MTD Tractor Blades 21-13/64 inch

Worth it for contractors maintaining fleets of 42-inch deck mowers who need reliable OEM-standard mulching performance. The 21-13/64 inch (21.203”) length paired with 6-point star mounting delivers exact fit compatibility, while the 2.25-inch width and 0.134-inch thickness hit the sweet spot for mulching without bogging down in thick grass. At 5.0 stars based on retailer feedback, these blades deliver what Montana lawn services need.

This blade set works best for landscape contractors who service multiple tractor brands and want one reliable mulching blade that fits MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Huskee, Yard Machines, Yard-Man, and Bolens units. Professional users praise the heavy-duty steel construction’s ability to handle thick, uneven grass efficiently, with the air lift design producing fine mulch without clogging.

Precise Specifications for 42-Inch Deck Compatibility

These aren’t universal blades that need adapters — they’re precision-engineered for 42-inch decks with specific measurements that matter.

Specification	Value
Length	21-13/64 inches (21.203”)
Center Hole Type	6-point star
Center Hole Size	1 inch
Width	2.25 inches
Thickness	0.134 inches
Weight	1.0 lb per blade
Material	Steel
Finish	Black

The 70-100 foot-pounds torque specification ensures secure mounting without overtightening. That 6-point star center hole eliminates the slop you get with universal blades — direct fitment means no wobble, no adapters, no compromises. Users note they come pre-sharpened and ready to install, saving setup time on fleet maintenance.

Multi-Brand Fleet Compatibility

For contractors servicing mixed fleets, these blades replace multiple OEM part numbers: 942-0616, 942-0616A, 742-0616, 742-0616A, and 942-0499A. Compatible brands include MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Huskee, Yard Machines, Yard-Man, and Bolens — essentially the entire MTD family of brands that dominate Montana’s residential mower market.

Compared to Oregon Gator G3/G5 blades with more aggressive mulching teeth, these maintain the standard OEM profile. Against Arnold Universal Blades that often require adapters, the direct 6-point star fitment saves installation hassle. Versus standard high-lift blades better for bagging, these prioritize mulching effectiveness.

Sold as blade sets (2 blades for complete 42” deck replacement) or sometimes as single units under part number MTD 942-0499A. One trade-off: the manufacturer discourages resharpening, and some users report they run louder than OEM options.

Heat-Treated Steel for Montana Mulching

The heat-treated steel construction delivers durability through Montana’s varied mowing conditions. Mulching capability creates nutrient-rich grass clippings — critical for Montana lawns that need every advantage during the short growing season. The blade design handles thick, uneven grass without clogging, a common problem when cutting overgrown properties after spring’s rapid growth.

Installation requires basic safety: disconnect spark plug, use gloves, ensure ‘Grass Side’ faces down. Backed by a typical 90-day limited warranty for material and workmanship defects. California Proposition 65 warning applies, as with most power equipment parts.

For Montana’s lawn care professionals maintaining Craftsman tractors and other MTD-family brands across the state’s residential properties, these blades offer proven mulching performance without the adapter hassles of universal alternatives. The precise 21-13/64” length with 6-point star mounting matches OEM specs exactly. Not revolutionary. But for contractors who need dependable mulching blades that fit right the first time, MTD delivers what works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What MTD tractor models do these 21-13/64 inch blades fit?

These MTD 21-13/64 inch blades fit 42-inch deck tractors from MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Huskee, Yard Machines, Yard-Man, and Bolens manufactured from 1997 onward. They replace OEM part numbers 942-0616, 942-0616A, 742-0616, 742-0616A, and 942-0499A with direct 6-point star center hole mounting.

Q: Do the MTD tractor blades come sharpened and ready to install?

Yes, the MTD 21-13/64 inch blades come pre-sharpened and ready to use, which saves time during installation. The blades feature a black finish and weigh approximately 1.0 lb per blade.

Q: Can I resharpen these MTD mulching blades when they get dull?

The manufacturer discourages resharpening these MTD blades, according to user feedback. This is a notable limitation compared to some competing brands that are designed for multiple sharpenings throughout their service life.

Q: What’s the proper torque specification for installing MTD 21-13/64 inch blades?

The MTD 21-13/64 inch blades should be torqued to 70-100 foot-pounds for tractor applications. The blades use a 1-inch, 6-point star center hole that provides secure direct mounting without adapters.

Q: How do these MTD blades compare to Oregon Gator mulching blades?

The MTD 21-13/64 inch blades maintain a standard OEM mulching profile, while Oregon Gator G3/G5 blades feature more aggressive mulching teeth. Users report the MTD blades tend to run louder than original equipment but deliver excellent mulching performance without clogging in thick grass.

Q: Are these MTD tractor blades sold individually or as a set?

The MTD 21-13/64 inch blades are typically sold as a blade set with 2 blades for complete 42-inch deck replacement. They’re also sometimes available as single units under part number MTD 942-0499A.