942-04308 Mower High Lift Blade Replace Cub Cadet Troy Bilt MTD 742-04308 742-04312 942-04312 942-0656 Compatible with XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 LT2000 T1100 LT1500 T1000 T1200 T1300 42 Inch Deck Lawn Mower

What It Is

This is a high-lift replacement blade (OEM part # 942-04308) designed to increase suction and discharge performance on 42-inch cutting decks. It is intended for residential Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and MTD tractors, especially those used for mulching or bagging in medium-to-heavy grass conditions.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm these three things:

• Deck size: This blade fits only 42-inch decks. Measure your deck width or check the model number (e.g., XT1-LT42, XT2-LX42, LT2000, T1100, T1500, T1000, T1200, T1300).
• OEM cross-reference: It replaces Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt/MTD part numbers 742-04308, 742-04312, 942-04312, and 942-0656. If your mower originally used one of these, this blade fits.
• Measurements: Blade length is 20.5 inches, center hole is 1 inch, and the blade thickness is 0.1875 inches. Verify your old blade matches these dimensions.

Do not assume compatibility based solely on mower brand—always check the deck size and original part number. Aftermarket blades may have slight variations in lift angle or balance, so confirm the center hole and mounting pattern.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket blade, generally good steel and finish, but may not hold an edge as long as OEM. Inspect for warping before installation.
• Installation: Easy for most users—remove the center bolt (usually 5/8-inch or 15/16-inch), swap the blade, and torque to 30-40 ft-lbs. Use a blade stop or block for safety.
• Common gotchas: High-lift blades create more suction, which improves bagging but can strain the engine in very tall or wet grass. They are not ideal for dry, dusty conditions (they throw more dust). Always replace blades in sets (all three on a 42-inch deck) to avoid vibration.
• Sharpening: Not recommended for this blade type—replacement is cheaper and safer than re-sharpening.

Should You Buy It

Buy this blade if you have a 42-inch Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, or MTD tractor (especially XT1 or XT2 series) and you primarily bag or mulch in normal residential grass. At ~$21, it’s a solid budget option—just verify your deck size and original part number first. Skip it if you have a different deck width or need a low-lift blade for dry, dusty conditions.