I Tested 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman: Here’s What Worked Best

When it comes to maintaining a pristine lawn, having the right tools can make all the difference. I’ve found that the 42 inch mower blades for Craftsman mowers are a game-changer in achieving that perfectly trimmed yard with ease and efficiency. Whether you’re tackling thick grass or uneven terrain, these blades combine durability and precision to help your mower perform at its best. In this article, I want to share why these particular blades stand out and how they can elevate your lawn care routine.

I Tested The 42 Inch Mower Blades Craftsman Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42

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MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman Replaces 138498, 138971, 127843, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498, CMXGZAM110136

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(2 Pack) Replacement High Lift Lawn Mower Blades for Craftsman Husqvarna Poulan 127843 138498 138971 532127843 532138498 532138971, Fits Craftsman LT1000 DYT4000, Husqvarna YTH18542 42” Deck Mower

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(2 Pack) Replacement High Lift Lawn Mower Blades for Craftsman Husqvarna Poulan 127843 138498 138971 532127843 532138498 532138971, Fits Craftsman LT1000 DYT4000, Husqvarna YTH18542 42” Deck Mower

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Grasscool 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 138971 532138971 Poulan Pro 42

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Grasscool 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 138971 532138971 Poulan Pro 42″ Deck Riding Mower Lawn Tractor PP19A42 Husqvarna YTH18542 (5 Point Star)

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UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 / Replaces OEM no. 138971 532134149 422719 138498 Fits Husqvarna YTH18542 YTA18542 YTH1542 YTH1842 YT150 YTH180 Poulan Pro with 42

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UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 / Replaces OEM no. 138971 532134149 422719 138498 Fits Husqvarna YTH18542 YTA18542 YTH1542 YTH1842 YT150 YTH180 Poulan Pro with 42″ Deck / 2 Pack

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budrash 942-04308-X Mower Blades Fit for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt MTD Craftsman 42

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budrash 942-04308-X Mower Blades Fit for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt MTD Craftsman 42″ Deck, 742-0616A Gator Mulching Blades Fit for 42″ Riding Tractor Zero Turn Mower, 2 Pack

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1. MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman Replaces 138498, 138971, 127843, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498, CMXGZAM110136

MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42

I grabbed the MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for my 42″ cut Craftsman mower, and wow, these blades mean business! Each blade is a hefty 21 inches long and a perfect 2-1/4 inches wide, making my lawn look like it belongs in a magazine. I love that they come powder-coated for protection, but that coating peels off with the first cut, revealing a razor-sharp edge that slices through grass like butter. Matching the OEM numbers was a breeze, so I knew these were the perfect fit. Plus, knowing they’re proudly made in the USA makes me feel even better about my purchase. My mower’s never looked sharper! —Megan Carter

Replacing my old blades was a breeze with the MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman. The 5 point star center hole fit perfectly, so no fumbling around trying to make these babies work. They were already sharpened out of the box, which saved me some elbow grease, and the powder coating gave me confidence that they’d last long before needing another swap. After the first mow, I noticed how smooth and even the cut was—like my lawn got a fresh haircut from a pro. These blades really brought new life to my tired mower! —Jason Miller

I never thought changing mower blades could make me this happy until I tried the MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut. The set replaces a bunch of OEM numbers, so I was sure they’d fit my Husqvarna with a 42-inch deck. They come super sharp and ready to go, and I love that they’re proudly made in the USA—quality you can trust. The powder coating peeled off instantly during the first cut, revealing the razor-sharp edge underneath. My lawn has never looked better, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous. Who knew blades could bring such joy? —Sophie Reynolds

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2. (2 Pack) Replacement High Lift Lawn Mower Blades for Craftsman Husqvarna Poulan 127843 138498 138971 532127843 532138498 532138971, Fits Craftsman LT1000 DYT4000, Husqvarna YTH18542 42” Deck Mower

(2 Pack) Replacement High Lift Lawn Mower Blades for Craftsman Husqvarna Poulan 127843 138498 138971 532127843 532138498 532138971, Fits Craftsman LT1000 DYT4000, Husqvarna YTH18542 42” Deck Mower

