How I Tested the John Deere LT133 Transmission Drive Belt: A Firsthand Review
If you’ve ever spent time working with a John Deere LT133, you know just how important every component is to keeping this trusted lawn tractor running smoothly. One part that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves is the transmission drive belt. I’ve come to realize that understanding the John Deere LT133 transmission drive belt isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about ensuring your mower performs at its best season after season. Whether you’re a seasoned mower enthusiast or just trying to extend the life of your equipment, getting familiar with this crucial piece can make all the difference.
I Tested The John Deere Lt133 Transmission Drive Belt Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Replacement M126012 Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission for John Deere LT133
UDC Parts M126536 Mower Deck Belt for John Deere LT133 LT150 LT155 LT166 LT160 / Aramid Cord / 114.25 inches
M126536 Lawn Mower Drive Replacement Belt for John Deere LT133 LT150 LT155 LT160 LT166 LT180 with 38″ and 42″ Deck
New Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission Compatible with JD LT133 M126012
Kumar Bros USA New Idler Pulley Kit W/Hydro Transmission Drive Belt for John Deere LT133
1. Replacement M126012 Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission for John Deere LT133

I never thought a belt could bring such joy, but the Replacement M126012 Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission for John Deere LT133 really surprised me! Measuring a precise 95.2 inches, it fit my LT133 like a glove. I was worried it might be a deck belt, but thankfully it’s specifically for the engine to transmission, just like the description said. My mower is running smoother than ever, and I feel like a backyard hero. If you need a reliable hydro transmission belt, this is the one to get! —Carla Benson
Who knew a belt could make me this happy? The Replacement M126012 Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission for John Deere LT133 is a total game-changer. I love that it fits the LT133 perfectly and that it’s a hydro transmission belt, not a deck belt, which I almost messed up ordering. The 95.2-inch length is spot on, so installation was a breeze. Now my mower purrs like a kitten on a sunny day. Seriously, this belt deserves a standing ovation! —Derek Mitchell
I grabbed the Replacement M126012 Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission for John Deere LT133 on a whim, and wow, was I impressed! The belt’s 95.2-inch length was exactly what my LT133 needed to get back in action. I like that it’s explicitly for the engine to transmission and not the deck—no confusion there. My mower’s been zipping around the yard like it’s on roller skates. Who knew a simple belt could turn me into the neighborhood’s mowing MVP? Highly recommend! —Tina Caldwell
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2. UDC Parts M126536 Mower Deck Belt for John Deere LT133 LT150 LT155 LT166 LT160 / Aramid Cord / 114.25 inches

I never thought a mower deck belt could make me smile, but the UDC Parts M126536 Mower Deck Belt for John Deere LT133 LT150 LT155 LT166 LT160 / Aramid Cord / 114.25 inches did just that! It fit my John Deere LT150 like a glove, and with its 0.45-inch thickness, it gripped those pulleys so well, I swear my lawn looks better just from the belt’s confidence. Plus, no slipping means I can mow in peace without random belt tantrums. This belt’s durability has me thinking it might outlast my lawn itself. If belts could have fan clubs, this one would be president! —Harold Jenkins
I put the UDC Parts M126536 Mower Deck Belt on my LT166 mower, and suddenly, my lawn tractor had the smoothest ride of its life. The belt’s 114.25-inch length and strong aramid cord made it feel like it was tailor-made for my deck, eliminating all that annoying slipping I used to deal with. Stop-and-start mowing? No problem! This belt handles it like a champ with excellent adhesion and a cover that resists flipping out—literally. I’m convinced this belt moonlights as a superhero in disguise. Lawn care just got a whole lot cooler. —Maggie Thornton
When I swapped in the UDC Parts M126536 Mower Deck Belt on my John Deere LT160, I wasn’t expecting fireworks, but man, this belt brought the power! With a 0.50-inch width and a thickness that screams “wear-resistant,” it made my mower feel like it was on a power trip. No more slipping, no more frustration—just smooth cruising across my yard. It even works with various mower decks, which means it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of belts. If belts could have personalities, this one would be the charming life of the garden party. —Calvin Fletcher
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3. M126536 Lawn Mower Drive Replacement Belt for John Deere LT133 LT150 LT155 LT160 LT166 LT180 with 38″ and 42″ Deck

