3 Pack 918-06980 Spindle Assembly Kit with 954-04077A Belt 5/8x134 Replaces 618-06980 918 06980 for Cub Cadet 50" XT1 GT50, XT1-GT50, Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 50, Craftsman G8200, G8300 Mowers

What It Is

This is a 3-pack of spindle assembly kits (918-06980) plus a 5/8x134-inch drive belt (954-04077A) for 50-inch deck mowers. It replaces the factory spindles and belt on select Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman lawn tractors, keeping the blades spinning and the deck running smoothly.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 50-inch cutting deck—this kit is designed for that size only. It fits Cub Cadet XT1 GT50, XT1-GT50, Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 50, and Craftsman G8200/G8300 models. The OEM part numbers are 618-06980 and 918-06980 for the spindles, and 954-04077A for the belt. Measure your existing belt: it must be 5/8 inch wide and 134 inches long (outside circumference). If your deck uses different spindle bolt patterns or a shorter belt, this won’t work. Check your model number on the mower’s frame tag under the seat for exact compatibility.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket kit, not OEM Cub Cadet. Some users report spindles are decent but bearings may wear faster than originals under heavy use.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty—requires removing the deck, swapping spindles (3 bolts each), and routing the belt correctly. A pulley puller helps if spindles are seized.
• Common gotcha: The belt tension must be adjusted after installation. Too loose causes slipping, too tight strains the spindle bearings. Also, check blade bolts for rust before reassembly.
• No hardware included: You’ll need your own blade bolts and lock washers; the kit doesn’t come with them.

Should You Buy It

This is a budget-friendly option if your original spindles are worn or seized and you’re comfortable with basic deck maintenance. It’s not for heavy commercial use—expect to replace bearings sooner than OEM. Good for homeowners with a 50-inch Cub Cadet or compatible tractor who want a quick, all-in-one fix without hunting separate parts.