Toro Timecutter Belt Diagram

Lawn Mowers
M
Marcus Chen
Small Engine Mechanic, ASE Certified
Toro Timecutter belt routing diagram
Toro Timecutter belt routing diagram

The Toro Timecutter uses two separate belt systems. The drive belt powers the transmissions for forward and reverse. The deck belt spins the cutting blades. Both need periodic replacement.

This guide covers belt diagrams for all Timecutter models from the SS series through current MX models.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Two Belt Systems

Toro Timecutters have completely separate belt systems. Don’t confuse them.

Drive Belt System:

  • Connects engine crankshaft to hydrostatic transmissions
  • Powers all forward and reverse motion
  • Located under the machine between frame rails
  • Failure means no movement at all

Deck Belt System:

  • Connects PTO clutch to blade spindles
  • Powers all three cutting blades
  • Located on top of the mower deck
  • Failure means blades won’t spin

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Timecutter drive vs deck belt location overview]

How to Tell Which Belt Failed

SymptomFailed Belt
Won’t move forward or reverseDrive belt
Blades won’t engageDeck belt
Squealing when movingDrive belt
Squealing when blades engagedDeck belt
Loss of speed/powerDrive belt
Poor cut qualityDeck belt (or blades)

Drive Belt Diagrams by Model

Drive belt routing differs between Timecutter generations.

SS4225 / SS4235 Drive Belt

The 42-inch SS models use a compact drive belt arrangement.

Belt path:

  1. Engine crankshaft pulley (bottom)
  2. Right transmission input pulley
  3. Spring-loaded tensioner
  4. Left transmission input pulley
  5. Back to engine pulley

Part number: 110-9429

[NEED IMAGE: Toro SS4225 drive belt routing diagram]

Installation notes:

  • Tensioner spring mounts on left side
  • Belt must sit in pulley grooves (not riding on edges)
  • Verify belt clears all frame components

SS5000 / SS5060 Drive Belt

The 50-inch SS models have a longer belt path.

Belt path:

  1. Engine crankshaft pulley
  2. Idler pulley (keeps belt away from engine)
  3. Right transmission input pulley
  4. Flat idler (routing)
  5. Tensioner with spring
  6. Left transmission input pulley
  7. Back to engine

Part number: 119-3321

[NEED IMAGE: Toro SS5000 drive belt routing diagram]

Installation notes:

  • Has additional idler compared to 42” models
  • Spring tensioner critical for proper operation
  • Belt length is model specific - don’t substitute

MX4250 / MX5050 / MX6050 Drive Belt

The MX series uses updated routing with improved tensioners.

Belt path:

  1. Engine pulley
  2. Primary idler
  3. Right transmission
  4. Cross-over idler
  5. Left transmission
  6. Auto-tensioner
  7. Return to engine

Part numbers:

  • MX4250: 132-9063
  • MX5050: 136-5517
  • MX6050: 136-5517

[NEED IMAGE: Toro MX5050 drive belt routing diagram]

Key difference from SS series:

  • Auto-tensioner replaces spring tensioner
  • Smoother engagement
  • Longer service life

Deck Belt Diagrams by Deck Size

Deck belts route from the PTO clutch through all blade spindles.

42-Inch Deck Belt Diagram

Two-blade decks have the simplest belt routing.

Components:

  • PTO clutch pulley (center, engine-driven)
  • Left spindle pulley
  • Right spindle pulley
  • Idler pulley
  • Tensioner arm with spring

Belt path:

  1. PTO clutch pulley (drives the system)
  2. Inside of left spindle pulley
  3. Around idler pulley
  4. Inside of right spindle pulley
  5. Around tensioner pulley
  6. Back to PTO clutch

Part number: 119-8820 (SS series) or 132-9065 (MX series)

[NEED IMAGE: Toro 42-inch deck belt routing diagram with arrows]

50-Inch Deck Belt Diagram

Three-blade decks add complexity with a center spindle.

Components:

  • PTO clutch pulley
  • Front center spindle pulley
  • Left rear spindle pulley
  • Right rear spindle pulley
  • Two idler pulleys
  • Tensioner arm with spring

Belt path:

  1. PTO clutch pulley
  2. Front center spindle (inside)
  3. Left idler (outside)
  4. Left rear spindle (inside)
  5. Right rear spindle (inside)
  6. Right idler (outside)
  7. Tensioner
  8. Back to PTO clutch

Part number: 110-6892 (SS series) or 136-5569 (MX series)

[NEED IMAGE: Toro 50-inch deck belt routing diagram with arrows]

60-Inch Deck Belt Diagram

The largest decks use the same three-spindle layout with a longer belt.

Belt path: Same as 50-inch but longer belt path

Part number: 119-8844

[NEED IMAGE: Toro 60-inch deck belt routing diagram]

Belt Part Number Reference

Quick reference for all Timecutter belt part numbers.

Drive Belts

ModelYear RangePart NumberLength
SS42252010-2015110-942961.5”
SS42352011-2015110-942961.5”
SS50002012-2016119-332167”
SS50602013-2016119-332167”
MX42502017+132-906363”
MX50502017+136-551771”
MX60502018+136-551771”
SW42002020+138-069764”
SW50002020+138-069872”

Deck Belts

Deck SizeModel SeriesPart Number
42”SS Series119-8820
42”MX Series132-9065
42”SW Series138-0695
50”SS Series110-6892
50”MX Series136-5569
50”SW Series138-0696
60”All Series119-8844

Aftermarket Alternatives

Quality aftermarket belts cost 30-40% less than OEM.

