42 inch Mower Mulching Blades Repalcement for Craftsman Poulan Pro Husqvarna 42'' Deck Lawn Mower Replace 138498 134149 138971 532138971

What It Is

This is a set of three 42-inch mulching blades designed for select Craftsman, Poulan Pro, and Husqvarna lawn tractors with a 42-inch cutting deck. They replace OEM part numbers 138498, 134149, 138971, and 532138971, and are used for fine mulching (chopping clippings into small pieces to return nutrients to the lawn) rather than side-discharging or bagging.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower deck measures exactly 42 inches (measured blade tip to blade tip). These blades fit most Craftsman, Poulan Pro, and Husqvarna tractors using a three-blade spindle system with a 1-inch center hole and a 3/16-inch thickness. Common compatible models include Craftsman 917 series, Poulan Pro PPB42, and Husqvarna YTH22V46, but check your owner’s manual or current blade part number against the OEM cross-references listed. They are aftermarket replacements—not OEM—so verify spindle bolt pattern (usually 5-point star or 6-point) and blade length (approx. 20.5 inches each). Measure your old blades’ center hole diameter and overall length to be safe.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs. OEM: Aftermarket blades may be slightly thinner or have less aggressive lift than OEM. Expect adequate mulching but slightly less bagging performance. Check for balanced weight—unbalanced blades cause vibration.
• Installation difficulty: Easy if you have a socket wrench and blade removal tool (or a block of wood to prevent spinning). Torque spindle bolts to 30–40 ft-lbs. Always lift the deck fully and disconnect the spark plug before working.
• Common gotchas: These blades are for mulching only—they lack the high lift needed for bagging. Using them for side discharge will leave clumps. Also, verify your deck’s spindle orientation: some 42-inch decks use a staggered or offset blade pattern; these blades are symmetrical and fit standard three-blade layouts.
• Durability: Made from heat-treated steel, they hold an edge for a few mows but dull faster on rocky or sandy soil. Sharpen or replace annually for best results.

Should You Buy It

Buy these if you have a Craftsman, Poulan Pro, or Husqvarna 42-inch tractor and want an affordable mulching upgrade over worn OEM blades—especially if you’re on a budget and don’t need top-tier bagging performance. They’re a solid value for light-to-moderate use on typical lawns. Skip them if your deck has a non-standard spindle pattern or if you require OEM exactness for warranty or heavy-duty commercial mowing.