cub Cadet zt1 50 Blades 742-05052A 942-05052A Blades 2-in-1Compatible with Troy Bilt MTD 50" Deck Lawn Tractors and Mower RZT-L50 S50 XT1 GT50 LT50 XT2 Blades

What It Is

This is a set of two 2-in-1 mulching/standard blades designed for 50-inch cutting decks on Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and MTD lawn tractors. They replace OEM part numbers 742-05052A and 942-05052A, and are intended for homeowners who want the flexibility to mulch or bag without swapping blades.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your deck is exactly 50 inches wide—measure from blade tip to blade tip across the deck. These blades fit Cub Cadet ZT1 50, RZT-L50, S50, XT1, GT50, LT50, XT2, and Troy-Bilt models with 50-inch decks. Also check the OEM part number on your current blade; if it’s 742-05052A or 942-05052A, these are direct replacements. Measure the blade length (should be ~20.5 inches), center hole diameter (usually 7/16 or 1/2 inch), and offset/height. Aftermarket blades may vary slightly in thickness or balance, so compare to your original before installing.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Easy—requires a socket wrench and jack or blocks to lift the deck. Always disconnect the spark plug first.
• Quality: Made of heat-treated steel, but some users report they dull faster than OEM Cub Cadet blades. Sharpen mid-season for best results.
• Gotcha: These are 2-in-1 blades, not dedicated mulching blades. If you want fine mulching, consider a dedicated mulching set instead.
• Balance: Aftermarket blades sometimes need balancing. Use a blade balancer after installation to avoid vibration and deck damage.

Should You Buy It

Buy these if you need a budget-friendly direct replacement for a 50-inch Cub Cadet or Troy-Bilt deck and you mow normal grass (not thick or wet). They work fine for bagging and light mulching, but if you demand OEM durability or cut fine mulch, spend a few dollars more on genuine Cub Cadet blades.