Ever look at your lawn after mowing and see uneven patches or jagged edges? That frustrating sight often points to one thing: dull or the wrong kind of riding lawn mower blades. Choosing the correct blade is surprisingly tricky. Do you need high-lift, mulching, or standard blades? Pick the wrong one, and you waste time, fuel, and end up with a messy yard instead of a perfect green carpet. It feels like a small part, but the blade makes a huge difference in your mowing quality and machine health.
This isn’t just about getting the grass cut; it’s about efficiency and the health of your lawn. We understand the confusion when facing charts listing different lengths, curves, and materials. That is why we created this guide. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which blade type suits your yard conditions and mowing style. Get ready to stop guessing and start cutting like a pro. Let’s dive into the world of riding lawn mower blades and unlock the secret to a flawless finish.
Top Riding Lawn Mower 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 2 blades that fits many 42-in cut Poulan, Husqvarna, and Craftsman mowers - Please Match Current Blade OEM Number to Confirm it fits your Mower
- Replaces OEM numbers 127843, 138498, 138971, 138971X431, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498, CMXGZAM110136
- BLADE SIZE: Each blade measures 21 in. L and 2-1/4 in. W
- 5 point star center hole.
- PROUDLY MADE IN USA
- Includes 2 blades for 42" cut
- Replaces OEM no. Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan OEM #'s 134149, 532134149, 594892701, 422719, 424752, 532422719, 532424752
- Measures 21" long by 2-1/4" wide
- Has a 5 Point Star Center Hole
- Manufactured to meet or exceed all OEM specifications
- 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 5 Point Star Center Hole.If your blade's center hole is 6 Point Star Center Hole,Use MPN 942-0616A 942-04308 to order your correct blades elsewhere
- Mower Blades with 5 Star Hole Replace for Craftsman Poulan Pro Husqvarna 138971 138498 532127843 532138971 532138498 CMXGZAM110136
- Mower Blades with 5 Star Hole Compatible with Craftsman 42 inch deck riding mower lawn tractor,model: LT1000 LT2000 T110 DLT3000 T210 T2200 YT3000 YTS3000 T3000 T130 YS4500
- Mower Blades Compatible with Poulan Pro 42 inch deck riding mower lawn tractor,model:PP19A42
- Mower Blades Compatible with Husqvarna 42" inch deck riding mower lawn tractor,model:YTH18542
- Length: 20-7/8" | Width: 2-1/4" | Thickness: .157" | 5-Point Star Center Hole | 42" Mower Decks | High Lift Blade
- Replacement part for: Craftsman 127843, 134149, 138498, 138971, 917127843, 917131323 | Husqvarna 532127843, 532138498, 532138971, 531307224, 532134149 | Snapper 704429
- Compatible with: Husqvarna 2042LS, LT16542, LT152, LT18542, LTH18542, LTH174, LTH1842, LTH2042, TS142, TS242
- Compaitble with: Husqvarna 2042LS, LT2223A2, LTH152, LTH174, LTH1842, LTH2142DR, YT1942, YTA18542, YTA19K42, YTH1542XP, YTH1842, YTH2042, YTH2242A, YTH2242B, YTH180, YTH184, YTH18542, YTH2042, YTH20K42,
- Compatible with: Poulan PB185A42, PB195H42LT, PB20H42YT, PO17542LT, PP175G42, PP185A42, PP19A42, PXT12538
- Stop the guesswork! Craftsman 42" Deck Mower (T110 LT1000 LT2000), Poulan Pro 42''Deck Riding Lawnmower uses two different blade mounting pattern.Before ordering our blades,identify your original blade's mounting pattern.Our blade's mounting pattern is 5 Point Star Hole.If your blade's mounting pattern is 6 Point Star Hole,Use MPN 942-0616A 942-04308 to order your correct blades elsewhere
- Mower Blades with 5-Star Mounting Pattern Replace OEM:Craftsman AYP Husqvarna Poulan 134149,138498, 138971, 139775, 532138498, 532138971, 532127843, 532134149, 532139775
- Mower Blades with 5-Star Mounting Pattern Compatible with Craftsman 42" Deck Riding Lawn Mower,model T110 LT1000 LT2000 ys4500 yt3000
- Mower Blades with 5-Star Mounting Pattern Compatible with Poulan Pro Husqvarna 42''Deck Riding Lawn Mower
- BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 21"(533mm), Width: 2-1/2"(63.5mm), Thickness: 13/64"(5mm), Center Hole Shape: 5 Point Star, For Deck Size: 42", Lift: 1"(25mm), Mower Blade Type: Toothed Mulching Blade.
- 138971 Mower Blades OEM: 138498, 138971, 532138971, 53-21278-43, 53-21384-98, 53-21389-71, 532 13 84-98 and 532 13 89-71,422719
- 138971 Mower Blades Compatible with Craftsman 42 inch Deck Riding Mower,model# LT1000 LT2000 T110 DLT3000 T2200 YT3000
- 138971 Mower Blades Compatible with Poulan Pro 42 inch deck riding mower lawn tractor,Husqvarna 42" inch deck riding mower lawn tractor
- Mower Blades Specification:length 21"(533mm), air lift 1-1/16"(27mm),width 2-1/4"(57mm), thickness 5/32"(4mm),compatible deck size 42"
- Blades Center Hole Shape:5 Point Star
Choosing the Best Riding Mower Blades: Your Complete Buying Guide
Buying new blades for your riding lawn mower keeps your lawn looking neat and healthy. Dull or broken blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This guide helps you select the right blades for the job.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for blades, several features make a big difference in performance and how long the blades last.
