MAXPRO Mulching Mower Blade 21 inch with Bow-Tie Center Hole for MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt Replaces 742-04100, 742-0741, 742-0741A, 942-0741, 942-0741A

What It Is

The MAXPRO 21-inch mulching blade with a bow-tie center hole is an aftermarket replacement designed to finely chop grass clippings and return them as nutrient-rich mulch for MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and similar lawn tractors. It replaces OEM part numbers 742-04100, 742-0741, 742-0741A, 942-0741, and 942-0741A, optimized for mulching rather than bagging or side-discharge.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things: (1) your mower deck size is exactly 21 inches—measure from tip to tip of your current blade, not the deck shell. (2) The center hole must be a bow-tie shape (0.75 x 1.25 inches), not a round hole. (3) This blade fits most MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, and Craftsman models with a 21-inch deck and a 5-point star or bow-tie mounting pattern. Check your owner’s manual or current blade part number against the list above. Aftermarket blades may vary slightly in thickness or balance from OEM—always test fit before tightening.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: MAXPRO blades are made from heat-treated steel and are generally well-reviewed, but some users report they are slightly thinner than OEM. Expect a service life of 25-50 hours depending on debris and mowing frequency.
• Installation: Easy with a socket wrench—remove the center bolt (usually 5/8” or 15/16”), swap the blade, and torque to 40-50 ft-lbs. Use a blade balancer after installation; an unbalanced blade causes vibration and poor cut.
• Common gotchas: The bow-tie hole can be tight on some spindles—file lightly if needed. Do not use this blade on decks with a round center hole or a different offset. Always sharpen before first use if the blade feels dull out of the box.
• Performance: Excellent for mulching in dry grass; wet or tall grass may require slower speed or a second pass. Not ideal for bagging—use a dedicated bagging blade for that.

Should You Buy It

If you own a compatible MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt 21-inch deck tractor and want to switch to mulching or replace a worn OEM blade at a lower cost, this MAXPRO blade is a solid, affordable choice. It delivers good cut quality for the price, but verify your deck size and center hole shape first. Avoid it if you need a bagging or high-lift blade, or if you prefer OEM thickness and balance.