Comparison: Best Gator Blades For Cub Cadet 46 (Updated | Oct 14th)

By

When maintaining a Cub Cadet 46 riding mower, selecting the right gator blades is essential for achieving a clean, even cut and ensuring long-term equipment performance. This comparison evaluates top options based on durability, cut quality, and compatibility, helping you make an informed choice without endorsing specific brands or prices. Whether you prioritize sharpness retention, vibration reduction, or value, this guide offers a balanced overview to meet your lawn care needs efficiently.

(98 words)

*(Note: “Gator” here refers to the mulching blade style, often called “gator” or high-lift blades, though not all brands may use that term.)*

Editor’s Choice

CUB CADET 742P04290A-X Xtreme 23.25" Blades 2-Pack RZT LX SX XT1-LT46 XT2-LX46 ZT1 46" Deck Mowers


CUB CADET 742P04290A-X Xtreme 23.25" Blades 2-Pack RZT LX SX XT1-LT46 XT2-LX46 ZT1 46" Deck Mowers

Editors choice

Best for a specific purpose

Product Comparison: Best Gator Blades For Cub Cadet 46

Premium replacement

UDC Parts 942-04290-X Mower Gator Mulching Blades 6 Point Star for Cub Cadet 46 Inch XT1 LT46 LTX 1045 1046 XT2 LX46 ZT1 742-04290-X 942-04244A 942-04290A Craftsman Troy Bilt MTD 942-04244A-X / 2 Pack

UDC Parts 942-04290-X Mower Gator Mulching Blades 6 Point Star for Cub Cadet 46 Inch XT1 LT46 LTX 1045 1046 XT2 LX46 ZT1 742-04290-X 942-04244A 942-04290A Craftsman Troy Bilt MTD 942-04244A-X / 2 Pack

UDC Parts
  • Dimensions: Length 23-1/4", Width 2-1/2", Thickness 0.150", Center Hole 6 point star, Side Hole 21/64", Center to Center Outside Hole 2-1/2", Air Lift 1-7/64", Cutting Edge Length 5-7/16", Compatible Deck Size 46". The length of the blade is measured diagonally from one end to the other
  • Replaces OEM Part: MTD Troy Bilt Cub Cadet 742-04290-X, 942-04290-X, 942-04290A, 742-04290A, 942-04290, 742-04290, 942-04244, 742-04244, 942-04244A, 742-04244A, 942-04361, 742-04361, 942-04244-X, 942-04361-0684, 490-110-C156, 942-04244A-X, 742-04290A-X, 742P04290A-X, 742P04290-X
  • 6-Point Star Fitment – Works with decks that use a 6-Point Star center hole. Does not fit S-shape center hole decks. Please confirm the complete model number to ensure a proper fit. For a more detailed list of compatible models, check the description below
  • 942-04290-X Cub Cadet 46 Inch Mower Blades 6 Point Star Compatible with LTX1045, LTX1046, LTX 1046 VT, LTX 1046 KW, LTX 1046 M, RZT-L46, RZT-L46 FAB Honda, RZT-L46 KH, RZT-L46 KH FAB, RZT-LX 46 KW FAB, RZT-S46, RZT-S46 KH FAB, RZT-SX 46 EFI FAB, RZT-SX 46 KH FAB
  • 942-04290-X Cub Cadet 46 Inch Mower Blades – Not for All XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series Models – Fits Only 6 Point Star Center Hole. Works with: XT1-LT 46 (Only for: 13WPA1CT210, 13WPA1CT010, 13WPA1CT009, 13APA1CT256, 13APA1CT056, 13APA1CT009, 13A6A9CT009, 13A6A1CT056), XT1-LT 46 KH (Only for: 13APA1CT009, 13APA1CT010, 13APA1CT056, 13APA1CT210, 13APA1CT256, 13APA9CT010, 13APA9CT056, 13APA9CT210, 13WPA1CT009, 13WPA1CT010). Please double-check your model ID for proper fit
  • 942-04290-X Cub Cadet 46 Inch Mower Blades – Not for All XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series Models – Fits Only 6 Point Star Center Hole. Works with: XT1-LT 46 FAB (13WQA1CN010, 13WQA1CN210), XT1-LT 46 EFI FAB (13B9A1CN056, 13B9A1CN010, 13A9A1CN056, 13A9A1CN010, 13A9A1CN009, 13W9A1CN010), XT2-LX46 (13AJA1CT010, 13AFA1CT010, 13WFA1CT010), XT2-LX 46 FAB (13WQA4CN210, 13WQA4CN010, 13WIA4CN210, 13WIA4CN010, 13AIA4CN010, 13WFA1CT210), XT2-LX46KH (13YQA1CT010, 13WQA1CT210, 13WQA1CT010, 13AQA1CT210, 13AQA1CT010)
  • 742-04290-X Cub Cadet 46 Inch Mower Blades – Not for All XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series Models – Fits Only 6 Point Star Center Hole. Works with: XT2-LX 46 KH FAB (Only for: 13AQA4CN210, 13AQA4CN010), XT2-LX 46 EFI (13AJA1CT010), XT2-LX 46 EFI FAB (13AZA1CN210, 13AZA1CN010), XT2-LX 46 LE FAB (13AFA1CN010, 13AGA1CN010), ZT1-46 (17AAEACN010, 17RAEACN010), ZT1-46 KH (17AREACT010, 17RREACT010), ZT1-46 KH FAB (Only for: 17RREACN010, 17AREACN010), ZT2 Ultima Series 46
  • 942-04290-X Troy Bilt 46 Inch Mower Blades 6 Point Star Compatible with Mustang XP 46, Mustang XP Pivot S 46, Bronco 46 (46X, 46B, 46I, 46K), Bronco 46 Auto, Super Bronco 46, Super Bronco XP 46, Horse, Horse 46, Horse XP 46, Horse XP, TB46, TB2246, Thouroghbred, TB 547/46

