731-2363 Lawn Mower Mulch Plug Fits CUB Cadet MTD 42" Troy Bilt Pony, Bronco, Replaces 190-116 GW-7311643A 7311643A 2150 LT1040 2135 2166 LT1042 1600 2155 2130

What It Is

The 731-2363 mulch plug blocks the side-discharge chute on 42-inch cutting decks, forcing grass clippings to recirculate and finely chop them for nutrient-return mulching. Designed for Cub Cadet, MTD, and Troy-Bilt tractors with stamped-steel 42" decks.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your deck is a 42-inch stamped-steel (not fabricated) model. This plug fits Cub Cadet LT1040, LT1042, 2135, 2155, 2166, 1600, 2150, 2130; Troy-Bilt Pony, Bronco; and MTD 42" decks. Replaces OEM part numbers 190-116, GW-7311643A, and 7311643A. Measure your chute opening—this plug is about 5" wide at the base. Does not fit zero-turn mowers or decks with a separate mulching baffle system. If your deck has a spring-loaded chute door, ensure the plug’s tab aligns with the deck slot.

Key Things to Buy

• Quality: OEM-equivalent stamped steel with a painted finish. Some aftermarket versions may have thinner metal or poor paint adhesion—check for burrs on the mounting tab.
• Installation: Tool-free—slides into the discharge chute opening and locks in place with the deck’s existing latch or slot. Takes under 2 minutes.
• Gotcha: The plug must be fully seated or it will rattle loose. On some decks, the chute door spring may need to be removed for the plug to fit snugly.
• Gotcha: If your deck has a separate mulching baffle kit (e.g., for Cub Cadet 42" fabricated decks), this plug alone won’t convert to full mulching—you need the baffle kit.

Should You Buy It

Buy this for quick, inexpensive mulching conversion on a compatible 42" tractor. It’s the right choice if you already have a mulching blade set and just need to block the side chute. Skip it if your deck requires a full mulching kit with baffles or if you want a premium OEM part with better fitment—check for slight aftermarket variations in tab width.