2PK USA Mower Blade for 42" MTD Troy-Bilt Cub Cadet 742-0616, 942-0616

What It Is

This is a set of two 42-inch replacement mower blades designed for MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Cub Cadet lawn tractors. They are meant for standard mulching, bagging, or side-discharge cutting on residential or semi-commercial turf.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower deck is exactly 42 inches wide (measured blade tip to tip). These blades replace OEM part numbers 742-0616 and 942-0616. They fit most MTD-built brands including Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and Yard-Man with a 42-inch stamped deck from the 1990s onward. Check that the center hole is 5/8 inch diameter and the blade length is 21 inches (each). Measure your current blade’s length, width, and center hole size to avoid mismatch. Also verify the blade drive system (spindle) uses a single bolt—these are not for zero-turn or commercial spindles.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: These are aftermarket blades, typically made from hardened steel. They are comparable to OEM but may be slightly thinner, which can reduce lifespan on rocky or heavy grass.
• Installation difficulty: Easy—requires a socket wrench, torque to 70-90 ft-lbs, and a blade removal tool or wood block to prevent spinning. Use thread locker if recommended by your manual.
• Common gotchas: The set includes two blades, but some 42-inch decks use three blades—verify your deck’s blade count. Also, the blade orientation (cutting edge direction) matters; the curved side should face up toward the deck.
• Balance: New blades are often not perfectly balanced. You may need to file or drill the heavy end slightly to prevent vibration, especially on high-speed decks.

Should You Buy It

If you have a 42-inch MTD/Troy-Bilt/Cub Cadet tractor and need a budget-friendly, well-reviewed replacement set, this is a solid choice. It’s best for light-to-moderate use where OEM precision isn’t critical. Avoid if you have a three-blade deck, need commercial-grade durability, or want guaranteed balance out of the box.