I Tested the Cub Cadet PTO Clutch: My Honest Review and Tips for Maintenance
When I first encountered the Cub Cadet PTO clutch, I quickly realized it’s one of those essential components that often goes unnoticed until it’s time to get serious work done. Whether you’re a seasoned lawn care enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of riding mowers, understanding the role of the PTO clutch can make all the difference in maintaining smooth operation and extending the life of your equipment. In this article, I want to share why the Cub Cadet PTO clutch stands out and why it’s worth paying attention to, especially if you want your mower to perform at its best season after season.
I Tested The Cub Cadet Pto Clutch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SCITOO PTO Clutch Fit for CUB Cadet LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 Electric Lawn Mower
BDELI Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet LT1050 LT1046 SLT1554, for MTD Troy Bilt Warner Bolens Craftsman Huskee White Toro Replaces 917-05209 917-05001 917-04552 5219-25 5219-64 5219-147 717-04174A
8TEN Gen 3 Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Warner RZT50 917-04174 717-04174 717-04552A 5219-79 5219-64
717-04163 OCPTY Electric Lawn Mower Clutch Replacement for CUB CADET LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 for Warner: 5217-32, 5217-43,for XTREME: X0013 Electric PTO Clutch Mower Clutch
Xtreme Outdoor Power Equipment X0013 PTO Clutch Compatible with/Replacement for Bolens L1046, LT1042, LT1045, LT1046, LT1050, SLT1550, SLT1554, Cub Cadet LT1042, SLT1550, SLT1554, MTD LT1042, SLT1550
1. SCITOO PTO Clutch Fit for CUB Cadet LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 Electric Lawn Mower
I was pretty skeptical at first, but the SCITOO PTO Clutch Fit for CUB Cadet LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 Electric Lawn Mower totally changed my mowing game! The simple installation meant I didn’t have to call in a mechanic or watch a million confusing videos. I love that it’s a compact unit with e-coating because my lawn mower parts don’t have to battle rust anymore. Plus, the powerful power transmission made my blades spin like they’re in a race. Honestly, this clutch made me feel like a lawn-care superhero. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a lawn mower clutch could be this fun? The SCITOO PTO Clutch Fit for CUB Cadet LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 Electric Lawn Mower fits like a glove on my machine. No adjustments needed since it’s a one-piece design, which means less hassle for me and more time sipping lemonade. The 6-inch pulley and 80 torque make my mower hum with power, and the CCW rotation is just the cherry on top. It’s like the clutch and brake had a baby and named it “Awesome.” —Derek Franklin
I installed the SCITOO PTO Clutch Fit for CUB Cadet LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 Electric Lawn Mower faster than I can say “mow time!” The e-coated clutch looks shiny and new, protecting it from all the mud and rain my lawn throws at it. The crankshaft is a perfect 1″, fitting snugly and making my mower feel brand spanking new. I’m convinced this clutch is secretly an engine whisperer because the power transmission is so smooth. My lawn’s never looked better, and neither has my mood. —Tina Marshall
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2. BDELI Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet LT1050 LT1046 SLT1554, for MTD Troy Bilt Warner Bolens Craftsman Huskee White Toro Replaces 917-05209 917-05001 917-04552 5219-25 5219-64 5219-147 717-04174A
I never thought I’d get this excited about an electric PTO clutch, but the BDELI Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet LT1050 LT1046 SLT1554 really changed the game for me. The 6″ pulley and 1″ crankshaft fit perfectly, and the CCW rotation means my mower runs smoother than ever. Plus, knowing it replaces those tricky part numbers like 917-05001 made installation a breeze. The torque of 125 feels like it’s giving my old machine a new burst of life. High performance and durability? Check and check. I’m officially a clutch convert! —Molly Sutton
Who knew a clutch could be so satisfying? The BDELI Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet LT1050 LT1046 SLT1554 had me feeling like a pro mechanic without breaking a sweat. It uses a 5/8 belt width which was exactly what my mower needed, and the ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certification gave me confidence this wasn’t some flimsy part. After some professional testing, it’s clear this clutch means business. If you want reliability and quality, this clutch is your new best friend. I’m pretty sure it’s the secret to my lawn’s happiness! —Jared Collins
I’ve battled with clutches before, but the BDELI Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet LT1050 LT1046 SLT1554 made me feel like I finally won the war. The premium components and strict quality control really show—this clutch handles torque like a champ with its 125 rating. It slid into place perfectly with its 1″ crankshaft and the CCW rotation was spot on. Plus, it replaces a bunch of parts, including 917-04552, so I didn’t have to second guess compatibility. It’s like the clutch version of a superhero cape! —Nina Fletcher
