1250 with 44a mower - mule drive belt and spindle size
 

Hi,
Have a 1250 with 44A mower, in family since purchased new 1977.

Yesterday, the mule drive belt got shredded and actually wound around the clutch(?) on the top. Spent hours digging all the belt threads out of that clutch.

So I definitely need a new belt. I read that the 44a spindle may be 4.5 or 5 inches. How do I know which?

I measure the outside of the spindle as 5.5 inches using my digital caliper. Of course that is the outside edge diameter, not the center where the belt would run. So is this a 4.5" or 5"?

Also, I see that some people are selling (using) for the 44A mower a 1/2 x 81 belt, which is obviously not what it called for originally. Is that any good?

The mule pulleys are original and seem good condition. Running free and only the very slightest bit of wiggle to them. The 44a mower spindles are all good, no slop in them at all.

Thanks.