CUB CADET 01010168-0637 High Lift 17.9" Blade 3-Pack Z-Force 50 Tank M50 Zero-Turn 50" Lawn Mowers Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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This is not a lawn mower itself, but a replacement blade set: the Cub Cadet High Lift 17.9" Blade 3-Pack, designed specifically for Z-Force 50, Tank M50, and other 50" zero-turn mowers from Cub Cadet. If you own one of these deck sizes and want superior grass discharge, improved bagging performance, or need to replace worn-out blades, this three-pack is the factory-recommended solution. Itâs for owners who care about cut quality and donât want to gamble with off-brand steel.
Who Should Buy This
- Zero-turn owners with a 50" Cub Cadet deck â If youâve got a Z-Force 50, Tank M50, or compatible model, this is the exact OEM blade you need. No guessing, no filing down bolt holes.
- Homeowners who want better bagging or side discharge â High-lift blades create more airflow, which lifts grass upright before cutting and throws clippings farther into the bag or out the chute. If your current blades leave windrows or clog in damp grass, this upgrade is for you.
- DIY maintenance pros â You already sharpen your own blades and change them seasonally. A three-pack at this price ($27.57 per blade) is a solid value compared to buying singles at a dealer.
- Anyone tired of âuniversalâ blades that donât fit right â Aftermarket blades often have wrong center holes or require spacers. These are direct-fit, no-hassle replacements.
Key Features Breakdown
- 17.9" blade length â Thatâs the exact size for a 50" deck (three blades spaced evenly). Donât try to squeeze in 18" blades; theyâll overlap or hit the deck shell.
- High-lift design â The steep upward angle on the trailing edge creates a vacuum effect. This pulls grass upright for a cleaner cut and propels clippings into the bag or out the side. On flat lawns, youâll notice less clumping.
- OEM Cub Cadet part (01010168-0637) â Factory-manufactured to the same specs as the blades that came on your mower. That means the heat treatment, hardness, and balance are consistent. Off-brands often use softer steel that dulls faster.
- 3-pack configuration â One box covers your entire deck. No need to buy two packs and have a spare youâll forget about.
- Compatibility with Z-Force 50 and Tank M50 â Specifically listed for these models, but also fits many other Cub Cadet 50" zero-turns from the mid-2000s onward. Always check your deck model number.
Pros
- Perfect fit, zero modifications â The center hole, bolt pattern, and offset are exactly right. Youâll have them installed in 15 minutes with a socket and torque wrench.
- Noticeably better cut quality â The high lift lifts matted-down grass, especially in early morning dew or after rain. Youâll see fewer uncut stragglers.
- Improved bagging performance â If you use a bagger, these blades throw clippings harder and farther. Less clogging in the chute, fuller bags.
- Solid construction â The steel is thick enough to handle occasional rocks and roots without bending. They hold an edge reasonably well for OEM blades.
- Good value for OEM â Three blades for $82.71 is competitive with aftermarket premium sets, and you get guaranteed fitment.
- 5.0-star average from real owners â Eight reviews, all perfect. Thatâs a small sample, but it suggests consistent quality out of the box.
Cons
- Not for mulching â High-lift blades are the opposite of mulching blades. They throw clippings away rather than recutting them. If you want to leave clippings on the lawn, get a set of Cub Cadet mulching blades instead.
- Heavier than standard blades â More steel means more stress on your spindle bearings over time. Itâs negligible for most homeowners, but commercial operators mowing 8 hours a day might wear spindles faster.
- Price is premium â At $27.57 per blade, these cost about 50% more than generic high-lift blades. Youâre paying for the Cub Cadet name and guaranteed fit. Itâs worth it, but budget-minded buyers might balk.
- Limited compatibility â Only fits 50" decks with the specific blade pattern. If you have a 46" or 54" Cub Cadet, these wonât work. Double-check your deck model before ordering.
Bottom Line
If you own a Cub Cadet Z-Force 50 or Tank M50 and want the best possible cut from your zero-turn, this three-pack of OEM high-lift blades is a no-brainer. They install without headaches, improve bagging and discharge dramatically, and come at a fair price for factory parts. The only reason to pass is if you prefer mulchingâthen buy the dedicated mulching set. For everyone else, these are the blades your mower was designed to run. Recommended without hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I replace these blades?
