Ever stare at your lawn, dreaming of that perfect, carpet-like green, only to have your mower chew and tear at the grass instead of slicing it cleanly? That frustrating, ragged look isn’t just annoying; it often points to a dull or incorrect blade. Choosing the right lawnmower blade feels like navigating a jungle of sharp metal. Do you need a high-lift blade for bagging wet leaves, or a mulching blade to finely chop clippings back into your lawn? The wrong choice means wasted effort, a damaged lawn, and an engine that works way too hard.
Getting this simple piece of metal right is the secret handshake to a beautiful yard. Stop guessing about blade types and understanding what “sharpened” truly means for your grass health. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down blade shapes, materials, and sizes so you can match the perfect blade to your mower and your lawn’s needs. Prepare to transform your mowing routine from a chore into a precise, satisfying cut.
Top Lawnmower 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
- Includes 3 blades for many 54 in. cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan mowers
- Replaces OEM #'s 187256 and 532187256
- Each blade measures 18-1/2 in. L and 2-1/2 in. W
- 5 point star center hole
- Manufactured to meet or exceed all OEM specifications
- 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"
- 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 commercial mulching blade for many 22 in. cut Toro recyclers
- Replaces OEM #'s 104-8697-03, 108-9764-04, 131-4547-03
- Measures: 21-11/16 in. L and 2-1/4 in. W
- 7/16 in. center hole diameter
- Manufactured to meet or exceed all OEM specifications. All MaxPower blades are sharpened during the manufacturing process and then powder coated for your protection. This coating will come off during the first cut to reveal a precision sharpened blade.
- 21” Blade for Superior Bagging
- Interchangeable Lower Blade on the Select Cut Multi-Blade System
- All steel blade for excellent cutting performance
- For use with EGO POWER Plus 56-Volt Select Cut Mowers: LM2130, LM2133, LM2130P, LM2135SP, LM2150SP, and LM2156SP models
- Delivers a clean cut to promote lawn health
- 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
- 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
The Ultimate Lawnmower Blade Buying Guide: Keep Your Lawn Looking Sharp
Your lawnmower blade is the heart of your machine. A good blade cuts grass cleanly. A dull blade tears it, making your lawn look messy and stressed. Choosing the right replacement blade ensures a healthy, beautiful yard all season long.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a new blade, keep these important features in mind:
- **Blade Type:** Blades come in different shapes for different jobs. Standard (or high-lift) blades work well for general mowing. Mulching blades chop clippings into tiny pieces. Bagging blades throw clippings strongly into the collection bag.
- **Length:** The blade must match your mower’s cutting width exactly. Measure your old blade from hole to hole (or tip to tip). A blade that is too long or too short will not fit or will damage the mower deck.
- **Hole Pattern/Center Hole Shape:** The center hole is where the blade attaches to the engine spindle. This shape (round, star, bow-tie) must match your specific mower model perfectly.
- **Lift (Wing Height):** This refers to the curve or wing at the back edge of the blade. High lift means the blade pulls more air, lifting grass blades up for a clean cut, which is great for bagging. Low lift is better for side discharge.
Important Materials: What Makes a Strong Blade?
The material determines how long the blade lasts and how sharp it stays.
Steel Quality
Most quality blades use hardened steel. Higher quality steel resists wear better. Thicker steel generally means a stronger blade that resists bending if you hit a rock or root.
Coating and Finish
Some blades have special coatings. These coatings, like paint or powder coating, help prevent rust. Rust weakens the blade over time. A rust-resistant blade stays stronger longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the metal; it’s about how the blade is made.
Sharpening Angle
A good blade has a precise cutting edge angle. A sharper angle cuts cleaner. However, an angle that is too sharp wears down much faster. Manufacturers balance sharpness and durability.
Balancing
This is very important! Blades must be perfectly balanced. If a blade is unbalanced, it vibrates violently when spinning fast. This vibration causes engine wear, damages the mower deck bearings, and creates a rough cut. Always look for blades advertised as “factory balanced.”
Blade Thickness and Construction
Thicker blades generally handle tough conditions better. Low-quality blades are often thinner stamped metal. These thin blades bend easily and dull quickly, reducing the quality of your cut immediately.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your lawn type dictates the best blade choice.
Standard Residential Lawn
If you have a typical suburban lawn, a good quality standard high-lift blade works well. It offers a clean cut and decent airflow for bagging.
Thick or Wet Grass (Tough Jobs)
For thick grass, you need power. Use a mulching blade if you want to leave the clippings down, or a heavy-duty bagging blade if you collect them. These blades often have more aggressive curves to move the heavier volume of grass.
Lawn Care Routine
If you mow frequently (once a week), you might get away with standard blades if you sharpen them often. If you let your grass grow long between cuts, invest in a premium, thicker steel blade. This blade will last longer between necessary replacements or sharpening sessions.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawnmower Blades
Q: How often should I replace my lawnmower blade?
A: You should check your blade before every mowing season. Replace it immediately if you see deep nicks, bends, or cracks. If you hit something hard, inspect it right away.
Q: Can I just sharpen an old blade instead of buying a new one?
A: Yes, sharpening is often much cheaper! Sharpen blades when the cutting edge looks dull. However, if the blade is bent or too thin, you must replace it for safety and performance.
Q: What is the difference between a standard blade and a mulching blade?
A: Standard blades throw grass out the side or back. Mulching blades have extra curves (called baffles) that keep the grass circulating inside the deck longer, chopping it into very fine pieces.
Q: Will a longer blade cut faster?
A: No. The length must match your mower deck size. Using a blade that is too long will cause it to hit the deck or the ground, which breaks the blade and damages your mower.
Q: What is “blade lift”?
A: Blade lift is how much air the blade moves. High lift pulls the grass blades up for a clean cut, but it uses more engine power. Low lift is easier on the engine but might leave clumps.
Q: How do I know if my current blade is unbalanced?
A: If your mower vibrates heavily, especially at high speed, the blade is likely unbalanced. You can test balance using a blade balancer tool available at hardware stores.
Q: Is it safe to use a blade designed for a different brand of mower?
A: Only if the dimensions, center hole shape, and overall length match exactly. Never force a blade to fit. Mismatched blades are dangerous.
Q: What does “high-carbon steel” mean for my blade?
A: High-carbon steel is very hard. This means it holds a sharp edge for a long time, which is great for cutting tough grass varieties.
Q: Should I buy OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket blades?
A: OEM blades are guaranteed to fit perfectly. Aftermarket blades are often cheaper, but you must verify that the material quality and hole pattern match your mower’s requirements.
Q: Does the blade color matter?
A: Generally, no. Color usually just indicates the brand or the protective coating applied. Focus on the steel quality, thickness, and correct fit, not the paint color.