3 Aftermarket MTD Riding Mower Standard Blade Set for 46" Mower Deck Replaces 942-0543 942-0542

What It Is

This is a set of three aftermarket standard (non-gator, non-high-lift) mower blades designed for 46-inch cutting decks used on many MTD-built riding mowers, including Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, and Yard-Man models. They directly replace OEM part numbers 942-0543 and 942-0542.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify three things:

• Deck size – Your mower must have a 46-inch deck. Measure if unsure.
• OEM part numbers – Confirm your current blades are 942-0543 (center blade) and 942-0542 (two outer blades). Check your owner’s manual or the blade itself.
• Blade dimensions – These are 16.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, with a 5-point star center hole and 1-inch diameter. Measure your old blades if possible.

These blades fit most MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, and Yard-Man 46-inch decks from the 2000s onward, but not all brands (e.g., John Deere or Husqvarna). If your deck uses offset or gator-style blades, these standard blades won’t match.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs. OEM – Aftermarket blades are often thinner (around 0.1875 inches) than OEM (0.25 inches). They’ll cut fine but may wear faster and be more prone to bending on rocks.
• Installation difficulty – Easy if you have a socket wrench and jack/ramps to lift the mower. Use a blade removal tool or block the blade to prevent spinning. Torque bolts to 70-90 ft-lbs.
• Balance check – Aftermarket blades sometimes arrive unbalanced. Spin-test each blade on a nail or cone balancer. Unbalanced blades cause vibration and deck damage.
• Sharpening – These are not pre-sharpened as aggressively as OEM. You may need to sharpen them before first use for a clean cut.

Should You Buy It

This set is a good budget choice if you have an MTD-family 46-inch mower, need standard replacement blades, and are comfortable with a little DIY balancing and sharpening. It’s not for heavy-duty or commercial use, nor for decks requiring specialized blade shapes.