742-0641 High Lift Blade for 21" Deck, 742-04276 Mower Blade Compatible with MTD, Cub Cad et, Troy-Bilt Tuff-Cut 220, TB 230, Replaces for 942-0641, 742-04276S, 742-0741, 742-0741A

What It Is

The 742-0641 is a high-lift mower blade designed for 21-inch cutting decks, optimized for bagging and side-discharge performance. It creates stronger airflow to lift grass clippings into the bag or out the chute, ideal for weekly mowing on typical residential lawns.

Fitment & Compatibility

Check these before buying:

• Deck size: Fits only 21-inch decks. Measure your blade length tip-to-tip (should be ~21 inches).
• Brand/models: Compatible with MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt Tuff-Cut 220, TB 230, and similar rear-engine riders or walk-behinds using a 3-in-1 blade pattern.
• OEM cross-references: Replaces 942-0641, 742-04276S, 742-0741, 742-0741A. Verify your original part number matches one of these.
• Center hole: 7-point star or universal pattern? This blade uses a standard 5/8-inch center hole with a diamond-shaped mount. If your deck uses a different spindle pattern (e.g., 2-point or oval), it won’t fit.
• Thickness: Typically 0.150-inch thick. Measure your old blade’s thickness if clearance is tight on your deck.

Key Things to Know

• High-lift = more power draw: Expect slightly higher engine load, especially in tall or wet grass. May bog on underpowered mowers.
• Installation difficulty: Easy – remove old blade, clean spindle, install with the sharp edge facing the direction of rotation (usually counterclockwise when viewed from below). Torque to 35-45 ft-lbs.
• Common gotcha: High-lift blades can throw debris harder. Avoid using near gravel, stones, or delicate landscaping.
• Durability: Heat-treated steel. Should last 2-3 seasons with regular sharpening, but dull faster than standard blades if you hit dirt or roots.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a compatible MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt 21-inch deck and want better bagging performance. Skip it if you mostly mulch or need a low-lift blade for sandy/loose soil. At $20.99 with a 4.6-star rating, it’s a solid upgrade for bagging-focused mowers.