I wanted to update this thread with what I have learned over the last few days:
The belt I used to replace the OEM belt was a 56.5 inch V-belt from Autozone. Hopefully this helps someone in the future.
I think the actual belt size listed is a 56 inch belt. Around me anyway, this appears to be a very rare size. 5 different auto parts stores in driving range did not have this size belt.
My belt odyssey started early Sunday morning. After not being able to find a 56 inch belt at multiple stores, I got a 55.5 inch and a 57 inch belt. Both of these were too small! Back to the store where we compared the belts to each other and found the 57 inch belt was actually smaller than the 55.5 inch. They had another 57 inch belt that was bigger and back to the tractor I went (25 minute drive each way). This belt was giant! I didn't measure it, but it seemed like it was closer to 67 inches than 57 inches.
Back to the store. I had exhausted the first stores supply of belts, so on to a second store. This store had a tool/jig that actually measured belts and told you the size. After I told them the difficulty I had had, and that I didn't trust the numbers listed on the belts, they let me into the back to measure the belts for myself. I discovered that the size listed on the belt had little to do with the size the belt actually was. I found 57 inch belts that were actually 55. I found a 55 inch belt that was 57 inches. Of the dozen or so belts I tested, only two of them were the actual size that was printed on them. None of them were close to 56 inches.
The manager ordered me a 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5 and 57 inch belts delivered to my home free of charge. Arrived at my home about 11 this morning. Started with the smallest and worked up until the 56.5 actually fit. I am about 9 hours into a 10 minute repair.
Shoutout to my local Autozone. It wasn't their fault they had poor quality control. Also interesting, these belts cost from $6 to $41. One store said they could order me a 56 inch belt for $140. No rhyme or reason as to cost. Manufactured in Mexico and India. At least two different brands.
Belts have come a long way. This was probably the first belt I replaced in 20 years. I am off to measure and order spare belts for everything I have on this place.
