Craftsman MTD Troy Bilt Cub Cadet Mulching Blade 942-0741A Review: Is It Worth It?

Last updated: February 19, 2026

We recently tested the UDC mulching blade on our 21-inch mower. It fit well without any modifications and handled thick, uneven grass like a champ.

The blade feels sturdy and a bit heavier than most stock blades, which seems to help with mulching. We noticed improved efficiency, especially in tougher spots.

Installation? Honestly, it was a breeze. The blade came sharp enough to handle several mowing sessions before we even thought about sharpening.

It’s a bit louder than we expected. The painted cutting edges also wear off pretty quickly once you start mowing.

Overview of Mulching Blade 942-0741A 21 Inch

We found this mulching blade easy to install and a solid fit for several 21-inch mowers. It breaks grass clippings down into fine mulch, which keeps lawns neater than you’d think.

The blade feels heavier and more durable than some standard options. That extra weight means it holds an edge longer.

The painted cutting edge catches your eye at first, but it wears off fast after you start mowing. Its shape and size work well with popular brands, so you don’t have to stress about compatibility.

Key Features

When we swapped in this mulching blade, a few things jumped out. It works with lots of well-known mower brands, which made our lives easier.

The steel feels tough enough for heavy mowing jobs. The air lift design keeps grass clippings moving smoothly, and we didn’t run into any clogging issues.

The blade comes pre-sharpened and coated, which makes handling safer.

Universal Compatibility for Major Brands

This blade fits a wide range of popular mowers. We used it on Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and MTD models without trouble.

It fits tight and secure, which is important—nobody wants a loose blade rattling around. The wide compatibility saves time since you don’t have to hunt for a specific part.

Heavy-Duty Steel Construction

The thick steel build gives this blade a solid, durable feel. It stands up to regular use and tougher grass conditions.

It isn’t the lightest blade, but that added weight brings more stability during mowing. We never saw it warp or bend, which says a lot about its longevity.

Air Lift and Cutting Edge Design

The air lift feature really helps send grass clippings up into the mower’s deck for better mulching. The sharp edge slices through tough grass and leaves with ease.

This design limits clogging, so the blade keeps working efficiently, even in thicker patches.

Pre-Sharpened and Safety Coated

Straight out of the box, the blade was ready to go. The cutting edge had a light safety paint, which made handling safer but wore off within minutes of mowing.

We didn’t notice any difference in cutting ability because of the coating. The sharpness stuck around longer than we expected.

Installation Experience

Installing the new mulching blade was simple. We took off the old blade and popped this one on—no fuss.

It fit tightly and matched our mower perfectly. We appreciated that it was sharp enough to use right away.

The blade’s weight gave us confidence in its durability. The only minor gripe? The paint wore off after a few uses, but that didn’t affect how it performed.

If you’re comfortable with basic mower maintenance, you’ll have no trouble swapping this blade in.

Pros and Cons

We found several strong points with this mulching blade, but there are a couple of things that could be better.

Pros

• Good fit and easy install: Matched our mower perfectly and swapping it out was a breeze.
• Sharp and effective cut: Arrived sharp and cut grass cleanly.
• Durable design: Heavier and tougher than some standard blades, so it lasts longer.
• Better mulching: Produced fine clippings that help keep the lawn in shape.
• Less frequent sharpening: Stayed sharp longer than most blades we’ve used.

Cons

• Paint on cutting edge: The safety paint wears off quickly and looks odd at first.
• Slightly louder: Makes more noise than some original blades.
• Limited sharpening advice: Manufacturer suggests not sharpening, which might bug people who like to keep blades razor sharp.

Performance in Different Yard Conditions

We tried the mulching blade in all sorts of yard conditions—thick, wet grass, rough patches, even some rocky spots. It cut tall and damp grass without bogging down.

In uneven or rural areas with small debris, the blade held its edge longer than our old ones. The extra weight helps it power through tougher areas.

It’s definitely a little louder than standard blades. That’s probably noticeable if you live somewhere quiet.

• Cuts thick and wet grass efficiently
• Holds edge longer in rough, tree-filled yards
• Slightly louder but feels sturdy
• Easy swap and fits well on common mower brands

Customer Reviews

Most users seem pretty happy with these mulching blades right out of the box. Folks mention a clean, efficient cut and say it handles thick or patchy grass with no problem.

People like that the blades are heavier and more durable than standard ones, so they don’t have to sharpen as often. Installation usually goes smoothly.

Some people mention the blade’s a bit louder and the paint wears off quickly. Others point out it fits perfectly on different mowers, which makes replacement a non-issue.

Feedback highlights solid build quality and strong mulching ability. Most complaints are just about the noise and the finish.

Pros:

• Sharp, clean cut
• Durable, heavy duty
• Easy to install

Cons:

• Slightly louder than OEM
• Paint wears off over time

After spending some time with the mulching blade, I’d say it’s a solid upgrade for the mower. The fit feels right, and installation doesn’t take long at all.

Cutting grass with it? It’s clean, even in those stubborn thick patches. I noticed it powers through without much fuss.

The blade’s heavier build helps it last longer. I don’t have to sharpen it as often, which I really appreciate, especially when the yard gets rough.

It does run a bit louder than the original blade. That might bother some people, but it’s not a dealbreaker for me.

If you’re after a durable, easy-to-install blade that improves cutting and mulching, this one’s definitely worth a look. For regular mowing, it strikes a good balance between performance and low-key maintenance.