UDC Parts 942-04053C Mower Blades Replacement for Cub Cadet 50 Inch LT1050 LTX1050 Blades / 6 Point Star Center Hole/Troy Bilt 50" Mustang XP 742-04053A 942-04053A 742-04053C / Gator Mulching 3 Pack

What It Is

This is a 3-pack of aftermarket mulching blades designed for 50-inch cutting decks on select Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors. They use a 6-point star center hole for direct-fit installation and are built for mulching grass clippings into fine particles rather than side-discharging or bagging.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 50-inch deck with a 6-point star spindle (not a round or oval hole). These blades are a direct replacement for OEM part numbers 742-04053A, 942-04053A, and 742-04053C. They fit Cub Cadet models like LT1050, LTX1050, LT1046, GT1554, GT2000, and GT2554, plus the Troy-Bilt Mustang XP 50". Check your owner’s manual or existing blade part number to verify. The blade length is 20.5 inches, width 2.5 inches, and center hole 1 inch (6-point star). If your deck uses a different spindle shape or size, these will not work.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs OEM: These are aftermarket blades from UDC Parts. They’re generally well-reviewed (4.6 stars), but some users report they are slightly thinner than OEM Cub Cadet blades, which may reduce durability over time.
• Installation difficulty: Easy—remove the old blade bolt, swap blades, and torque to 70–90 ft-lbs. No special tools needed beyond a socket wrench and a blade removal tool or block of wood to prevent spinning.
• Mulching performance: The “gator” serrated edge design chops clippings finer than standard blades, reducing clumping and bagging frequency. Best for frequent mowing on dry grass; wet or tall grass may still require side-discharging.
• Balance note: Check blade balance after installation. Some users report slight imbalance out of the box, which can cause vibration and wear spindles faster. A simple blade balancer ($10) is worth the investment.

Should You Buy It

If you have a 50-inch Cub Cadet or Troy-Bilt with a 6-point star spindle and want a cost-effective mulching blade upgrade over OEM, this 3-pack is a solid value at $34.89. It’s ideal for homeowners who mow frequently and prefer fine mulching over bagging, but heavier-duty commercial users may want OEM blades for longer lifespan.