The 954-04331 is a 5L x 35.25" v-belt.
5L belt top width is 21/32" with a thickness of 3/8". The mechanic is probably trying to install an after market "B" which is 21/32 top width with a thickness of 7/16". The machine will pull through using a "B" belt. BTW they consider 21/32" as a 5/8" belt but 5/8" is actually 20/32".
I believe the mechanic is referring to .that the mower is pulling through brakes when they are applied and I had other MTD to come in the shop doing the same thing where the owner had install a "B" belt. They get pissed when I change and charge for the correct belt. Of they get the "B" back to whatever they want to do with it.
Another problem with so called OEM after market replacement belts is that they may be shorter than the belt sleeve indicates
It is hard to get it through to new mechanics that MTD CVT system is very very picky about which belts that will work.