MaxPower 561544B 2-Blade Set for 46 Inch Cut MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt Replaces 942-04244, 942-04290, 942-04244A, 742-04290, 742-04244, Black

What It Is

The MaxPower 561544B is a set of two black steel replacement blades designed for 46-inch cut riding mowers from MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt. It’s intended for standard residential mowing and replaces OEM part numbers 942-04244, 942-04290, 942-04244A, 742-04290, and 742-04244.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 46-inch cutting deck—this set won’t fit 42-inch or 54-inch decks. Check your current blade’s part number against the OEM numbers listed above. These are aftermarket blades, so they fit most MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt models from the late 1990s onward, but verify your deck’s spindle hole pattern (usually a center hole plus two offset holes) and blade length (approximately 20.5 inches). Measure your old blade’s length, width, and hole spacing to be safe. Not compatible with zero-turn or commercial decks.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Black steel coating resists rust better than uncoated blades, but they’re not hardened for heavy-duty or commercial use—fine for weekly residential mowing.
• Installation: Straightforward if you have a socket set and a torque wrench (tighten to 70-90 ft-lbs). Ensure the blade’s lift wings face upward toward the deck. A common gotcha: the blades may be slightly heavier than OEM, which can cause minor vibration on older spindles.
• Durability: Expect 1-2 seasons of typical use before dulling. Sharpenable, but the coating wears off quickly on the cutting edge.
• Fitment Check: Some users report the center hole is slightly tight on certain spindles; a light file pass can fix this. Always test spin freely after installation.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a 46-inch MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt rider and want a reliable, budget-friendly replacement for standard lawn cutting. It’s a solid value for homeowners who don’t need premium or mulching-specific blades. Skip it if you have a different deck size, need heavy-duty blades for rough terrain, or want a mulching set (these are standard lift blades).