946-04661A Control Cable Replaces MTD Troy-Bilt 21 inch Deck Cable 746-04661A 946-04661 746-04661, Fits MTD Troy Bilt Yard Man Yard Machines Murray Walk Behind Lawn Mowers

What It Is

This is a replacement control cable for the self-propel drive system on select 21-inch deck walk-behind mowers from MTD, Troy-Bilt, Yard Man, Yard Machines, and Murray. It engages and disengages the drive wheels via the handlebar control lever.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Only for 21-inch mowers; do not use on 22-inch or larger decks.
• OEM cross-references: Replaces MTD/Troy-Bilt part numbers 746-04661A, 946-04661, and 746-04661.
• Brands: Fits MTD, Troy-Bilt, Yard Man, Yard Machines, and Murray models with a 21-inch steel or aluminum deck and a single-speed or variable-speed self-propel system.
• Measure before buying: Cable length is approximately 40 inches from housing end to end. Measure your old cable from fitting to fitting to confirm.
• Check control lever style: Works with the standard “T”-shaped or loop-style handle control. Not compatible with older “push-button” or “squeeze-grip” designs.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket cable with metal ferrules and a plastic-coated inner wire. Durability is adequate for residential use, but the outer jacket is thinner than OEM—avoid sharp bends during installation.
• Installation difficulty: Easy (30-45 minutes). Requires removing the old cable from the handle bracket and drive wheel arm, then routing the new one along the same path. No special tools needed.
• Common gotcha: The cable end that attaches to the drive wheel arm may need slight bending to align with the hole. Use pliers to gently adjust the “Z” bend if it doesn’t snap in.
• Length variance: Some users report the cable is 1–2 inches shorter than OEM. If your mower has a tall handle or an extended upper bracket, this may not reach—verify measurement before buying.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 21-inch MTD/Troy-Bilt walk-behind with a broken or stretched self-propel cable and want a budget-friendly replacement that works. It’s fine for occasional residential mowing, but if you need a heavy-duty cable for frequent commercial use or have a taller handle, consider an OEM part instead.