[Lifetime Warranty] 946-04173E 746-04173E Deck Engagement Cable - Compatible with MTD Troy-Bilt 746-04173, 746-04173B, 746-04173A, 746-04173C, 946-04173, 946-04173A, 290-807, LT1700, LT2000, LT2500, LT3800 Lawn Mower
946-04173E deck engagement cable with tension spring for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers.
Diagram showing dimensions of 946-04173E deck engagement cable with 56-inch total length and 39-inch conduit length.
Infographic showing construction details of 946-04173E deck engagement cable for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers.
Infographic showing 946-04173E deck engagement cable compatibility for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers.
Compatibility chart for 746-04173E deck engagement cable listing Craftsman, MTD, and Troy-Bilt lawn mower models.
946-04173E deck engagement cable for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers with tension spring and mounting hardware.
946-04173E deck engagement cable for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers with informational feature graphic.
Installation guide for 946-04173E deck engagement cable showing placement on a lawn mower with safety instructions.
946-04173E deck engagement cable for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers with attached tension spring.
946-04173E deck engagement cable with tension spring for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers.
Diagram showing dimensions of 946-04173E deck engagement cable with 56-inch total length and 39-inch conduit length.
Infographic showing construction details of 946-04173E deck engagement cable for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers.
Infographic showing 946-04173E deck engagement cable compatibility for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers.
Compatibility chart for 746-04173E deck engagement cable listing Craftsman, MTD, and Troy-Bilt lawn mower models.
946-04173E deck engagement cable for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers with tension spring and mounting hardware.
946-04173E deck engagement cable for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers with informational feature graphic.
Installation guide for 946-04173E deck engagement cable showing placement on a lawn mower with safety instructions.
946-04173E deck engagement cable for MTD and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers with attached tension spring.
Lifetime Warranty

[Lifetime Warranty] 946-04173E 746-04173E Deck Engagement Cable - Compatible with MTD Troy-Bilt 746-04173, 746-04173B, 746-04173A, 746-04173C, 946-04173, 946-04173A, 290-807, LT1700, LT2000, LT2500, LT3800 Lawn Mower

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946-04173E / 746-04173E Deck Engagement Cable

Key Features

  • Controls the engagement of the mower deck blades (PTO)
  • Cable Length: 55 in
  • Casing Length: 38 in
  • Includes integrated extension spring for proper tension

Replaces / Cross-Reference Part Numbers

  • 946-04173E
  • 746-04173C
  • 746-04173D
  • 746-04173E
  • 946-04173C
  • 946-04173D
  • 746-04173
  • 290-807
  • 60-527
  • 946-04173B

Compatibility & Fitment

  • Fits lawn tractors from MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Bolens, White Outdoor, Huskee, Yard Machines, and Yard-Man.
  • Compatible with MTD 700 series mowers.
  • Select Models Include: LT1500, LT2000, LT2500, LT3800, LT3812, LT4200, LT-4600H, LT538G, LT-542G, LT-542H, LT-546G, LT-546H, T1600.

When to Replace

  • Engagement lever is loose or has no tension.
  • Difficulty engaging or disengaging the mower blades.
  • Visible signs of fraying, kinking, or corrosion on the cable.
  • The cable or its end fittings are broken.

Installation Tips

  • Disconnect the spark plug wire before starting work for safety.
  • Photograph the routing of the old cable prior to removal for reference.
  • Ensure the new cable is routed away from hot surfaces and moving parts.
  • Confirm the engagement lever operates smoothly and has correct tension before starting the engine.
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  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY

    WIDE COMPATIBILITY

    Our product is compatible with many models of MTD, Troy Bilt, Troy Bilt Pony, Super Bronco, Bronco, Horse Lawn Mower
  • DURABLE MATERIAL

    DURABLE MATERIAL

    This part is made of sturdy material which is flexibility and flame-retardant, enhancing durability
  • BEST SOLUTION

    BEST SOLUTION

    BlueStars brings DIY solutions to help you deal with any trouble
  • SIMPLE INSTALLATION

    SIMPLE INSTALLATION

    Just 5 minutes of replacing to make your Lawn Mower run like new!
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

746-04173E Deck Engagement Cable is the best replacement part for your lawnmower with the highest level of precision
EXCEPTIONAL LAWNMOWER PARTS

