Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I'm working on a Craftsman track-drive model #536.884800 which is a 5 hp 23''. The belts have to be replaced. Can I go with a GATES "trueflex" and GATES "hi-power2" or must I get a true MURRAY belt which cost more? The parts on this machine are interchangeable with NOMA and MURRAY.

As long as you get heavy duty OPE rated belts you should be fine.  Get the belt numbers for the OEM belts and look those up and try to find the sizes you need.

Shryp wrote:
Got them just have second thoughts

u can use any belts that are the CORRECT SIZE, doesnt matter who makes it. obviously u get what u pay for most of the time, l've been using (kevlar belts from TSC Canada) for the past couple of years now on customer blowers. they seem to be wearing very well so far. usually they run around 13-14/ belt depending on size. now l will say this the serrated belts do last a bit longer.  

The OEM belts may cost a few $$ more That should be your 1st choice Less griff in the long run.

Anybody familiar with the web site "vbelts4less.com" . They have the belts in the exact size I need in "kevlar blue" at a very good price.

what are the symptons of needing a new belt?  My dad's craftsman auger belt was crazy loose, so I moved the idler pully over all the way.  now the auger turns through the snow, but only throws it a few feet.  Do impeller RPMs drop with a loose belt, or is it an all or nothing thing?

Thanks,
Dan

A loose belt will slip.  Also, as the belt wears it gets thinner.  There will be less material to bite on the pulleys.  As the belt gets smaller it will sit deeper in the pulley which will change the gear ratio to make it slower.