2PK Oregon 598-629 Gator G5 Blade for 42" MTD Troy Bilt Cub Cadet

What It Is

This is a two-pack of Oregon Gator G5 mulching blades (model 598-629) designed for 42-inch cutting decks on MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Cub Cadet lawn tractors. They replace OEM blades like 742-04080 and are optimized for heavy mulching and bagging in residential mowing.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Only fits 42-inch decks—measure your deck width before buying.
• Brands: MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman (select models), and other MTD-built tractors.
• OEM part numbers: Replaces 742-04080, 742-04080A, 742-04238, 942-04238, and 742-04238A.
• Blade measurements: 20.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, 0.25-inch center hole diameter—check your spindle bolt size (usually 5/8″ or 3/4″).
• Spindle pattern: 5-point star center hole; verify your spindles match this pattern.
• Aftermarket note: Oregon is a quality aftermarket brand—no fitment issues if your deck matches above.

Key Things to Know

• Mulching performance: The G5’s “wing” design and heat-treated steel cut finer clippings than standard blades, reducing clumping and bag fill time.
• Installation difficulty: Easy swap with a socket wrench—but always disconnect the spark plug and block the blade before loosening.
• Gotcha: These are mulching blades, not lift blades—won’t discharge as well in high grass; use for bagging or mulching only.
• Wear life: Expect 25-50 hours of mowing before sharpening; replace sooner if hitting rocks or roots.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 42-inch MTD/Cub Cadet tractor and want sharper mulching or bagging results than stock blades. It’s a solid upgrade for homeowners with average-sized lawns who want less cleanup and a finer cut—skip it if you primarily side-discharge or need lift blades for tall, wet grass.