Types of Mower Belts

If your mower is failing to operate as it should, the culprit may be your mower belt. Replacing this essential component can restore your mower to full working condition, preventing the need for costly replacement. In this guide, we explore the different types of mower belts and what to consider when purchasing.

TYPES OF MOWER BELT BY DESIGN

STANDARD V BELTS

Standard V belts are the most common type of mower belt. These belts are shaped like a trapezoid, where one side is longer than the other, creating the ‘V shape’ that this belt is named after. There are a wide range of different sizes and styles of mower belt, which are defined by their type code. For example, a V belt with an ‘A’ in the type code has a top width of 0.5”.

KEVLAR BELTS

Kevlar is highly durable, with excellent tensile and rim strength. This synthetic fibre does not stretch easily and has a strong resistance to fatigue and abrasion. For heavy-duty mower use, Kevlar belts are often the recommended option.

RUBBER BELTS

Rubber is the most popular material used for mower belts and a range of other belts, as it is flexible and resistant to wear. Rubber has natural traction, which allows it to grip on pulleys for the efficient transfer of power.

POLY CORD BELTS

Poly cord is constructed from polyester and is commonly used to reinforce the primary material in belts, such as rubber. These belts are suitable for applications with lower usage rates, such as home mowers with less consistent operation.

COGGED V BELTS

Cogged V belts are also known as toothed belts due to their unique shape. Mower belts with a cogged design feature slots that run across the length of the belt. These belts have slightly improved efficiency than V belts, last longer and run cooler but are more costly, which makes them a rarer option for most types of mowers. Cogged belts usually have an ‘X’ in their type code.

SERPENTINE BELTS

Serpentine belts are also known as multi-ribbed belts because of the grooves found lengthwise on the inside of this belt design. These belts are low noise, high-efficiency and long-lasting and are often utilised in mowers with hydraulics, a mower deck or power take-off system. The number of ribs is typically featured in the type code, such as 4PK for four ribs.

TYPES OF LAWN MOWER BELT FUNCTIONS

DRIVE BELTS

Drive belts are used to transfer the engine power into the transmission and wheels. As such, this type of belt is only used on mowers with some form of propulsion, such as ride-on lawnmowers.

DECK BELTS

Deck belts are the most common type of mower belts. These spin the mower blades by connecting the blade system to the engine, enabling the primary functionality of the lawn mower.

PTO BELTS

PTO belts provide a way to transfer power to additional equipment included in specific types of mowers. PTO stands for ‘power take-off’, a mechanism that transfers engine power to driven equipment or attachments. Mechanical PTO systems use these belts.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR LAWN MOWER BELT

SIZE AND COMPATIBILITY

Mower belts are not one size fits all, requiring an understanding of type codes and your specific mower requirements to select the right product. Knowing the required width, length and type of belt is vital to pick an operable and compatible belt for your mower. Information about the right belt is typically found in the manufacturer’s specifications for your mower.

APPLICATION

The type of belt you should buy depends on the specific application of your mower. For example, if you have a medium-sized garden that is mowed once every couple of weeks in warmer weather, a standard poly cord V belt is suitable for your requirements. For landscapers and large lawns, a more hard-wearing belt may be a better fit.

COST VS QUALITY

Rubber and poly cord belts are the cheapest options for belt replacement, with a lower up-front cost, but will wear out faster. By contrast, Kevlar belts will have a higher up-front cost but will last longer. It’s important to pick the option that fits your budget and requirements for day-to-day use.

OPERATING CONDITIONS

Mowers exposed to high temperatures or more abrasive conditions will result in belts degrading faster. Choosing belts that match your particular operating conditions can help to prevent breakdowns and extend the lifetime of your belts for continued smooth operation.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SIZE MOWER BELT

Referring to the instruction manual or specifications for your mower is the best way to determine what size mower belt you need. If this information isn’t available, measure the length and width of your existing belt to determine the size of your current belt and find the matching replacement.

LAWN MOWER BELTS AT THE BEARING COMPANY

Whether you’re replacing a worn belt or sourcing a hard-to-find replacement, The Bearing Company stocks a wide range of OEM mower belts from brands including John Deere, Black & Decker and Honda. Explore our full range of mower belts online today, or contact our team directly if you need advice about the right mower belt for your requirements.