942-04308 High Lift Mower Blades, Compatible with Troy Bilt Bronco Pony Mustang 42 inch Lawn Mower Cub Cad et 42" Deck Riding Mower RZT42, Replaces 742-04312 942-04312, 2 Pack

What It Is

These are high-lift replacement blades for 42-inch cutting decks, designed to increase airflow and mulching/vacuum action for a cleaner cut and better grass discharge. They fit select Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and MTD riding mowers with a 42” stamped deck.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: 42” (measure your deck from spindle to spindle—must be exactly 42”).
• Blade dimensions: 20.5” long, 2.75” wide, 0.25” thick, with a 1” center hole and diamond-shaped center (fits most standard MTD-style spindles).
• OEM cross-references: Replaces 742-04312, 942-04312, 742-04308, 942-04308.
• Compatible models: Troy-Bilt Bronco, Pony, Mustang (42” deck); Cub Cadet RZT42, LT42, XT1/XT2 (42” deck); also fits many MTD, Yard Machines, Yard-Man, and Craftsman 42” deck riders from the 2000s onward.
• What to check before buying: Confirm your deck is a 42” stamped steel deck (not fabricated). Verify the blade length (20.5”) and center hole size (1”) match your existing blade. If your spindle has a star-shaped hole, these will not fit without an adapter.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Good-grade steel, but not as thick/heavy as OEM. Expect a slight weight difference—fine for homeowner use, but not for commercial abuse.
• Installation: Easy swap with a socket wrench and a block of wood to lock the blade. Torque the blade bolt to 70–90 ft-lbs (check your manual). Left-hand threads on some spindles—confirm before tightening.
• Common gotcha: High-lift blades increase suction, which can bog down the engine in tall, wet grass. Use at full throttle and avoid cutting wet lawns.
• Balance: Check blade balance after installation (hang on a nail through the center hole). If off, file the heavy side slightly. Unbalanced blades cause vibration and spindle wear.

Should You Buy It

Buy these if you have a 42” MTD-style deck and want better grass lift and discharge than standard blades—great for bagging or side-discharge on dry, maintained lawns. Not ideal for mulching (they tend to leave clumps) or for heavy-duty commercial use. At ~$23 for a pair, they’re a solid budget upgrade for homeowner mowers.