946-05124A 746-05124A Blade Engagement Cable for Troy-Bilt Pony 42 inch Deck MTD Cub Cadet Craftsman Huskee Murray Yard-Man Riding Mower 946-05124 746-05124

What It Is

This is a blade engagement cable (models 946-05124A / 746-05124A) that connects the dash lever to the mower deck’s engagement pulley on 42-inch deck riding mowers. It’s used to engage and disengage the blades on Troy-Bilt Pony, MTD, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Huskee, Murray, and Yard-Man lawn tractors.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Fits 42-inch (107 cm) cutting decks only. Do not use on 46-inch or 50-inch decks without verifying cable length.
• Brands/models: Troy-Bilt Pony (2000s–2010s), Cub Cadet LT/LTX series, Craftsman LT1000/1500/2000, Huskee 42, Murray 4250/4650, Yard-Man 42. Also fits many MTD-built models with a 42-inch deck and dash-mounted engagement lever.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is an OEM Cub Cadet part. Aftermarket equivalents (e.g., Stens 730-05124) exist but may have slightly different housing or cable tension. Check that your original cable is 42–44 inches end-to-end.
• What to measure: Remove the old cable and measure from the lever eyelet to the pulley bracket hole. This cable is typically 42.5 inches total. If your original is longer or shorter, this won’t fit.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: OEM build is reliable; cable housing is plastic-coated steel. Aftermarket cables may fray faster if tension is too high.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate (30–60 minutes). Requires removing the dash panel, routing the cable along the frame, and adjusting the barrel nut for correct blade engagement. A second person helps hold tension.
• Common gotchas: The cable can kink if forced around sharp frame edges. Use zip ties to secure it away from hot exhaust or moving belts. Also check the deck pulley spring—if it’s weak, the cable may feel loose even when adjusted.
• Warranty: OEM parts usually carry a 90-day to 1-year warranty. Keep the receipt and original packaging.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 42-inch Troy-Bilt Pony, Cub Cadet, or Craftsman riding mower with a broken or stiff engagement cable and want a direct OEM replacement that fits without modification. Skip it if your deck is larger than 42 inches, or if you prefer a cheaper aftermarket cable (though you may sacrifice fit precision).