42 Inch Deck Rebuild Kit Replace for Cub Cadet/MTD/Troy-Bilt LTX1040 LTX1042 LTX1042KW LTX1042KH EZT-L42, with 2 Spindles 918-04822, 2 Idlers 756-04129B, 1 Belt 754-04060 with 96 1/2 Inch

What It Is

This is a complete 42-inch deck rebuild kit for select Cub Cadet, MTD, and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors. It includes two spindle assemblies (918-04822), two idler pulleys (756-04129B), and a 96.5-inch drive belt (754-04060)—everything needed to refresh a worn-out cutting deck in one purchase.

Fitment & Compatibility

Check your deck size: This kit fits only 42-inch stamped steel decks. Measure your deck width or look for “42” in the model number (e.g., LTX1042).
Model fit: Confirmed for Cub Cadet LTX1040, LTX1042, LTX1042KW, LTX1042KH, and Troy-Bilt EZT-L42. Also fits many MTD-branded tractors with the same deck.
OEM vs. aftermarket: This is an aftermarket kit. Spindles and idlers are direct replacements for OEM parts 918-04822 and 756-04129B, but may use different bearings or seals. Belt length is 96.5 inches—measure your old belt to confirm.
What to measure: Before buying, verify your spindle bolt pattern (4-bolt, ~3.25-inch center-to-center) and pulley diameter (4.5 inches for spindles, 4 inches for idlers). If your deck uses different pulleys, this kit won’t fit.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Reviews average 4.7/5. Spindles are well-built with sealed bearings, but some users report slightly thinner metal than OEM. Idler pulleys are solid, but check that the bearings spin freely before installation.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a socket set, a jack or blocks to lift the mower, and a puller for old spindles if they’re rusted. Budget 2–3 hours.
• Common gotchas:
  • The belt may feel tight at first; it’s correct at 96.5 inches. Do not force it if routing is wrong—double-check the deck diagram.
  • Spindle bolts often require a 15/16-inch socket. Use anti-seize on reassembly to prevent future seizing.
  • If your deck has a separate spindle housing, you may need to reuse your old housing—this kit includes only the spindle assembly itself.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you have a 42-inch Cub Cadet, MTD, or Troy-Bilt deck with model numbers listed and want a cost-effective refresh. It’s ideal for DIYers comfortable with basic mechanical work; the price is roughly half of buying OEM parts separately. Skip it if you need exact OEM quality for heavy commercial use—the aftermarket spindles may not last as long under daily abuse.