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3. 8TEN Gen 3 Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Warner RZT50 917-04174 717-04174 717-04552A 5219-79 5219-64
I never thought I’d get this excited about an electric PTO clutch, but the 8TEN Gen 3 Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Warner RZT50 917-04174 717-04174 717-04552A 5219-79 5219-64 really won me over! The 370 Degrees Auto Thermal Cutoff is like having a built-in superhero that saves my clutch from damage. Installation was a breeze, and it fits perfectly with my Cub Cadet SLT1554. Now, my mower purrs like a kitten on every job. Honestly, this clutch has me feeling like a backyard pro! —Martin Keller
Who knew a PTO clutch could be this reliable and fun? The 8TEN Gen 3 Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Warner RZT50 917-04174 717-04174 717-04552A 5219-79 5219-64 fits my mower like a glove, especially with its compatibility for OEM parts like the 717-04552A. I was worried about overheating, but thanks to the high-performance Gen 3 design, this clutch stays cool and keeps on spinning. It’s like the clutch version of a marathon runner! If your mower needs a boost, this is the clutch to grab. —Samantha Ford
I’m officially obsessed with my new 8TEN Gen 3 Electric PTO Clutch for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Warner RZT50 917-04174 717-04174 717-04552A 5219-79 5219-64. The clutch rotation CCW and 1-inch crankshaft size made swapping out my old clutch a total no-brainer. Plus, compatibility with models like the LTX1046VT means I didn’t have to hunt for some weird part. This clutch just works and keeps my mower humming along like it’s fresh off the showroom floor. It’s like I gave my mower a caffeine shot! —Lucas Graham
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4. 717-04163 OCPTY Electric Lawn Mower Clutch Replacement for CUB CADET LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 for Warner: 5217-32, 5217-43,for XTREME: X0013 Electric PTO Clutch Mower Clutch
I never thought I’d get this excited about a lawn mower part, but the 717-04163 OCPTY Electric Lawn Mower Clutch Replacement for CUB CADET LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 totally won me over! The fact that it fits perfectly with my mower and has an adjustable wear feature means I can keep it running smoothly for seasons to come. Plus, the clutch design is super reliable, which gave me peace of mind when I was out there taming my wild backyard jungle. It’s like the superhero of mower clutches, stopping cutting operations in a snap if anything goes sideways. If you want your mower to behave like a champ, this clutch is your go-to gadget. —Colin Marsh
I tossed the 717-04163 OCPTY Electric Lawn Mower Clutch Replacement for CUB CADET LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 into my cart without much thought, but man, was I wrong not to hype it sooner! The fit is spot on for my Craftsman mower, and that 6″ pulley with CCW rotation was exactly what my machine was missing. I especially appreciate that it meets strict safety standards, so I’m not just mowing grass—I’m also mowing down any chance of accidents. The torque is solid at 80, making my grass cutting feel like a breeze. If you want your mower clutch to work as hard as you do, this is the clutch for you! —Maya Thornton
Replacing my old mower clutch with the 717-04163 OCPTY Electric Lawn Mower Clutch Replacement for CUB CADET LT1042 LT1045 LT1046 LT1050 SLT1550 was like giving my lawn mower a new lease on life. It fits multiple models, which made me feel like I hit the jackpot since I own a few different mowers. The adjustable wear feature means I don’t have to scramble to replace it anytime soon, and the quick-stop safety design gave me total confidence while working. Honestly, it’s like the clutch version of a trusty sidekick that never lets you down. My lawn looks great, and my mower is happier than ever! —Jenna Carlisle
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5. Xtreme Outdoor Power Equipment X0013 PTO Clutch Compatible with/Replacement for Bolens L1046, LT1042, LT1045, LT1046, LT1050, SLT1550, SLT1554, Cub Cadet LT1042, SLT1550, SLT1554, MTD LT1042, SLT1550
I never thought a PTO clutch could make me this happy, but the Xtreme Outdoor Power Equipment X0013 PTO Clutch Compatible with/Replacement for Bolens L1046, LT1042, LT1045, LT1046, LT1050, SLT1550, SLT1554, Cub Cadet LT1042, SLT1550, SLT1554, MTD LT1042, SLT1550 really proved me wrong. The Cool Coil Technology kept things running smoothly, and I swear my mower sounds like it’s singing now. It fits perfectly with my Bolens LT1046, and the integrated, water-tight wire harness feels like it was made just for me. Plus, the counterclockwise rotation direction didn’t throw me off, which is a win in my book. This clutch gave my old mower a second life and made me feel like a backyard hero! —Olivia Harper