OEM NumberAftermarket Options
110-9429Oregon 75-164, Stens 265-596
119-3321Oregon 75-992, Stens 265-727
119-8820Oregon 75-987, Stens 265-729
110-6892Oregon 75-165, Stens 265-597

Drive Belt Replacement Steps

Replacing the drive belt requires accessing the underside of the mower.

Tools needed:

  • Socket set (10mm, 13mm, 15mm)
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Work gloves
  • Belt routing diagram (take a photo before removal)

Time required: 30-45 minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Mower

  1. Park on flat level surface
  2. Engage parking brake
  3. Lower deck to lowest position
  4. Remove key from ignition
  5. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety

Step 2: Remove the Deck

The deck must come off to access drive belts on most models.

  1. Disconnect deck belt from PTO pulley
  2. Disconnect deck lift links
  3. Disconnect deck hangers
  4. Slide deck out from under machine

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Timecutter deck removal for belt access]

Step 3: Access Drive Belt Area

  1. Locate drive belt between frame rails
  2. Take photo of current belt routing
  3. Note tensioner position and spring attachment

Step 4: Release Belt Tension

SS Series:

  • Push tensioner arm toward spring
  • Hold in place or use locking tool
  • Belt goes slack

MX Series:

  • Auto-tensioner has a square hole
  • Insert 1/2” breaker bar
  • Rotate to release tension

Step 5: Remove Old Belt

  1. Slip belt off engine pulley first
  2. Work belt off transmission pulleys
  3. Remove from idlers and tensioner
  4. Note any debris in pulley grooves

Step 6: Install New Belt

  1. Route new belt following your photo/diagram
  2. Start at engine pulley
  3. Work around transmissions
  4. Finish at tensioner
  5. Release tensioner to apply tension

Step 7: Verify Installation

  1. Belt sits in all pulley grooves
  2. No twists in belt
  3. Tensioner has proper spring engagement
  4. Belt clears all frame components

Step 8: Test Operation

  1. Reinstall deck
  2. Reconnect spark plug
  3. Start engine
  4. Test forward and reverse at slow speed
  5. Listen for squealing or rubbing

Deck Belt Replacement Steps

Deck belt replacement is simpler since the belt is accessible from above.

Tools needed:

  • 15mm wrench
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Work gloves

Time required: 15-25 minutes

Step 1: Prepare for Belt Access

  1. Park on flat surface
  2. Engage parking brake
  3. Lower deck to lowest position
  4. Disengage PTO (blades off)
  5. Remove key and disconnect spark plug wire

Step 2: Remove Belt Covers

Most Timecutters have plastic belt shields.

  1. Locate belt cover clips or screws
  2. Remove covers to expose belt
  3. Set hardware aside safely

[NEED IMAGE: Toro Timecutter belt cover removal]

Step 3: Release Deck Belt Tension

  1. Locate tensioner arm
  2. Push arm to release tension (toward spring)
  3. Some models have a belt release lever

Step 4: Remove Old Deck Belt

  1. Slip belt off tensioner pulley first
  2. Work off spindle pulleys
  3. Remove from idler pulleys
  4. Slide off PTO clutch pulley last

Step 5: Inspect Pulleys

While belt is off, check all pulleys:

  • Spin each pulley by hand
  • Should rotate freely with no grinding
  • Check for wobble (bad bearing)
  • Look for wear grooves in pulley
  • Clear any debris from grooves

Step 6: Install New Deck Belt

  1. Start at PTO clutch pulley
  2. Route to spindle pulleys (inside edge)
  3. Route around idlers (outside edge)
  4. Finish at tensioner
  5. Release tensioner to apply tension

Step 7: Verify Belt Position

  1. Belt fully seated in all pulley grooves
  2. No twists anywhere
  3. Belt not rubbing on deck shell
  4. Tensioner arm has spring engaged

Step 8: Test Operation

  1. Replace belt covers
  2. Reconnect spark plug
  3. Start engine
  4. Engage PTO at low throttle
  5. Increase to full throttle
  6. Listen for abnormal sounds
  7. Check cut quality

Troubleshooting Belt Problems

Common belt issues and solutions.

Belt Keeps Coming Off

Causes:

  • Wrong belt length (verify part number)
  • Worn idler pulley bearing (wobble)
  • Bent pulley from impact
  • Debris in pulley groove
  • Worn tensioner spring (weak)
  • Misaligned pulleys

Fix: Check each pulley for wear and alignment. Spin each by hand - any wobble means replacement needed.

Belt Squeals During Operation

Causes:

  • Belt slipping (worn or glazed)
  • Low tension (weak spring)
  • Pulley misalignment
  • Belt contaminated with oil

Fix: Replace belt if glazed (shiny sides). Check tensioner spring for stretch. Clean pulleys if oil contaminated.

Belt Wears Quickly

Causes:

  • Misaligned pulleys
  • Pulley groove wear
  • Over-tensioned
  • Operating with debris on pulleys

Fix: Inspect all pulleys for wear grooves. Replace any pulley with visible groove wear. Verify tensioner not over-tightening.

Belt Burns or Smokes

Causes:

  • Locked spindle bearing
  • Seized pulley
  • Blade hitting obstruction
  • PTO clutch malfunction

Fix: This indicates a locked component. Check all spindles and pulleys for free rotation before replacing belt.

Summary

Toro Timecutter belt replacement is straightforward once you understand the routing. Drive belts require deck removal on most models. Deck belts can be replaced from above after removing covers.

Always photograph existing belt routing before removal. Use correct OEM or quality aftermarket belts for your specific model. Check all pulleys for wear while the belt is off - replacing a $15 pulley now prevents another belt failure later.