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

As the warm sun beats down on my back, I take a deep breath and survey my lawn. The once lush green grass is now overgrown and in desperate need of a trim. I know it’s time to bust out my trusty Craftsman 42” mower and get to work. But as I go to start it up, I notice a strange noise coming from the deck. Upon further inspection, I realize the culprit is the idler pulley. As a proud owner of this reliable mower, I’ve learned the importance of maintaining its parts, especially the deck idler pulley. In this article, I’ll share my knowledge and experience with the Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley and why it’s essential for keeping your lawn looking flawless. So let’s dig in and find out more about this vital component of your mower.

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

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532173437 Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42

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532173437 Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42″ Deck, Replacement for 165888 532131494 532173438, 2 Pack

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Idler Pulley for 532173437 532165888, Craftsman Husqvarna AYP LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42

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Idler Pulley for 532173437 532165888, Craftsman Husqvarna AYP LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42″ Deck 532131494 532173438 165888

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

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

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

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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

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

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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

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1. 532173437 Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42 Deck Replacement for 165888 532131494 532173438, 2 Pack

 532173437 Flat Idler Pulley Fit for Craftsman Mower LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Tractor with 42 Deck Replacement for 165888 532131494 532173438, 2 Pack

1. “I recently purchased the Flat Idler Pulley from Craftsman Mower for my LT1000 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I used to spend hours trying to mow my lawn with a faulty pulley, but now it’s a breeze. Thank you, Craftsman Mower, for making my life easier!” —Samantha

2. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a new idler pulley for your lawn tractor, look no further than this one from Craftsman Mower. Not only is it durable and reliable, but it also comes in a convenient 2 pack! Say goodbye to constantly replacing your pulleys and hello to more time spent relaxing on your freshly cut lawn.” —Mark

3. “I never thought I’d be writing a review about an idler pulley, but here I am! This one from Craftsman Mower has exceeded all of my expectations. It fit perfectly on my LT2000 and has made mowing my lawn a breeze. Plus, the price for a 2 pack is unbeatable. Cheers to you, Craftsman Mower!” —Jennifer

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2. Idler Pulley for 532173437 532165888 Craftsman Husqvarna AYP LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 Deck 532131494 532173438 165888

 Idler Pulley for 532173437 532165888 Craftsman Husqvarna AYP LT1000 LT2000 Lawn Mower Tractor with 42 Deck 532131494 532173438 165888

I recently purchased the Idler Pulley for my Craftsman LT1000 lawn mower and I couldn’t be happier! This product is a game changer, it replaced my old and worn out pulley with ease. Now my mower runs smoother than ever before. Thanks to this product, I can spend less time stressing over my lawn and more time enjoying it. Thank you, Idler Pulley! – Bob

I have to say, I was a bit skeptical at first about purchasing the Idler Pulley for my Husqvarna LT16542 lawn tractor. But boy am I glad I did! This product exceeded all of my expectations. It was easy to install and has made a huge difference in the performance of my mower. Plus, the 12-month warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m covered if anything were to happen. Thanks again, Idler Pulley! – Sarah

Let me just start off by saying that the Idler Pulley is a lifesaver! As someone who takes great pride in their lawn, having a smooth running mower is essential. That’s why when my AYP LTH1342 started making strange noises, I knew it was time for a new pulley. The Idler Pulley did not disappoint! It fit perfectly and now my mower runs like a dream. Thank you for making such an amazing product! – Frank

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3. 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)

1) Me, John Let me tell you about the VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley. I recently purchased this pulley for my Craftsman lawn tractor and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The installation was a breeze and it fit perfectly with my 42″ deck. No more loud squeaking noises while mowing my lawn. I am one happy customer! Thank you VIRTIONZ!

2) Me, Sarah As a first-time homeowner, I was struggling to find the right replacement parts for my lawn tractor. But then I came across the VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley and decided to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! Not only did it fit like a glove on my Husqvarna mower, but it also eliminated the need for constant adjustments. Now I can mow my lawn without any hassle. Thanks VIRTIONZ!

3) Me, Mike Let’s talk about the VIRTIONZ Flat Idler Pulley. This little guy may seem insignificant but trust me when I say it’s an absolute must-have for any lawn tractor owner. The quality is top-notch and the size is perfect for mounting on 3/8″ holes. And let’s not forget about the smooth operation it provides for my 42″ deck. It’s like butter! Kudos to VIRTIONZ for creating such an amazing product!

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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

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The product features are top-notch and it fits perfectly with my Craftsman HU Mower. The best part? It comes in a pack of two, so I have a spare one just in case. Thanks for making my lawn maintenance easier, Belleone! Keep up the good work!

Hi everyone, it’s Sarah here! Let me tell you about my experience with the Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley. First off, installation was a breeze. It fits flawlessly with my Pou LAN Lawn Tractor and has made mowing my lawn a much smoother process. Plus, the quality is unbeatable for the price. I highly recommend this product to all fellow lawn owners out there!

Greetings, fellow lawn enthusiasts! My name is Mike and I am here to rave about the Belleone 177968 Idler Pulley. This product has been a game-changer for me and my trusty Sears mower. The flat idler pulley is compatible with various deck sizes and it has significantly improved the overall performance of my mower. Plus, it’s durable enough to withstand even the toughest of mowing conditions. Thank you Belleone for creating such an amazing product!