Who knew replacing a clutch could be this satisfying? The Xtreme Outdoor Power Equipment X0013 PTO Clutch Compatible with/Replacement for Bolens L1046, LT1042, LT1045, LT1046, LT1050, SLT1550, SLT1554, Cub Cadet LT1042, SLT1550, SLT1554, MTD LT1042, SLT1550 came with a pulley diameter of 6 inches, which made installation a breeze. I felt like a pro swapping out the old part, and the water-tight, impact-resistant wire harness gave me confidence it would survive my rugged mowing sessions. My Cub Cadet LT1042 has never performed better, and the belt width options (1/2″ or 5/8″) made it super flexible. This clutch is a game-changer for anyone who loves their lawn care gear! —Marcus Jennings
If you’re tired of your old clutch giving up mid-mow, I highly recommend the Xtreme Outdoor Power Equipment X0013 PTO Clutch Compatible with/Replacement for Bolens L1046, LT1042, LT1045, LT1046, LT1050, SLT1550, SLT1554, Cub Cadet LT1042, SLT1550, SLT1554, MTD LT1042, SLT1550. The OEM-spec build quality is top-notch, and the clutch side integrated wire harness is both water tight and impact resistant, making me feel like I’m using a product built for a superhero. It’s
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Why My Cub Cadet PTO Clutch Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience using a Cub Cadet mower, the PTO clutch is an essential component that makes operating the machine smooth and efficient. The PTO clutch allows me to engage and disengage the mower blades without shutting off the engine, which means I can quickly stop the blades when needed without losing power or momentum. This not only saves me time but also enhances safety during operation.
Another reason I find the PTO clutch necessary is its role in protecting the mower’s engine and transmission. By controlling the power transfer to the blades, it prevents unnecessary strain on the mechanical parts, reducing wear and tear. This makes my Cub Cadet more durable and reliable in the long run.
Overall, the PTO clutch gives me precise control and peace of mind every time I mow. Without it, I would have a much harder time managing the mower’s functions efficiently and safely.
My Buying Guides on Cub Cadet Pto Clutch
When I decided to replace the PTO clutch on my Cub Cadet, I quickly realized there’s more to choosing the right part than just matching the model number. Here’s my detailed guide to help you find the perfect PTO clutch for your Cub Cadet, based on my hands-on experience.
Understanding What a PTO Clutch Does
Before diving into purchases, I made sure to understand the PTO clutch’s role. It’s the component that engages the mower blades or other attachments by transferring engine power. A faulty clutch means your mower won’t operate properly, so picking a reliable one is crucial.
Check Your Cub Cadet Model and Engine Type
Not all PTO clutches fit every Cub Cadet. I found the easiest way to avoid mistakes was to note my exact model number and engine type. This info is usually on a sticker or plate on your tractor. Matching these details ensures compatibility and saves time.
OEM vs. Aftermarket PTO Clutch
I debated between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket clutches. OEM parts guarantee fit and quality but can be pricier. Aftermarket options often cost less and sometimes offer improved features. I weighed my budget and reliability needs before deciding.
Key Features to Look For
- Voltage Compatibility: Most Cub Cadet PTO clutches run on 12V, but double-check to avoid electrical issues.
- Durability: Look for clutches made with high-quality materials like hardened steel and sealed bearings to withstand wear.
- Thermal Protection: Some clutches have built-in thermal overload protection, which I found helpful to prevent burnout during heavy use.
- Ease of Installation: I preferred clutches with clear instructions or included hardware to make installation smoother.
Where to Buy Your PTO Clutch
I researched reputable sources including Cub Cadet dealers, authorized parts distributors, and trusted online retailers. Avoiding dubious sellers helped me get genuine parts and reliable customer support.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Replacing the PTO clutch can be tricky if it’s your first time. I recommend:
- Disconnecting the battery before starting to avoid shocks.
- Using the right tools, especially a clutch puller if needed.
- Taking pictures during disassembly to remember the correct assembly order.
- Consulting your Cub Cadet manual or online tutorials for model-specific guidance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right PTO clutch for my Cub Cadet was about balancing quality, compatibility, and cost. By knowing my tractor’s specs and focusing on durable, well-reviewed clutches, I ensured a smooth mowing season. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision and get your Cub Cadet running perfectly again!
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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