Oregon 598-629 Gator G5 21-3/16" Mulching Blades Replaces MTD Cub Cadet 942-0616 742-04126 RZT-42 2-PACK

What It Is

The Oregon 598-629 Gator G5 is a 21-3/16" mulching blade set (2-pack) designed to replace OEM MTD/Cub Cadet blades 942-0616 and 742-04126. It fits 42-inch decks commonly found on RZT-42 zero-turn mowers and select Cub Cadet, MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman lawn tractors.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things:

• Deck size: Works only on 42" decks (e.g., Cub Cadet RZT-42, LTX1042, or MTD 42" stamped decks). Measure your deck width; 21-3/16" is the blade length.
• Model number: Check your mower’s model tag. Cross-reference with OEM part 942-0616 or 742-04126. Common compatible models include Cub Cadet RZT-42, RZT-50 (if 42" deck), and select LX/HX series.
• Center hole and offset: These blades require a 1" center hole and a 0.75" offset (typical for most MTD/Cub Cadet spindles). Verify by removing one old blade and comparing its center hole size and offset shape. Not compatible with universal or non-MTD spindles.

Key Things to Know

• Mulching vs. bagging: Gator G5 blades use a “turf raker” design with serrated edges and angled wings to chop clippings finer for mulching. They will not bag as efficiently as OEM lift blades—expect more clippings left on the deck.
• Installation difficulty: Easy (30 minutes for two blades). Use a torque wrench: tighten to 50-70 ft-lbs. Left-hand threads on some Cub Cadet spindles—check before reversing.
• Quality: Oregon is an OEM supplier for many brands. The G5 is heat-treated and balanced out of the box. No sharpening needed initially, but they dull faster on sandy soil or wet grass.
• Common gotcha: These blades are thicker than OEM (about 0.25" vs. 0.20"). If your deck has tight clearance or a spindle washer stack, they may rub the deck shell. Test by hand-spinning after install.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you primarily mulch and want a proven aftermarket upgrade that cuts cleaner and lasts longer than budget blades. Skip if you bag often or have a non-MTD/Cub Cadet spindle pattern—stick with OEM for bagging performance. For the price, it’s a solid value for most 42" zero-turn and lawn tractor owners.