Grasscool 42 inch Mower Mulching 6 Star Blades Replace Cub Cadet Troy Bilt 942-04308-X 942-04308 for XT1-42 ZT1-42 LT42 Bronco Pony 42'' Zero Turn Lawn Tractor

What It Is

This is a set of six mulching blades for 42-inch mower decks, designed to replace OEM part 942-04308-X (and 942-04308). They’re intended for Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt tractors and zero-turn mowers, including XT1-42, ZT1-42, LT42, Bronco, and Pony models. The “star” center hole design improves grass flow and mulching performance versus standard blades.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Only for 42-inch mower decks. Measure your deck width to confirm.
• Center hole: “Star” or 6-point shaped hole. If your deck uses a standard round hole, these will not fit.
• OEM cross-reference: Replaces Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt 942-04308-X and 942-04308. Also fits some MTD, Craftsman, and Roper models with the same part number.
• Blade dimensions: Typically 16.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, 0.187 inch thick. Measure your existing blade length before buying.
• Model check: Confirm your model number (e.g., XT1-42, ZT1-42, LT42, Bronco 42, Pony 42) on the mower’s serial plate. Not for 46-inch or 50-inch decks.

Key Things to Know

• Installation: Moderate difficulty. You’ll need a socket wrench and torque wrench (recommended 70-90 ft-lbs). Lift the deck safely—use jack stands, not just the mower’s lift lever.
• Mulching performance: The star shape and angled wings create a finer chop than standard blades, reducing clumping. Expect better results in dry grass; wet grass may still clump.
• Durability: Heat-treated steel with a corrosion-resistant coating. They hold an edge longer than budget blades but may need sharpening after a heavy season.
• Common gotcha: The star hole is directional—align the flat side of the star with the spindle’s flat spot. Forcing it on wrong can strip the hole or bend the blade.

Should You Buy It

If you own a Cub Cadet or Troy-Bilt 42-inch tractor or zero-turn and want better mulching without paying OEM prices, this set is a solid choice. It’s well-reviewed, fits a wide range of models, and offers good value for the performance. Avoid if your deck uses round-center blades or is larger than 42 inches.