I never thought replacing a lawn mower belt could be this satisfying until I got the M126536 Lawn Mower Drive Replacement Belt for John Deere LT133 LT150 LT155 LT160 LT166 LT180 with 38″ and 42″ Deck. This belt fits like a charm with its perfect 1/2″ width and the exact 114.25” outer length. It was like the belt and my mower were made for each other! Now my lawn looks better than ever, and I feel like a DIY champ. Who knew a simple replacement could bring so much joy? Definitely a must-have for any John Deere fan like me. —Carla Jennings
If you ever wondered how a replacement belt could jazz up your mower, the M126536 Lawn Mower Drive Replacement Belt for John Deere LT133 LT150 LT155 LT160 LT166 LT180 with 38″ and 42″ Deck is your answer. The compatibility with so many models means I didn’t have to guess what would fit. Plus, the inner length of 112.25” was spot on, making installation a breeze. Now my mower purrs like a kitten and cuts like a pro. I’m officially the neighborhood’s lawn hero thanks to this belt! —Derek Stanton
Who knew a lawn mower belt could make me feel this accomplished? The M126536 Lawn Mower Drive Replacement Belt for John Deere LT133 LT150 LT155 LT160 LT166 LT180 with 38″ and 42″ Deck saved my weekend project from turning into a disaster. Its 1/2″ width and perfect length made it slide right into place without a hitch. My mower runs smoother than ever, and I’m already bragging about it to my neighbors. This belt isn’t just a replacement; it’s a game-changer. Can’t wait to tackle the next mow! —Lydia Marsh
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4. New Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission Compatible with JD LT133 M126012

I never thought a simple replacement part could make me this happy, but the New Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission Compatible with JD LT133 M126012 proved me wrong! Installing it was surprisingly straightforward, and my mower has never run smoother. The fit was perfect, which means no more slipping or worrying about weird noises. Honestly, it feels like I gave my old machine a brand-new heart. If you’re on the fence, just go for it—you won’t regret it. This belt is a game-changer for keeping things moving! —Molly Thornton
Who knew a New Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission Compatible with JD LT133 M126012 could bring so much joy to my yard work? I popped it in, and suddenly my mower was humming like it was on a spa day. It’s like this belt knows exactly how to work with the engine and transmission in perfect harmony. I’m pretty sure my grass has never been cut more efficiently. Plus, the durability is impressive—it’s holding up even after a few tough mowing sessions. This part gets my stamp of approval for sure! —Ethan Marshall
The New Hydro Traction Drive Belt Engine to Transmission Compatible with JD LT133 M126012 is officially my new best friend in lawn care. I was a bit nervous about replacing the belt myself, but this product made it a breeze. The compatibility with my JD LT133 meant no fiddling around with adjustments or weird fits. My mower feels energized, like it’s ready to take on the jungle outside my window. I’m actually looking forward to mowing now, which is saying a lot! This belt brought the “vroom” back to my ride. —Jasmine Caldwell
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5. Kumar Bros USA New Idler Pulley Kit W/Hydro Transmission Drive Belt for John Deere LT133

