942-04308-X 942-04308 942-0616 742-0616 Mulching Blades Compatible with Troy B ilt Pony Bronco Cub Ca det 42 inch Deck Riding Tractor Zero Turn Mower XT1 ZT1 42 Lawn Mower (2 Pack)

What It Is

This is a 2-pack of aftermarket mulching blades for 42-inch cutting decks, designed to replace OEM parts on select Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman riding mowers and zero-turn models like the XT1 and ZT1. These blades chop clippings finer for better lawn feeding and reduce bagging frequency.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your deck is exactly 42 inches (measured blade tip to tip). These blades replace OEM numbers 942-04308X, 942-04308, 942-0616, and 742-0616. They fit many Troy-Bilt Pony, Bronco, and Cub Cadet XT1/ZT1 models with a 42-inch fabricated or stamped deck. Check your mower’s model number (on the frame or under the seat) against the seller’s compatibility list—some newer or older variants may differ. Measure your current blade length: these are typically 20.5 inches long, with a 1-inch center hole and a 0.25-inch offset. If your OEM blade is 21 inches or has a different hole size or offset, these won’t work.

Key Things to Buy

• Quality: Aftermarket steel, not OEM-grade hardened alloy. Expect faster dulling on sandy or rocky lawns. Some users report balance issues out of the box—check with a blade balancer before mounting.
• Installation: Simple DIY job with a socket wrench and blade removal tool. Torque the blade bolt to 70-80 ft-lbs. Lift the deck or block the mower securely—never work under a raised deck unblocked.
• Gotchas: These blades are mulching only—not designed for bagging or side discharge. Using them for anything other than mulching will reduce performance. The paint may flake quickly, but that doesn’t affect function. Verify the blade offset direction (cutting edge up) matches your deck’s spindle rotation.
• Pack size: You get two blades, enough for a standard 42-inch two-spindle deck. If you have three spindles (rare on 42-inch), you’ll need a second pack.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you need a budget-friendly mulching option for a common 42-inch Troy-Bilt or Cub Cadet rider, you’re comfortable with basic installation, and you don’t mind replacing them more often than premium blades. Skip it if you need a bagging or high-lift blade, have a different deck size, or want OEM durability for heavy-duty use.