717-04174 electric PTO clutch used on Cub Cadet, Columbia, Yard-Machines, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, and other MTD-built riding mower platforms.
The 717-04174 electric PTO clutch is commonly used on Cub Cadet, Columbia, Yard-Machines, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, and other riding mower platforms built by MTD. If your mower blades fail to engage, the clutch slips under load, or you hear grinding or excessive noise when activating the PTO switch, replacing the electric PTO clutch can restore proper deck operation.
Electric PTO clutches play a critical role in transferring engine power to the mower deck belt. When they wear out, the mower may start normally but the blades will not engage properly.
What the 717-04174 PTO Clutch Does
An electric PTO clutch mounts directly to the engine crankshaft and controls engagement of the mower deck belt. When the PTO switch is activated, the clutch’s electromagnetic coil energizes and locks the pulley assembly to the crankshaft.
This engagement transfers engine power through the belt system to spin the mower blades.
Over time, the clutch bearings, friction surfaces, and electromagnetic coil components experience wear from heat, vibration, and repeated engagement cycles. When these components degrade, the clutch may fail to engage consistently or produce excessive noise.
Common Replacement Part Numbers
The 717-04174 PTO clutch belongs to a specific MTD cross-reference group used on residential riding mower platforms. If your original clutch matches any of the part numbers below, the correct replacement is the 917-04174 PTO clutch.
- MTD / Cub Cadet / Troy-Bilt: 717-04174, 717-04174A, 917-04174, 917-04174A
- Catalog / System References: 746-04174, 746-04174A, 946-04174A
These part numbers refer to the same PTO clutch platform with a 5.90-inch pulley, 1-inch crankshaft bore, and CCW rotation.
Aftermarket Cross References
This PTO clutch platform also crosses to several aftermarket and supplier part numbers:
- Warner: 5219-51, 5219-79
- Oregon: 33-134, 33-104
- Stens: 255-289, 255-297, 255-839, 255-855
Additional Warner and aftermarket variations may exist depending on application and supplier, but the part numbers listed above are the most commonly referenced equivalents for this clutch platform.
Mowers That Use the 717-04174 PTO Clutch
This clutch is commonly found on residential riding mower and lawn tractor platforms built by MTD. Common equipment families include Cub Cadet, Columbia, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Yard-Machines, Yard-Man, Bolens, Huskee, MTD Gold, Ranch King, and related private-label mower platforms.
These machines commonly use mower decks ranging from 42 inches to 54 inches depending on the model.
Common Compatible Models
Cub Cadet: LT-1042, LT-1045, LT-1046, LT-1050, LTX-1042, LTX-1045, LTX-1046, LTX-1050, LGT-1050, LGT-1054, LGTX-1050, LGTX-1054, SLT-1550, SLT-1554, SLTX-1050, SLTX-1054, ZTT42 i1042, ZTT46 i1046, ZTT50 i1050
Columbia: P616G, P616H, Q626P, Q62GP, Q816H, Q816K, Q81GH, Q81GK, Q92GP, V606G, V616G, YT950 KH
Troy-Bilt: Big Red GT-50, Big Red Horse GT-50, TB2450
White Outdoor: GT-950H, LT-5000, LT-542G, LT-950H
Yard-Machines: 760F, 761G, 762F, 762G, 771G
Yard-Man: LT-42, LT-46, LT-50
Other MTD-built platforms: Bolens 762F, Huskee 606H, 606P, 771F, 771G, MTD Gold 625P and SLTX-900 50", Ranch King 611H and 811P, Craftsman PYT9000
Additional models may also apply. For the most accurate fitment confirmation, match the part number stamped on your original clutch with one of the replacement numbers listed above.
Updated Design with Thermal Protection
Modern replacements such as the 917-04174 PTO clutch include a 370°F thermal auto cutoff, which helps prevent clutch damage caused by overheating.
Earlier versions of this clutch platform, including some original 717-04174 units, did not always include thermal protection. The updated design improves durability, especially under heavy mowing conditions or repeated engagement cycles.
This upgrade is one of the key reasons the 917-series replacement has become the standard across aftermarket and OEM replacement channels.
Specifications
- Pulley Diameter: 5.90 inches
- Crankshaft Bore: 1 inch
- Rotation: CCW (counter-clockwise)
- Thermal Protection: 370°F automatic cutoff
- Operating Speed: up to 3600 RPM
High-temperature bearings and encapsulated electromagnetic coils help maintain consistent engagement even under heavy mowing conditions.
How to Confirm the Correct Replacement
The most reliable way to confirm compatibility is to locate the OEM part number stamped on the original clutch assembly. Matching that number ensures the replacement clutch will have the correct pulley diameter, bore size, and engagement characteristics.
If your mower references 717-04174 or any of the cross-reference numbers listed above, you can view the direct replacement here:
917-04174 PTO Clutch Replacement
You can also browse the full PTO clutch catalog to see additional replacement options.
FAQ
What mowers use the 717-04174 PTO clutch?
The 717-04174 PTO clutch is commonly used on MTD-built riding mower platforms including Cub Cadet LT1042, LT1045, LT1050, LTX1045, SLTX1050, Columbia P616 and Q-series tractors, Troy-Bilt Big Red GT-50 and TB2450 units, White Outdoor LT-5000 and GT-950H tractors, and several Yard-Machines, Yard-Man, Huskee, Bolens, Ranch King, and Craftsman models. Always confirm fitment by matching the part number stamped on the original clutch.
What part numbers replace 717-04174?
Common replacement numbers include 717-04174A, 917-04174, 917-04174A, 946-04174A, 746-04174A, and 746-04174. Aftermarket cross references may include Warner 5219-51, Warner 5219-79, Oregon 33-134, Oregon 33-104, and several Stens replacements.
What are the specifications of the 717-04174 PTO clutch?
This clutch uses a 5.90-inch pulley, a 1-inch crankshaft bore, and CCW rotation. It also includes a 370°F thermal auto cutoff and is designed to operate at speeds up to 3600 RPM.
How do I know if my 717-04174 PTO clutch is bad?
Common symptoms include blades that will not engage, slipping under load, excessive heat, grinding noise, or inconsistent deck operation. If the PTO switch activates but the blades do not spin correctly, the clutch may be worn or failing.
Can I use 917-04174 in place of 717-04174?
Yes, 917-04174 is a direct replacement reference commonly used in place of 717-04174 and related MTD variants. The safest method is still to compare the part number stamped on the original clutch and verify the pulley size, bore size, and rotation.