561556B Mower Blades 42" Cut Replace for MTD Craftsman 942-04308 742-04312 942-04312, 6-Point Star- Fit for Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 and Troy-Bilt Pony Bronco Mustang Z42 Lawnmower Blades, 2 Pack

What It Is

This is a set of two 42-inch (actual blade length ~20.5 inches each) replacement mower blades designed for residential lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers with a 42-inch cutting deck. They feature a 6-point star center hole and are intended for mulching, bagging, or side-discharge use.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things:

1. Deck size: Your mower must have a 42-inch cutting deck. Measure the blade length you remove (from tip to tip) – it should be approximately 20.5 inches. If your deck is 46" or 54", these will not fit.

2. Center hole: The 6-point star pattern fits MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt spindles that use OEM part numbers 942-04308, 742-04312, or 942-04312. This is not compatible with round or keyed hole blades (e.g., John Deere, Husqvarna, or older Craftsman models).

3. Model check: Direct fit for Cub Cadet XT1 LT42, Troy-Bilt Pony, Bronco, Mustang, and Z42. Also fits many Craftsman LT1000/3000 series with 42" decks. Verify your mower’s OEM blade part number matches one of the three listed above.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket blades, not OEM Cub Cadet. Most users report they are durable and cut well, but some note they may be slightly thinner or less balanced than factory blades. Check balance before installing.
• Installation: Easy – remove the center bolt, replace blades, torque to 40-50 ft-lbs. Use a blade removal tool or block of wood to prevent spindle rotation.
• Common gotcha: The 6-point star can be tight on some spindles. Clean the spindle area of debris before mounting. Do not use impact wrenches to tighten – risk of stripping the star pattern.
• Lift vs. mulch: These are standard lift blades. If you need high-lift for better bagging or low-lift for mulching, this is not a specialized set.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 42-inch deck MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt with the 6-point star spindle and want affordable, solid-performing replacement blades for regular residential cutting, this is a good value. Avoid if you need OEM-grade thickness, high-lift performance, or fit for non-star spindles.