(2 Pack) Replacement Lawn Mower Mulching Blades for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt 942-04308-X 42-0616 742-0616 942-04126, Fits XT1 XT2 LT42 LTX1040 RZT-L42 for 42" Deck Mower Review

Overview

This 2-pack of replacement mulching blades is designed specifically for 42-inch deck mowers from Cub Cadet, MTD, and Troy-Bilt—covering popular models like the XT1, XT2, LT42, LTX1040, and RZT-L42. It’s a direct OEM-style replacement for part numbers 942-04308-X, 42-0616, 742-0616, and 942-04126, so you’re getting a factory-fit upgrade without the dealer markup. Priced at $24.99 for two blades, it’s a practical choice for anyone wanting to restore sharp cutting performance without overspending.

Who Should Buy This

1. Homeowners with ½ to 1-acre lawns who mow weekly and need reliable mulching performance from their 42-inch Cub Cadet or Troy-Bilt rider. These blades handle grass clippings efficiently, leaving a fine mulch that feeds the lawn.

2. Budget-conscious DIYers who prefer replacing blades themselves rather than paying a shop $50+ for labor and parts. At $12.50 per blade, this 2-pack is a steal—especially if you mow over rocky or uneven ground and need spares on hand.

3. Owners of older Cub Cadet XT1 or LT42 mowers who want a drop-in replacement that matches OEM specs. No filing, bending, or adapter kits required—just bolt-on and go.

4. Mulching enthusiasts who skip bagging and want a clean, clippings-free finish. These blades are designed with a higher lift and sharper edge to chop clippings finer than standard blades.

Key Features Breakdown

• Fits 42-Inch Decks with 5-Point Star Center Hole – This is the critical spec. Many universal blades require a bushing or adapter, but these fit directly on Cub Cadet and MTD spindles. No wobble, no vibration.

• OEM Replacement Part Numbers – Cross-references to 942-04308-X, 42-0616, 742-0616, and 942-04126. That means they’re built to the same dimensions, thickness, and heat treatment as the factory blades. You’re not getting a “close enough” knockoff.

• Mulching Design with Curved Wings – The blade shape creates a vacuum that lifts grass before cutting, then recirculates clippings for multiple chops. This reduces the need for bagging and returns nutrients to the soil.

• Heat-Treated Steel Construction – These blades are hardened to resist bending and dulling from small rocks, sticks, and roots. They won’t chip like cheap stamped steel, but they’re still sharpenable with a file or grinder.

• 2-Pack Value – Two blades for $24.99 means you can replace both spindles at once (on a 42-inch deck, you’ll need three blades total, but you can buy two packs for a full set). Or keep one as a backup for mid-season swaps.

Pros

1. True drop-in fit – No modifications needed. The star center hole aligns perfectly with Cub Cadet and MTD spindles, and the blade length matches the 42-inch deck exactly.

2. Excellent mulching performance – Users report finer clippings than generic blades, with less clumping in damp grass. The curved wings really do chop more efficiently.

3. Good value for a 2-pack – At $12.50 per blade, you’re saving 30-40% compared to buying single OEM blades from a dealer.

4. Durable steel – Holds an edge longer than budget blades. Several reviewers note they last a full season on a 1-acre lawn with weekly mowing.

5. Quiet operation – The balanced design reduces vibration, which means less wear on your mower’s spindle bearings and a quieter ride.

6. Versatile fit – Works on multiple brands (Cub Cadet, MTD, Troy-Bilt) and multiple model lines (XT1, XT2, LT42, LTX1040, RZT-L42), so it’s a safe bet if you own more than one mower.

Cons

1. Not a universal blade – If your mower deck isn’t a 42-inch Cub Cadet, MTD, or Troy-Bilt with a 5-point star center, these won’t work. Check your spindle carefully before buying.

2. Requires a three-blade set for full deck – The 2-pack covers two spindles, but most 42-inch decks have three blades. You’ll need to buy two packs (4 blades total) to have one spare, or accept that you’ll have an odd blade left over.

3. Mulching-only design – These aren’t convertible to bagging or side-discharge. If you switch between modes, you’ll need a different blade set or a dedicated mulching plug.

4. May need balancing – A few users report minor vibration out of the box. A quick pass with a blade balancer (under $10) solves this, but it’s an extra step.

Bottom Line

If you own a 42-inch Cub Cadet, MTD, or Troy-Bilt rider and want a sharp, mulching-focused blade that fits like OEM without the dealer price, this 2-pack is a smart buy. The heat-treated steel holds up well against rocks and roots, and the mulching performance is noticeably better than universal blades. Just be aware you’ll need two packs for a full three-blade deck, and these are strictly for mulching—not bagging or side-discharge. For the price, it’s hard to beat. I’d recommend them to any homeowner who mows weekly and wants a clean, clippings-free lawn without spending a fortune on parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will these blades fit my Cub Cadet XT1 LT42?
A: Yes, the XT1 LT42 uses a 42-inch deck with a 5-point star center hole, and these blades match that pattern. They’re a direct replacement for the OEM 942-04308-X blade.

Q: Do I need to replace all three blades at once, or can I just swap one?
A: It’s best to replace all three at the same time for balanced cutting and even wear. The 2-pack covers two blades, so you’ll need to buy two packs (4 blades total) to have a full set of three plus a spare.

Q: Can I sharpen these blades, or should I just replace them?
A: You can sharpen them with a file or grinder—the heat-treated steel takes an edge well. But at $12.50 per blade, many users find it’s just as easy to replace them every season. If you sharpen, use a blade balancer afterward to avoid vibration.