Check price

Budget pick

742-04290-X Gator Mulching Blades for Cub Cadet MTD Troy-Bilt Craftsman Mower 46 Inch Deck – Heavy Duty Blade Replaces 942-04290-X 942-04290 942-04290A 942-04244A 742-04244 742-04290 – 2 Pack

742-04290-X Gator Mulching Blades for Cub Cadet MTD Troy-Bilt Craftsman Mower 46 Inch Deck - Heavy Duty Blade Replaces 942-04290-X 942-04290 942-04290A 942-04244A 742-04244 742-04290 - 2 Pack

BCQNXX
  • 【Replacement Part Number】 942-04290-X, 742-04290, 742-04290-X, 742-04290A-X, 742P04290A-X, 742P04290-X, 942-04244A, 942-04244, 942-04244-X, 742-04244, CMXGZAM110131, CMXGZAM110181
  • 【Blades Specification】Package includes: 2 X Mulching Blades. Length: 23-1/4", Width: 2-3/8", Thickness: .150", Center Hole : 6 Point Star. For Deck Size: 46". The blade is made of heavy duty metal, ensuring its durability and long-lasting use. Powder-coat finish help to prevent rust. Extended cutting surface helps with cutting efficiency. The strong and durable blade is ideal for cutting tall grass and dense vegetation in the yard.
  • 【Compatible with】Cub Cadet: LTX1045, LTX1046, LTX1046 KW, LTX1046 M, LTX1046VT, RZT-L46, RZT-L46 H, RZT-L46 KH, RZT-LX46 KW, RZT-S46 KH, RZT-SX46 EFI, RZT-SX46 KH, RZT-S46, XT1&XT2 Enduro Series, LT46, LT46 KH, LT46 EFI, LX46 EFI, LX46 KH, LX46 LE; ZT1&ZT2 Ultima Series 46 KH
  • 【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
  • 【Compatible with】MTD: Gold 771T, 795T, 915T, 935T; Craftsman: LT2000, LT2500, T1500, T1600, T1700, T1900, T2600, T2700, T2800, T150, T225, T135, T150, T240, Z6400, T8200, T3100, T8600, Z530; Huskee: LT4600; White Outdoor: LT2200, LT-2200; Murray: M200-46, M19546, RZT46; Yard-Man: LT-46

Check price

Durable build

Oregon 96-401 G3 Gator Blades – Pack of 2

Oregon 96-401 G3 Gator Blades - Pack of 2

Oregon
  • Weight 2.97lbs; Thickness .149"; Length 23-1/4"; Center Hole Diameter 5/8 Y 6 pt star; Width 3"; Pack of 2 Blades
  • Replaces: Cub Cadet 742-04244, 942-04244, 942-04244A, OCC-742-04244; MTD 742-04290, 942-04244A, 942-04290, 942-04290-X
  • Fits: Cub Cadet LTX1045, LTX1046 and LTX1046VT with 46" decks; Yardman 13AR91PT099 and 13AR91PT299, 2011 with 46" decks

