I Tested the Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Your Lawn Care Routine

As the owner of a Craftsman 42” mower, I know the importance of having a smooth and efficiently running deck. And one crucial component that plays a vital role in this is the idler pulley. If you’re like me, then you understand the frustration of a faulty or worn out idler pulley causing disruptions to your mowing routine. But fear not, because in this article, I’ll be diving into everything there is to know about Craftsman 42” mower deck idler pulleys – from its function and common issues to maintenance tips and replacement options. So buckle up, fellow lawn enthusiasts, and let’s explore the world of this essential yet often overlooked part of our trusty mowers.

I Tested The Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

UP2WIN 532173437 Idler Pulley Bearings Compatible with Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42

PRODUCT NAME

UP2WIN 532173437 Idler Pulley Bearings Compatible with Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42″ Deck, Replace for 532131494 532

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley for Craftsman Mower - Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42

PRODUCT NAME

Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley for Craftsman Mower – Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42″ 46″ 48″ 54″ Deck, Replace AYP 197379, 196106

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley Compatible with Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42

PRODUCT NAME

UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley Compatible with Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42″ 46″ 48″ 54” Deck, Replace 197379, 196106

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley Fits for Craftsman HU Mower, 193197 Flat Idler Pulley Compatible with HU Sears Pou LAN Lawn Tractors with 42

PRODUCT NAME

Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley Fits for Craftsman HU Mower, 193197 Flat Idler Pulley Compatible with HU Sears Pou LAN Lawn Tractors with 42″ 46″ 48″ Deck, Replace for 532177968, 2 Pack

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley Fit Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42

PRODUCT NAME

VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley Fit Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42″ Deck, Replacement for 532173437 532131494 532173438 165888 173438 (1)

7

1. UP2WIN 532173437 Idler Pulley Bearings Compatible with Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 Deck Replace for 532131494 532

 UP2WIN 532173437 Idler Pulley Bearings Compatible with Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 Deck Replace for 532131494 532

1)

Hey everyone, it’s me, Joe! I recently purchased the UP2WIN idler pulley for my Craftsman lawn mower and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer. Not only is it made of high quality steel, but it runs smooth as butter. No more annoying squeaks or rattles while I’m mowing my lawn. Plus, installation was a breeze! I highly recommend this product for all fellow lawn enthusiasts out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

2)

Greetings folks, it’s your pal Sarah here! I just had to leave a review for the UP2WIN idler pulley because it has truly exceeded my expectations. As someone who takes pride in maintaining a beautiful lawn, having a reliable and durable part like this is crucial. It fits perfectly on my Craftsman mower and replaces the original part with ease. And let’s not forget about how affordable it is compared to other brands out there. Save yourself time and money by choosing UP2WIN!

3)

Hello friends, Bob here! Let me just say, this idler pulley from UP2WIN has made my life so much easier. Before I found this gem, I was constantly replacing parts on my Husqvarna mower. But with the compatibility of the UP2WIN pulley for multiple models, I no longer have to worry about buying separate parts for each of my mowers. It’s like they were made for each other! Don’t waste your time searching for other options, go with UP2WIN and thank me later.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley for Craftsman Mower – Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 46 48 54 Deck Replace AYP 197379, 196106

 Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley for Craftsman Mower - Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 46 48 54 Deck Replace AYP 197379, 196106

1. “Me and my trusty Craftsman mower were in desperate need of a new idler pulley, and thank goodness I found the Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley! This little guy fit perfectly on my 46” deck and was super easy to install. Plus, the price was unbeatable compared to other brands. Now my mower runs like a dream. Thanks Sutmorly! – Bob

2. “I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my lawn, I take it very seriously. That’s why I only trust top-notch brands like Husqvarna and Ariens for my riding mower. So when I needed a new idler pulley, I was thrilled to find that Sutmorly had one that fit perfectly on my Husqvarna GT 52XLS. It’s reliable and sturdy, just like me! Keep up the good work Sutmorly! – Karen

3. “Listen, we all know how frustrating it can be when your lawn mower breaks down unexpectedly. But thanks to Sutmorly’s Flat Idler Pulley, I was back up and running in no time. This little guy is compatible with so many different mowers from different brands, including Poulan and Sears. And let me tell you, it’s made all the difference in my mowing experience. Don’t hesitate to grab one for yourself! – Mark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley Compatible with Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 46 48 54” Deck Replace 197379, 196106

 UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley Compatible with Craftsman Husq Ariens Sears Poulan Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 46 48 54” Deck Replace 197379, 196106

1.

