CUB CADET 742P05086 18.611" High Lift Blade S-Shaped Hole Enduro XT1-GT54 XT2-ST54 Ultima ZT1-54 ZT2-54 3-Pack

What It Is

This is a 3-pack of OEM Cub Cadet 18.611-inch high-lift blades with an S-shaped hole center for select 54-inch decks. Designed for superior grass clipping discharge and bagging performance on residential and light-commercial zero-turn and lawn tractors.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: 54-inch cutting decks only. Do not use on 46-inch or 50-inch decks.
• Fit models: Cub Cadet XT1-GT54, XT2-ST54, Ultima ZT1-54, ZT2-54. Also fits some older 54-inch Cub Cadet zero-turns (check your model).
• Center hole: S-shape (oblong with two flats). Will not fit round-center or star-center spindles.
• OEM part number: 742P05086. Aftermarket copies may differ in thickness or balance – this is genuine Cub Cadet.
• Measure before buying: Confirm your current blade length is 18.611 inches (center hole to tip) and the center hole matches the S-shape. Measure from center hole to blade tip on one side.

Key Things to Know

• High lift = more power needed. These blades create strong upward airflow for bagging but increase engine load. Ensure your mower has at least 23-25 HP.
• Torque to 70-90 ft-lbs. Use a torque wrench. Under-tightening can cause blade ejection; over-tightening can strip the spindle.
• Sharpen or replace? These are OEM blades – resharpenable 2-3 times. Replace if bent, cracked, or more than 1/4 inch of material is gone from the cutting edge.
• Installation tip: Mark the blade orientation before removal (cutting edge faces direction of rotation). Use a blade removal tool to prevent spindle damage.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you own a compatible 54-inch Cub Cadet and need reliable OEM blades for bagging or mulching. Skip if you only side-discharge on fine lawns – medium-lift blades may give a cleaner cut with less power draw. For $82 for a 3-pack, these are a solid value for OEM quality.