942-04308 Lawn Mower Blades with 6 Star Star, 42 inch Deck Mulching Blades Replace for Cub Cadet, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Bronco, Pony, Part Number, 942-04308A, 942-04308-X, ZT1, XT1, LT42

What It Is

This is a set of three mulching blades designed for 42-inch cutting decks, replacing OEM part numbers 942-04308, 942-04308A, and 942-04308-X. They are intended for Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Bronco, and Pony lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers, including ZT1, XT1, and LT42 series. Mulching blades have a curved, serrated edge to cut grass finer and return clippings to the lawn as fertilizer.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, measure your deck width—must be exactly 42 inches. Verify your blade’s center hole shape: these use a 6-point star (also called a 6-star or 6-point internal drive). If your mower uses a round hole or different star pattern, they won’t fit. Check your current blade’s part number; this set replaces 942-04308, 942-04308A, and 942-04308-X. Common compatible models include Cub Cadet LT42, XT1, ZT1, Troy-Bilt Bronco/Pony, and Craftsman T110/T120/T150 series (with 42-inch decks). Always cross-reference with your owner’s manual or remove a blade to confirm star pattern and overall length (typically 20.5 inches end to end).

Key Things to Know

• Mulching vs. bagging: These blades are optimized for mulching—they produce finer clippings but may not work as well for bagging or side discharge. If you bag often, consider dedicated bagging blades.
• Installation: Requires a socket or wrench (usually 5/8 inch or 15/16 inch) and a torque wrench (recommended 70–90 ft-lbs). Use thread locker on bolts to prevent loosening.
• Balance: Blades come unsharpened on the cutting edge—sharpen before first use for best results. Check balance after sharpening to avoid vibration.
• Common gotchas: The 6-star pattern can be tight on some spindles; lightly grease the star before mounting. Do not overtighten—stripped star holes are a common failure.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 42-inch Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Bronco, or Pony with a 6-star blade mount and want to mulch clippings for lawn health, this is a solid, affordable replacement. It’s not for baggers or side-discharge users, but for mulching, it’s a well-rated, direct-fit option at this price.