8TEN Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet Bolens MTD Huskee Scotts Craftsman 2160 2164 917-3446 717-3446 5218-29

What It Is

The 8TEN Electric PTO Clutch engages and disengages your mower deck blades electrically. It’s designed for residential Cub Cadet, Bolens, MTD, Huskee, Scotts, and Craftsman lawn tractors, replacing OEM part numbers 917-3446, 717-3446, and 5218-29.

Fitment & Compatibility

Check before buying:

• Models: Fits Cub Cadet 2160, 2164; MTD 2160, 2164; Craftsman 917.xxxxx series; Huskee, Bolens, and Scotts models using the same PTO system.
• Measurements: Verify your original clutch’s shaft diameter (commonly 1" or 7/8"), bolt hole spacing (center-to-center), and overall thickness. The 8TEN unit matches OEM dimensions, but mismatched shaft size or bolt pattern means it won’t mount.
• Pulley size: Confirm belt width (usually 1/2" or 5/8") and groove depth. A wrong pulley can cause belt slip or premature wear.
• Electrical: Requires 12V DC system with a standard two-pin connector. Check your wiring harness plug shape—some older models use a different connector.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is an aftermarket replacement. It fits most MTD-built tractors but may not match every sub-model variation—cross-reference your exact model number with the seller’s fitment list.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Rated 4.0/5 from 13 reviews. Users report it works well for the price, but some note occasional vibration or noise compared to OEM. Not heavy-duty for commercial use.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty—requires basic tools (wrenches, socket set, multimeter). You’ll need to remove the deck, disconnect the old clutch, and rewire the new one. Expect 1–2 hours.
• Common gotchas: The air gap between the clutch rotor and armature must be set to 0.010–0.015" with a feeler gauge—too tight or loose causes slipping or failure. Also, ensure the pulley spins freely before mounting; if it’s seized, return it.
• Belt alignment: After installation, check that the PTO pulley lines up with the deck belt pulleys. Misalignment can shred belts quickly.

Should You Buy It

This is a solid budget-friendly replacement for a worn OEM clutch on residential MTD-based tractors like the Cub Cadet 2160 or Craftsman 917 series. If you’re handy with tools and comfortable setting the air gap, it’s a good value. Avoid it if you need commercial durability or have a non-MTD chassis—stick with OEM or a higher-tier brand.