Replacement Riding Mower Drive Belt part# 138255 /160855/ 144959 Replacement for Craftsman 42" & FITS POULAN HUSQVARNA

What It Is

This is a replacement drive belt for 42-inch deck riding mowers, designed to transfer power from the engine pulley to the mower deck and/or transmission. It’s a direct aftermarket fit for many Craftsman, Poulan, and Husqvarna models that use OEM part numbers 138255, 160855, or 144959.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your mower’s OEM belt part number (check the old belt or your owner’s manual). This belt is listed for 42-inch deck Craftsman models, plus Poulan and Husqvarna units with the same part numbers. Measure your old belt’s width (typically 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch) and length (common lengths are 96.5, 105.5, or 112.5 inches). This belt replaces OEM numbers 138255, 160855, and 144959—if your model uses a different number, it may not fit. Confirm deck size (42 inch) and that your mower has a single belt drive system (not a dual-belt setup).

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket belt, generally good for the price—many users report 1–2 seasons of use. Not as durable as OEM but acceptable for residential mowing.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty. You’ll need to release belt tension (often by removing a spring or loosening a pulley), route the belt per your mower’s diagram, and re-tension. A belt routing diagram is helpful—take a photo before removal.
• Common Gotcha: Belt length variances can occur. If your old belt is 105.5 inches and the new one is 96.5, it won’t fit. Measure your old belt end-to-end (flat, not stretched) to confirm.
• Check Pulleys: Worn or bent pulleys can cause premature belt wear. Inspect and replace if needed before installing.

Should You Buy It

This is a solid budget-friendly option if you own a 42-inch Craftsman, Poulan, or Husqvarna mower that uses one of the listed OEM numbers and you’re comfortable with a basic belt swap. It’s not built for heavy commercial use, but for typical residential mowing, it’s a reliable, cost-effective replacement that saves you money over OEM.