8TEN Mower Spindle for MTD Cub Cadet LTX1050 SLTX1050 LTX1050VT 918-05016 918-04825 50 inch Deck

What It Is

The 8TEN Mower Spindle is a replacement assembly for the 50-inch deck on select MTD-built Cub Cadet models, designed to support and rotate the mower blade. It’s a direct swap for worn or failed OEM spindles on LTX1050, SLTX1050, and LTX1050VT tractors.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 50-inch stamped steel deck (not fabricated). This spindle replaces OEM part numbers 918-05016 and 918-04825. It fits Cub Cadet LTX1050, SLTX1050, and LTX1050VT models, plus some MTD and Troy-Built equivalents with the same deck. Measure the spindle mounting hole pattern (typically 3 bolts on a 3-inch center) and shaft diameter (usually 5/8 inch). Check your deck’s pulley and blade bolt size—this spindle uses a standard 5/8-inch hex shaft and 5/16-24 blade bolt. If your existing spindle has a different bolt pattern or shaft size, it won’t fit.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs price: At $28.95, this is an aftermarket spindle. It’s functional but may not last as long as OEM (expect 1-2 seasons of heavy use). Bearings are sealed but not serviceable.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a socket set, a wrench, and possibly a puller to remove the old pulley. The blade bolt is torqued tightly (typically 40-50 ft-lbs). Watch for stripped threads on the shaft.
• Common gotchas: The included pulley bolt may be metric or SAE—check before starting. Also, the spindle housing is aluminum, so avoid over-torquing mounting bolts (danger of cracking). Grease zerk is absent; if your old spindle had one, you’ll lose the ability to re-lube.
• Deck alignment: After installation, check blade tip height across all spindles. A misaligned spindle can cause uneven cutting or vibration.

Should You Buy It

If you need a budget-friendly, quick fix for a worn spindle on a 50-inch Cub Cadet deck and don’t mind replacing it every couple of seasons, this is a solid pick. For commercial use or if you want OEM durability, spend more on a genuine Cub Cadet spindle.