Eye Opener

[crossbowme]

I recently had the need to replace the Argo engine belt 127-137. I found my best price and ordered it for $105. After I ordered it (isn't that always the way?) I looked to see if some other company made a suitable replacement. I found that Gates made a belt for $54!! Looks like Argo takes you to the cleaners on parts.

[North Country Tough]

I recently had the need to replace the Argo engine belt 127-137. I found my best price and ordered it for $105. After I ordered it (isn't that always the way?) I looked to see if some other company made a suitable replacement. I found that Gates made a belt for $54!! Looks like Argo takes you to the cleaners on parts.

In my experience the 127-137HD belt is the way to go I have tried the standard belt from Argo and got very little life out of it winter use with tracks and plow and loaded I have no clue about the Gates and would try one at that price point but since it is at that price point Iam Johnny Skeptical at best changing these belts out in the bush when they turn to chunks and threads wound up in the secondary is a challenge especially in the winter with frozen hands.JMO NCT

[crossbowme]

I always carry a spare belt with me so I think I'll get a Gates for emergencies but otherwise I'll use the Argo - even if it's ridiculously priced.

[North Country Tough]

I always carry a spare belt with me so I think I'll get a Gates for emergencies but otherwise I'll use the Argo - even if it's ridiculously priced.

Great plan and the price is about 50 bucks more for the HD and yea Its a bit pricey but look at today's snowmobile belts for the high torque units they top over 200 bucks.NCT

[red-bird-dog]

what is the gates part #? that's a deal

[plott hound]

check this out https://www.amazon.com/Gates-20G4154...art/B009HL6NYA

[wrench9]

I have used the gates in summer you can get by for recreational use but if you work the machine at all or use tracks do not depend on it they will self destruct. The HD although expensive have never let me down or failed they wore out eventually but that is understandable the regular argo belt is comparable to the gates in durability. My 2 cents buy the HD you know you will get back out of the woods as far as belt failure is concerned

[crossbowme]

I have used the gates in summer you can get by for recreational use but if you work the machine at all or use tracks do not depend on it they will self destruct. The HD although expensive have never let me down or failed they wore out eventually but that is understandable the regular argo belt is comparable to the gates in durability. My 2 cents buy the HD you know you will get back out of the woods as far as belt failure is concerned

That's pretty much what I figured.

[crossbowme]

I just set the two belts in front of me - quite a difference. The Gates is the same width and depth but definitely not as rugged. Good thing I planned on using the Gates as a spare (as well as the old Argo belt).

[Sparx]

Good tip too guys, always break in your new belts. Don't wait to break it in after it's failed. Easy way to wreck a nice new belt is to place it under heavy load when new. So take off your good belt now, throw the new one on right away and take it down some easy trail riding slowly progressively stretching it and breaking it in.

Also, wash the belt in dish soap to remove the factory release agents used when molding the belt and scuff them with an aggressive scotch brite cloth to take the shine off and give it some grip. Do the same to the clutch faces too. Stay away from any cleaners like brake clean from the clutches as they can soak into the aluminum pores and release later when hot back onto the belts and cause slipping and other issues.

I've had amazing results doing this with high horsepower turbo charge mountain snowmobiles and many machines I run hard in the muskeg. Use compressed air to blow out the clutches clean periodically as well as scuffing the polish off the clutch faces as mentioned and you will be amazed at how long a belt will last with this preventative maintenance tip...

Last thing you want to do is throw a new belt in deep skeg or mud with a heavy load... Same with sleds in deep powder and high horsepower, i've snapped belts right in half before this way. Gets them nice and flexible which helps to install easier in colder weather as well...