Kevlar drive belts

[link]

I was looking for a replacement belt for my lawn mower.

The manufacturer (Sears) has one listed that has Kevlar in it. Has anyone used a drive belt in a car or anywhere else with Kevlar? Does the Kevlar make for an improvement in performance or longevity? Iirc the factory belt has been in service for about 10 years or so but needs to be replaced.


Here is their comment:

...made with Kevlar replacement belt costing less than the OEM. Belt is made to FSP specs, 1/2 X 88.375" (2244.725 mm). For the 144200, Same as Husqvarna belt 532144200. Used on many 42" vented decks, 1994 to about 2000. Kevlar corded lawn and garden belts have become increasingly popular over the last few years due to their extreme strength, durability, and value-added pricing. Kevlar corded belts, also called Aramid or extra-heavy duty belts are constructed of organic polyaramide fibers that are manufactured using complex chemical processes. **Interesting fact: Kevlar is the same material bulletproof vests are constructed with. Kevlar is used in PIX belts as a tension member because of its inherent stability and high tensile strength Cord

[Skid Row Joe]

You might try NAPA too. Many years ago I bought a shaft to deck, blade drive replacement belt for my IH Cub Cadet tractor that has worn like iron. I took the original, early '70s POS black belt to a NAPA, and they sold me one based on matching it to size. Whether it has Kevlar in it I don't know. Do you have any pics of these Kevlar belts?

[link]

They are widely available. Google vbelt or belt and the number 144200, I was curious if kevlar has a useful purpose for this application or if it’s a sales gimmick. These sell at up to 50% more than some other belts.

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by link

They are widely available. Google vbelt or belt and the number 144200, I was curious if kevlar has a useful purpose for this application or if it’s a sales gimmick. These sell at up to 50% more than some other belts.

So, do they look different than the old v-belts? I haven't bought a belt for anything in 20 years, so I haven't seen these Kevlar belts, is why I aslked if you had some pics.

When it comes to sales and marketing, everything's a measure of "gimmick."

[layback40]

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

When it comes to sales and marketing, everything's a measure of "gimmick."

So true.

[elchivito]

Stray shots from Scary Black Rifles will not hurt it. I say get one.

[The Clk Man]

I bet those belt are "Bullet Proof".

[Skid Row Joe]

Don't laugh - mine's badass, and bullet proof!

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

I bet those belt are "Bullet Proof".

[link]

So no one has seen kevlar as a upsell option for belts used in automobiles?

[barry12345]

I would ask a busy lawn tractor repair guy for an opinion. Even if just by phone.

Original belts seem to increase effective length primarily with wear but there may be a stretch component over time in there as well. If and when it gets to the point of slipping a little the belt will heat. Enough to impact the internal cords is unknown to me. The runs between pulleys are pretty long.