd]

I got an off brand on mine. The only problem was the V idler pulley split in half after a few runs and dam near destroyed my new belt. Think it was about to split anyway. Just wished it would of broke when the old belt was on there.

 

[gordyy]

John Deere actually uses that same belt on some of their mowers. And I have found it at relatively small dealers instock, and for about $8.00 cheaper than my Yanmar dealer

 

[alchemysa]

JBwilson, I'm in Adelaide. Look on Ebay for belts. I've even found its cheaper to buy belts for my ride-on from the UK. Even with the postage included they are much cheaper than locally. Of course it takes a couple of weeks to get here so buy a couple in advance.

 

[LD1]

I would never trust an OEM part number to mean anything related to the part.

As with bolts, bearings, etc. I buy belts by their size. NOT by OEM part numbers.

A 1/2" belt could be an A-series belt or a 4L series. The 4L are typically a lower HP rated belt though.

On the A-series...the numbers that follow the letter, is the INSIDE length of the belt in inches. IE.....A60 belt is a 60" inside diameter belt.

On the 4L series belt, the numbers following are the OUTSIDE length in tenths of an inch. So knock the zero off the end and thats the Outside length in inches. IE: 4L680 would be a 68" OUTSIDE length belt.

Then there are conversions for outside length and inside length. On a A-series belt....its 2" difference.

So......4L680 = 1/2" belt........66" inside length.......68" outside length.
A66 belt = 1/2" belt..............66" inside length.......68" outside length.

 

[jbwilson]

Thank you all for your your replies. I like the idea of procuring parts from overseas because everything relating to to tractors and hydraulics is hideously expensive in this country. I haven't replaced the mower belt yet because I have been busy trailering unwanted clay from my property - over 200 trailer loads to date (6' x 4' trailer). Alchmeysa - you'll probably have the same issue in SA as I do in the ACT regarding govt tip fees (and every other fee). A one ton load of dirt costs $80 to dump. A local private recycling centre charges $40 per ton (plus GST). I found a place just across the border in NSW who charges me just $10 per trailer regardless of weight. I managed to save a fortune by getting 1.5 tons in each trailer load aided by compacting the clay with my 4in1 bucket.