Check price

Multi-purpose blade

Grasscool 46 inch Mower Blades for 942-04244A 942-04290 MTD Cub Cadet XT1 XT2 LT46 RZT L46 46" Deck Lawnmower Replace 942-04244 742-04244 High-Lift (2 Pack)

Grasscool 46 inch Mower Blades for 942-04244A 942-04290 MTD Cub Cadet XT1 XT2 LT46 RZT L46 46" Deck Lawnmower Replace 942-04244 742-04244 High-Lift (2 Pack)

Grasscool
  • Fits For Cub Cade XT1 46 Blades, Replace Number MTD Cub Cade Craftsman 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, Cub Cadet ZT1 and ZT2 Ultima Series 46 KH.
  • AVOID MISTAKES: The blade is NOT suitable for 742-05510 S-shape center CubCadet models XT1 XT2 LT46 LX46, and others. This 942-04244A blade is ONLY compatible with a 6-Point Star(5/8") spindle. Please check that your center hole pattern matches before purchasing to avoid installation issues.
  • 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.
  • 2-IN-1 BLADE: Serves 2 purposes (bagging and side discharging) at the same time. Perfect for cutting tall or wet grass, the high-lift blade design creates powerful airflow and suction, providing the fastest mowing speed and propelling clippings into the collection bag or discharge chute.
  • LOWER CLOGGING RISK: With strong airflow and discharge capabilities, the high-lift blade can prevent grass clippings from accumulating at the bottom of the mower.
  • ENSURE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: we conduct a series of rigorous tests, including the Rockwell Hardness Test, V-bend Test, Blade Chip Test, Balance Test, Performance Test, and Field Test.
  • NOTICE: The cutting edges are painted to prevent rust and protect your hands during installation. The paint will wear off as you mow the grass.

Check price

Editors choice

CUB CADET 742P04290A-X Xtreme 23.25" Blades 2-Pack RZT LX SX XT1-LT46 XT2-LX46 ZT1 46" Deck Mowers

CUB CADET 742P04290A-X Xtreme 23.25" Blades 2-Pack RZT LX SX XT1-LT46 XT2-LX46 ZT1 46" Deck Mowers

CUB CADET
  • CUB CADET OEM Part Number: 742P04290A-X, Replaces: 942-04244-X, 942-04244A-X, 942-04290-X, 942-04361, 942-04361-0684, 742-04290-X, 742-04290A-X, 742-04361, 742P04290-X
  • Fits CUB CADET: Enduro: XT1-LT46, XT2-LX46, Tractors; LTX1042, LTX1045, LTX1046, Tractors
  • Fits CUB CADET: RZT-L46, RZT-LX46, RZT-S46, RZT-SX46, Zero-Turn Mowers; Ultima ZT1-46 Mowers
  • Fits Riding Mowers, Lawn Tractors and RZT Mowers with a Two-Blade 46-inch Cutting Deck (2009-)

Check price

Broad compatibility

8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade Set for MTD Cub Cadet RZT L46 S46 942-04290 942-04244 742-04244 742-04290 (Toothed)

8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade Set for MTD Cub Cadet RZT L46 S46 942-04290 942-04244 742-04244 742-04290 (Toothed)

8TEN
  • Compatible with OEM Part Numbers Cub Cadet/MTD 942-04290-X, 742-04244, 942-04244, 942-04244A, 742-04290, 942-04290
  • Compatible with Models Cub Cadet LTX1045, LTX1046, LTX1046KW, LTX1046M, LTX1046VT, RZT-L46, RZT-L46KH, RZT-LX 46, RZT-S46, RZT-S46 KH, RZT-SX 46 EFI, RZT-SX 46 KH, XT1-LT46, XT1-LT46 EFI, XT1-LT46 KH, XT2-LX46, XT2-LX46 EFI, XT2-LX46 KH, XT2-LX46 KW, XT2-LX46 LE, ZT1-46 KH with 46 Inch Mower Decks
  • Compatible with MTD 13AL795T058, 13AN785T055, 13AR91PT099, 13AR91PT299, 13AX79WT083, 13AX915T001, 13AX915T004, 13AX935T001, 13AX935T004, 13BQA1ZT099, 17ADCACT058, 17ARCBDT597 with 46 Inch Mower Decks
  • Compatible with MTD CLT46CVT, LT2000, LT2500, T135, T150, T1500, T1600, T1700, T1900, T225, T240, T2600, T2700, T2800, T3100, T8200, T8600, Z530, Z6400 with 46 Inch Mower Decks
  • Blade Specs Length 23 1/4", Width 2 3/8", Center Hole 6-PT Star, Thickness 0.1875;

