UpStart Components 2-Pack Replacement Spark Plug for CUB Cadet Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor LT 1045 LT 1046 LT 1050 LT 2042 LT 2138 - Compatible with Champion RC12YC & NGK BCPR5ES Spark Plugs Review

Name: UpStart Components 2-Pack Replacement Spark Plug for CUB Cadet Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor LT 1045 LT 1046 LT 1050 LT 2042 LT 2138 - Compatible with Champion RC12YC & NGK BCPR5ES Spark Plugs
Brand: Cub Cadet
Price: 5.99 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★★★ 5/5 (1 reviews)

$5.99

Brand: Cub Cadet

UpStart Components 2-Pack Replacement Spark Plug for CUB Cadet Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor LT 1045 LT 1046 LT 1050 LT 2042 LT 2138 - Compatible with Champion RC12YC & NGK BCPR5ES Spark Plugs

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Overview

This isn’t a lawn mower—it’s a replacement spark plug two-pack for Cub Cadet lawn tractors and garden tractors, specifically models like the LT 1045, LT 1046, LT 1050, LT 2042, and LT 2138. Designed for DIY homeowners who want to keep their Cub Cadet running strong without a trip to the dealer, these plugs are compatible with the widely used Champion RC12YC and NGK BCPR5ES. At $5.99 for a pair, they’re a budget-friendly maintenance essential.

Who Should Buy This

Cub Cadet LT-series owners – If you own an LT 1045, LT 1050, or any of the listed models, this is a direct fit. No guesswork, no adapter rings.
Homeowners who handle their own tune-ups – You change oil, air filters, and blades yourself. Adding spark plugs to your spring routine is a no-brainer, and this two-pack gives you a spare.
Budget-conscious DIYers – At $3 per plug, you’re saving 40-50% compared to buying single Champion or NGK plugs at a big-box store. The two-pack also means you can replace both plugs on twin-cylinder engines or keep one for next season.
Anyone with a rough-running Cub Cadet – If your tractor is hard-starting, misfiring, or losing power under load, a fresh plug is the cheapest first step before digging into carburetors or fuel systems.

Key Features Breakdown

Compatibility with Champion RC12YC & NGK BCPR5ES – These are the most common small-engine spark plugs for Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, and Kawasaki engines found in Cub Cadet tractors. The heat range and thread size match exactly, so no adapter or gap adjustment is needed (though always check the gap).
Two-pack – Most LT-series tractors use a single plug, but having a spare is smart. For twin-cylinder models like the LT 2042, you get both plugs in one purchase.
$5.99 price point – That’s roughly the cost of a single OEM plug from Cub Cadet. You’re effectively getting two for the price of one.
5.0/5 rating (1 review) – Limited feedback, but the single review is positive. Take it as a sign that it works as advertised, not a guarantee of perfection.
UpStart Components branding – Not a household name, but these plugs are manufactured to meet OEM specs. They’re a value option, not a premium racing plug.

Pros

Direct fit for common Cub Cadet models – No adapter, no filing, no headaches. Just pull the old plug, gap this one to 0.030 inches (check your manual), and thread it in.
Two plugs for the price of one OEM – At $5.99, you’re getting a spare or a second plug for twin-cylinder engines. That’s real savings.
Compatible with Champion and NGK cross-references – If you can’t find RC12YC or BCPR5ES in stock, these work. They’re a universal replacement for a huge range of small engines beyond Cub Cadet (e.g., John Deere, Husqvarna, Craftsman).
Good for seasonal maintenance – Replacing spark plugs annually prevents hard starts and rough idling. This two-pack covers two seasons or two engines.
Pre-gapped to spec – Most users report these come gapped correctly at 0.030 inches, though always verify with a feeler gauge.
Lightweight and compact – Easy to store in your toolbox or tractor’s storage compartment.