A: For a typical 1â2 acre lawn, replace them once per season or every 25â30 hours of mowing. If you hit sand, rocks, or thick weeds frequently, check for nicks and dullness monthly. Dull blades tear grass, leading to brown tips.
Q: Will these fit my Cub Cadet with a 50" fabricated deck?
A: They fit most 50" Cub Cadet zero-turns with a three-blade spindle pattern, including Z-Force and Tank series from the 2000s onward. But always verify your deck model number (stamped on the deck top) against Cub Cadetâs compatibility chart. A quick call to a dealer can confirm.
Q: Can I sharpen these blades like standard blades?
A: Yes, but be careful not to alter the high-lift angle. Use a bench grinder or file, and maintain the original bevel. Over-grinding the curved lift portion will reduce airflow and bagging performance. Many owners just replace them when dullâthree blades for $82 makes that practical.
How It Compares
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you listed.
Quick Verdict
Mower A (Cub Cadet) wins for actual lawn mowing because it is a set of replacement blades for a zero-turn mower, while Mower B (Gorilla Cart) is not a lawn mower at allâit is a utility dump cart, making a direct comparison impossible but the Cub Cadet the only correct choice for mowing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cub Cadet 01010168-0637 (Mower A) | Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart (Mower B) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $82.71 | $129.99 |
| Power Source | N/A (Blades for gas-powered mower) | N/A (Towed by mower/vehicle) |
| Cutting Width | 50" (designed for Z-Force 50 / Tank M50) | 0" (not a mower) |
| Self-Propelled? | No (blades spin via mower deck) | No (towed behind a vehicle) |
| Best Yard Size | 1+ acres (zero-turn mower required) | Any size (for hauling debris, not cutting) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (blades) | 1-year limited |
Where Cub Cadet Wins
- Actual Mowing Capability: This is a set of three high-lift blades designed to cut grass. The Gorilla Cart cannot cut a single blade of grass. If your goal is to mow your lawn, the Cub Cadet blades (when installed on a compatible zero-turn mower) are the only functional option.
- Superior Grass Dispersal: The âHigh Liftâ design of these blades creates a stronger vacuum under the mower deck, lifting grass upright for a cleaner cut and better discharge of clippings out the chute or into a bagger. This is critical for achieving a professional-looking finish on large, flat lawns.
- Exceptional Customer Satisfaction: With a perfect 5.0/5 rating (though from only 8 reviews), buyers unanimously report these blades fit perfectly and significantly improve cut quality compared to standard OEM blades on Cub Cadet zero-turn models.
Where Gorilla Wins
- Vastly More Versatile: The Gorilla Cart is a multi-purpose utility wagon. It hauls mulch, soil, firewood, garden waste, tools, and more. It is not limited to one task. The Cub Cadet blades do one thing (cut grass) and nothing else.
- Proven Reliability at Scale: With over 30,000 ratings and a 4.7/5 average, the Gorilla Cart has a massive track record of satisfied customers. The Cub Cadet blades have only 8 reviews, making their long-term reliability less certain.
- Lower Barrier to Entry (If You Own a Tractor): At $129.99, the Gorilla Cart is a complete, ready-to-use tool. The Cub Cadet blades cost $82.71 but require a $3,000+ zero-turn mower to function. The cart provides immediate utility without needing an expensive host machine.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Cub Cadet Blades) if: You already own a Cub Cadet Z-Force 50 or Tank M50 zero-turn mower and need replacement blades. These are specifically designed for that deck, offer high-lift performance for better bagging or side-discharge, and are priced competitively with OEM equivalents. This is a direct upgrade part, not a standalone tool.
Buy Mower B (Gorilla Cart) if: You need to move heavy, bulky materials around your property. Whether you are landscaping, gardening, or doing general yard cleanup, the 600 lb capacity, pneumatic tires for easy towing, and quick-release dump feature make this an indispensable companion for any lawn tractor, ATV, or even a garden tractor. It is one of the most popular and proven yard tools on the market.
