42 Inch Mower Deck Rebuild Kit Fit for MTD Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 XT2 LX42 XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 Craftsman T8000 Parts Spindle 918-06976A Blades 742-04308 Idler GY22082 Belt 754-05021

What It Is

This 42-inch mower deck rebuild kit includes all major wear components—spindles (918-06976A), blades (742-04308), idler pulley (GY22082), and belt (754-05021)—for a complete deck overhaul on select MTD-made tractors like Cub Cadet XT1 LT42, XT2 LX42, and Craftsman T8000.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 42-inch stamped steel deck (not fabricated). This kit fits:

• Cub Cadet: XT1 LT42, XT1-LT42, XT2 LX42, XT2-LX42
• Craftsman: T8000 series with 42-inch deck
• Other MTD brands (Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines) with matching deck part numbers

Check your OEM spindle part number: 918-06976A is the primary spindle, but some decks use 918-06976 (no “A”)—these are interchangeable. Blade part 742-04308 is a 15.5-inch length with a 1-inch center hole and 2.5-inch side offset. The belt is 1/2-inch wide by 100.5 inches long. Measure your existing belt length and blade dimensions to verify. This is an aftermarket kit, not OEM Cub Cadet, so expect slight finish differences but functional match.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Spindles are typically cast iron housings with sealed bearings—durable for residential use. Blades are medium-grade steel; replace with OEM if you cut heavy grass or rocks.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. Requires removing deck, swapping spindles, belt, idler, and blades. Expect 1.5–3 hours. You’ll need a socket set, torque wrench, and possibly a puller for stubborn spindle pulleys.
• Common gotchas: The belt routing diagram may differ from your deck—snap a photo before disassembly. Idler pulley mounting bolts can be rusted; use penetrating oil. Spindle bolts are often left-hand thread on the pulley side.
• Missing hardware: Kit includes spindles, blades, belt, and idler pulley, but no mounting bolts or washers—reuse originals or buy separately if stripped.

Should You Buy It

Buy this kit if you have a 42-inch MTD/Cub Cadet/Craftsman tractor with worn spindles (noise, wobble), a stretched belt, and dull blades, and you want a one-box refresh for about $100. It’s a solid value for residential mowing, but skip it if you need heavy-duty commercial blades or OEM-only fitment—buy individual OEM parts instead.