918-04865 Spindle Assembly Fit for 46 inch Deck Cub Cadet LTX1045 LTX1046 Craftsman/MTD LT2000 LT2500 Troy Bilt Horse Xp 46 Deck Mower Replaces for 618-04865 618-04636 918-04636 2 Pack

What It Is

This is a replacement spindle assembly for 46-inch cutting decks found on popular lawn tractors from Cub Cadet, Craftsman, MTD, and Troy-Bilt. It drives the mower blade and houses the bearings that allow the blade to spin freely.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your deck is 46 inches and that your tractor is one of these models: Cub Cadet LTX1045, LTX1046; Craftsman/MTD LT2000, LT2500; Troy-Bilt Horse XP 46 Deck. This 2-pack replaces OEM part numbers 618-04865, 618-04636, and 918-04636. Measure the spindle shaft diameter (should be about 7/8") and the bolt pattern (3-bolt, roughly 3.25" center-to-center). Also confirm your blade uses a standard 5/8" center hole. If your deck uses a different bolt pattern or shaft size, this won’t fit.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket, not OEM. Some users report bearings lasting 2-3 seasons under normal use. Check for metal vs. plastic housings—this is typically cast aluminum.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a jack, wrenches, and a torque wrench. Expect 30-60 minutes per spindle. Watch for left-hand thread bolts on some models.
• Common gotchas: The included lock washers may be low-grade—use new OEM hardware if possible. Also, the spindle pulley height may vary slightly from original; check belt alignment before tightening fully.
• Bearing noise: If you hear grinding after installation, the spindle may be defective or the bearings weren’t packed correctly. Return promptly.

Should You Buy It

This is a solid budget option if you have a common 46-inch MTD-style deck and need to replace two spindles at once. It’s right for DIYers who want to save money over OEM parts and are comfortable with basic mechanical work. If you need guaranteed long life or have a less common deck, consider OEM.