Ever look at your lawn after mowing and wonder why it looks ragged instead of sharp? A perfect, healthy lawn doesn’t just happen; it starts with the right tools, and the most important tool is your lawn mower blade. Many homeowners struggle with this simple part, finding themselves confused by terms like “high-lift” or “mulching.” Choosing the wrong blade can lead to uneven cuts, torn grass, and a lawn that looks sick, turning your weekend chore into a frustrating battle.
This confusion leads to wasted time and money. You need blades that match your mower and your grass type, but the options seem endless! Don’t let dull or incorrect blades ruin your yard’s potential. By the end of this post, you will learn exactly which lawn blade type suits your needs perfectly, how to spot a dull blade that needs replacing, and how to achieve that clean, professional stripe every time.
Ready to transform your mower from a grass-tearing machine into a precise cutting tool? Let’s dive into the world of lawn blades and sharpen up your knowledge!
Top Lawn Blades Recommendations
- Includes 2 blades that fit many 46 in. cut Craftsman, Husqvarna and Poulan mowers. Must Match Current Blade OEM Number
- Replaces OEM #'s 405380, 594892801, 532405380, PP21011, CMXGZAM110147
- 5 point star center hole
- Each blade measures 23 in. L and 2-3/4 in. W
- MATCH OEM NUMBER OF CURRENT BLADE: Check your owner's manual to verify that the OEM number of the blade being replaced matches one of the OEM numbers provided for this item
- Stop the guesswork! Cub Cadet XT1-42 XT2-42 ZT1-42 model uses two different blade types.Before ordering our blades,identify your current blade's center hole.Our blade's center hole is 6 Star Shaped.If your blade's center hole is S-shaped,use MPN 742-05177 742P05177 to order your correct blades elsewhere.
- Stop the guesswork! CRAFTSMAN T110 LT1000 LT2000 model uses two different blade types.Before ordering our blades,identify your current blade's center hole.Our blade's center hole is 6 Point Star Center Hole.If your blade's center hole is 5 Point Star Center Hole,Use MPN 138971 532138971 to order your correct blades elsewhere
- 942-04308 Mower Blades Replace Number Cub Cade MTD Troy-Bilt 742-04308 742-04308A 942-04308A 942-04308 742-0656 942-0656 490-110-M108, 742-04312, 942-04312,490-110-M108, OCC-742-04312, OEM-742-04308
- 942-04308 Mower Blades Compatible with Troy-Bilt 42 inch Deck Mower,model# Super Bronco 42 Hydro, TB42, Pony 42X, Pony 42T, Pony 42, Bronco 42 Auto, TB1942, Pony, Bronco, TB42 Hydro, TB2142, Colt XP, Mustang XP 42, Range Rider, RZT 42,Mustang Z42, Mustang 42 Lawn Mower
- 942-04308 Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cadet 42 inch Deck Mower,model# XT1 LT42 C, LT42 EFI, LT42 KH and XT2 LX42 EFI, LX42 KH and LX42 KW;RZT42, RZT-L42 KH, RZT-L 42, RZTS 42 and RZT-SX 42 KH, ZT-1 42KH
- Includes 1 mulching blade for many 21 in. cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman mowers. Must Match Current Blade OEM Number to insure exact fit.
- Replaces OEM #'s: 742-0741, 742-0741A ,742-04276, 742-04276S, 942-0641, 942-0741, 942-0741A 942-04276, 942-04276S, CC-742-0741; Craftsman CMXGZAM100067
- Fits Cub Cadet Models: CC Series- CC 46M, CC 46MZ, CC 46ES, CC 439, CC 469, CC 949, CC 94M, CC 98M, CC 98H, CC 98K, CC 99M, CC 989, CC 997ES, CC 999ES; SC Series- SC 100, SC 100 H, SC 100 HW, SC 300, SC 300 E, SC 300e, SC 300 HW, SC 500 EZ, SC 500 EQ, SC 500 HW, SC 500 Z, SC 700E, and SC 700 H; S/SR/SRC/SRE Series: S 621, S 621 SS, SR 621, SRC 621, SRE 621, SC 621, SC 621 E; and other models- MTD 214 IP, 214 KW, and PR 521.
- Fits Troy-Bilt Models: TB 105, TB 110, TB 115, TB 120, TB 125, TB 130, TB 130 XP, TB 140, TB 160, TB 160 XP, TB 200, TB 210, TB 220, TB 230, TB 240, TB 270 ES, TB 270 XP, TB 280 ES, TB 290 ES, TB 320, TB 330, TB 360, TB 360 ES, TB 370, TB 370 XP, TB 380 ES, TB 380 XP, TB 400 XP, TB 430 XP, TB 450 XP, TB449E, TB 490 XP; Tru-Cut- 100, 110; Tuff Cut- 200, 210, 220, 230; Pro-Cut- 300, 310, 320.
