HERO® Mulching Mower Blade for MTD Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt with 22 inch Deck 2.5 inch CtoC & 59/64 inch x 11/16 inch Bow-Tie Center Hole Replaces 742-0742 942-0742

What It Is

This is a mulching blade designed to fit 22-inch cutting decks on select MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman lawn tractors. It replaces OEM part numbers 742-0742 and 942-0742, and its primary purpose is to cut grass and recirculate clippings into fine mulch for lawn nutrition.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things:

• Deck size: Must be exactly 22 inches (not 21 or 24).
• Center hole: 59/64-inch diameter with an 11/16-inch bow-tie (offset) shape. This is specific to certain MTD/Cub Cadet spindles—standard round or star holes won’t work.
• Bolt pattern: 2.5 inches center-to-center (CtoC) between mounting holes. Measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other.

Common fit models include Cub Cadet LT series, Troy-Bilt TB30/42, and MTD Yard Machines with 22-inch decks. Double-check your mower’s model number and existing blade part number (742-0742 or 942-0742) to ensure match.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Made from heat-treated steel, this blade holds an edge well but is not hardened for heavy-duty mulching of thick, wet grass. Expect average lifespan with regular use.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty—you’ll need a socket wrench and block of wood to lock the blade. Torque to 40-50 ft-lbs. Bow-tie center hole makes alignment straightforward, but the blade is directional; install with the wing tips pointing up toward the deck.
• Gotchas: This blade is slightly heavier than OEM (approx. 0.5 lbs more), which may cause minor vibration on some decks. Check blade balance before installation. Not for side-discharge or bagging use—mulching only.
• Compatibility note: If your mower uses a standard 5/8-inch round center hole, this blade will not fit. Verify the bow-tie shape.

Should You Buy It

If you have a 22-inch MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt mower that uses the 742-0742 blade and you want an affordable, OEM-style mulching upgrade for finer clippings, this is a solid choice. Avoid if your deck is a different size or your spindle uses a round center hole—it simply won’t fit.