Deck Rebuild kit for MTD Troy-Bilt Craftsman Columbia Huskee Murray 42 inch Deck Lawn Mowers Mandrel Assembly Replacement Part Number Spindle 918-06991 618-06991 Blade 742-04308 Belt 954-05056

What It Is

This deck rebuild kit provides the essential wear parts for a 42-inch MTD-branded lawn mower deck: two spindle assemblies (918-06991/618-06991), two blades (742-04308), and a drive belt (954-05056). It’s designed for a single-service overhaul of the cutting deck on older or high-hour mowers.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a true 42-inch stamped deck (not fabricated). This kit fits most MTD-built brands: Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Columbia, Huskee, and Murray models from the late 1990s through early 2010s. The spindles are aftermarket replacements for OEM 918-06991 and 618-06991—measure your existing spindle shaft diameter (must be 5/8-inch) and bolt pattern (two-bolt, 3-inch center). The blades (OEM 742-04308) are 16.5 inches long with a 5-point star center hole. The belt (954-05056) is a 42-inch deck belt; verify your deck’s belt routing diagram matches the included belt length (96.5 inches outside circumference). Do not rely on brand alone—cross-reference your mower’s model number with the kit’s part numbers.

Key Things to Know

• Quality varies by seller: Some aftermarket spindles use thinner bearings than OEM. Check reviews for premature failure reports.
• Installation is moderate: You’ll need a jack, socket set, and a puller for old spindle pulleys. Expect 1–2 hours.
• Blades may need balancing: Aftermarket blades often come unsharpened and unbalanced. Use a blade balancer before installing.
• Belt may be tight: The included belt can be slightly shorter than OEM; you might need to adjust the tensioner or idle pulley position.

Should You Buy It

Buy this kit if your 42-inch MTD deck has worn spindles (rough turning, wobble) and you want a single-box solution to refresh the entire deck in one afternoon. Skip it if you need OEM-grade durability for heavy commercial use—the aftermarket spindles may not last as long. For a weekend warrior replacing a single worn spindle or blade, buying individual OEM parts is simpler.