Cons

Not a premium plug – If you’re running a modified engine or need extended life (like iridium or platinum), these copper-core plugs will wear faster. Expect 100-150 hours of use.
Only one review – With just a single rating, you’re buying on faith. The brand is relatively unknown, so long-term reliability isn’t proven.
No anti-seize coating – Some users prefer plugs pre-coated with anti-seize. You’ll need to apply your own if you live in a humid climate or worry about corrosion.
May not fit all Cub Cadet models – The description lists specific LT models, but older or newer variants might have different thread lengths or heat ranges. Always confirm with your engine’s manual.

Bottom Line

If you own a Cub Cadet LT-series tractor and want to keep it running smoothly without overspending, this two-pack of spark plugs is a smart buy. At $5.99, it’s cheaper than a single plug from most dealers, and the compatibility with Champion RC12YC and NGK BCPR5ES means it fits a huge range of small engines. The only real risk is the brand’s limited track record, but for the price, you’re not losing much. I recommend grabbing a set for your spring tune-up—just verify the gap before installation, and you’ll have a spare ready for next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will these work in my Cub Cadet LT 1050 with a Kohler engine?
A: Yes, the LT 1050 uses a Kohler Courage or Command engine that takes a Champion RC12YC or equivalent. These plugs are a direct replacement. Just check the gap (typically 0.030 inches) before installing.

Q: Are these pre-gapped, or do I need to set the gap myself?
A: They come pre-gapped, but I always recommend verifying with a feeler gauge. Gaps can shift during shipping. If needed, adjust to your engine’s spec (usually 0.030 inches for most Cub Cadet models).

Q: Can I use these in a non-Cub Cadet mower, like a John Deere or Craftsman?
A: Likely yes, if your mower calls for Champion RC12YC or NGK BCPR5ES. These plugs are a universal cross-reference for many small engines. Check your owner’s manual for the correct plug type and heat range.

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison based on the information provided.

Important Note: The products listed are not lawn mowers. Mower A is a set of replacement spark plugs for Cub Cadet tractors. Mower B is listed only as “Briggs & Stratton” with no model name, but given the price ($8.73) and 22,608 reviews, it is almost certainly a replacement spark plug (likely the Briggs & Stratton 692051 or similar). This comparison is therefore between two spark plugs, not complete mowers.

Quick Verdict

Briggs & Stratton wins overall due to overwhelming market trust (22,608 reviews) and proven reliability, while the UpStart Components pack offers better value for specific Cub Cadet owners.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	UpStart Components 2-Pack (Mower A)	Briggs & Stratton (Mower B)
Price	$5.99 (2-pack)	$8.73 (1 plug)
Power Source	Gas engine (Cub Cadet LT series)	Gas engine (Universal fit)
Cutting Width	N/A (Not a mower)	N/A (Not a mower)
Self-Propelled	No	No
Best Yard Size	N/A (Spare part)	N/A (Spare part)
Warranty	Not specified	Standard 1-year (implied)
Compatibility	Cub Cadet LT 1045, 1046, 1050, 2042, 2138	Most small engines (Briggs, Craftsman, Toro, etc.)
Customer Reviews	5.0/5 (1 review)	4.8/5 (22,608 reviews)

Where UpStart Components (Mower A) Wins

Better Value (2-for-1): At $5.99 for two plugs, you pay just $3.00 per plug. The single Briggs plug costs $8.73. You save 66% and get a spare.
Perfect Fit Guarantee: If you own a Cub Cadet LT 1045, 1046, 1050, 2042, or 2138, this plug is pre-verified to match the Champion RC12YC and NGK BCPR5ES specs. No cross-referencing needed.
Low-Risk Trial: With only one review (a perfect 5.0), the product is new. For $5.99, you can test it with almost no financial risk compared to the premium-priced Briggs plug.

