618-0142A Spindle Assembly for MTD 918-0142 618-0138 for 38" 42" Deck LT145 LT1300 L13 LT14 LT15 Replace 618-0142C 618-0142 918-0142C 618-0138 918-0138 (2 Pack)

What It Is

This is a 2-pack of replacement spindle assemblies for MTD-branded lawn tractors (Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, etc.) with 38" or 42" stamped steel decks. It mounts the blade and houses the bearings that let the blade spin freely.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify these three things:

• Deck size: Fits 38" and 42" decks only. Not for 46", 50", or 54" decks.
• OEM cross-reference: Replaces MTD 918-0142, 918-0142C, 618-0142, 618-0142C, 618-0138, 918-0138. Commonly used on LT145, LT1300, L13, LT14, LT15 models.
• Measure the bolt pattern: Center-to-center distance between the two mounting holes should be 3.5". Shaft diameter is 5/8". If your deck uses a different pattern or shaft size, this won’t fit.

Check your deck’s underside: If you have a single-blade 38" deck, you need one spindle. For 42" decks, you typically need two. This 2-pack covers a full set for most 42" decks.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs OEM: These are aftermarket spindles. They work fine for residential use, but bearings may not last as long as OEM MTD parts under heavy or commercial use.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a socket set, a jack or blocks to lift the mower, and a way to hold the spindle shaft while tightening the blade bolt. Expect 30–60 minutes per spindle.
• Common gotcha: The grease fitting is present, but many users report the bearings come dry. Pack them with grease before installing to avoid premature failure.
• Deck removal helpful: You can swap spindles with the deck on the tractor, but it’s much easier to remove the deck first.

Should You Buy It

If you need to replace one or both spindles on a 38" or 42" MTD deck and want a budget-friendly option that works for typical homeowner mowing, this 2-pack is a solid value. Skip it if you need OEM durability for frequent or commercial use.