ACEBRI Electric PTO Clutch for CUB Cadet 917-04163 for CUB Cadet LT1040, LT1042, LT1045, LT1046, LT1050 PTO Clutch for Craftsman for CUB Cadet for Troy-Bilt: 717-04163, 717-04163A, 917-04163A

What It Is

This is an aftermarket electric PTO (power take-off) clutch that engages and disengages the mower blades on select Cub Cadet, Craftsman, and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors. It replaces OEM part numbers 917-04163, 717-04163, and 717-04163A.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify these three things:

1. Model number – Confirmed fit for Cub Cadet LT1040, LT1042, LT1045, LT1046, LT1050 (check your tractor’s model tag under the seat or on the frame). Also fits some Craftsman and Troy-Bilt models using the same PTO system.
2. OEM cross-reference – Must match 917-04163, 717-04163, or 717-04163A. If your original has a different suffix or number, it may not bolt up.
3. Physical measurements – Measure your old clutch’s shaft diameter (typically 1” or 1-1/8”), overall diameter (often 4.5”), and bolt pattern (usually 3-bolt, 2.25” spacing). This aftermarket unit should match, but always confirm against your old part.

Deck size (42”, 46”, etc.) is not directly relevant – the clutch is engine-mounted, not deck-specific.

Key Things to Know

• Aftermarket quality – With only 5 reviews at 4.3 stars, long-term durability is unproven. Some users report shorter lifespan than OEM (2-3 seasons vs. 5+).
• Installation difficulty – Moderate. Requires removing the drive belt, unbolting the old clutch, and wiring the new one (usually a 2-wire connector). A puller tool is often needed to remove the old clutch from the crankshaft.
• Air gap adjustment – After installation, you must set the air gap between the clutch rotor and armature (typically 0.010”–0.020”) using a feeler gauge. Skipping this can cause slippage or failure.
• Common gotcha – The wiring harness plug may not match your tractor’s connector exactly. You may need to splice or replace the connector.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if your Cub Cadet LT series or compatible Craftsman/Troy-Bilt needs a PTO clutch and you’re on a tight budget (half the price of OEM). Skip it if you want guaranteed long-term reliability or if your tractor uses a different clutch bolt pattern – in those cases, stick with OEM or a higher-rated aftermarket brand.