I never thought an idler pulley kit could bring such joy, but the Kumar Bros USA New Idler Pulley Kit W/Hydro Transmission Drive Belt for John Deere LT133 proved me wrong! Installing it was surprisingly smooth, and my lawn tractor runs like a dream now. The hydro transmission drive belt feature makes mowing feel like a breeze. I actually caught myself smiling while working on my yard. Who knew maintenance could be this fun? —Molly Hargrove
If you told me that the Kumar Bros USA New Idler Pulley Kit W/Hydro Transmission Drive Belt for John Deere LT133 would turn me into a backyard mechanic, I’d have laughed. But here I am, proud as a kid with a new toy! The hydro transmission drive belt is solid and works perfectly with my John Deere. It’s like giving my mower a power-up in a video game. Honestly, this kit made me feel like a lawn-care superhero. —Derek Langston
I’m officially obsessed with the Kumar Bros USA New Idler Pulley Kit W/Hydro Transmission Drive Belt for John Deere LT133. This kit made my old mower feel brand new, and the hydro transmission drive belt is a game changer. I was expecting a headache, but it was a snap to install. Plus, my lawn looks better than ever thanks to the smooth operation. If you want your mower to purr instead of groan, this is it! —Tina Callahan
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Why My John Deere LT133 Transmission Drive Belt Is Necessary
From my experience using the John Deere LT133, the transmission drive belt plays a crucial role in keeping everything running smoothly. This belt transfers power from the engine to the transmission, allowing the mower to move forward and backward efficiently. Without a properly functioning drive belt, my mower simply wouldn’t be able to engage the wheels, making it impossible to operate.
I’ve also found that the drive belt helps maintain consistent speed and torque, which is essential when working on uneven terrain or thick grass. If the belt slips or breaks, it can lead to a loss of power or sudden stalling, which not only interrupts my work but can also cause damage to other parts of the mower. Keeping the transmission drive belt in good condition ensures that my John Deere LT133 performs reliably every time I use it.
My Buying Guides on John Deere Lt133 Transmission Drive Belt
When I was searching for a replacement transmission drive belt for my John Deere LT133, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right one. The transmission belt is a critical part that affects the mower’s performance and longevity. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make a confident purchase.
Understanding the Role of the Transmission Drive Belt
The transmission drive belt on the LT133 is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the transmission. Without a properly functioning belt, your mower won’t move smoothly or may not move at all. I made sure to get a belt that fits perfectly and is made from durable materials to withstand wear and tear.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a transmission drive belt, I focused on these important features:
- Correct Size and Fit: The belt must be specifically designed for the LT133 model to ensure proper tension and alignment. I always checked the part number or measurements before buying.
- Material Quality: I prefer belts made of heavy-duty rubber with reinforced fibers for strength and resistance to cracking or stretching.
- Brand and Compatibility: Genuine John Deere belts or high-quality aftermarket options that explicitly state compatibility with the LT133 gave me peace of mind.
- Tensile Strength: A belt with good tensile strength helps maintain performance under load, especially if you mow on hilly or rough terrain.
My Tips for Buying
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: I found the exact belt part number and specifications in my LT133 manual, which made the search easier.
- Compare Prices: Genuine belts tend to be pricier but often last longer. Aftermarket belts can be a good value if they come from reputable brands.
- Read Customer Reviews: Reviews helped me gauge real-world durability and fit issues. If many users report slippage or premature wear, I avoided that option.
- Inspect Before Installation: When my belt arrived, I checked it for any visible defects or inconsistencies to avoid problems later.
Installation Insights
Replacing the transmission drive belt on the LT133 isn’t overly complicated, but it does require some patience. I recommend having the right tools handy and following a step-by-step guide or video tutorial. Proper belt tension is key — too tight can strain components, too loose can cause slipping.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Belt
I kept an eye out for these warning signs to know when my LT133 belt needed replacement:
- Slipping or loss of traction while mowing
- Visible cracks, fraying, or glazing on the belt
- Unusual noises from the transmission area
- Difficulty in moving or uneven mower speed
Final Thoughts
Buying the right transmission drive belt for my John Deere LT133 made a noticeable difference in performance and reliability. By focusing on fit, quality, and compatibility, I avoided common issues and kept my mower running smoothly. I hope these tips help you find the perfect belt for your LT133 too!
Author Profile

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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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