CUB CADET 490-110-C180 42" Blade Set Lowlift 04312 L RZT SX XT1 XT2 ZT1 Ultima

What It Is

This is a set of three OEM 42-inch low-lift blades for Cub Cadet zero-turn and lawn tractors, designed for standard mulching and bagging on flat or dry terrain.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your deck size is exactly 42 inches (measured cutting width). This set fits Cub Cadet RZT, SX, XT1, XT2, ZT1, and Ultima series models with a 42-inch deck. Check the OEM part number on your current blades (usually stamped on the blade) – this replaces Cub Cadet 490-110-C180 and 04312. The blades have a 1-inch center hole, 5-point star drive, and measure 21.5 inches long. They will NOT fit 46-inch or 50-inch decks. Aftermarket equivalents exist but may have different balance or steel quality, so stick with OEM for guaranteed fit.

Key Things to Know

• Low-lift design – These blades create less air suction, making them ideal for dry grass and bagging, but they struggle in thick or wet grass (clumping is common).
• Installation – Easy swap with a socket and torque wrench (tighten to 45-55 ft-lbs). Use a blade removal tool to hold the spindle. Always replace all three blades at once.
• Balance check – New blades are pre-balanced, but verify by hanging them on a nail after installation. An unbalanced blade vibrates and can damage the spindle.
• Sharpening – You can sharpen low-lift blades, but the thin edge wears quickly. Many users replace rather than sharpen for best performance.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 42-inch Cub Cadet tractor or zero-turn, cut mostly dry or normal grass, and want OEM reliability for bagging or basic mulching. Avoid if you frequently mow wet, thick, or tall grass – a high-lift or gator blade will perform better. At $63.59, it’s a fair price for a factory-matched set that installs without guesswork.