742-0616A 21 inch Mower Blade Compatible with Cub Cad et MTD 42 inch Mower Deck, 742-0616 Mulching Blades Fit for Cub Cad et Troy-Bilt LT1040 LT1042 RZT42, Replace 742-04308 942-0616, 2 Pack

What It Is

This is a 2-pack of 21-inch mulching blades designed to replace OEM part numbers 742-0616, 742-04308, and 942-0616. They fit 42-inch cutting decks on select Cub Cadet, MTD, and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors, specifically models like the LT1040, LT1042, and RZT42.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before purchasing, confirm three things:

• Deck size: These blades are 21 inches long and are intended for a 42-inch deck (three blades total). Measure your existing blade length end-to-end.
• Center hole & drive pin: Check that your spindle uses a 5-point star center hole (standard for MTD/Cub Cadet). Measure the center hole diameter and pin pattern if unsure.
• Model cross-reference: These fit many MTD-built tractors with 42-inch decks, including Cub Cadet LT1040, LT1042, RZT42, and Troy-Bilt equivalents. Verify your model number on the manufacturer’s site or your owner’s manual. Not compatible with 46-inch or 50-inch decks.

Key Things to Know

• Mulching vs. bagging: These are mulching blades (curved, with more surface area). They chop clippings finer than standard lift blades. If you bag or side-discharge often, consider a high-lift blade instead.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a socket wrench, a torque wrench (40–50 ft-lbs recommended), and a blade removal tool or block of wood to prevent spinning. Always disconnect the spark plug.
• Quality: Aftermarket, but well-reviewed (4.7 stars). Expect slightly heavier gauge steel than OEM, but check for balance out of the box—unbalanced blades cause vibration.
• Common gotcha: Some users report the center hole is slightly tighter than OEM. If it doesn’t slide on easily, lightly file the hole—don’t force it.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you own a Cub Cadet or Troy-Bilt tractor with a 42-inch deck and want affordable, well-reviewed mulching blades. It’s a solid value for the price, especially if you’re replacing worn OEM blades. Skip it if you need a different blade type (bagging or high-lift) or have a deck larger than 42 inches.