742-0616A Mower Blades for Cub-Cad et 42 Inch Mower, 942-04308 Mulching Blades for Craftsman/Troy Bilt/MTD 42" Riding Lawn Mower, Replace for 742-04308, 942-0616, 942-0616-X, 942-04126-X

What It Is

This is a set of three mulching blades designed for 42-inch cutting decks on select Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and MTD riding mowers. They replace OEM part numbers 742-04308, 942-0616, and 942-04126-X, and are intended for mulching grass clippings into fine particles that decompose quickly.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm these three things:

• Deck size: Only fits 42-inch decks (not 46", 48", or 54").
• Blade measurements: Each blade is approximately 21 inches long, with a 1-inch center hole and a 0.25-inch thickness. Measure your current blade length and hole size—any mismatch means they won’t bolt on.
• Brand/model: Fits many Cub Cadet (LT1042, LT1050), Craftsman (917 series), Troy-Bilt (TB42), and MTD models with 42" decks. Check your owner’s manual or existing blade part number. These are aftermarket replacements, not OEM, but match OEM specs.

Key Things to Know

• Mulching vs. bagging: These blades have a curved, high-lift design to recut clippings. They work best for mulching; for bagging or side discharge, use standard lift blades.
• Installation: Fairly straightforward—remove the deck, use a socket wrench to loosen the center bolt (left-handed thread on some models). Torque to 35-45 ft-lbs when reinstalling. Always disconnect the spark plug first.
• Common gotchas: The blades are sold as a set of three, but some decks use two blades. Verify your deck has three spindles before ordering. Also, these are slightly heavier than OEM—may cause minor vibration if not balanced. Use a blade balancer after installation.
• Durability: Made from hardened steel, but will dull faster than premium OEM blades if you hit rocks or roots. Sharpen or replace annually.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you have a 42-inch Cub Cadet, Craftsman, or MTD riding mower with three spindles and primarily mulch your lawn. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to OEM blades with good reviews for fit and performance. Skip it if you need bagging or side-discharge blades, or if your deck uses only two blades.