Blade Length and Compatibility
- Measure Twice: Always check the exact length required for your mower’s deck. Blades that are too long will hit each other or the deck housing. Blades too short will leave uncut strips of grass.
- Center Hole Shape: The hole where the blade attaches to the spindle must match perfectly. Common shapes are star, round, or bow-tie. Using the wrong shape can cause the blade to wobble or fall off.
Blade Type for Your Yard
Different blades handle different cutting jobs. You need the right tool for your grass type and yard conditions.
- Standard/High Lift Blades: These are the most common. They lift the grass up high before cutting it, which pushes clippings out the side chute well. Good for normal grass cutting.
- Mulching Blades: These blades have extra curves or wings. They cut the grass multiple times, chopping it into very fine pieces that fall back onto the lawn as natural fertilizer. They work best in dry conditions when you don’t have huge piles of clippings.
- Medium/Low Lift Blades: These are better if you often bag your clippings or if you live in a very dusty or dry area. They don’t create as much suction.
Important Materials and Construction
The metal used determines how sharp the blade stays and how well it resists bending.
Steel Quality
Most good blades use high-carbon steel. This material holds a sharp edge longer than softer metals. Higher quality blades often list the specific grade of steel used.
Blade Thickness
Thicker blades resist bending when they strike hard objects like rocks or roots. While thicker blades weigh more, they generally offer better durability, especially if your yard has obstacles.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the material; it’s about how the blade is made.
Sharpening and Balancing
- Factory Sharpening: Look for blades that come pre-sharpened from the factory. A sharp edge cuts clean, promoting lawn health.
- Balancing: A well-made blade is balanced precisely. If a blade is unbalanced, it causes severe vibration in the mower deck. This vibration wears out bearings and spindles quickly, reducing the life of your mower.
Coatings and Finish
Some manufacturers add special coatings. These coatings resist rust and help stop grass buildup (clumping) on the blade surface, which keeps the cutting action more efficient.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your mower most often to choose the right blade.
Case 1: The Everyday Lawn
If you have a standard suburban lawn that you mow weekly, a good quality **High Lift Blade** that balances cutting efficiency with good airflow works best. You want a clean cut without spending extra time bagging.
Case 2: Thick or Wet Grass
If you often let the grass get too tall, or if you mow when the dew is still heavy, you need a blade that can handle the load. A **Heavy-Duty High Lift Blade** is a good choice because it moves a lot of air, helping eject heavy clumps of wet grass.
Case 3: Fertilizing Naturally
If your goal is to leave the clippings on the lawn to enrich the soil, invest in dedicated **Mulching Blades**. These are specifically designed to keep the clippings suspended under the deck until they are tiny pieces.
Riding Mower Blade FAQs
Q: How often should I replace my riding mower blades?
A: You should replace them at least once a year, usually before the main mowing season starts. If you hit rocks or hard debris often, inspect them every few months for deep nicks or bends.
Q: Can I sharpen my existing blades instead of buying new ones?
A: Yes, sharpening is cost-effective. However, you must file them equally on both sides and ensure they remain perfectly balanced. If the blade is heavily nicked, bent, or too thin from previous sharpening, replacement is safer.
Q: What does “High Lift” actually mean?
A: High Lift describes the curve at the trailing edge of the blade. A bigger curve creates more vacuum (suction) to pull the grass blades upright for a cleaner cut and throws the clippings out of the discharge chute forcefully.
Q: Will using the wrong size blade hurt my mower?
A: Yes, it can cause damage. Blades that are too long will collide in the middle, potentially breaking the blade or damaging the spindle assembly. Blades that are too short cause poor cutting performance.
Q: What material is best for blades used in sandy soil?
A: Sand is very abrasive. You need blades made from thicker, higher-quality, high-carbon steel. These resist wearing down quickly from constant contact with grit.
Q: What is the center hole for?
A: The center hole connects the blade to the spindle shaft that spins it. It must match the shape and size of your mower’s mounting system exactly for safe operation.
Q: Are OEM blades always better than aftermarket blades?
A: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) blades are guaranteed to fit perfectly. Aftermarket blades can be just as good, sometimes better, but you must verify the material quality and the center hole match.
Q: Should I use mulching blades all the time?
A: Mulching blades work best when the grass isn’t too thick or wet. If you have heavy growth, switch to a high-lift blade to ensure the clippings exit the deck completely, preventing clogs.
Q: How do I know if my blades are unbalanced?
A: You will feel strong shaking or vibration coming through the steering wheel or seat, especially when the blades are spinning at full speed. This signals that the blade needs balancing or replacement.
Q: Does blade coating really help?
A: Yes. Coatings reduce friction, which means your engine works slightly less hard. More importantly, they make it harder for wet grass clippings to stick to the blade, keeping the cutting edge cleaner and more effective.