Check price

Safety design

942-04290-X Mower Gator Mulching Blades for Cub Cadet 46 Inch XT1 LT46 LTX 1045 1046 XT2 LX46 ZT1 742-04290-X 942-04244A 942-04290A Craftsman Troy Bilt MTD 942-04244A-X / 2 Pack

942-04290-X Mower Gator Mulching Blades for Cub Cadet 46 Inch XT1 LT46 LTX 1045 1046 XT2 LX46 ZT1 742-04290-X 942-04244A 942-04290A Craftsman Troy Bilt MTD 942-04244A-X / 2 Pack

FISUNNY
  • Length 23-1/4", Width 2-1/2", Thickness 0.150", Center Hole 6 point star, Side Hole 21/64", Center to Center Outside Hole 2-1/2", Air Lift 1-7/64", Cutting Edge Length 5-7/16", Compatible Deck Size 46". The length of the blade is measured diagonally from one end to the other
  • OEM Part: MTD Troy Bilt Cub Cadet 742-04290-X, 942-04290-X, 942-04290A, 742-04290A, 942-04290, 742-04290, 942-04244, 742-04244, 942-04244A, 742-04244A, 942-04361, 742-04361, 942-04244-X, 942-04361-0684, 490-110-C156, 942-04244A-X, 742-04290A-X, 742P04290A-X, 742P04290-X
  • When installing a new Blade, or Cutter, you may notice that the cutting edge has been pre-sharpened but then painted over. This paint is a safety measure to protect the installer from injury during installation. This paint will come off quickly during initial operation and should not be otherwise removed
  • When installing a new Blade, or Cutter, you may notice that the cutting edge has been pre-sharpened but then painted over. This paint is a safety measure to protect the installer from injury during installation. This paint will come off quickly during initial operation and should not be otherwise removed

Check price

Toothed mulching

Grasscool 942-04290-X Mulching Blade for Cub Cadet 46" Deck Mower Replace for 942-04290 942-04244 742-04244 742-04290 (6 Point Star Mounting Hole)

Grasscool 942-04290-X Mulching Blade for Cub Cadet 46" Deck Mower Replace for 942-04290 942-04244 742-04244 742-04290 (6 Point Star Mounting Hole)

Grasscool
  • 46 inch Cub Cadet Mower Blades Replace for MTD Cub Cadet 942-04290-X 742-04244 942-04244 942-04244A 742-04290 942-04244A 742-04290-X 742-04290A-X 742P04290-X 942-04244-X 942-04244A-X.
  • 46 inch Cub Cadet Mower Blades For Cub Cadet 46 Inch Lawn Mower,model# Cub Cadet XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series LT46 LX46, Cub Cadet LTX1045 LTX1046, Cub Cadet ZT1 and ZT2 Ultima Series 46 KH
  • AVOID MISTAKES: The blade is NOT suitable for 742-05510 S-shape center CubCadet models XT1 XT2 LT46 LX46, and others. This 942-04244A blade is ONLY compatible with a 6-Point Star(5/8") spindle. Please check that your center hole pattern matches before purchasing to avoid installation issues.
  • BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 23-1/4"(590mm), Width: 2-3/8"(60mm), Thickness: 5/32"(4mm), Center Hole Shape: 6 Point Star(5/8"), For Deck Size: 46", Lift: 1-1/8"(28mm), Mower Blade Type: Toothed Mulching Blade.
  • TOOTHED 3-IN-1 BLADE: Serves 3 purposes (mulching, bagging, and side discharging) at the same time. The curved toothed design provides a better mulching experience, ideal for mowing overgrown grass and its high-lift increases the bagging capacity by 50%.
  • LOWER CLOGGING RISK: Strong airflow and finely shredded grass can reduce clogging around the blade and improve mowing efficiency.
  • ENSURE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: we conduct a series of rigorous tests, including the Rockwell Hardness Test, V-bend Test, Blade Chip Test, Balance Test, Performance Test, and Field Test.
  • NOTICE: The cutting edges are painted to prevent rust and protect your hands during installation. The paint will wear off as you mow the grass.

