The last thing anyone wants in the middle of cutting season—or in the middle of a mow—is a preventable issue popping up. A worn-down belt snapping right after getting your mowing session underway is a major inconvenience. Read on to see why it’s important to purchase Exmark OEM mower belts to ensure that signature Exmark cut, mow after mow.
Why Are Exmark OEM Mower Belts Important?
Simply put, Exmark engineers all their mower belts specifically for the applications in which they’re going to be used. This is an important point that many aftermarket manufacturers fail to take into account. Instead of making a belt that works really well for one situation, they make a belt that they hope will work for dozens of different products.
In contrast, Exmark knows that a specific belt made for a specific mower gets the best possible performance out of your machine. After all, you wouldn’t go to a junkyard to find replacement parts for your high-end sportscar, right?
How to Tell if Your Belt Needs to be Replaced
First and foremost, the easiest way to tell if your belt needs to be replaced is if it breaks. Beyond that, and especially if you store your mower outside during the winter, it’s best to do a routine check before you mow. If you see bad weathering, cracks, and overall wear and tear, it’s time to swap it out.
However, if you do wind up finding some wear, you can always continue to run it. But this sacrifices quality and results in an eventual headache when the belt breaks mid-mow.
What Sets an Exmark Deck Drive Belt Apart?
Similar to their blade drive belts, Exmark’s deck drive belts have even more special requirements for various applications. For example, when you engage the power take-off (PTO) to get the belt moving, you need it to clutch (or stretch) a little bit to absorb the initial shock. Exmark’s deck drive belts feature a two-ply wrap that gives you the clutching ability you need when engaging the PTO.
Likewise, the inside of Exmark OEM belts feature cords that are uniquely aligned and positioned for different applications. With aftermarket belts, you risk receiving a deck drive belt with the incorrect number and alignment of cords. Severely impacting your mower’s performance—and increasing the number of times you need to swap out your belts during the season.
Where Can You Get Exmark OEM Mower Belts?
If you start to see any wear and tear, it’s always a good idea to drop on by your local dealer. Their techs and reps have all the knowhow you need to get the right belts for your mower. Or, you can always visit the Exmark Original parts store to order your new belts straight to your door—and stock up on some backups, just in case.
