946-04661A 746-04661A 746-04661A 946-04661 Control Cable Fits MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Yard Machines, Cub Cadet, Yard Man, Bolens Lawn Mowers Cable Length: 51 Inch

What It Is

This is a 51-inch control cable (OEM part 946-04661A / 746-04661A) that connects the mower’s handle control lever to the engine’s blade engagement or drive system. It’s used on walk-behind lawn mowers from MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Yard Machines, Yard Man, and Bolens.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, check these three things:

• Cable length: Must be exactly 51 inches end-to-end (including fittings). Measure your old cable from tip to tip—if it’s 51", this fits. If shorter or longer, it won’t route correctly.
• Mounting ends: This cable has a barrel-style end on the control side and a loop/clip end for the engine bracket. Verify your mower uses the same connection type—most MTD-style mowers do, but some Craftsman or older Cub Cadets may differ.
• Deck size & model number: While this cable fits many 21–22 inch deck mowers, always cross-check your mower’s model number (e.g., 11A-… or 12A-…) on the MTD/Cub Cadet parts lookup. Avoid relying on brand name alone—some Troy-Bilt models use a shorter cable.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: OEM Cub Cadet cable is thicker and more corrosion-resistant than most aftermarket cables. The 4.5-star rating reflects durability—many users report 3+ seasons of use.
• Installation difficulty: Easy (15–30 minutes). You’ll need a screwdriver and pliers to disconnect the old cable and route the new one. No special tools required.
• Common gotcha: The cable housing is stiff when new—bend it gently to avoid kinking. Also, the barrel end must fully seat in the control lever slot, or the blade won’t engage properly.
• Aftermarket alternative: If OEM is out of stock, aftermarket “51-inch MTD control cables” often work but may have thinner sheathing and shorter lifespan.

Should You Buy It

Yes—if your mower needs a 51-inch control cable with barrel/loop ends and you want a reliable, direct-fit OEM replacement that won’t require modification. At $8.99, it’s a no-brainer for fixing a broken or stiff cable on most MTD-family mowers. Skip it if your cable length is different or your mower uses a different end style (e.g., clevis pin).