ILONPA 942-04308-X 942-0616A 42 inch 6-Star Mulching Blades for Cub Cadet XT1 XT2 LT42 LX42 ZT1 RZT 42 LTX 1040 Craftsman T110 T210 Troy Bilt TB 42 TB1942 42'' Deck Lawn Tractor Zero-Turn Mower, Blue

What It Is

This is a set of three 42-inch, 6-star mulching blades designed for residential lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers with 42-inch decks. They replace OEM part numbers 942-04308-X and 942-0616A, and are specifically engineered for mulching—chopping clippings fine enough to leave on the lawn.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, measure your deck to confirm it’s exactly 42 inches (blade length is 21 inches each). These fit Cub Cadet XT1, XT2, LT42, LX42, ZT1, RZT 42, and LTX 1040 models. Also compatible with Craftsman T110, T210, and Troy-Bilt TB 42, TB1942. Check your deck’s spindle pattern: these use a 5-point star center hole (common on Cub Cadet). Verify your current blade’s part number—if it ends in 942-04308 or 942-0616A, these are direct replacements. Not for 46-inch or larger decks.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs OEM: Aftermarket blades at a lower price point. Some users report slightly shorter lifespan than genuine Cub Cadet blades, but performance is similar for typical residential use.
• Installation: Straightforward swap—use a socket wrench and blade removal tool. Torque to 40-50 ft-lbs. Mark blade orientation before removing old ones.
• Mulching Only: These are not lift blades for bagging or side-discharge. Expect finer clippings but less suction for wet grass.
• Balance Check: Inspect each blade for balance out of the box; slight wobble can cause vibration. A simple blade balancer costs under $10.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 42-inch Cub Cadet, Craftsman, or Troy-Bilt tractor or zero-turn and want an affordable mulching upgrade, this is a solid value. It’s not for heavy commercial use or wet-grass bagging, but for regular residential mulching, it delivers clean results at half the price of OEM.