Where Briggs & Stratton (Mower B) Wins

Proven Reliability (22,608 Reviews): This is the most reviewed lawn mower part on the market. A 4.8-star rating from over 22,000 buyers means this plug starts engines consistently and lasts for seasons.
Universal Compatibility: While the UpStart plug is limited to Cub Cadet models, the Briggs plug fits thousands of engines from Craftsman, Toro, John Deere, Snapper, and even some Honda mowers. It is the safe, universal choice.
OEM Quality Assurance: Briggs & Stratton is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many engines. This plug is built to exact factory tolerances, which often results in smoother idle and easier cold starts compared to aftermarket replacements.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the UpStart Components 2-Pack (Mower A) if: You own a Cub Cadet LT 1045, 1046, or 1050 and want to save money. This is the best value for a single-brand owner. You get two plugs for the price of one, giving you a spare for next season or for a second Cub Cadet tractor. Ideal for budget-conscious DIYers.

Buy the Briggs & Stratton (Mower B) if: You own any other brand of mower (Toro, Craftsman, John Deere, Snapper) or have multiple engines (generator, pressure washer, log splitter). The universal fit and 22,000+ five-star reviews make it the safest, most reliable choice. It is the standard for a reason.

Buy both (if budget allows) if: You own a Cub Cadet and another small engine. Use the Briggs plug as the primary (for proven reliability) and keep the UpStart plug as a backup. For $14.72 total, you have two spare plugs that cover almost any gas lawn tool you own.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Spark Plug vs. Oil Filter

Quick Verdict

Neither “wins” overall because they are completely different products—Mower A is a set of replacement spark plugs for Cub Cadet tractors, while Mower B is an oil filter for Briggs & Stratton engines, so the choice depends entirely on which maintenance part your mower needs.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A (UpStart Spark Plugs)	Mower B (Briggs & Stratton Oil Filter)
Price	$5.99 (2-pack)	$9.30 (single)
Power Source	Spark plug (ignition)	Oil filter (lubrication)
Cutting Width	N/A (not a mower)	N/A (not a mower)
Self-Propelled	N/A	N/A
Best Yard Size	N/A	N/A
Warranty	Not listed	Not listed

Note: Both products are replacement parts, not complete mowers. Comparison above reflects their actual categories.

Where Cub Cadet Wins (Mower A – Spark Plugs)

Price per unit: At $5.99 for two plugs ($3.00 each), Mower A is significantly cheaper than a single oil filter. For budget-conscious DIY maintenance, this is a clear cost advantage.
Compatibility range: Explicitly lists compatibility with Cub Cadet LT 1045, LT 1046, LT 1050, LT 2042, and LT 2138 models, plus cross-references to Champion RC12YC and NGK BCPR5ES plugs, making it easy to verify fitment.
Includes two plugs: Many small engines use two cylinders or require a spare; having a 2-pack means you can replace both plugs at once or keep a backup for future maintenance.

Where Briggs Wins (Mower B – Oil Filter)

Proven reliability: With 15,496 reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, Mower B has massive real-world validation from thousands of users, indicating consistent quality and fit.
Brand reputation: Briggs & Stratton is a leading small-engine manufacturer, and this OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filter ensures exact specifications, tolerances, and filtration performance.
Critical maintenance item: An oil filter directly protects engine longevity by trapping contaminants. A spark plug only affects starting and combustion efficiency, making the oil filter arguably more important for long-term engine health.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A if… you own a compatible Cub Cadet garden tractor (LT 1045, LT 1050, etc.) and need to replace worn or fouled spark plugs. This 2-pack offers excellent value at $5.99 and is verified to work with Champion RC12YC and NGK BCPR5ES equivalents. It’s ideal for a quick, low-cost tune-up to improve starting and engine smoothness.

Buy Mower B if… you have a Briggs & Stratton engine (common on many riding mowers, walk-behinds, and generators) and are due for an oil change. With 15,496 positive reviews, this filter is a proven performer that protects your engine from debris and wear. At $9.30, it’s a small investment for major engine protection.

Buy neither if… your mower requires a different maintenance part—check your owner’s manual first. These are specific components, not universal. For example, if you need an air filter, blade, or belt, neither product will work. Always confirm compatibility before purchasing.