I have a Bolens 42” riding mower that needs a drive belt. It is a pre 2005 and I bought a belt there for the 42” after 2005 style. The instruction looks completely different from the book. Do I need a different belt of willl this one Work?

https://www.mtdproducts.com/equipment/mtdproducts/shop-by-brand/bolens/riding-mower This is their parts finder page, a good place to start looking for that belt or at least getting the correct size of the belt then you can probably find it in an automotive store. That's how I found the belt for mine.

. :-) sorry Ed but I'm not familiar with a Bolens riding mower and so I would suggest that you go to your Lowe's facility and get with them or contact the manufacturer.