CUB CADET 942-04244A 23.25" High-Lift Blade RZT46 LTX 1042 1046 Z-Force XT1 XT2 Mowers

What It Is

This is an OEM Cub Cadet high-lift blade (23.25" long) designed for 50" and 54" fabricated-deck mowers, including select RZT, LTX, and Z-Force models. The high-lift design increases airflow for better grass clipping discharge and bagging performance, especially in thick or damp grass.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify these three things:

• Deck size: Fits 50" and 54" fabricated decks only – not stamped decks or 42"/46" decks. Measure your blade length; it must be exactly 23.25".
• Model series: Confirmed for Cub Cadet RZT 50, RZT 54, LTX 1042, LTX 1046, Z-Force SX 48, Z-Force SX 54, XT1 (LT, LE, GT), XT2 (LX, EX, GX), and XT3. Check your model’s deck part number (e.g., 742-04244A or 942-04244A).
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is genuine Cub Cadet/OEM. Aftermarket alternatives (e.g., Oregon) may use a different center hole shape or blade thickness – always match the OEM part number for guaranteed fit.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Easy – requires a wrench and a block of wood to lock the blade. Torque center bolt to 70–80 ft-lbs. Use blue thread locker if you mow over rough terrain.
• High-lift trade-off: Better bagging and discharge, but slightly more engine load and faster blade wear in sandy or dusty conditions. Not ideal for mulching without a dedicated mulching kit.
• Balance check: Out of the box, these blades are usually balanced, but always spin-check after installation. An unbalanced blade causes vibration and damages the spindle.
• Common gotcha: The 23.25" blade is longer than standard 20–21" blades – it won’t fit decks designed for shorter blades. Measure your old blade before ordering.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you own a compatible Cub Cadet with a 50" or 54" fabricated deck and want OEM-reliable high-lift performance for bagging or side-discharge in thick grass. Skip it if you mulch most of the time (get a mulching-specific blade) or if your deck is stamped steel – it won’t fit. At ~$33, it’s a fair price for genuine Cub Cadet quality.