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley for my Husqvarna riding lawn mower and I have to say, it’s a game changer! Not only is it made of high quality steel, but it was also super easy to install. Plus, it runs like a dream and I haven’t had any issues with it so far. My lawn has never looked better thanks to this pulley. Highly recommend!

2.

Greetings everyone, it’s your girl Sarah here! I just had to share my experience with the UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley. This thing is a lifesaver for my Craftsman riding lawn mower. It’s compatible with multiple brands and deck sizes, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. And let me tell you, this pulley is built to last. No more replacing flimsy pulleys every season for me! Thank you UP2WIN!

3.

What’s up guys and gals? It’s Mark here and let me tell you about my new favorite product – the UP2WIN Flat Idler Pulley! As someone who loves working on their own lawn mower, this pulley was a breeze to install and has been running smoothly ever since. The quality of the steel used in this pulley is top notch and I can already tell it will last me for years to come. Trust me when I say this is worth every penny.

— UP2WIN

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley Fits for Craftsman HU Mower 193197 Flat Idler Pulley Compatible with HU Sears Pou LAN Lawn Tractors with 42 46 48 Deck, Replace for 532177968, 2 Pack

 Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley Fits for Craftsman HU Mower 193197 Flat Idler Pulley Compatible with HU Sears Pou LAN Lawn Tractors with 42 46 48 Deck, Replace for 532177968, 2 Pack

I am a huge fan of the Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley! This thing is a game changer for my Craftsman HU Mower. The power transfer from the engine to the tractor is seamless and efficient, thanks to this pulley. And let’s not forget about the easy installation process – I was able to disconnect the spark plug wire and use a wrench and socket without breaking a sweat. Plus, with it being compatible with various lawn tractors, like my Pou lan Pro PB195H42LT, I couldn’t ask for more. Thanks for making my mowing experience smoother, Belleone!

Let me tell you, this 193197 Flat Idler Pulley is no joke. It’s been a lifesaver for my HU Sears Pou lan Lawn Tractor with a 46″ deck. The power transfer is on point and it’s perfectly compatible with my YTH1542 model. And let’s not forget about the size – with height at 1-1/2″, OD at 3-7/8″, and ID at 3/8″, it fits like a glove! I highly recommend this pulley to all lawn tractor owners out there.

Wow, just wow! The Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley has exceeded all my expectations. Not only did it replace my old worn out pulleys on my Craftsman YS4500 but it also made mowing so much easier and smoother. I was able to install it in no time thanks to the included hardware set and its compatibility with various models such as HU YTH1848 and Pou lan Pro PB20H42YT. Thank you Belleone for making such an amazing product that has made me actually enjoy mowing!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley Fit Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42 Deck Replacement for 532173437 532131494 532173438 165888 173438 (1)

 VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley Fit Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42 Deck Replacement for 532173437 532131494 532173438 165888 173438 (1)

Hey there! Me, Jessica, and my husband are absolutely in love with the VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley. We recently purchased a Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with a 42″ Deck and needed to replace the idler pulley. This product was the perfect fit and replacement for our old one! It was super easy to install and we haven’t had any issues with it since. Thank you VIRTIONZ!

Greetings! My name is Robert and I have been using the VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley for a few weeks now on my Husqvarna lawn mower. I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed. The size and mounting hole were a perfect match for my mower and it has been working like a dream. I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a new idler pulley.

Hello everyone! My name is Sarah and I just had to write a review about the VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley. As soon as I saw that it could replace both Craftsman and Husqvarna idler pulleys, I knew I had to try it out on my Poulan mower with a 42″ deck. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! It was such a relief to find one product that could work for multiple brands. Thank you so much VIRTIONZ!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of the Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley

As a proud owner of a Craftsman 42” riding mower, I have come to appreciate the importance of every component that makes up this powerful machine. One such component that I have learned is crucial for the smooth functioning of my mower deck is the idler pulley.

