Does your lawn look patchy, even after you’ve just mowed? A dull or wrong-sized blade can turn a simple chore into a frustrating battle against uneven grass. For many homeowners, the 21-inch mower is the workhorse of the yard, but choosing the perfect blade for it feels surprisingly complicated. You worry about fit, cutting quality, and how fast the blade will wear out.
Selecting the correct 21-inch lawn mower blade is crucial. The wrong blade tears the grass instead of slicing it cleanly, stressing your mower engine and leaving your lawn looking ragged. It’s a small part that makes a huge difference in your yard’s health and appearance. We understand this headache, and that’s why we’ve cut through the confusion.
Inside this guide, you will learn exactly how to match the best blade type—whether standard, mulching, or high-lift—to your specific machine and grass type. By the end, you will confidently choose a blade that delivers a professional, clean cut every single time. Let’s dive in and get your lawn looking its absolute best.
Top 21 Inch Lawn Mower Blade Recommendations
- 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: 20 7/8″(531.5mm), 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%.
- 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"
- Replaces OEM numbers 165833, 175064, 189028, 406712, 176135, 159267, 008020, 175052, 406706, 406712X431, 531300765, 532 15 92-67, 532 17 50-52, 532159267, 532165833, 532175064, 532176135, 532189028, 532406712, 539111878 and PP23020
- Also fits Craftsman CMXGZAM100129
- Includes 1 mulching blade for many 21-in cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan mowers
- 5/8-in center hole diameter
- Manufactured to meet or exceed all OEM specifications
- Replaces:Cub Cadet: 742-04100, 742-0741, 742-0741A, 942-0741, 942-0741A MTD: 742-04100, 742-0741, 942-0741, 9420741A
- Length: 21"| Width: 2-1/6"| Thickness: .126"| Center Hole:Bow Tie| Diameter Outside Hole: 5/16",Center to Center Outside Hole:2-1/2"
- 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; Craftsman M250 M110 M230 M140 M210 M100 M260 M105 M270 M115 M320 M310 Lawn Mower.
- Compatible with Cub Cadet: 300 and 900 series walk behind mowers with 21" deck | MTD 21" walk behind mowers 1995 and newer | Troy Bilt: 21" walk behind mowers 1995 and newer | Ranch King: 21" walk behind mowers 1995 and newer | Yard Machine: 21" walk behind mowers 1995 and newer
- Check your owner's manual to verify the OEM number of the blade being replaced matches one of the OEM numbers provided for this item
- Fits For Troy Bilt Tb110 Blade, Replace number Troy Bilt Cub Cade Craftsman 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 CMXGZAM100067 OEM-742-0741.
- Fits For Troy Bilt 21 Inch Mower 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; Craftsman M250 M110 M230 M140 M210 M100 M260 M105 M270 M115 M320 M310 Lawn Mower.
- AVOID MISTAKES: This 942-0741A blade is ONLY compatible with a Bow Tie spindle. Please check that your center hole pattern matches before purchasing to avoid installation issues.
- 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.
- 【High Quality】A ABIGAIL blades are Forged from heat-treated 65Mn manganese steel, these mulching blades offer superior impact resistance against roots and rocks. Rust-resistant powder coating ensures durability, delivering cleaner cuts and longer lifespan in demanding conditions.
- 【Replaces OEM Part Numbers】Troy Bilt Cub Cade Craftsman 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 CMXGZAM100067 OEM-742-0741.
- 【Application】3-IN-1 Mulching Blade is 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; Craftsman M250 M110 M230 M140 M210 M100 M260 M105 M270 M115 M320 M310 Lawn Mower.
- 【Specifications】2 x Lawn Mower Blades, 21" in length, 2-1/8" width, , outside hole diameter: 5/16", center to center outside hole: 2-1/2", Center Hole: Bow Tie.
- 【Important】Please confirm your original blade's replacement number, mower model, and deck size before purchasing — do not rely solely on compatible model lists.
- Includes (1) 21 in. universal gold metal commercial mulching blade
- Measures 21 in. L x 2-1/4 in. W with a 1 in. center hole diameter
- Includes a cover washer and 6 reducing washers in the following sizes: 3/8 in., 7/16 in., 9/16 in., 1/2 in., 5/8 in., and 3/16 in
- Fits MOST 21" cut mowers
- Recommended for gas powered mowers - not battery powered or electric mowers
- 【REPLACES OEM】Troy Bilt/Cub Cadet/MTD 742-04100, 742-0741, 742-0741A, 942-0741, 942-0741A, 742-04276, 742-04276S, 942-04276, 942-04276S, CC-742-0741, 490-100-C089, 490-100-M084; Craftsman CMXGZAM100067
- 【FITS MODELS】Troy-Bilt TB449E, Tru-Cut 110, Tru-Cut 100, Tuff-Cut 200, Tuff-Cut 210, Tuff-Cut 220, Tuff-Cut 230, Pro-Cut 300, Pro-Cut 310, Pro-Cut 320, TB105, TB110, TB115, TB120, TB125, TB130, TB130XP, TB140, TB160, TB160 XP, TB200, TB210, TB220, TB230, TB240, TB270ES, TB270XP, TB280ES, TB290ES, TB320, TB330, TB360, TB360ES, TB370, TB370XP, TB380XP, TB380ES, TB400XP, TB430XP, TB450XP, TB490XP.
