942-04308 942-04308A Lawn Mower Blades for Cub Cadet XT1-42 ZT1-42 LT42 RZT42 Troy Bilt Craftsman 42" Deck Riding Mower, 6 Star Hole 42 inch Mulching Mower Blades, 942-04312, 742-04312,742-04308A

What It Is

This is a set of three 42-inch mulching blades designed for riding mowers with a 6-star center hole. They replace OEM part numbers 942-04308, 942-04312, 742-04312, and 742-04308A, and are intended for mulching grass clippings into fine particles for lawn feeding.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Only fits 42-inch cutting decks. Measure your deck width to confirm.
• Brand/models: Cub Cadet XT1-42, ZT1-42, LT42, RZT42; also fits some Troy-Bilt and Craftsman 42-inch deck riding mowers. Cross-check your model number with the OEM part numbers listed.
• Blade dimensions: Length 20.5 inches, width 2.25 inches, thickness 0.25 inches. Center hole is 6-point star (not round or oval). Measure your old blade for length and hole shape.
• OEM vs aftermarket: These are aftermarket replacements, not genuine Cub Cadet parts. They should work, but check blade thickness matches your spindle clearance.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a socket wrench and a block of wood to wedge the blade. Torque bolts to 70-90 ft-lbs.
• Mulching vs bagging: Designed for mulching. If you bag or side-discharge, these blades may clog or leave clumps. Use dedicated bagger blades for those tasks.
• Balancing: Aftermarket blades sometimes need balancing. Check with a blade balancer after installation to avoid vibration and spindle wear.
• Common gotcha: The 6-star hole is specific. If your mower uses a round or oval hole, these won’t fit. Measure your old blade’s center hole shape before ordering.

Should You Buy It

Buy these if you have a 42-inch Cub Cadet (or compatible Troy-Bilt/Craftsman) riding mower, need mulching blades, and want a budget-friendly aftermarket option. They’re a solid choice for routine mulching, but skip them if you need genuine OEM parts or primarily bag/side-discharge.