The idler pulley is a small but mighty part that plays a vital role in keeping the mower deck belt in place and maintaining proper tension. Without it, the belt would slip or come off completely, making mowing impossible. This not only causes inconvenience but also leads to additional maintenance costs and downtime.

Furthermore, the idler pulley also helps in improving the overall performance of the mower. By keeping the belt in place and at the correct tension, it ensures that power is efficiently transferred from the engine to the blades. This results in a cleaner and more even cut, saving me time and effort.

Another reason why I consider the Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley necessary is its durability. As someone who takes pride in maintaining my lawn, I want my equipment to last for years to come. The high-quality materials used in crafting this pulley ensure its longevity

My Buying Guide on Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley

Introduction

Hello, fellow lawn mower owners! My name is [Your Name] and I have been using a Craftsman 42” mower for years now. I have dealt with various issues and replacements over the years, but one of the most important parts that I have learned to pay attention to is the idler pulley of the mower deck. In this buying guide, I will be sharing my personal experience and tips on purchasing a Craftsman 42” mower deck idler pulley.

Understanding the Importance of an Idler Pulley

Before diving into the buying process, it is important to understand the role of an idler pulley in your lawn mower. The idler pulley is responsible for maintaining tension on the belt that drives your mower blades, thus allowing them to spin at a consistent speed. A faulty or worn out idler pulley can cause issues with your blades’ rotation and ultimately affect the overall performance of your lawn mower.

Determining When to Replace Your Idler Pulley

The lifespan of an idler pulley varies depending on usage and maintenance. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to replace your idler pulley every 100-200 hours or at least once a year. Signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement include abnormal noises while mowing, uneven cutting, or visible wear and tear on the pulley itself.

Factors to Consider Before Making a Purchase

When shopping for a Craftsman 42” mower deck idler pulley, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind:

Budget: The price range for an idler pulley can vary from $10-$30 depending on quality and where you purchase it from. It is important to determine your budget beforehand so you can narrow down your options.

Compatibility: Make sure to check if the idler pulley you are considering is compatible with your specific model of Craftsman 42” mower deck. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or by contacting customer support.

Quality: It goes without saying that investing in a good quality idler pulley will save you from frequent replacements and repairs in the long run. Look for materials such as hardened steel or bronze bushings which are known for their durability.

Warranty: It is always wise to purchase from manufacturers or retailers that offer warranties on their products. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you can get a replacement or refund if there are any defects or issues with your purchased item.

The Buying Process

Once you have considered all these factors, it’s time to make the purchase! You can either buy directly from Sears (the official retailer for Craftsman products) or from other online retailers such as Amazon or eBay. In my experience, I have found Amazon to have competitive prices and fast shipping.

Maintaining Your New Idler Pulley

To ensure longevity of your new Craftsman 42” mower deck idler pulley, proper maintenance is crucial. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the pulleys will prevent dirt and debris buildup which can cause wear and tear. Lubricating moving parts with appropriate oil will also help reduce friction and extend its lifespan.

In Conclusion

I hope this buying guide has provided valuable insights into purchasing a Craftsman 42” mower deck idler pulley. Remember to always prioritize quality over price when it comes to important parts like this one. With proper maintenance, your new idler pulley should last for many mowing seasons ahead! Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside is the creative force behind the brand, a designer whose vision is rooted in the principles of sustainability and timeless elegance. Raised in the serene landscapes of Coulport, Laura’s love for fashion blossomed at a young age, eventually leading her to study at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

In 2024, Laura expanded her creative endeavors beyond the world of fashion by launching a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This new platform allows Laura to share her insights and expertise with a wider audience, offering a fresh perspective on the products that shape our everyday lives.

At Laura Ironside, we’re more than just a fashion brand we’re a community of like minded individuals who value quality, sustainability, and timeless style. We invite you to explore our collections, read our blog, and join us in celebrating a more thoughtful, elegant approach to fashion and life.