8TEN Gen 3 Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Warner RZT50 917-04174 717-04174 717-04552A 5219-79 5219-64

What It Is

The 8TEN Gen 3 Electric PTO Clutch is an aftermarket replacement for the Warner PTO clutch used on many Cub Cadet, MTD, and Troy-Bilt zero-turn mowers (e.g., RZT50) and select lawn tractors. It engages the mower blades via an electric solenoid, replacing a worn or failed OEM clutch.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify these three things:

• OEM Part Numbers: This replaces 917-04174, 717-04174, 717-04552A, 5219-79, and 5219-64. Cross-check your mower’s part number against these.
• Physical Measurements: The clutch has a 1-inch bore, 3.15-inch pilot diameter, and 4.72-inch overall diameter. Measure your old clutch to confirm these match.
• Mounting & Electrical: It uses a standard 2-pin connector (flat pins, 0.25-inch spacing). Check that your mower’s harness connector matches. Also verify the clutch’s mounting bolt pattern (typically 3 bolts on a 3.5-inch circle) lines up with your engine’s PTO shaft.
• Machine Compatibility: Commonly fits Cub Cadet RZT50, RZT54, LTX1050, and MTD/Troy-Bilt models with Kohler or Briggs & Stratton engines. Not suitable for older mechanical PTO systems.

Key Things to Know

• Build Quality: 8TEN’s Gen 3 uses sealed bearings and a reinforced coil housing, often outlasting the OEM Warner unit. However, some users report slightly noisier engagement than OEM.
• Installation Difficulty: Moderate – requires basic tools (socket set, puller, torque wrench). You must remove the old clutch, align the new one, and torque the center bolt to 40-50 ft-lbs. No special wiring mods needed if connectors match.
• Common Gotcha: The air gap between the clutch rotor and armature plate must be set to 0.010-0.015 inch (included shims). Skipping this can cause slipping or failure. Also, check that your mower’s PTO switch and relay are functional – a bad switch can mimic clutch failure.
• Warranty: Typically 1-year limited. Keep your proof of purchase.

Should You Buy It

If your Cub Cadet, MTD, or Troy-Bilt zero-turn or tractor needs a PTO clutch and you want a reliable, budget-friendly alternative to OEM (often $150-200), this 8TEN Gen 3 is a strong buy. It’s best for DIYers comfortable with basic mechanical work. If you prefer a drop-in with zero adjustment or have an older machine with unusual mounting, stick with the exact OEM Warner part.