MTD Mower Blade Cross Reference by Number
2026-10-23 · 8 min read
MTD blades are listed under 942- and 742- family numbers, and because MTD builds decks for several household brands, one number often fits Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman and Yard Machines. To replace one, match the stamped number on the old blade with your deck width and centre hole — that pairing decides whether the replacement seats and cuts correctly.
How MTD numbers its mower blades
MTD uses two number families that identify the tooling run rather than the steel grade. The 942- prefix covers most MTD-built rider and zero-turn blades, while the 742- prefix covers walk-behind and lighter-duty decks. Recognising the prefix keeps you from quoting a rider blade when a walk-behind size is what the deck needs. Our guide to matching a blade by OEM number shows how to read the format before you order.
Which MTD numbers cross to other brands
Many MTD numbers cross to Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Yard Machines and Bolens because those brands share the same MTD-built decks. A blade fitted to a Cub Cadet rider will often also fit a Troy-Bilt or Craftsman deck of the same width and hole type. The overlap is a tooling fact, not a coincidence. We are an independent manufacturer and not an authorised MTD dealer; brand names appear here only for fitment reference.
| Brand family | Number style | Typical deck | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTD / Cub Cadet / Troy-Bilt | 942-XXXX | 42–54 in rider / zero-turn | 942-0611A |
| MTD walk-behind | 742-XXXX | 20–22 in push / self-propelled | 742-0616 |
| Craftsman (MTD-built) | 942-XXXX / 742-XXXX | 42–54 in rider | 942-0741A |
| Yard Machines / Bolens (MTD) | 942-XXXX | 38–46 in rider | 942-0616A |
These share tooling, so confirm deck width and centre hole before treating any cross as exact.
Common MTD blade number families and what they fit
The numbers below are real public MTD part-number styles so you can recognise the format stamped on your own blade. They are fitment reference only — we are an independent manufacturer and not an authorised MTD dealer.
- 942-0611A — a 21-inch mulching blade used across several MTD-built riders and Cub Cadet decks.
- 942-0741A — a 21-inch high-lift blade carried on a wide range of MTD and Craftsman riders.
- 942-0616A — a 21-inch standard blade for MTD-built riding tractors with a 42-inch deck.
- 742-0616 — a 21-inch blade for MTD walk-behind mowers in the 20–22 inch range.
If your number is not in this short list, that is normal. Send the exact stamping and your deck width and we will cross-reference it against the model index.
MTD walk-behind vs rider numbers
MTD walk-behind blades sit in the 742- family and are shorter and thinner than the 942- rider blades, because a push deck sees far less blade-tip speed. Fitting a 942- rider blade to a walk-behind will not seat on the smaller mandrel, and the family prefix only tells you the group — always confirm the printed length and centre-hole type.
Where to find the MTD blade number
The blade number is stamped on the flat near the centre hole, but grass and rust usually hide it, so wire-brush the area first. If the old blade is gone, the deck or model plate under the seat or near the discharge chute gives the machine model, which is enough to look the number up. The owner's manual and MTD parts diagrams both list the blade number by model. Read the stamping on the model index to see which profiles we keep for MTD-fit decks.
What a correct MTD-fit blade must match
A replacement is correct only when every mounting and cutting dimension lines up, because a close-enough blade vibrates, cuts unevenly or fails to seat. The table below is the checklist we use before quoting any MTD-fit blade.
| Spec | Why it matters | How to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Overall length | Seats the spindle and clears the deck | Measure tip to tip |
| Centre hole | Mounts on the mandrel | Match hole type exactly |
| Thickness | Load rating under impact | Caliper the old blade |
| Lift type | Decides cut result | Compare blade profile |
Length and hole type cause the most fitment failures, so double-check those two before anything else.
Are all 942- blades the same?
No — 942- blades are not identical just because they share the prefix, because deck width and hole detail decide the actual length and fit. A blade cut for a 54-inch Cub Cadet deck will not suit a 42-inch Troy-Bilt deck even when both carry a 942- number. Always confirm the deck size printed on the machine plate against the blade you intend to fit, then check the centre-hole type, because the prefix only tells you the family, not the exact profile.
How MTD-fit blades are made to spec
MTD-fit blades we supply are made to match the original specifications of the OEM number you send, cut from 40Mn manganese steel and hardened to a 45–50 HRC band so the edge holds through grit yet will not crack on hidden stone. The same heat-treat control that decides working life is detailed on our quality page, which is the part of production that most affects how a blade performs under real mowing load. We are an independent manufacturer; brand names are used for fitment reference only.
Can you order custom MTD-fit blades?
Yes — custom MTD-fit blades are made to a supplied sample or drawing, typically from 40Mn steel and held in the 45–50 HRC band we run across the catalogue. Share the old blade or its part number and we will confirm fitment, profile and run size. The minimum order for a custom profile is normally 300 pieces, which covers the setup and heat-treat run for a made-to-sample blade. Send your part number or a photo of the old blade to start, or browse the model index for stock shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are MTD and Cub Cadet blade numbers the same?
Yes — many MTD numbers are identical to Cub Cadet numbers because both share the same 942- tooling, so blades also cross to Troy-Bilt, Craftsman and Yard Machines. A number match still requires the same deck width and centre hole, so confirm those two before ordering.
Where is the blade number on an MTD mower?
The blade number is stamped near the centre hole on the flat of the blade, and on the deck or model plate under the seat or near the discharge chute. Wire-brush the area around the centre hole first, because grass and rust usually hide the stamping. If the plate is unreadable, the machine model and deck width are enough to look the number up.
Can I fit a non-MTD blade on my MTD mower?
Yes — you can fit an independent blade as long as the length, centre hole, thickness and lift match the original, because the mower cares about the geometry, not the brand on the box. We make MTD-fit blades made to match the original specifications and are an independent manufacturer, not an authorised dealer. Match the dimensions and the blade will seat and cut correctly.
How do I match an MTD blade if the stamping is worn?
Wire-brush the flat near the centre hole, then read the deck or model plate under the seat or near the discharge chute if the blade is unreadable. With the machine model and deck width you can look the blade number up in MTD parts diagrams. Send us those details and we will cross-reference them against our model index.
What is the minimum order for custom MTD-fit blades?
The minimum order for a custom MTD-fit blade is typically 300 pieces per profile, which covers the setup and heat-treat run for a made-to-sample blade. Share the part number or a drawing and we will confirm fitment and quote the run before any cutting begins. Send your specifications to get a quote sized to your machine.
Not sure which MTD blade fits your deck, or want a custom profile made to a sample? Send us your part number or a photo of the old blade and we will confirm fitment and quote — or start from the model index.
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Blade part numbers linked to this article
The model pages below carry the deck size, centre hole, thickness and replacement numbers for the blades discussed above.