Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Universal Gold Metal Mulching Lawn Mower Blade

What It Is

The Maxpower 331981B is a universal 21-inch gold metal mulching blade designed to replace OEM blades on most residential walk-behind mowers. It’s built for mulching grass clippings into fine particles that decompose quickly, reducing bagging needs.

Fitment & Compatibility

Check these before buying:

• Deck size: Only fits 21-inch cutting decks. Measure your blade’s length from center hole to tip (must be 21 inches total).
• Mounting pattern: Blade has a 5-point star center hole, common on many MTD/Craftsman/Troy-Bilt mowers. If your mower uses a round center hole or different pattern (e.g., Honda’s oval), this won’t fit.
• OEM cross-reference: Replaces many OEM numbers (e.g., MTD 742-0430, 942-0430, 742-0690). Check your owner’s manual or existing blade part number.
• Brand/Model: Fits most MTD, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, and Bolens 21-inch mowers. Not compatible with Honda, Toro, John Deere, or higher-end commercial decks.
• Thickness & offset: Blade is 0.125 inches thick with a 0.75-inch offset. Confirm your old blade matches these measurements—wrong offset can cause poor cutting or vibration.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs price: Gold coating resists rust, but steel is thinner than OEM blades on some models. Expect shorter lifespan if you hit rocks or roots.
• Installation: Requires a socket wrench (usually 5/8-inch or 15/16-inch for the center nut). Use a blade removal tool or wood block to lock the blade. Torque to 30-40 ft-lbs—don’t overtighten.
• Balance: Out of the box, some blades are slightly unbalanced. Use a blade balancer (or balance on a screwdriver) before installing. An unbalanced blade causes vibration and poor cut quality.
• Mulching performance: Works well in dry grass, but clogs in tall or wet grass. Keep deck clean and mow frequently for best results.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a standard MTD/Craftsman 21-inch mower and want a budget-friendly mulching blade that handles light-to-moderate use. Skip it if you need a heavy-duty blade for rough terrain, commercial work, or a Honda/Toro deck—go with an OEM or thicker aftermarket option instead.