Braveboy 983-04511 & 983-04525 Brake Assembly, 783-05946 Idler Pivot Bracket, 738-04162C Shoulder Spacer for 42 Craftsman Mower Deck, for MTD/CUB Cadet 46" Deck, Replace 783-04525 783-04511 783-05946

What It Is

This is a replacement brake assembly kit for 42-inch Craftsman and 46-inch MTD/Cub Cadet mower decks. It includes the brake assembly (part #983-04511/983-04525), idler pivot bracket (#783-05946), and shoulder spacer (#738-04162C). It stops the blade or belt when the PTO is disengaged and maintains proper belt tension.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, check your deck size and model number. This kit fits:

• 42-inch Craftsman decks (e.g., LT2000, LT1000 series) using OEM parts 983-04511 and 983-04525.
• 46-inch MTD/Cub Cadet decks (e.g., LTX1046, GT2000, RZT50) using OEM parts 783-05946 and 738-04162C.
• Not compatible with 50-inch or 54-inch decks, or non-MTD/Cub Cadet brands like John Deere or Husqvarna.

Measure the shoulder spacer length (should be ~1.25 inches) and confirm the idler bracket hole spacing matches your deck (center-to-center ~3.5 inches). If your deck uses a different brake pad shape or idler arm design, this kit won’t work.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Solid aftermarket replacement—metal bracket and spacer, but the brake assembly uses a composite pad. Holds up well under normal residential use.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty (30-60 minutes). You’ll need a socket set, wrench, and possibly a puller for seized bolts. The brake arm must align perfectly with the PTO cable—misalignment causes belt slip.
• Common gotcha: The shoulder spacer is often overlooked—if yours is worn or missing, the idler bracket will bind and wear belts quickly. Replace it even if it looks okay.
• Belt note: This kit does not include a drive belt. You’ll need a separate belt (e.g., 954-05038 for 42-inch decks) if yours is worn.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 42-inch Craftsman or 46-inch Cub Cadet/MTD deck with a seized or worn brake assembly, and you want a complete, drop-in replacement without hunting for individual parts. At $15.99 with a 4.8-star rating, it’s a good value for DIY homeowners. Skip it if you need a belt, or if your deck size differs from 42/46 inches.