MaxPower 561544XB Commercial Mulching 2 Blade Set for 46" Cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, 742-04290-X, 942-04290-X, 942-04361, 742P04290AX

What It Is

The MaxPower 561544XB is a commercial-grade mulching blade set designed for 46-inch cutting decks on MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors. It replaces OEM part numbers 742-04290-X, 942-04290-X, 942-04361, and 742P04290AX, ideal for frequent mulching in heavy grass or leaf conditions.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, check these three things:

• Deck size: This set is for 46-inch decks only. Measure your deck width or verify your mower model’s spec sheet.
• Part number cross-reference: Confirm your current blade part number matches one of the OEM numbers listed: 742-04290-X, 942-04290-X, 942-04361, or 742P04290AX. If not, measure blade length (20.5 inches end-to-end) and center hole diameter (1 inch) to compare.
• Brand/model: Fits many MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt tractors from the 1990s onward, but not all—check your model’s compatibility list on the retailer’s page. Aftermarket blades may vary slightly in thickness or balance from OEM.

Key Things to Know

• Commercial-grade steel: Thicker and harder than standard blades, lasting 2-3x longer in abrasive or heavy-use conditions. Expect less bending or dulling.
• Mulching performance: Curved wing design lifts clippings for fine chopping. Not ideal for bagging or side discharge—dedicated blades work better for those.
• Installation: Requires a socket wrench and torque wrench (recommended 70-90 ft-lbs). Blades come unsharpened; you may need to sharpen before first use for best results.
• Balance check: After mounting, spin the blade by hand to ensure it’s balanced. Unbalanced blades cause vibration and deck damage—use a blade balancer if unsure.

Should You Buy It

Buy this set if you have a 46-inch MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt mower and mulch frequently, especially in tall grass or leaves. It’s a durable, cost-effective upgrade over OEM blades, but skip it if you primarily bag or discharge, or if your deck isn’t 46 inches. Check fitment first—returns are a hassle if the part doesn’t match.