942-0741A Gator Mulching Blade for 21" Deck, 742-0741A Mower Blade Compatible with Troy-Bilt MTD Cub Cad et Craftsman, Replaces 942-0741, 742-0741, 942-04276, 742-04276, 1 Pack

What It Is

The 942-0741A is a Gator mulching blade designed for 21-inch walk-behind mower decks, optimized for fine grass clipping mulching. It fits Troy-Bilt, MTD, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, and other brands using a universal star-shaped center hole.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: 21 inches only. Measure your deck cutting width; this will not fit 20" or 22" decks.
• Center hole: Star pattern (5-point) – common on MTD/Troy-Bilt/Cub Cadet. Not compatible with round-hole or oval-hole spindles (e.g., Honda, Toro).
• OEM cross-references: Replaces Troy-Bilt/MTD OEM numbers 942-0741, 742-0741, 942-04276, 742-04276. Also sold as 742-0741A.
• Length & thickness: Blade length is ~21.25 inches; thickness ~0.170 inches. Confirm your original blade is similar – oversized blades can hit deck baffles.
• Brand compatibility: Fits most MTD-built machines (Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Yard-Man, Yard Machines). Not for John Deere, Husqvarna, or Ariens with different spindle patterns.

Key Things to Know

• Mulching performance: The Gator-style serrated edge cuts and recirculates clippings finer than standard blades – good for leaving clippings on the lawn.
• Installation difficulty: Easy – one bolt per blade. Use a torque wrench (40-50 ft-lbs) and thread locker to prevent loosening.
• Common gotcha: The blade is slightly thicker than some OEM blades – it may require a longer bolt or spacer if your deck has shallow blade retention. Check bolt length before cranking.
• Quality: Aftermarket, but well-reviewed for durability. Not as balanced as OEM out of the box – you may need to balance it on a balancer to avoid vibration.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 21-inch MTD-family mower (Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman) and want better mulching than standard blades without upgrading to a dedicated mulching deck. Skip it if your mower has a round-center spindle or if you prefer bagging – this blade is optimized for mulching, not bagging.