Hello all, new here and like this site after browsing a bit. I have a Toro lawn tractor that needs a deck belt. After shopping around for prices, seems that the price range has a very large window which leaves me questioning the quality of the lower priced belts. Part# 112-5800 {V-BELT}. Prices range from around $12.00 with free shipping to $49.00 at my local toro dealers. Are all these belts basically the same quality or should I stick with OEM for the $49.00??
Are all deck belts created equal?
- Thread starter pmgnut
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SeniorCitizen
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Acquaint yourself with one of your local automotive stores. NAPA, CARQUEST, PEPBOYS, ADVANCE AUTO etc. If the sales person is belt knowledgeable he will admit there are several grades of belts and often by the same manufacturer. Take your belt along or at least the part number and most ofter they can cross ref.
reynoldston
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Do not scrimp on your mower deck belt or you will be sorry you did. OEM for sure, you will find it well worth it. You will have all kind of problems with the aftermarket belt like coming off the pulleys.
Took your advice and just bought the OEM for $49.00. I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for but figured I'd double check on something like a belt. Just finished the install, all went well aside from wrestling with wrench positions on the hard to reach center pulleys. Not much room in there and hard to find a good angle. Other than that, put on new blades as well and tractor is running & cutting nicely. Thanks everyone!
mowerman05
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You made the right choice OEM all the time if you can afford it.
reynoldston
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I find this is very true. They do make some good aftermarket parts as good as OEM at cheaper prices but also you are taking your chances. The trouble with belts I have had too many problems with the aftermarket belts. As a repair shop that cost me money and time. So now anytime I replace a belt it is OEM. I like the part where you say ( if you can afford it) :thumbsup:
Glad you followed the posts and went OEM. belts are not all the same. A degree difference in pitch, quarter inch difference in length, sixteenth inch in depth or material can all lead to problems down the road. Most on this forum will disagree with me, but on belts I always say OEM always.
Mad Mackie
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reynoldston
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I seem to see a lot of belt problems on this forum. Yes I do run across bad belts in my shop but I find a very small amount. I am might see one bad belt a year and this year I haven't come across one. I see belts last the life of the mower. Good pulleys and bearings you just shouldn't be going through all them belts.