918-06981 Spindle Assembly Replaces 618-06981 Deck Spindle 918 06981, 91806981, 618 06981, 61806981 for Cub Cadet 50 inch XT1, LT50, XT1 LT50, XT2, Super Bronco XP 50 Lawn Tractors

What It Is

This is a replacement spindle assembly for the 50-inch cutting deck on select Cub Cadet lawn tractors. It houses the bearing and pulley that spin the blade, and it’s a direct wear item that fails when the bearing gets rough or the shaft bends.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify these three things:

• Deck size: This spindle is designed for a 50-inch deck only. It will not fit 46-inch or 54-inch decks.
• Model series: Confirmed fit for Cub Cadet XT1, XT1 LT50, XT2, and Super Bronco XP 50. Also fits some LT50 models. Check your machine’s model number (stamped under the seat or on the frame) against the manufacturer’s parts lookup.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is an aftermarket replacement for OEM part numbers 918-06981, 618-06981, 91806981, and 61806981. It is not a genuine Cub Cadet part, so expect slight differences in paint/finish, but the bolt pattern, shaft length, and pulley diameter are matched to OEM specs.
• Measurements: Shaft diameter is 5/8 inch; overall height is approximately 4.5 inches. Measure your old spindle to confirm.

Key Things to Know

• Quality is decent for the price – bearings are sealed and grease-packed, but they won’t last as long as OEM. Expect 1–2 seasons of normal use.
• Installation is straightforward – remove the deck, unbolt the old spindle (3 bolts), swap the pulley and blade, and reinstall. Use a torque wrench on the blade bolt (45–55 ft-lbs).
• Common gotcha: The pulley is not included. You must reuse your existing pulley or buy a separate replacement. Also, the spindle may come with a small amount of rust on the shaft – wipe it clean and apply anti-seize before installing the blade.
• Check for deck damage – if a spindle failed due to a bent blade or impact, inspect the deck housing for cracks before installing the new one.

Should You Buy It

If you own a Cub Cadet XT1 or XT2 with a 50-inch deck and want a budget-friendly replacement that gets the job done for a season or two, this is a solid choice. It’s not built to OEM durability standards, but for $27 it’s a good value for DIY repairs. Avoid it if you need the longest possible life or if your machine is a commercial-grade model.