GICOOL 942-04290 Mulching Mower Blade for Cub Cadet 46 inch LTX 1045 1046 XT1 LT46 XT2 LX46 Mower Blades Replaces OEM. 742-04244, 942-04244, 942-04290-X, 6-Star Mounting Pattern

What It Is

This is a replacement mulching blade set for 46-inch Cub Cadet lawn tractors, designed to cut grass into fine clippings that decompose quickly, eliminating the need for bagging. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a clean, fertilizing cut without stopping to empty a bag.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower’s deck size is exactly 46 inches and that your mounting pattern requires a 6-star center hole (not a 5-point or oval). This blade fits Cub Cadet models like the LTX 1045, LTX 1046, XT1 LT46, XT2 LX46, and similar. It replaces OEM part numbers 742-04244, 942-04244, and 942-04290-X. Measure your existing blade length (should be about 20.5 inches) and check the center hole diameter (roughly 1 inch) to ensure a match. Avoid assuming all 46-inch decks use the same blade—verify your model number on the deck or frame tag.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs. OEM: This GICOOL blade is a budget-friendly aftermarket option. It’s made of hardened steel but may not be as thick or durable as the OEM Cub Cadet blade, so expect slightly faster wear in heavy or sandy soil.
• Installation difficulty: Easy for DIYers—just a socket wrench and a block of wood to hold the blade. Torque the bolt to 40-50 ft-lbs. Always disconnect the spark plug first.
• Common gotcha: The 6-star pattern must align perfectly; if your mower uses a different spindle design (e.g., oval or 5-point), this won’t fit. Also, mulching blades require a high-lift deck or a mulching plug to work effectively—check your deck’s airflow setup.
• Set includes: Typically two blades (for a twin-blade 46-inch deck). Verify your deck uses two or three blades; some 46-inch models use three, so you may need two sets.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you own a compatible 46-inch Cub Cadet, want a mulching blade upgrade, and are comfortable with aftermarket parts for a small savings over OEM. Skip it if you need maximum durability for commercial use or if your deck requires a specific OEM pattern or a 3-blade setup.