MaxPower 561545B 3-Blade Set for Many 50 in. Cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt Mowers, Replaces OEM #'s 742-04056, 942-04056, 742-04053, 112-0316 and Others

What It Is

This is a set of three replacement blades designed for 50-inch cutting decks on select MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors. It’s a direct aftermarket alternative to multiple OEM blade numbers, intended for residential mowing on medium to large lawns.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify three things:

1. Deck size: Your mower must have a 50-inch cutting deck. This set will not fit 42-inch or 46-inch decks.
2. OEM cross-reference: Confirmed replacements for OEM #’s 742-04056, 942-04056, 742-04053, and 112-0316. Check your mower’s manual or current blade part number against this list.
3. Physical measurements: Each blade is 16.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, with a 0.25-inch thickness and a 1-inch center hole (5-point star pattern). Measure your old blade to confirm—especially the center hole shape and diameter.

Works with many MTD, Cub Cadet (e.g., LTX 1050, RZT 50), Troy-Bilt (e.g., Pony, Super Bronco), and Yard Machines models from the 2000s onward. Not compatible with zero-turn mowers outside the Cub Cadet RZT line.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Made from heat-treated carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant coating. Sharper than OEM out of the box, but may dull faster on rocky or sandy soil.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty. Requires a socket wrench and torque wrench (recommended torque: 70–90 ft-lbs). Use thread-locker on bolts if not supplied. Not a true “universal” set—star pattern may not fit older non-MTD spindles.
• Balance: Individually balanced, but always check with a blade balancer after mounting to avoid vibration.
• Gotcha: Some users report the blades are slightly thicker than OEM, which can cause binding on tight spindles. Test spin before full torque.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 50-inch MTD-family mower and want a low-cost, direct replacement that matches OEM specs, this set is a solid buy. It’s best for residential users who mow weekly on grass without heavy debris. Skip it if you need a mulching blade or if your mower has an unusual spindle pattern not listed in the cross-reference.