EXCEPTIONAL LAWNMOWER PARTS

Enjoy your fresh garden with the support of our lawn mower replacement parts.
Brand Model Number
MTD LT1500, LT2000, LT2500, LT3800, LT3812, LT4200, LT4600H, LT538G, LT542G, LT542H, LT546G, LT546H, T1600
MTD 13AC77KF897, 13W1762F065, 13WC762F065, 13AC77GF897, 13AC76GF897, 13AN79GF897, 13AN79GS897, 13AV76GF897, 13AV761F597, 13BJ78SS099
Craftsman 247288841, 247288810, 247288852, 247203701, 24728902, 247286040, 316286040, 247288842, 247288843, 247288851, 24728886, 247288861, 247288870, 247288890, 24728904, 24728905, 247289150, 24728919, 247203700, 247203710, 247203711
Bolens 13AM761F065, 13AM761F265, 13AM762F065, 13AM762F265, 13AM762F765
Yard Man 13AC762F755, 13AM772G755, 13AO772H755, 13AN772G055, 13AO771H055, 13AO772G055, 13RN772G055, 13AJ771G713, 13AN771G755
Yard Machines 13AC762F000, 13AL771H029, 13AM772F000, 13AN772G000, 13AM772F700, 13AN772G700, 13A1762F700, 13A3762F700, 13A1760F700, 13A3760F700, 13A3761G700, 13A3771G700, 13A3791G700
Troy-Bilt 13BX78KS011, 13BX78KS211, 13BX79KT011, 13BX79KT211, 13WN77KS011, 13WN77KS066, 13WN77KS211, 13WX78KS211, 13WX79KT011, 13WX79KT211, 13YX78KS011, 13YX78KS211, 13AX78KS011, 13AX78KS066, 13AX78KT066
Troy-Bilt 13WX78KS011, 13WX78KS066, 13WX78KS211, 13WX78KT066, 13AV77KF066, 13WN77KS011, 13WN77KS211, 13WX78KS011, 13WX78KS066, 13WX78KS211, 13WX79KT011, 13WX79KT211, 13AX79KT011, 13BX79KT011
Troy-Bilt 13WN77KS066, 13WN77KS211, 13WX78KS011, 13WX78KS066, 13WX78KS211, 13WX79KT011, 13WX79KT066, 13WX79KT211, 13A279KS066, 13AN77KS011, 13AN77KS066, 13AN77KS211
Replace Part Number 946-04173, 946-04173A, 946-04173B, 946-04173C, 946-04173D, 946-04173E, 746-04173, 746-04173A, 746-04173B, 746-04173C

FAQ

This cable is designed for riding mowers and lawn tractors with 42-inch and 46-inch decks. It is compatible with a wide range of brands under the MTD umbrella, including Troy-Bilt, MTD, MTD Gold, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Bolens, White Outdoor, Huskee, Yard Machines, and Yard-Man.
This part replaces OEM numbers 946-04173E, 946-04173, 946-04173A, 946-04173B, 746-04173, 746-04173A, 746-04173B, and 746-04173C. It also cross-references with aftermarket part numbers including Stens 290-807, Oregon 60-527, Rotary 12965, Laser 94594, and Raisman 80-45-131.
The cable features a conduit length of 39 inches and an inner wire length of 56 inches. It is configured with a Z-bend on one end and a spring on the other to facilitate the engagement of the deck idler pulley.
You likely need a replacement if your mower blades fail to engage when the lever is pulled, if the lever feels unusually loose or offers no resistance, or if the cable shows visible signs of fraying, kinking, or stretching. If the spring at the end of the cable has snapped or lost its tension, the belt will not maintain the proper pressure required to spin the cutting blades.
Installation is a straightforward process that typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. You will generally need basic hand tools, such as a socket set or wrenches, to remove the deck covers or access the engagement linkage. It is recommended to wear work gloves during the process to protect your hands while maneuvering the spring and cable ends into their mounting points.
Before installing the new cable, ensure the mower is powered off and the spark plug wire is disconnected for safety. When routing the new cable, follow the exact path of the old one to avoid sharp bends or contact with hot engine components, which can cause premature failure. After installation, test the deck engagement while the engine is off to ensure the idler pulley moves freely and the spring tension is correct.