- CENTER HOLE: Bow Tie Center Hole Pattern. Diameter of Outside Hole is 5/16". Center to Center of outside Hole is 2.5"
- Blades Mounting Pattern Compatibility Notice: CUB CADET XT1-46 XT2-46 ZT1-46 Mower Uses Two Different Mounting Pattern. Our Blades Have a 6-Point Star Mounting Pattern.They Will NOT fit Mounting Pattern with an “S” Shaped (MPN 742-05510 742P05510). Please Check Your Original Blade’s Mounting Pattern Before Ordering a Replacement!
- Mower 6 Star Shaped Blades Replace number Cub Cadet/MTD/Troy Bilt 742-04290 742-04290A 942-04290 742-04244 742-04244A 942-04244 942-04244A OCC-742-04244
- Compatible with Cub Cade XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series LT46 LX46 Lawn Trctor, Cub Cadet ZT1 and ZT2 Ultima Series 46 KH Zero Turn Mower,LTX1045 LTX1046 RZT46 46 inch Mower
- Compatible with Troy-Bilt Horse XP, Bronco 46T Auto, Super Bronco 46 Auto, Super Bronco 46 Hydro, Horse 46 Hydro, Horse 46 Auto, Horse 46 XP Hydro, TB46, LT FAB46, TB2246, Thouroghbred, Mustang XP 46, Mustang Pivot S 46, Mustang Pivot 46, Mustang XP Pivot S 46
- BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 23-1/4"(590mm), Width: 3-1/32"(77mm), Thickness: 9/64"(3.6mm), Center Hole Shape: 6 Point Star(5/8"), For Deck Size: 46", Lift: 1-3/8"(35mm), Mower Blade Type: High Lift Blade.
- Fits Ariens Models With 52" Deck: IKON X, IKON XL
- Fits Gravely Models With 52" Deck: ZT X, ZT XL
- Set of 3 OEM Blades
- 21 Inch Troy Bilt Mower Blade Replace number Troy Bilt MTD 942-0741A 942-0741 742-0741 742-0741A 742-04100 490-100-C089 742-04276 742-04276S 942-04276 942-04276S CC-742-0741 OEM-742-0741
- 942-0741A Mulching Blade Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB110 TB240 TB230 TB130 TB200 TB160 TB210 TB280ES TB320 TB115 TB220 TB360 TB105 TB120 TB125 TB130XP TB140 TB160XP TB270ES TB270XP TB290ES TB330 TB360ES TB370 21" Deck Walk Behind Push Mower
- BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 21"(533mm), Width: 2-1/4"(57mm), Thickness: 9/64"(3.4mm), Center Hole Shape: Bow Tie, For Deck Size: 21", Lift: 1-1/8"(28mm), Mower Blade Type: Mulching Blade.
- FIT TOUGH MOWING TASKS: The blade is very suitable for cutting overgrown weeds or clearing rugged terrain. You can sharpen the blade if you want to maintain a neat, even cut for normal lawns. The cutting edges are painted to prevent rust and protect your hands during installation. The paint will wear off as you mow the grass.
- 3-IN-1 BLADE: Serves 3 purposes (mulching, bagging, and side discharging) at the same time. Featuring numerous curves that cuts and re-cuts grass to smaller pieces, and recycles them back into the soil as nutrients to promote healthy lawn growth. Additionally, its high-lift increases the bagging capacity by 50%.
- Replaces OEM Part Numbers: Ariens 04771200; Gravely 04771200
- Compatible with: Gravely Models with 52" Deck: ZT X, ZT XL; Ariens Models with 52" Deck: IKON X, IKON XL; Edge Models with 52" Deck: 915254, 915285. Please check the model and size before ordering
- Package Includes: The package contain with: 3 x lawn mower blades. Blade Length: 18", Blade Width: 2-1/4" , Thickness: 0.158", Mounting Hole: 5/8", Round Offset: 1/2"
- High Quality: The Blades are made of high-grade steel, ensuring its durability and long-lasting use. The powder coating on the lawn mower blade prevents rust and makes cutting more efficient.
- After-Sales Service: We provide 6 months warranty service, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email.
- 30 INCH MULCHING BLADES: Engineered to perfectly fit 30-inch lawn mowers ensuring precise cutting performance by effectively mulching grass clippings into fine particles
- COMPATIBILITY: Crafted with durability in mind, these mower blades are compatible with a wide range of top mower models including Troy-Bilt, Murray, Columbia, and more
- STAR CENTER HOLE: Designed with a star-shaped center hole ensuring a secure and stable fit on compatible mower shafts, facilitating easier installation and removal when maintaining or replacing blades
- REPLACEMENTS: 13A721JD897, 13A226JD010, 13A721JD066, 13A226JD599, 13CC26JD011, 13AC26JD093, 13B226JD066, 13AC26JD058, 13A721JD056, 13AC21JD093, 13AC26JD000, 13B221JD010, 13CC26JD211, 13A226JD500
- ADDITIONAL: 13A726JD500, 13A226JD000, 13B226JD099, 13A726JD066, 13A726JD099, 13CC26JD058, 13BC26JD058, 13AC21JD011, 13B226JD299, 13A726JD029, 13A726JD897, 13AC26JD897, 13AC26JD293
The Ultimate Lawn Blade Buying Guide: Sharpen Your Search
A sharp lawn blade makes all the difference in your yard work. A good blade cuts grass cleanly. A dull blade tears it. Tearing stresses your grass. This guide will help you choose the best blade for your mower.
