2 Pack Replaces for 918-04865A 618-04636A 46" Deck Spindle Assembly Compatible with Cub Cadet LTX-1042, LTX1045, LTX1046, MTD/Craftsman LT2000, LT2200, LT2500 with Pulley OD 6-1/2"

What It Is

This is a 2-pack of replacement 46-inch deck spindle assemblies designed for select Cub Cadet, MTD, and Craftsman lawn tractors. The spindle drives the mower blades via the pulley (6-1/2” outer diameter) and supports the blade for cutting.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Fits only 46-inch cutting decks with the original OEM spindle part numbers 918-04865A or 618-04636A.
• Brands/models: Cub Cadet LTX-1042, LTX1045, LTX1046; MTD/Craftsman LT2000, LT2200, LT2500 series. Also fits many other MTD-built tractors with the same spindle design.
• Check before buying:
  • Measure your existing spindle pulley OD—must be 6-1/2 inches.
  • Verify your deck uses a 3-hole mounting pattern (bolt pattern center-to-center is roughly 4.5”).
  • Confirm the spindle shaft diameter matches your blade (typically 1” or 7/8” hex).
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is a direct aftermarket replacement, not genuine Cub Cadet. It should bolt on without modification, but check that the bearing housing and pulley align with your deck’s belt path.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Users report good durability for residential use, but heavy commercial mowing may wear bearings faster than OEM.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need basic tools (socket set, jack stands, and possibly a puller for stuck spindles). Expect 1–2 hours per spindle.
• Common gotchas:
  • The pulley may not be pre-greased—add grease to the bearing before installation.
  • Torque the spindle bolts to 30–40 ft-lbs; overtightening can warp the housing.
  • Check blade alignment after install—a wobble means the spindle is defective or not seated correctly.
• What’s included: Two complete spindle assemblies with pulley and bearings pre-installed. No blades or hardware.

Should You Buy It

If you have a 46” MTD/Cub Cadet/Craftsman tractor with a worn or noisy spindle, this 2-pack offers solid value for the price. It’s a good choice for DIY homeowners who want to avoid dealer costs, but if you need exact OEM fitment or plan to run heavy-duty commercial hours, consider genuine Cub Cadet spindles instead.