42 inch XT1 LT42 Lawn Mower Deck Spindle 618-06976 Rebuild Kit for 918-06976 for MTD Cub Cadet Craftsman T8000 XT2 LX42, Blade 742-04308, Idler GY20629 GY22082, 100" Belt 754-05021 954-05021

What It Is

This is a rebuild kit for the 42-inch mower deck spindle assembly, designed for Cub Cadet XT1, XT2, LT42, and similar MTD-built models (Craftsman T8000, LX42). It includes the spindle housing, bearings, seals, and hardware needed to replace a worn or failed spindle that drives the blade.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Fits 42-inch stamped decks only. Not for 46-inch or 54-inch decks.
• Models: Cub Cadet XT1 LT42, XT2 LX42, GT2000, and Craftsman T8000 series with 42-inch decks. Also fits some Troy-Bilt and MTD mowers with the same deck.
• OEM numbers: Replaces OEM 618-06976 (spindle assembly) and 918-06976 (rebuild kit). The kit includes blade PN 742-04308, idler pulleys GY20629 and GY22082, and a 100-inch belt (754-05021/954-05021).
• What to verify: Measure your blade bolt pattern – this uses a 5-point star pattern (common on MTD decks). Check your deck’s spindle mounting hole spacing (3-bolt pattern, 4-inch center-to-center). If you have a different spindle (e.g., 2-bolt or 4-inch round shaft), this won’t fit.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket kit, not OEM. Bearings and seals are adequate for residential use, but may wear faster than OEM under heavy commercial use.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a socket set, torque wrench, and a puller to remove the old spindle. Expect 1-2 hours per spindle.
• Gotcha: The kit includes a new blade, but it’s a standard 742-04308 (18-inch, 0.25-inch thick). If your deck uses a different blade length or thickness, you’ll need to buy separately.
• Belt included: The 100-inch belt is for the deck drive, not the engine-to-deck belt. Verify your belt length matches (measure your old belt or check your manual).

Should You Buy It

Buy this kit if you have a 42-inch Cub Cadet or MTD mower with a failed spindle and want a complete rebuild with new bearings, seals, blade, idlers, and belt in one box. It’s a good value for residential users who want to avoid buying individual parts. Skip it for commercial use or if you need OEM reliability – buy the genuine Cub Cadet spindle assembly instead.