AKM 918-06977A 618-06977 Spindle Assembly Replaces MTD Cub Cadet XT1-LT46 XT2-LX46 Troy-Bilt 46 inch Deck 618-06977A 918-06977 Stens 285-700 Craftsman 20442 Screws Included in PRE-TAPPED Holes

What It Is

This is a pre-assembled spindle assembly for 46-inch cutting decks on select MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman lawn tractors. It drives the mower blade via the deck belt and pulley, and is a direct replacement for OEM part numbers 918-06977A and 618-06977A.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 46-inch deck—this spindle will not work on 42-inch or 54-inch decks. It fits Cub Cadet XT1-LT46, XT2-LX46, and Troy-Bilt models with the same deck. Also replaces Stens 285-700 and Craftsman 20442. The housing has pre-tapped holes for the included mounting screws (no separate hardware needed). Measure the spindle shaft diameter (typically 5/8-inch) and pulley bolt pattern to match your existing unit. If your deck uses a different bolt pattern or shaft size, this will not fit.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket part, but rated 4.7/5 from 244 reviews. Most users report it’s as durable as OEM at a lower price.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty—requires removing the deck, belt, and blade. Pre-tapped holes save time; you won’t need to drill or tap.
• Gotcha: The included screws may be slightly short for some decks. If they don’t bite fully, reuse your original bolts.
• Lubrication: The spindle comes greased, but check that the bearing seals are intact before installing. Add a dab of grease if dry.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you need a direct-fit, no-hassle spindle for a 46-inch MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt deck and want to avoid OEM pricing. It’s a solid value for DIY replacement, especially if you’re comfortable with basic deck disassembly. Skip it if your deck has a different spindle pattern or you prefer OEM-only parts.