Buy Neither if: You are looking for a complete, self-contained lawn mower to cut your grass. The Cub Cadet product is only a set of blades (requiring a specific zero-turn mower to use), and the Gorilla Cart cannot mow at all. You would need to purchase a complete mower (like a push mower, riding mower, or zero-turn) to actually cut your lawn.
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the Cub Cadet High Lift Blade 3-Pack and the WORX Cordless String Trimmer. Please note that Mower A is a set of replacement blades, not a complete mower, while Mower B is a complete string trimmer. This comparison will treat them as intended products: a blade upgrade for an existing zero-turn mower vs. a standalone trimming tool.
Quick Verdict
The WORX wins for sheer utility and value because it is a complete, ready-to-use tool for trimming and edging, while the Cub Cadet is only a specialized accessory for owners of a specific zero-turn mower.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cub Cadet 01010168-0637 (Blade Set) | WORX WG163 (String Trimmer) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $82.71 | $89.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (replacement part for gas mower) | Cordless Electric (20V battery) |
| Cutting Width | 17.9" per blade (fits 50" deck) | 12" (string diameter) |
| Self-Propelled | No (mower deck part) | No (handheld) |
| Best Yard Size | 1/2 acre+ (for the mower it fits) | 1/4 to 1/2 acre (trimming) |
| Warranty | Limited (part warranty, typically 90 days) | 3-year limited warranty |
Where Cub Cadet Wins
- Raw Cutting Performance for Large Lawns: These are high-lift blades designed for a 50-inch zero-turn mower. They create superior suction to stand up grass before cutting and provide a much cleaner, more even cut than any string trimmer can deliver. For mowing the main lawn area, this is the only option.
- Durability for Heavy Use: A steel blade is vastly more durable than nylon trimmer line. It will not break, fray, or need frequent replacement. For tackling thick, tall grass or weeds directly under the mower deck, these blades will last for many seasons.
- Specific Compatibility: If you own a Cub Cadet Z-Force 50 or Tank M50, this is a factory-matched, high-quality replacement part. It ensures proper balance and fit, which is critical for zero-turn mower safety and performance. It is not a generic part.
Where WORX Wins
- Complete, All-in-One Tool: The WORX is a fully functional trimmer and edger right out of the box, with two batteries and a charger. The Cub Cadet is useless without a $3,000+ mower. The WORX costs only $7 more and works immediately.
- Versatility for Detail Work: The WORX converts easily from a string trimmer to a wheeled lawn edger. It can trim along fences, flower beds, trees, and sidewalksâareas a 50-inch zero-turn mower cannot reach. It handles the âfinishing workâ that a mower misses.
- Overwhelming Proven Reliability: With over 27,800 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, the WORX is a proven, popular product. The Cub Cadet has only 8 reviews (though perfect). The WORXâs 3-year warranty and widespread user feedback give much higher confidence in its long-term performance for the average homeowner.
Which Should You Buy?
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Buy Mower A (Cub Cadet Blades) if⊠you already own a Cub Cadet Z-Force 50 or Tank M50 zero-turn mower and your current blades are dull. This is a high-quality, specific replacement part that will restore your mowerâs cutting performance for a large lawn (1/2 acre+). It is not a standalone tool.
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Buy Mower B (WORX Trimmer) if⊠you need a complete, ready-to-use tool for trimming and edging around a small to medium-sized lawn (up to 1/2 acre). This is the clear winner for anyone who does not already own a compatible zero-turn mower. It is ideal for detail work, tight spaces, and as a primary tool for smaller yards.
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Buy Both if⊠you own a large lawn (1/2 acre+) with a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower. Use the Cub Cadet blades for the main mowing (replace every 1-2 seasons) and the WORX for all the edging, trimming, and detail work the mower cannot do. This is the ultimate combination for a pristine property.
Related Mowers to Consider
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Owner Guides for This Mower
Keep it running and fix common issues:
- Lawn Mower Won't Start
- Lawn Mower Maintenance Schedule
- How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
- Riding Mower Won't Move
- How to Jump Start a Riding Mower
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