Mulch Cover Kit Compatible with 42-Inch Lawn Tractor Deck for Husqvarna/Craftsman Lawn Tractor Deck with Mounting Hardware Replaces 134079, 198383, 136420 and 954040501

What It Is

This mulch cover kit replaces the discharge chute on a 42-inch lawn tractor deck, allowing grass clippings to be recirculated and finely chopped for nutrient-rich mulching instead of side-discharging or bagging.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Only fits 42-inch stamped steel decks on Husqvarna, Craftsman, and some Poulan/Poulan Pro tractors.
• OEM part numbers: Replaces 134079, 198383, 136420, and 954040501.
• Check before buying: Measure your deck’s discharge opening width (typically 7–8 inches) and verify the mounting hole pattern matches the kit’s included hardware. If your tractor uses a quick-attach chute system, this kit may not work—look for a model-specific plate.
• Not for: Zero-turn mowers, 46-inch or larger decks, or fabricated/ fabricated-steel decks.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Easy (15–30 minutes). Requires removing the side-discharge chute and bolting the cover in place with included hardware. No cutting or drilling needed on most decks.
• Quality concerns: Some users report thin plastic that cracks after a few seasons, especially if overtightened. The 3.5-star rating reflects durability issues—consider adding thread locker to prevent bolts from vibrating loose.
• Common gotcha: The cover may not seal perfectly on decks with slight warp or rust near the discharge opening, causing clippings to leak. Check deck condition before buying.
• Mulching performance: Works well with dry grass but can clog in wet or tall grass—sharpen your mower blade and mow more frequently for best results.

Should You Buy It

Buy this kit if you want a cheap, easy way to convert a side-discharge 42-inch tractor deck to mulching and don’t mind replacing it every 2–3 years. Skip it if you need a heavy-duty, long-lasting cover or want a perfect seal on an older, warped deck—spend more on a metal or OEM option instead.