Stens 335-715 Mulching Blade, Replaces Mtd 742-0640 942-0640

What It Is

The Stens 335-715 is a universal replacement mulching blade designed to cut grass into fine clippings that decompose quickly, reducing the need for bagging. It’s intended for use on residential lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify three things: deck size (this blade fits 42-inch to 54-inch decks, but confirm your deck’s specific blade length—measure center hole to center hole, not tip to tip), OEM crossover (it directly replaces MTD 742-0640 and 942-0640; check your mower’s manual or current blade part number), and mounting pattern (this is a standard 5-point star center hole, 7/16-inch diameter, with a 3-inch offset—measure your spindle’s bolt pattern and blade offset to ensure it clears your deck). Common compatible brands include MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman, but always cross-reference by deck model, not just brand.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Stens is a respected aftermarket brand; this blade is made from heat-treated steel and is balanced out of the box. Expect similar performance to OEM at a lower price.
• Installation: Easy with basic tools—use a torque wrench (40-50 ft-lbs) and a blade removal tool or block of wood to prevent spinning. Always wear gloves; blades are sharp.
• Gotchas: Mulching blades work best with a clean, sharp deck and dry grass—wet clippings clump and clog. Check blade lift (the angled wing) to ensure it’s not hitting deck baffles; measure blade-to-deck clearance before tightening.
• Durability: Holds an edge well for residential use but may dull faster in sandy soil or with heavy debris. Sharpen every 10-15 hours of use.

Should You Buy It

If you own a compatible MTD-style tractor or zero-turn and want reliable mulching performance without paying OEM prices, this Stens blade is a solid value. It’s ideal for homeowners who mow weekly and want fine clippings that feed the lawn. Avoid if your deck requires a specific OEM-only design or you need a lift blade for tall, wet grass.