731-06098 Hydro Fan Fit for Cub Cadet Blower/Mower, 10 Blade Transmission Cooling Fan Replacement for LGT SLT SLTX LGTX LT LTX 1042 1045 1046 1050 1054, Used to Repair Drive Belt Destroyed Fan

What It Is

This is a 10-blade transmission cooling fan (OEM part 731-06098) that mounts on the hydrostatic drive unit of select Cub Cadet lawn tractors. Its job is to pull air over the transmission to prevent overheating; a broken fan often leads to a shredded drive belt.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower model is on the support list. This fan fits Cub Cadet LGT, SLT, SLTX, LGTX, LT, and LTX series tractors—specifically models 1042, 1045, 1046, 1050, and 1054. It also fits some MTD and Troy-Bilt equivalents.
Check these:

• Deck size doesn’t matter—fitment is by transmission, not cutting deck.
• OEM vs aftermarket – this is a genuine Cub Cadet part, not a third-party knockoff. Expect exact fit.
• Measurements – fan diameter is roughly 6.5 inches (check your old fan’s diameter). The center hole must match your hydro shaft (usually 5/8" or 3/4").
• Verify your model number on the tractor’s serial tag; cross-reference with Cub Cadet’s parts diagram.

Key Things to Know

• Quality – Genuine Cub Cadet plastic fan; durable for normal mowing but brittle if hit by debris. Replace only if cracked or missing blades.
• Installation difficulty – Moderate. You’ll need to remove the drive belt and possibly the deck to access the transmission shaft. A pulley puller may be required to remove the old fan.
• Common gotchas – If the fan is destroyed, the drive belt is often frayed or broken too—replace both at once. Don’t forget to check the fan key (small metal key in the shaft) and replace if worn.
• Torque – Reinstall the fan nut to 25–35 ft-lbs; overtightening can crack the new fan.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a compatible Cub Cadet model with a broken or missing transmission cooling fan, especially if you’ve already replaced a drive belt that shredded. It’s a low-cost fix that prevents transmission overheating and premature belt failure. If your fan is intact and you’re just replacing the belt, skip it.