QWD 942-0741A Mulching Lawn Mower Blade, 21 Inch Mower Blade Replacement for Troy-Bilt MTD Cub Cadet Craftsman, Replaces 742-0741A 742-0741 742-04100, Bow Tie Center Hole, 1 Pack

What It Is

This is a 21-inch mulching blade (QWD 942-0741A) designed to replace OEM blades on Troy-Bilt, MTD, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman walk-behind mowers. It’s built for mulching—cutting grass into fine clippings that decompose quickly—so it’s best for regular mowing where you want to leave clippings on the lawn.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Only fits mowers with a 21-inch cutting deck. Measure your deck diagonally (blade tip to tip) before buying.
• Center hole: Bow-tie shape (also called “double D” or “figure 8”). Check your existing blade’s center hole—round holes won’t work.
• OEM replacements: Directly replaces 742-0741A, 742-0741, and 742-04100. Also fits many MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman models from the 2000s onward.
• Measurements: Blade length 21 inches, width 2.5 inches, center hole 0.5 x 0.5 inches (bow tie). Verify your blade’s length and hole shape to avoid returns.
• Cross-check: Look up your mower model number (usually on a sticker under the seat or deck) to confirm compatibility—don’t rely solely on brand name.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Heat-treated steel with a painted finish. Holds an edge well for residential use but will dull faster on sandy or rocky soil.
• Installation: Easy if you have a socket wrench and a blade removal tool (or a block of wood to jam the blade). Torque the bolt to 30-40 ft-lbs—don’t overtighten.
• Gotcha: This is a mulching blade, not a standard lift blade. It has a curved shape with less lift, so it won’t bag or side-discharge as effectively. If you need bagging, look for a high-lift blade.
• Balance: Comes pre-balanced, but always check with a blade balancer after mounting—an unbalanced blade causes vibration and deck damage.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you own a 21-inch MTD-family mower and want a reliable, affordable mulching blade for regular grass cutting. It’s a solid OEM-grade replacement for $18, with strong reviews and easy installation. Skip it if you need a bagging or standard lift blade, or if your mower uses a different center hole shape.