CUB CADET 742P05094-X 17.271" Xtreme Blade S-Shaped Hole Enduro XT1-LT50 Ultima ZT1-50 ZT2-50

What It Is

The Cub Cadet 742P05094-X is a 17.271-inch S-shaped replacement blade with an Enduro hole pattern, designed for high-lift mulching and bagging on 50-inch zero-turn and lawn tractor decks.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Fits only 50-inch cutting decks.
• Models confirmed: XT1-LT50, Ultima ZT1-50, ZT2-50, and similar Cub Cadet 50-inch decks using the Enduro blade system.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is an OEM Cub Cadet part (not aftermarket). Aftermarket alternatives exist but may not match the S-shape or hole pattern exactly.
• Measurement check: Blade length is 17.271 inches from tip to tip. Measure your current blade center-to-center across the mounting holes—this blade uses an S-shaped hole pattern (not a standard star or oval). Verify your spindle’s blade-mounting bolt pattern matches before buying.

Key Things to Know

• S-shape design: The curved S-profile increases lift for better mulching and bagging, but it’s less forgiving on wet grass (clogs faster than straight blades).
• Installation: Medium difficulty. Requires a torque wrench (40-50 ft-lbs recommended). Use a blade removal tool or block wood to prevent spinning. The S-shape can make alignment tricky if you’re not careful.
• Common gotcha: The 3.3-star rating (33 reviews) suggests inconsistent sharpness out of the box. Inspect the cutting edge—some users report needing to sharpen before first use.
• Durability: Heat-treated steel, but the S-shape can bend if you hit rocks or stumps. Not ideal for rough terrain.

Should You Buy It

Buy this blade if you have a Cub Cadet 50-inch deck with the Enduro hole pattern and prioritize mulching or bagging over side-discharge performance. Skip it if you mow rough, debris-heavy areas—the S-shape is more fragile than standard blades, and the mixed reviews suggest you might get a dull set out of the box.