46" Deck Spindle Rebuild Kit with Blade for 618-06977 918-06977 Spindle, for Cub Cadet XT1-LT46 XT2-LX46, for Craftsman for MTD T240 T225 T8200 T8600 T3100 T2800, 2 Blades 742-04244 742-04290 942-0424

What It Is

This is a complete spindle rebuild kit for 46-inch cutting decks, combining a replacement spindle assembly (OEM 618-06977 / 918-06977) with two compatible blades (742-04244, 742-04290, 942-0424). It’s designed for Cub Cadet XT1-LT46 and XT2-LX46 models, plus several Craftsman and MTD lawn tractors, allowing you to fix a worn or wobbly spindle and refresh blades in one purchase.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Only fits 46-inch decks—verify your deck measures 46" cutting width.
• Models: Cub Cadet XT1-LT46 (all variants), XT2-LX46; Craftsman T240, T225, T8200, T8600; MTD T3100, T2800. Also fits many MTD-built tractors with a 46" stamped deck using this spindle design.
• Check OEM numbers: The spindle replaces 618-06977 and 918-06977. Blades cross to 742-04244, 742-04290, 942-0424. If your deck uses a different spindle (e.g., 918-06978), this won’t fit.
• Measurements: Spindle housing is 4.5" tall with a 5/8" hex shaft. Blade length is 18.25" center-to-center, with a 1" center hole and 0.25" thick. Confirm your existing blades match these dimensions.
• Aftermarket note: This is a non-OEM kit, but it uses standard spindle and blade dimensions for the listed models.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: At $61.54 for a spindle plus two blades, it’s a good value. Spindle bearings are sealed and pre-greased—no maintenance needed.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty—requires removing the deck, unbolting the old spindle (usually 3 bolts), and transferring the pulley. A socket set and jack stands help. Expect 30–60 minutes.
• Common gotcha: The spindle nut on the bottom can be stubborn—use penetrating oil. Also, the blade bolt torque is critical (40–50 ft-lbs); over-tightening can strip the shaft.
• Blade compatibility: The included blades are mulching/low-lift. If you need bagging or high-lift blades, you’ll need to buy separately.

Should You Buy It

Buy this kit if your Cub Cadet, Craftsman, or MTD 46" deck has a noisy, wobbly, or seized spindle, and you also need fresh blades. It’s a cost-effective, all-in-one solution for a common repair—just confirm your spindle model and deck size first.