- 【FITS MODELS】Craftsman M100,M105, M110, M115, M140, M210, M230, M250, M260, M270, M310, M320; White Outdoor LC-149, LC-210, LC-210SS, LC-215, LC-215E, LC-436, HW-456, HW-615, HW-656, W-54K, W-54MB, W-54MC, W-56MC, W-83MC, W-995
- 【FITS MODELS】Cub Cadet CC439, CC469, CC46ES, CC46M, CC46MZ, CC949, CC94M, CC98, CC98H, CC98K, CC989, CC98M, CC997ES, CC99M, CC999ES, PR521, S621, S621SS, SC100, SC100H, SC100HW, SC300, SC300E, SC300HW, SC500EZ, SC500EQ, SC500HW, SC500Z, SC621, SC621E, SC700, SC700H, SR621, SRC621, SRE621, 5521, 214IP, 214KW.
- 【HIGH QUALITY】The Mulching Blade is made of heavy duty metal, ensuring its durability and long-lasting use. Center Hole: Bow Tie - 18mm, Length: 21", Width: 2-1/5", Thickness: 1/8", Outside Holes Diameter 5/16", Center to Center (Outside Holes): 2-1/2", Deck Size: 21 inches. Package includes: 2 X Mulching Blades.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your 21-Inch Lawn Mower Blade
Choosing the right 21-inch lawn mower blade makes a huge difference in how your lawn looks. A good blade cuts cleanly. A dull or wrong blade tears the grass. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a new blade, look closely at these important parts:
1. Blade Type
- Standard/High-Lift Blades: These are common. They lift the grass up high before cutting. This creates a nice vacuum effect. They work well in normal conditions.
- Mulching Blades: These blades have curves or extra cutting edges. They chop the grass clippings into tiny pieces. These small pieces fall back into the lawn as natural fertilizer.
- Bagging Blades: These also lift the clippings well. They push the cut grass toward the discharge chute so you can bag it easily.
2. Center Hole Shape
The hole in the middle of the blade must match your mower’s spindle exactly. Mower spindles come in different shapes. Common shapes include Star, Bowtie, or Round. Measure or check your old blade carefully. A bad fit means the blade wobbles and won’t attach safely.
3. Overall Length
While you need a 21-inch blade, measure your old one just to be sure. Most 21-inch mowers use blades that are exactly 21 inches from tip to tip. Always confirm the exact measurement.
Important Materials and Quality Factors
The material of the blade affects how long it lasts and how sharp it stays.
1. Steel Quality
- High-Carbon Steel: Most good blades use this. It holds a sharp edge longer than softer metals. It resists bending when hitting small rocks or sticks.
- Thickness: Thicker blades generally last longer and resist warping. Check the gauge (thickness) if the seller lists it.
2. Coating and Finish
Some blades have special coatings (like paint or powder coating). These coatings help prevent rust when the blade sits unused during winter. Rust weakens the metal over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Improved Quality: Blades made from heat-treated steel offer better toughness. Look for blades with balanced construction; this means they spin smoothly without vibration.
- Reduced Quality: Cheap, thin metal blades dull very fast. They might also bend easily if they strike a hard object. Poorly balanced blades cause your mower engine to shake, which can cause damage over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your yard conditions decide which blade you should buy.
For Thick, Tall Grass
If you often let your grass grow too long, you need a blade with high lift. A high-lift blade creates a strong airflow to stand the grass up before cutting. This prevents the mower from bogging down.
For Frequent Mowing (Lawn Health)
If you mow every week, a mulching blade works best. It keeps the clippings small. This feeds your lawn nutrients naturally. You will spend less time bagging clippings.
For Yards with Debris
If your lawn sometimes has small sticks or acorns, you need a tough, thick blade. A strong blade handles these hits better. Always stop the mower and check for debris before you start cutting.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 21-Inch Mower Blades
Q: How often should I replace my 21-inch blade?
A: You should replace it at least once a year, or sooner if you notice ragged cuts. Sharpening is an option, but replacement offers better performance.
Q: Can I use a mulching blade if I want to bag my grass?
A: Yes, most mulching blades work fine for bagging too. They just chop the clippings a bit more before they exit the chute.
Q: What is “blade lift”?
A: Blade lift is how much air the blade moves. More lift means the grass stands up taller for a cleaner cut, especially in thick grass.
Q: Does the center hole shape really matter?
A: Yes, it is very important. If the hole does not match your mower spindle, the blade will not attach securely. This is dangerous.
Q: How do I know if my current blade is dull?
A: Look at the tips of your cut grass. If the tips look white, frayed, or brown the day after mowing, your blade is dull and needs attention.
Q: Is it safe to use a blade slightly longer than 21 inches?
A: No. Using a blade that is too long can cause it to hit the sides of the mower deck, which can cause serious damage or injury.
Q: What is the best time of year to buy a new blade?
A: Springtime is busy. Buying your spare blade in late winter lets you swap it out easily before the heavy cutting season starts.
Q: How do I safely remove the old blade?
A: Always disconnect the spark plug wire first for safety. Then, block the blade from spinning and use the correct wrench to loosen the center bolt.
Q: Are universal blades a good idea?
A: Universal blades fit many mowers. However, an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) blade or a blade made specifically for your model usually offers the best fit and performance.
Q: What material is best for cutting wet grass?
A: Wet grass is tough on blades. A strong, high-carbon steel blade that is kept very sharp cuts wet grass better than a soft, dull one.