Lower Bagger Chute 42" 46" – Replaces 731-09173A, 731-09329A – Compatible with MTD, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet

What It Is

The lower bagger chute is the curved plastic duct that connects your mower deck’s discharge opening to the upper bagger assembly. It channels grass clippings from the cutting deck into the collection bags. This specific chute fits 42-inch and 46-inch deck models from MTD, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Cub Cadet, and is a direct replacement for OEM part numbers 731-09173A and 731-09329A.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm these three things:

1. Deck size: Only fits 42" and 46" decks. Measure your deck’s cutting width (blade tip to blade tip) if unsure.
2. Brand/model series: Compatible with MTD-built mowers including Craftsman (e.g., 917 series), Troy-Bilt (e.g., TB42, TB46), and Cub Cadet (e.g., XT1, XT2, LT42, LT46). Not universal for all brands—check your model number against OEM part numbers.
3. OEM vs aftermarket: This is an OEM Cub Cadet part, so it matches factory specs exactly. No modification needed. Aftermarket versions may differ in plastic thickness or mounting tab positions.

Measure the distance from your deck discharge opening to the bagger inlet to ensure the chute length (about 18–20 inches) works with your mower’s geometry. Also verify your mower has the upper bagger mounting bracket—this chute won’t attach to a side-discharge or mulching-only deck without that bracket.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: OEM plastic is thick and UV-resistant. This chute won’t crack or warp as quickly as cheap aftermarket parts, but still avoid dragging it on pavement or storing it in direct sunlight for years.
• Installation difficulty: Easy—usually two bolts and a spring clip. You may need to remove the old chute’s gasket or rubber flap if it’s stuck. No special tools required.
• Common gotcha: The chute’s mounting tabs are fragile. Over-tightening bolts can crack them. Hand-tighten only. Also, ensure the chute’s rubber seal sits flush against the deck to prevent clogs.
• Fit note: If your mower uses a different OEM number (e.g., 731-09743), this won’t work. Double-check your existing chute’s part number or measure the mounting hole spacing (typically 4.5 inches center-to-center).

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 42" or 46" MTD/Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Cub Cadet mower with a broken or missing lower bagger chute and want a hassle-free OEM replacement. It’s a direct swap, built to last, and the price is fair for genuine parts. Skip it if your deck is a different size or from a non-MTD brand—you’ll need a different chute.