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

What It Is

This deck rebuild kit provides the essential wear items for a 42-inch MTD-style mower deck: two spindle assemblies (part 918-06991 / 618-06991), one blade (742-04308), and one belt (954-05056). It’s intended for a complete spindle/belt/blade refresh on older MTD-built tractors (Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Columbia, Huskee, Murray) with a 42-inch fabricated or stamped deck.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: 42-inch only. Measure your deck width from blade tip to blade tip.
• Brands: Fits MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Columbia, Huskee, Murray, and other MTD-built models. Will not fit John Deere, Husqvarna, or AYP (American Yard Products) decks.
• OEM vs aftermarket: These are aftermarket parts. OEM MTD spindles use part numbers 918-06991 or 618-06991; the blade is a standard 42-inch “A” blade (OEM 742-04308); the belt is a 42-inch deck belt (OEM 954-05056).
• Critical check: Verify your spindle housing bolt pattern—this kit fits the common 3-bolt pattern (holes spaced roughly 3.5 inches apart). If your spindles use a 4-bolt pattern or a different spindle shaft length, this kit won’t work.
• Blade measurement: The blade is 21 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, with a 5-point star center hole. Measure your existing blade length and center hole shape.

Key Things to Know

• Quality concerns: At $75.99 with a 2.0/5 rating (only 1 review), this is a budget kit. Expect thinner spindle housings and bearings that may not last as long as OEM MTD parts. The belt may be a generic replacement—check tension and alignment after install.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a socket set, torque wrench (spindle bolts ~30-40 ft-lbs), and a blade puller or impact gun for the blade nut. Expect 1-2 hours if swapping all three spindles.
• Common gotcha: The spindles may come pre-assembled with grease—but the grease is often minimal. Repack bearings with high-quality lithium grease before install to extend life.
• Blade compatibility: The included blade is a standard mulching/regular blade. If you need a high-lift bagging blade or a gator blade, you’ll need to buy separately.

Should You Buy It

Buy this kit only if you need all three parts at once and are on a tight budget for a temporary fix or a beater mower. The low rating and single review suggest inconsistent quality; for a primary mower, spend more on OEM MTD spindles and a quality belt (e.g., OEM 954-05056 or a Gates/Stens belt). If you only need one spindle or a blade, buy those individually.