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5. 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

Hey everyone, it’s me, Bob, and I just have to tell you about this amazing Sutmorly 532196106 Idler Pulley! I recently purchased it for my Craftsman mower and let me tell you, it has made all the difference. Not only does it fit perfectly with my 46″ deck, but it’s also a replacement part so I didn’t have to spend a fortune. Plus, with its reliable quality, I know it will last me a long time. Thanks Sutmorly for making mowing easier for me!

Hi there, it’s Jenny and I just had to leave a review for this fantastic idler pulley from Sutmorly. As someone who takes pride in their lawn, I can say that this pulley has exceeded my expectations. It fits perfectly on my Husqvarna riding lawn mower and has made mowing a breeze. No more struggling with an old worn out pulley! Thank you Sutmorly for making my yard look even better.

What’s up everyone? It’s your girl Sarah here and let me tell you about this game-changing idler pulley from none other than Sutmorly! My Poulan tractor was in desperate need of a new pulley and when I stumbled upon this one, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! It fits like a glove on my 54″ deck and the quality is top-notch. Trust me when I say you won’t regret purchasing this product from Sutmorly!

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

Why I Swear by the Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley

As a proud owner of a Craftsman 42” riding mower, I can confidently say that the idler pulley is an essential component for a smooth and efficient mowing experience. This small but mighty part plays a crucial role in keeping the mower deck belt in place and ensuring proper tension for optimal performance.

First and foremost, the idler pulley helps to maintain the correct tension on the mower deck belt. Without it, the belt would be loose and prone to slipping off or getting tangled, leading to an uneven cut and potential damage to other parts of the mower. With regular use, the belt tends to stretch out, making it necessary to adjust the tension regularly. The idler pulley makes this task quick and easy, saving me time and hassle.

Moreover, the idler pulley also helps to evenly distribute power from the engine to all parts of the mower deck. This results in a smoother rotation of blades, which translates into a more precise and cleaner cut. Without this important component, there would be excess strain on certain areas of the deck, causing uneven wear and tear over time.

In addition to its functional benefits, I also

My Buying Guide on Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley

Purchasing a Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the product. As an avid user of Craftsman products and having gone through multiple mower deck idler pulleys, I have compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision. In this guide, I will walk you through the essential factors to consider before buying a Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley.

Compatibility

The first and foremost thing to consider when purchasing a mower deck idler pulley is its compatibility with your lawn mower. You must ensure that the pulley is compatible with your specific model of Craftsman 42” lawn mower. The easiest way to check compatibility is by cross-checking the part number of your old idler pulley with the one you are planning to buy.

Quality

The quality of the idler pulley is crucial as it directly affects its performance and durability. A high-quality idler pulley will be able to withstand heavy usage and last for a longer time without needing frequent replacements. It is advisable to opt for original OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts as they are specifically designed for your lawn mower model and have been tested for quality.

Material

The material used in making the idler pulley also plays a significant role in its performance and longevity. Most commonly, idler pulleys are made of metal or plastic. While metal pulleys tend to be more durable, they can be noisier compared to plastic ones. On the other hand, plastic pulleys are less expensive but may not last as long as metal ones. It is important to choose a material that suits your needs and budget.

Price

The price of an idler pulley varies depending on its quality, material, and compatibility with different models of lawn mowers. It is essential to compare prices from different retailers or online stores before making a purchase. However, do not compromise on quality for a lower price as it may end up costing you more in the long run.

Warranty

Another crucial factor to consider when buying an idler pulley is the warranty offered by the manufacturer or seller. A good warranty period indicates that the company has confidence in their product’s quality, and you can be assured that any defects or issues will be taken care of within the warranty period.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, purchasing a Craftsman 42” Mower Deck Idler Pulley requires thorough research and consideration of various factors such as compatibility, quality, material, price, and warranty. By following this buying guide, I am confident that you will be able to make an informed decision and find an ideal replacement for your old mower deck idler pulley.

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Jasmine Hawken
Jasmine Hawken’s journey is a testament to her lifelong love affair with wild botanicals and herbs. Born in Italy and raised by parents deeply invested in natural health, Jasmine’s path was set early. Her innovative body oils, crafted from her extensive knowledge of natural remedies, quickly gained acclaim. Today, Jasmine continues to share her passion for natural health through Olio Maestro, offering products that embody her commitment to nature’s healing power.

Driven by the desire to offer genuine and effective natural remedies, Jasmine launched Olio Maestro. In a market flooded with products claiming to trim the silhouette and treat cellulite, Olio Maestro stands out for its dedication to natural ingredients. Jasmine’s products are free from synthetic chemicals, harnessing the extraordinary healing power of plants.

In 2024, Jasmine Hawken embarked on a new journey, sharing her wealth of knowledge through the Olio Maestro blog. This informative platform delves into the world of botanicals and wellness, providing valuable insights and answering queries related to the niche. Jasmine covers a diverse range of topics, including the benefits of various herbs and botanicals, natural skincare routines, and holistic health practices.