942-04308-X Gator Mulching Blades for 42" Deck, 942-04126 Lawn Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cad-et LTX1040 RZT-L42 XT1 XT2 LT42 Troy-Bilt M-TD Crafts-man, Replaces 742-0616, 942-0616, 2 Pack

What It Is

This is a 2-pack of Gator mulching blades designed for 42-inch cutting decks on select Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, MTD, and Craftsman lawn tractors. They replace OEM blades 742-0616 and 942-0616, and are intended for mulching grass clippings into fine particles that decompose quickly.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your deck is exactly 42 inches wide—measure from blade tip to blade tip or check your mower’s model number. These blades fit Cub Cadet models LTX1040, RZT-L42, XT1, XT2, and LT42, plus Troy-Bilt and MTD tractors with 42" decks using the 742-0616 or 942-0616 OEM blades. The blades have a 1-inch center hole and a 4.25-inch blade length (from center hole to tip). They are not compatible with 46" or 54" decks, or with non-mulching spindle designs.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Made from heat-treated steel with a coated finish to resist rust; Gator’s serrated design cuts finer clippings than standard blades.
• Installation difficulty: Easy for DIYers—requires a socket wrench and torque to 70-80 ft-lbs. Lift mower or block deck safely before starting.
• Common gotchas: These are mulching blades only—they lack a discharge opening, so don’t use them with a bagger or side-discharge chute unless you’re okay with poor performance. Also, check blade orientation: the Gator stamped side should face the deck, not the ground.
• Pack size: Two blades per pack—enough for one 42" deck (two spindles). If your deck has three spindles, you’ll need a second pack.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 42" Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, or MTD tractor and want a durable, low-cost mulching upgrade that leaves fewer clippings on your lawn, this is a solid choice. The 5-star rating and price point make it a no-brainer for homeowners who mulch regularly, but skip it if you need to bag or side-discharge.