Check price

Aggressive cutting

(OCN) 742-04244, 942-04290 (2PK) Oregon 96-401 46" Gator Mulcher Blades Repl Compatible with Cub Cadet 942-04244A-X, 942-04290, 942-04361, 942-04361-0684 + Other Models

(OCN) 742-04244, 942-04290 (2PK) Oregon 96-401 46" Gator Mulcher Blades Repl Compatible with Cub Cadet 942-04244A-X, 942-04290, 942-04361, 942-04361-0684 + Other Models

Generic
  • Oregon 96-401 46" Gator Mulcher Blades Replaces C Cadet 742-04244, 942-04290
  • Product Details Center hole: 6 point start, 5/8" Aggressive blade angle increases air flow to push debris up and out for superior bagging or side discharge
  • Replacement for major brand: C Cadet Will not work on 2014 and newer 46" stamped decks
  • Replaces C Cadet, MTD, Craftsman: 490-110-C131, 742-04244, 742-04244A, 742-04290, 742-04290-X, 742-04361, 942-04244, 942-04244-X, 942-04244A
  • 942-04244A-X, 942-04290, 942-04361, 942-04361-0684

Check price

Diamond hole

8TEN LawnRAZOR Blade for Cub Cadet MTD XT2-LX46 XT1-LT46 ZTS1 ZT1 46 46-Inch 742P05510-X 742-05510-X Toothed 2 Pack

8TEN LawnRAZOR Blade for Cub Cadet MTD XT2-LX46 XT1-LT46 ZTS1 ZT1 46 46-Inch 742P05510-X 742-05510-X Toothed 2 Pack

8TEN
  • Compatible with OEM Part Numbers Cub Cadet/MTD/Troy Bilt 742P05510-X, 742-05510-X, 490-110-C203, 490-110-Y203; Craftsman CMXGZAM110203
  • Compatible with Cub Cadet XT2-LX46, XT1-LT46, ZTS1-46, ZT1-46 with 46-Inch Decks
  • Compatible with Troy Bilt Super Bronco 46 XP, Mustang Z46; Craftsman Z5450, Z5400, T2400 with 46-Inch Decks
  • Diamond Hole Blade Pattern compatible with S-Pattern Blade Spindles.
  • Blade Length (IN) 23 1/4 Inch; Blade Width (IN) 2 5/8; Blade Center Hole (IN) Diamond 7/8; Blade Type Toothed

Check price

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Buying Guide

Buying Guide: Best gator blades for cub cadet 46

Compatibility

  • Verify 6-point star center hole fitment
  • Check model-specific compatibility lists
  • Confirm deck size matches 46"

Blade Specifications

  • Evaluate thickness (.149"to .1875")
  • Measure length (23-1/4") and width (2-1/2"to 3")
  • Check air lift measurements (1-7/64"to 1-3/8")

Material & Durability

  • Look for heavy-duty metal construction
  • Powder-coated finishes for rust resistance
  • Reinforced cutting edges for longevity

Performance Features

  • High-lift designs for better airflow
  • Toothed mulching blades for finer cuts
  • Multi-purpose blades (mulching/bagging/discharge)

Replacement Details

  • Cross-reference OEM part numbers
  • Identify compatible model series
  • Avoid S-shape center hole variants

Safety & Installation

  • Pre-sharpened edges with safety coatings
  • Clear spindle pattern requirements
  • Avoid mismatched hole configurations

FAQs

Which blades are OEM replacements for Cub Cadet 46?

Oregon 96-401 G3 Gator Blades and CUB CADET 742P04290A-X are OEM-compatible options.

Are there 2-pack blade options available?

Yes, Grasscool 46 inch, CUB CADET 742P04290A-X, and 8TEN LawnRAZOR sets include 2-packs.

Which blades fit Cub Cadet XT1/LT46 models?

Grasscool 942-04290-X and 8TEN LawnRAZOR blades are designed for XT1/LT46 decks.

Do any blades support multiple mower brands?

742-04290-X blades work with Cub Cadet, MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman models.

What blades have a 6-point star design?

UDC Parts 942-04290-X features a 6-point star mulching blade design.

Which blades are best for heavy-duty use?

CUB CADET Xtreme 23.25"blades are reinforced for durable performance.

Are replacement blades available for 942-04244A models?

Grasscool 46 inch blades and OCN Oregon 96-401 replacements fit 942-04244A decks.

Similar Posts