Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > Replacement Belts; OEM or Aftermarket
Date: 12 Dec 2005 9:22 pm
Is there really a difference in the Ariens/Gravely belts and aftermarket belts? I see some aftemarket include Kevlar, and all cost considerably less.
Just paid $16.95 at a Newton, MA Ariens dealer for a Ariens belt 07204700 (3/8" X 35") and one shear pin. Is it really a superior belt, or just premium priced?
I can't recall the last time I had to change the belt. It's been many years and I wanted to use the OEM brand since it's held up so well.
Are all belts created equal? Wouldn't a cogged belt work better against the tensioner?
Date: 13 Dec 2005 6:06 am
Mind- Who knows? I say you did the right thing. I know with car parts nothing is better than factory stuff. Just because something says kevlar on it doesn't mean it's good. How much of it is Kevlar anyway? Your old belt wasn't kevlar and you said it lasted so long. You bought it, change it and don't look back ! Do you live in Newton ? I have a brother who lives in Needham. It sounds like your close to each other. - Kris :D
Date: 13 Dec 2005 9:04 am
I agree , nothing like factory . I live in Needham . Small world :D
Date: 13 Dec 2005 9:54 am
Knee- Yes it is ! I discovered a Gravely guy around the corner from him and now you. The next time I go visit him I'll let you know and maybe we can have lunch or something. - Kris :D
Date: 13 Dec 2005 10:20 am
Belts and filters on small engines, I go with OEM. These engines run hard, and are almost always under load, so I go with OEM stuff because I feel it meets the design criteria from the original manufacturer. Since I'm doing tha labor, I hate doing it twice because a discount part craps out right away. My time is more valuable than the couple of bucks saved on aftermarket parts. Not all aftermarket parts are bad, but the bad ones don't come with a label saying "I'm a bad part." and seldom come with a warantee comparable to OEM parts.
Date: 13 Dec 2005 10:38 am
I use aftermarket true-blue kevlar belts. I started using them on my single stage after blowing OEM belts after every storm. The local OPE dealer sold me one and two season later I am on the same belt.
They are strong and do not stretch . I am not sure they are much cheaper than OEM belts. I buy them online from jacks small engines. a 3/8x35 is $10.35 plus shipping.
Date: 13 Dec 2005 3:33 pm
Tell me if I'm wrong...but wouldn't an OEM belt be designed with this in mind...that it would slip when-if it had to? I'm guessing that an automotive belt would be designed not to slip...and that might be a problem in an OPE application.
AZ
Date: 13 Dec 2005 4:59 pm
belts ...
hmm ...yes there is a difference ,most of the time.
ariens belts have their own V designed into them (perhapa Snowmann could elaborate on this).
its been my experience that quality machines have quality belts and they usually last for many years .
sometimes you will ruin a belt prematurley by getting a rock or piece of ice stuck somewhere.
the other difference is they are seldom an exact length.
they might be 34 3/8 inches long.
so if you use a 35 inch its to long and if you go with a 34 its going to be a bit short...posibly causing somesort of engaugement problems.
if it says ariens on the outside then it should say ariens on the inside.
(that slogan is actually from MTD)
if i cant get an oem belt ,which is the case sometime on obsolete product then i will do what i can with aftermarket belts.however i advise the customer of this
chris