Is there much difference in an aftermarket belt? Also looking for some alternative part #'s for the drive belt on a 1981 C-125. The Toro store has 2 different listings. Dont want to break the bank for a new belt. Maybe gates or Napa.

Is there a difference, yes! TORO/Wheel Horse uses Agricultural Belts which are a little heavier-duty than most belts, and the side angle is slightly different which usually lets you get 2–3 times the wear at the high speeds. Even though Gates does make the belts for Wheel Horses, they are different, and some of the exact lengths and not available in after-market brands. Usually TORO belts are only 10–15% more, and it's worth it, if your dealer wants more than that, shop around . . .

I've been running a Stens "blue" replacement on the main drive of my 312-8 and it seems to be wearing very well. Price was a little less than Toro. JMHO....

Duff

OEM belts cost a little more, but last ALOT longer, and work better.

I have some original OEM belts that are over 12 years old and thought I would replace it due to its age. Took it to the dealer and he said "nothing wrong with this belt so why do you want to replace it, save your money" So I guess I will keep it til it starts slipping or breaks.
12 years???

My 702 has what looks to be the original drive belt on it. It works fine after 46 years! I've had her loaded until the duals dug to the axles and never seen the belt slip. And I think my 1054A also has it's original belts. Both work fine after 43 years.

Buy OEM, they last FOREVER.... Aftermarket give up (gates etc...) in 2-3 years...
My Commando's first belt lasted 22 years and the second one hasn't even hinted of trouble after 18..... Both Wheel Horse belts.

Tony

I have used numerous Oregon Belts on equipment and they perform very well. I needed 1 in a hurry. 1 day went to the parts house acquired 1 after about 1 hours use it kept jumping off. Had stretched after got hot. Parts house belts are much cheaper but not nearly as durable as OEM's or original replacement belts. If it does not say replaces such OEM number I do not expect it to last.

curly

true you want break the bank but you will have to buy a couple more belts and after it over the best is wheel horse belts

I was thinking of ordering a new OEM belt to have when the day comes I have it on hand. The drive belt on my 1970 Raider 12 is at least 12 years old and still working great. I have tried a NAPA belt in years past but never liked the way it ran. Just my two cents!

How much are you guys paying for aftermarket belts? Just curious cause WH belts dont seem to expensive for the amount of life you get out of them. I have bought a couple WH brand drive belts for my 8 speed tractors and their about $23 each from my local Toro/WH dealer. Are aftermarket that much cheaper ?
Mike.........

I have used the green Gates Belts with no problem but the Jury is still out because I haven't been in this thing that long! I will pick up some Toro belts on my restorations and give them a try. I buy the good gates belts but thats because I pick them up from one of my vendors on the way home from work its pretty convenient. I guess I will hafta drive to South Bend 15 minutes south of me and give them a try!

Its not just how long the belt lasts, but the size of the belt. The ag belts I bought for my Wheel Horse from Napa were listed as the correct belt, but 1.5" too short. This caused a real problem grinding gears and shifting.

Wasn't until I bought the OEM belt that I saw it was a longer, wider belt.

The PTO belts I've gone through in 30 hours. Next one will be a Toro, they just last a lot longer than the Napa's.

I always try and use OEM belts, but I thought I do some research on the drive belt on my C-125 Automatic.

OEM belt from SEPW (OEM part number 7473) - $21.21
OEM belt from Micalawn (OEM part number 7473) - $27.57
OEM belt from Parts Tree (OEM part number 7473) - $22.27

From Stens (part number 258-082) $38.18
Gates belt (part number 6982) from M&D Mower - $48.45
True Blue belt (part number 258082) from Sohars - $35.09 sales price $26.56

Hmm, prices are all over the place on the aftermarket, but still more than the OEM price in most cases. Even though this is just a random and not complete search, I have to ask.....So what are you saving?

I'm with the OEM crowd here too, and I'd just like to add that if you work a horse... even though we're all touting the longevity and durability of OEM belts... occasionally they DO break and eventually they DO stretch. I find a little peace of mind in keeping an extra new drive and PTO belt for my chore tractors on the wall. If one breaks over a weekend... I don't have to wait 1-3 days to get it replaced... (and let's face it... when we're talking about winter work, we might not be able to wait even a day!) I only have to wait as long as it takes to get the belt guard off and back on, and I can buy a new one to put on the wall whenever I happen to be around my WH dealer. I don't do this for all my tractors... just the ones that work.