942-04308 Lawn Mower High Lift Blades for Cub Cadet XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 Craftsman LT1000 LT1500 LT3000 42" Mower Tractor - Replaces 742-04308 942-04308A 742-04312 942-04312 742-0656 942-0656 - 2 Pack

What It Is

This is a 2-pack of high-lift blades for 42-inch mower decks, designed to replace OEM part numbers 742-04308, 942-04308A, 742-04312, 942-04312, 742-0656, and 942-0656. They are intended for Cub Cadet XT1-LT42, XT2-LX42, and Craftsman LT1000, LT1500, LT3000 tractors, and excel at bagging and side-discharge performance by creating stronger airflow.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm three things:

• Deck size: Your mower must have a 42-inch cutting deck (measured blade tip to blade tip).
• Model compatibility: This fits Cub Cadet XT1-LT42, XT2-LX42, and Craftsman LT1000, LT1500, LT3000. Also fits many other MTD-built 42-inch tractors (check your deck’s spindle spacing and center hole size).
• OEM vs aftermarket: These are aftermarket blades, not genuine Cub Cadet parts. They match OEM dimensions (center hole, thickness, length) but may vary slightly in thickness or steel hardness. Measure your existing blade length (approx. 21 inches) and center hole diameter (usually 7/8 inch) to be sure.

Key Things to Know

• High-lift design: These blades lift grass more aggressively than standard blades, improving bagging and discharge but may increase engine load and wear on belts. Not ideal for mulching in wet or tall grass.
• Installation: Easy swap – use a socket wrench and a block of wood to lock the blade. Torque to 40-50 ft-lbs. Sharpening after heavy use is recommended; dull high-lift blades strain the engine.
• Common gotcha: Check blade orientation – the curved “lift” edge must face upward toward the deck, not downward. Reversing them wrecks cut quality and can damage the deck.
• Quality note: At $18.99 for two, these are a budget-friendly alternative to OEM ($12-15 each). Some users report slight balance variations – always spin-check and balance before installing.

Should You Buy It

Buy these if you own a compatible 42-inch Cub Cadet or Craftsman tractor and prioritize bagging or side-discharge performance over mulching. They’re a solid, cost-effective replacement for worn OEM blades, but avoid them if you need a dedicated mulching blade or have a deck larger/smaller than 42 inches.