742P05177A-X Mulching Mower Blades Set for Cub Cadet Craftsman MTD Troy Bilt 42" Zero-Turn Mower, Replaces 742-05177A-X, Compatible with Enduro XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 Ultima ZT1-42 ZT1-42E ZTS1-42 (2 PACK)

What It Is

This is a two-pack of mulching blades designed for 42-inch zero-turn and lawn tractor mower decks from Cub Cadet, Craftsman, MTD, and Troy-Bilt. They cut grass into finer clippings that decompose quickly, reducing or eliminating the need for bagging.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 42-inch deck—these blades are not for 46-inch, 50-inch, or 54-inch decks. Check your OEM part number: these replace 742-05177A-X (and similar numbers like 742P05177A). They fit many Cub Cadet Enduro XT1-LT42, XT2-LX42, Ultima ZT1-42, ZT1-42E, and ZTS1-42 models, plus Craftsman, MTD, and Troy-Bilt zero-turns and tractors with the same blade. Measure your existing blade: length should be about 20.5 inches, center hole 5/8 inch, and thickness around 0.25 inch. If your deck uses a different blade pattern (e.g., 2-in-1 or high-lift), these won’t interchange.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs OEM: These are aftermarket blades from Cub Cadet’s own brand. They’re heat-treated and coated for rust resistance, but some users report they dull faster than OEM Cub Cadet or Oregon blades.
• Installation: Easy swap—just remove the center bolt (usually 15/16-inch or 5/8-inch socket). Torque to 35-40 ft-lbs. Use a blade-stopping tool or block of wood to hold the blade.
• Common gotcha: Ensure the blade’s lift wings point upward toward the deck when installed. Reversing them will ruin cut quality and could damage the deck.
• Mulching performance: Works best with dry grass. Wet or tall grass may clump—slow down or make two passes.

Should You Buy It

If you own one of the listed 42-inch Cub Cadet, Craftsman, MTD, or Troy-Bilt mowers and want a decent, affordable mulching blade set without hunting for OEM parts, this is a solid value. It’s not the toughest blade on the market, but for regular residential use on average-sized lawns, it’ll do the job well. Avoid if you need heavy-duty commercial longevity or a different blade style (like bagging or high-lift).