1. Key Features to Look For
When buying a new lawn blade, several features matter greatly. These features affect how well the blade cuts and how long it lasts.
Blade Type and Shape
- **Standard/High-Lift Blades:** These are common. High-lift blades create a strong vacuum. This lifts the grass up for a cleaner cut. They work best in normal conditions.
- **Mulching Blades:** These blades have curved edges or multiple cutting surfaces. They chop grass clippings into tiny pieces. These tiny pieces fall back into the lawn as natural fertilizer.
- **Bagging Blades:** These are similar to high-lift blades. They focus on moving the clippings efficiently out of the deck and into the collection bag.
Blade Length and Mounting Hole
Always measure your old blade from end to end. New blades must match the required length for your mower deck. Also, check the center mounting hole shape (star, round, bow-tie). The hole must fit your mower’s spindle perfectly.
2. Important Materials Matter
The material determines the blade’s strength and how often you need to sharpen it.
Steel Quality
- **Standard Carbon Steel:** This is the most common material. It is affordable. However, it dulls faster than harder steels.
- **Hardened Steel Alloys:** These blades use special alloys. They hold an edge much longer. They resist bending or chipping better, especially when hitting small rocks or sticks. These are usually a better long-term investment.
Thickness and Balance
Thicker blades resist bending better under heavy loads. Quality blades are always balanced. An unbalanced blade causes strong vibrations. Vibrations wear out your mower engine and spindles quickly.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the material; it’s about how the blade is made.
Cutting Edge Angle (Sharpening)
A good blade comes factory-sharpened with the correct angle. Blades with steeper angles cut cleaner but require more engine power. Blades made for mulching have different, steeper angles to ensure fine chopping.
Coating and Finish
Some premium blades feature coatings like titanium or ceramic. These coatings reduce friction. Reduced friction means the engine works less hard. These coatings also resist rust better, increasing the blade’s lifespan.
Manufacturing Consistency (A Quality Check)
Poorly made blades often have inconsistent curves or uneven thickness. These inconsistencies reduce cutting quality. Always inspect the blade edges before purchasing if possible. High-quality blades show precision in every curve.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Your lawn conditions dictate the best blade choice.
Thick, Wet Grass
If you often mow tall or slightly wet grass, you need power. Choose a **High-Lift Blade**. It provides the suction needed to stand the grass up before cutting it cleanly.
Lawn Aesthetics (The Perfect Cut)
For a golf-course look, use a **Mulching Blade** if you leave the clippings. Mulching blades ensure clippings disappear, leaving a very neat finish. If you bag clippings, a dedicated **Bagging Blade** moves them efficiently.
Rocky or Rough Yards
If your yard has hidden debris, prioritize **Durability**. Select thicker, hardened steel blades. While they might cost more upfront, they resist damage better than thin, cheap blades. You will replace them less often.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Blades
Q: How often should I replace my lawn blade?
A: You should replace your blade every one to two mowing seasons. If the blade is visibly bent, chipped severely, or has deep gouges, replace it immediately for safety.
Q: Can I use a mulching blade if I bag my clippings?
A: Yes, you can. Mulching blades still cut the grass. However, they might not move the clippings into the bag as fast as a dedicated bagging blade.
Q: How do I know if my blade is dull?
A: If your grass tips look ragged, brown, or shredded after mowing, your blade is dull. A sharp blade leaves a clean, smooth cut surface.
Q: Is it safe to sharpen my own blades?
A: Yes, sharpening is safe if you follow instructions. Always remove the spark plug wire first. This stops the engine from accidentally starting. Then, use a file or grinder to restore the factory edge angle.
Q: What is “lift” on a lawn blade?
A: Lift refers to how much air the blade moves underneath the deck. More lift helps stand up flattened grass for a better cut.
Q: Do universal blades fit all mowers?
A: No. Universal blades are rare and often compromise performance. Always buy a blade specified for your exact mower make and model number to ensure correct fit and safety.
Q: What is the danger of using an unbalanced blade?
A: An unbalanced blade causes severe vibration. This vibration damages the mower’s engine bearings and spindles over time, leading to expensive repairs.
Q: Should I use a thicker blade on a heavy-duty mower?
A: Yes. Thicker blades handle the power of larger, commercial-style mowers better. They resist flexing when cutting thick grass.
Q: How do I store spare blades?
A: Store spare blades flat and dry. Keep them out of reach of children. If you stack them, place cardboard between them to prevent the sharp edges from dulling each other.
Q: What is the easiest way to check blade compatibility?
A: Look at the original blade you are replacing. Note the length and the center mounting hole shape. Match these two features exactly on the new blade packaging.