21" Mower Mulching Blades for 942-0741 742-0741 742-0741A 942-0741A Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Craftsman CC989 M250 M260 M110 TB 21 inch Deck Lawn Mower Replace 742-04276 942-04276 490-100-C089, Black

What It Is

This is a set of mulching blades designed for 21-inch walk-behind mowers from Cub Cadet, MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman. They replace OEM part numbers 742-04276 and 942-04276, and are intended for machines that use a 21-inch deck—ideal for mulching grass clippings into fine particles that decompose quickly.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Only fits 21-inch cutting decks. Measure your deck width (blade tip to tip) to confirm.
• Model compatibility: Fits Cub Cadet CC989, M250, M260, M110; Troy-Bilt TB 21-inch; and Craftsman 21-inch walk-behinds with MTD-based chassis. Also cross-references with OEM numbers 942-0741, 742-0741, 742-0741A, 942-0741A, and 490-100-C089.
• Measurement check: Blade length should be approximately 21 inches overall (tip to tip) with a 1-inch center hole and a 7-point star drive (or oval center hole—verify your spindle type). Measure your old blade’s length, center hole diameter, and drive pattern.
• Aftermarket vs OEM: These are aftermarket replacements. They work fine for most users, but if your mower has a specific spindle design (e.g., some Craftsman models use a different drive pattern), double-check the center hole shape.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Easy—just remove the center bolt, swap blades, and torque to 30-40 ft-lbs. Use a blade removal tool or block the blade with wood to prevent spinning.
• Mulching performance: The curved wing design lifts grass for finer clipping. Works best on dry, short grass—avoid wet or tall grass for optimal mulching.
• Durability: Made from heat-treated steel, but sharpening is possible. Expect 2-3 seasons with moderate use before replacement.
• Common gotcha: Some users report the blade’s center hole is slightly off on early production runs. If your spindle uses a 7-point star, these may fit loosely—check fit before tightening.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 21-inch Cub Cadet, MTD, Troy-Bilt, or Craftsman walk-behind and want an affordable mulching blade that performs well for typical residential lawns. It’s a solid aftermarket option for replacing worn OEM blades, but verify your spindle’s drive pattern before purchase to avoid fitment issues.