Ragged grass tips and torn turf signal that your cutting deck needs attention. When edges dull, your mower rips through grass instead of slicing cleanly, leaving brown tips across your lawn. Upgrading to the best great mower blade restores clean cutting performance without forcing you to replace your entire mower. Based on product specifications and user feedback, choosing a replacement with a proper bow-tie center hole pattern ensures an exact fit and eliminates dangerous deck vibration. Sharp cutting edges also reduce engine strain, letting your machine power through thick patches effortlessly.
Tackling dense seasonal growth requires efficient mulching action so finely chopped clippings nourish your lawn. While some shoppers look into universal lawn mower blades, direct-fit replacements built for 21-inch decks provide superior airflow and balanced lift. Careful analysis of deck specifications shows that matching OEM codes like CC-742-0741 or Craftsman CMXGZAM100067 ensures secure spindle alignment. That accurate fit keeps you operating safely, preserves engine life, and delivers the crisp finish you expect.
Pros
- Sharp out of the box - cuts cleanly on the first pass without needing to sharpen.
- Fits a wide range of popular mower brands and models, reducing guesswork.
- Solid build quality from a US-based manufacturer with a reputation for reliable parts.
- Mulches grass into fine particles that decompose quickly, reducing thatch buildup.
- Very affordable compared to OEM blades, especially for the performance you get.
Cons
- The powder coating may flake off initially, which is normal but can be messy.
- Not compatible with all 21-inch mowers - always verify your OEM part number before ordering.
- Some users report that the blade is slightly thinner than OEM, though it still holds up well under normal use.
The MaxPower 331528B is a replacement mulching blade designed for many 21-inch cut walk-behind mowers from MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman. If you've got a push mower that uses a bow tie center hole pattern with a 5/16-inch hole and 2.5-inch spacing, this blade is likely a direct drop-in. It replaces a long list of OEM numbers including 742-0741, 942-0741, and Craftsman's CMXGZAM100067, so compatibility is broad. This isn't a power tool in the traditional sense, but it's a critical component for anyone maintaining a lawn mower.
This blade is best suited for homeowners, DIYers, and weekend warriors who want to keep their lawn looking sharp without spending a fortune. It's also a solid pick for rental property owners or small landscaping crews who need a reliable, cost-effective replacement for a fleet of mowers. The mulching design chops grass clippings into fine pieces that settle into the turf, returning nutrients to the soil. That means less bagging and a healthier lawn overall.
In real-world use, the blade comes factory-sharpened and coated with a protective powder. The first cut will strip that coating away, revealing a keen edge that slices through grass cleanly. Users report a smooth, even cut with minimal tearing, which reduces stress on the grass and helps prevent browning. The heat-treated steel holds its edge well through a full season of weekly mowing, though you may want to touch it up with a file if you hit rocks or roots. Installation is straightforward: remove the center bolt, swap blades, and torque it back down. A block of wood wedged between the blade and the deck makes the job easier.
Build quality is solid for an aftermarket blade. MaxPower manufactures these in the USA (Glennville, GA and Phoenix, AZ) using a heat-treat process that meets or exceeds OEM specs. The steel feels appropriately stiff, and the bow tie center hole fits snugly on the spindle without wobble. One minor annoyance: the powder coating can flake off during the first few cuts, leaving little black specks on your lawn. That's cosmetic and harmless, but worth noting. Also, because this is a universal replacement, you absolutely must check your mower's OEM part number before buying. The listing includes a huge list of compatible models, but a mismatch could mean the blade doesn't fit or spins off-balance.
Overall, the MaxPower 331528B is a smart buy for anyone needing a reliable mulching blade at a budget-friendly price. It cuts well, fits a wide range of mowers, and is built to last. The only real drawback is the need to verify compatibility, but that's true for any universal blade. If you're tired of paying OEM prices for the same performance, this is a great alternative. Just double-check your part number, and you'll be back to mowing in no time.
Blade Length: 21 inches
Blade Width: 2.25 inches
Center Hole: Bow tie pattern, 5/16-inch diameter outer holes, 2.5-inch center-to-center spacing
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Material: Heat-treated steel
Finish: Powder-coated (wears off on first use)
Manufacturer: MaxPower (USA-made in Glennville, GA and Phoenix, AZ)
Model Number: 331528B
Replaces OEM Numbers: 742-0741, 742-0741A, 742-04276, 742-04276S, 942-0641, 942-0741, 942-0741A, 942-04276, 942-04276S, CC-742-0741, Craftsman CMXGZAM100067
This blade fits many 21-inch cut mowers from MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman. Always verify your mower's OEM blade part number matches one of the numbers listed above. Common compatible models include:
Cub Cadet: 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 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, SC 700 H; S 621, S 621 SS, SR 621, SRC 621, SRE 621, SC 621, SC 621 E; MTD 214 IP, 214 KW, PR 521.
Troy-Bilt: 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.
Craftsman: Models using OEM part CMXGZAM100067 (check your mower's manual or existing blade for the number).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mulching blade fit all 21-inch mowers?
No, this blade only fits specific 21-inch mower decks that use a bow tie center hole pattern. Manufacturers use various spindle shapes, so you must match your current deck OEM part number before ordering. This replacement fits selected MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman walk-behind mowers requiring parts such as 742-0741 or 942-0741. Checking your owner manual guarantees proper spindle fit and prevents dangerous vibration during operation.
Why is there a black powder coating on the sharp cutting edge?
The black powder coating protects the cutting edge from rust and corrosion during shipping and storage. Factory sharpening happens before application of this protective layer. The coating wears away naturally during your first lawn cut to reveal a precision edge. You do not need to scrape or grind this finish off before mounting the blade under your deck.
How does a mulching blade differ from a standard bagging blade?
A mulching blade features distinct curved contours and extended cutting surfaces designed to circulate clippings under the deck repeatedly. This continuous airflow chops grass into fine particles that settle deep into the soil rather than clumping on the surface. While standard blades primarily push grass out into a chute or collection bag, mulching blades focus on recycling nutrients back to the turf.
Do you need to balance a new replacement mower blade before installation?
Yes, verifying blade balance on a balancer cone or nail before installing it is always recommended for safety and deck longevity. While factory blades are pre-balanced, checking them takes just seconds and ensures smooth operation. Learning how to check lawn mower blade balance helps prevent spindle bearing wear and excessive handle vibration.
What OEM part numbers can the Best Great Mower Blade replace in 2026?
This blade replaces several common factory numbers, including 742-0741, 742-0741A, 942-0741, 942-0741A, 742-04276, and Craftsman CMXGZAM100067. These OEM numbers correspond to popular Cub Cadet CC and SC series mowers, along with Troy-Bilt TB series push and self-propelled models. Matching your existing equipment stamp against these reference codes ensures hassle-free installation.
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