942-04308 942-04308-X Mulching Blades Fit for 42'' Mower Deck Troy Bilt Pony Bronco Cub Cadet RZT-L42 XT1 LT42 ZT1 Lawn Mower Replace OEM 942-0616 742-0616 942-04126 742-04126 942-04126-x 2 PCS

What It Is

This is a set of two mulching blades (part number 942-04308 / 942-04308-X) designed for 42-inch cutting decks on select Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Bronco lawn tractors. They replace OEM numbers 942-0616, 742-0616, 942-04126, 742-04126, and 942-04126-X, and are intended for fine grass clipping recycling rather than side discharge or bagging.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your deck is exactly 42 inches wide (measured blade tip to blade tip). These blades fit popular models like:

• Cub Cadet: RZT-L42, XT1 LT42, ZT1 42” (and LT42 with 42” deck)
• Troy-Bilt: Pony, Bronco (42” deck models)
• Also fits: MTD, Yard-Man, Huskee, and other brands using the same spindle pattern.

Critical checks:

• Center hole: must be a 5-point star (not round) – confirm your spindle matches.
• Blade length: 21 inches overall (measure your current blade tip to tip).
• Blade thickness: approximately 0.25 inches.
• If your mower uses a different mounting system (e.g., round hole with keyway), these will not work.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Easy – requires a wrench or socket (typically 5/8” or 15/16”) and a blade removal tool or block of wood to prevent spinning. Torque to 50-60 ft-lbs.
• Quality: Made from hardened steel with a painted finish. Reviews note they are slightly lighter than OEM, but cut well and hold an edge for a season of moderate use.
• Gotcha: These are mulching blades only – they will not bag or side-discharge effectively. If you switch between mulching and bagging, you’ll need a second set of standard blades.
• Balance: Each blade should be balanced before installation (cheap balancer tool available). Slightly out-of-balance blades cause vibration and spindle wear.

Should You Buy It

If you own a compatible 42-inch Troy-Bilt or Cub Cadet mower and primarily mulch grass (not bag or discharge), this is a solid, budget-friendly replacement. It’s best for homeowners with average-sized lawns who want a clean cut without spending double on OEM blades. Not suitable for commercial use or if you need occasional bagging capability.