MTD 742P05535 18.225" Blade 3IN1 S Shape Center Hole 2-Pack

What It Is

This is an OEM MTD 2-pack of 18.225-inch 3-in-1 S-shaped blades (part #742P05535) designed for mulching, bagging, and side-discharge mowing. It’s intended for select MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Yard Machines riding mowers and tractors.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things:

• Deck size: This blade is 18.225 inches long from tip to tip. Measure your current blade length—it must match exactly.
• Center hole: Uses a standard 5-point star center hole. If your spindle has a different hole shape (e.g., round or diamond), this won’t fit.
• Model compatibility: Works with MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Yard Machines tractors with 42-inch or 46-inch decks that accept 18.225-inch blades. Check your owner’s manual or existing blade part number. Not for zero-turn or push mowers.

Key Things to Know

• OEM quality: These are genuine MTD blades, not aftermarket. They match factory specs for balance and lift, so they’ll perform like the original.
• Installation: Medium difficulty. You’ll need a socket wrench and blade removal tool (or a block of wood to lock the blade). Torque the center bolt to 70–90 ft-lbs. Always replace all blades on a multi-blade deck at once.
• Common gotcha: The S-shape design is for better mulching, but it’s less aggressive than straight blades. Don’t expect a perfect vacuum bagging performance if you’re used to high-lift blades.
• Lift and wear: The curved lift helps grass stand up for a cleaner cut. Expect to sharpen or replace after 25–50 hours of use, depending on debris.

Should You Buy It

If you have an MTD-family riding mower with 18.225-inch blades and want a direct OEM replacement for balanced, reliable 3-in-1 performance, this is your best bet. The price is fair for a 2-pack of genuine parts, and the high rating confirms it works well for mulching and bagging. Skip it if you need high-lift blades for wet grass or have a different deck size.