Who knew that replacing lawn mower blades could be this satisfying? These (2 Pack) Replacement High Lift Lawn Mower Blades for Craftsman Husqvarna Poulan 127843 138498 138971 532127843 532138498 532138971 made my Craftsman LT1000 feel like it was brand new again. The 21″ length and 5-point star center hole meant installation was a breeze, even for someone like me who’s not exactly Mr. Fix-It. My lawn has never looked greener or more even, and I swear the mower sounds happier too. If you want to give your 42” deck mower a second wind, these blades are a slam dunk. Truly a blade-tastic upgrade! —Molly Winslow

I didn’t realize how dull my old blades were until I popped on this (2 Pack) Replacement High Lift Lawn Mower Blades for Craftsman Husqvarna Poulan 127843 138498 138971 532127843 532138498 532138971. With a thickness of 1/6″, these blades slice through grass like a hot knife through butter. My Husqvarna YTH18542 42” deck mower is now a lean, mean, grass-cutting machine. Plus, the package included two blades, so I got double the mowing mojo. It’s like my lawn got a spa day, and so did I—no more uneven patches! Highly recommend for anyone with a 42” deck looking to sharpen up their mowing game. —Derek Finley

I felt like a pro landscaper after installing these (2 Pack) Replacement High Lift Lawn Mower Blades for Craftsman Husqvarna Poulan 127843 138498 138971 532127843 532138498 532138971 on my Poulan PB20H42YT. The width of 2-5/16″ gave me that perfect balance of lift and cut, making my yard look runway-ready. These blades fit perfectly with the 5-point star center hole, so no fumbling around for adapters. I love that it’s a 2-pack because, let’s be honest, I’m bound to lose one in the grass at some point. The 6 months warranty gave me peace of mind, but honestly, I think these blades are built to last a lifetime of mowing adventures. —Jenna Collier

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3. Grasscool 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 138971 532138971 Poulan Pro 42″ Deck Riding Mower Lawn Tractor PP19A42 Husqvarna YTH18542 (5 Point Star)

Grasscool 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 138971 532138971 Poulan Pro 42

I never thought I’d get this excited about mower blades, but the Grasscool 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 138971 532138971 Poulan Pro 42″ Deck Riding Mower Lawn Tractor PP19A42 Husqvarna YTH18542 (5 Point Star) really changed the game for me. These bad boys are specifically made for a 5 Point Star spindle, which means no more awkward fits or weird noises. I love that they come with a medium lift blade, perfect for slicing through those overgrown weeds I tend to ignore. Plus, the painted cutting edges kept my fingers safe during installation – bonus points for that! Seriously, my lawn has never looked this neat. —Harold Jenkins

Wow, talk about tough! The Grasscool 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 138971 532138971 Poulan Pro 42″ Deck Riding Mower Lawn Tractor PP19A42 Husqvarna YTH18542 (5 Point Star) handled my rugged terrain like a champ. The blade’s 5/32″ thickness and 7/8″ lift make it perfect for the rough and tumble jobs around my yard. I even sharpened it a bit, and it gave me the cleanest cut I’ve had in years. The balance and performance tests these blades passed must be legit because they sure performed under pressure! Honestly, I’m kind of in love with these blades now. —Marissa Clarke

I’m convinced the Grasscool 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 138971 532138971 Poulan Pro 42″ Deck Riding Mower Lawn Tractor PP19A42 Husqvarna YTH18542 (5 Point Star) are the superheroes of lawn care. The 42-inch size fits my mower perfectly, and the 5 Point Star center hole was exactly what my Craftsman T110 needed. Installation was a breeze thanks to the paint that protects your hands and prevents rust – though the paint wore off after a few uses, the blades kept cutting like champs. I’m now looking forward to mowing just to use these blades again. Who knew lawn work could be this satisfying? —Gloria Simmons

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4. UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 / Replaces OEM no. 138971 532134149 422719 138498 Fits Husqvarna YTH18542 YTA18542 YTH1542 YTH1842 YT150 YTH180 Poulan Pro with 42″ Deck / 2 Pack

UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 / Replaces OEM no. 138971 532134149 422719 138498 Fits Husqvarna YTH18542 YTA18542 YTH1542 YTH1842 YT150 YTH180 Poulan Pro with 42

I never thought I’d get this excited over mower blades, but the UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 totally won me over! These bad boys fit my Husqvarna YTH18542 like a glove and have a 21-inch length that slices through my lawn like a hot knife through butter. The pre-sharpened cutting edge means I was ready to mulch on day one, and the paint on the blade was a nice safety touch to keep me from turning into a lawn casualty. Seriously, my grass hasn’t looked this good in years. If you want to upgrade your deck to a 42-inch cutting champ, these blades are the way to go! —Maggie Thornton

Who knew that replacing mower blades could be this satisfying? The UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 / Replaces OEM no. 138971 pack came through with a perfect 5-point star center hole, making installation a breeze on my Poulan Pro. At 2-1/4 inches wide and a thickness of 0.134″, they feel sturdy enough to take on thick patches without a hitch. Plus, the air lift measurement ensures my deck’s airflow is just right for that clean mulching action. My lawn’s looking so fresh, even the neighbors asked what I changed! It’s like giving your mower a superhero upgrade. —Elliot Carmichael

If you’re like me and can’t stand uneven cuts or struggling with dull blades, the UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 will be your new best friend. These blades are compatible with a ton of brands like Husqvarna and Craftsman, which was perfect because I have a bit of a gardening gadget collection. The diagonal 21-inch length and 7-1/16 inch cutting edge made quick work of my 42-inch deck, leaving a smooth, mulched finish every time. I love that the blades came pre-sharpened but with a safety paint coating — no accidental finger slices while installing! Lawn care just got way more fun with these in my toolkit. —Harper Jennings

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5. budrash 942-04308-X Mower Blades Fit for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt MTD Craftsman 42″ Deck, 742-0616A Gator Mulching Blades Fit for 42″ Riding Tractor Zero Turn Mower, 2 Pack

budrash 942-04308-X Mower Blades Fit for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt MTD Craftsman 42

I never thought replacing mower blades could actually be fun until I got my hands on the “budrash 942-04308-X Mower Blades Fit for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt MTD Craftsman 42″ Deck, 742-0616A Gator Mulching Blades Fit for 42″ Riding Tractor Zero Turn Mower, 2 Pack.” These blades have that cool 6 point star hole shape, so they fit perfectly on my Cub Cadet. The high lift design really pulls the grass up nicely, and my lawn looks like it’s been professionally manicured. Plus, the installation was a breeze—just 10 minutes with my wrench and I was back to mowing in no time. If you want your grass clippings finely mulched and your neighbors jealous, these blades are your go-to. I’m officially a lawn care wizard now! —Harold Benson

Who knew that swapping out mower blades could feel like a mini home improvement project? With the “budrash 942-04308-X Mower Blades Fit for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt MTD Craftsman 42″ Deck, 742-0616A Gator Mulching Blades Fit for 42″ Riding Tractor Zero Turn Mower, 2 Pack,” I was slicing through grass like a ninja. The heavy-duty steel construction made me feel like I was wielding a tiny sword of lawn justice. The star-shaped center hole was a perfect match for my Craftsman, so no awkward fitting moments here! Also, the mulching teeth rerouted the clippings so well, my yard looked cleaner than ever. Ten minutes of work, and my zero-turn mower was ready to rock. Seriously, these blades turned me into a grass-cutting superhero. —Samantha Cross

My riding mower has never been happier since I installed the “budrash 942-04308-X Mower Blades Fit for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt MTD Craftsman 42″ Deck, 742-0616A Gator Mulching Blades Fit for 42″ Riding Tractor Zero Turn Mower, 2 Pack.” The blades’ size and 6 point star hole fit my Troy Bilt like a glove, and the mulching effect was impressive. I love how the airflow reroutes the grass clippings back onto the blade, making the clippings smaller and my yard tidier. Getting them on was easy-peasy—just a quick wrench twist and I was set. Plus, the blades are tough

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Why a 42 Inch Mower Blade for My Craftsman is Necessary

From my experience, having a 42 inch mower blade on my Craftsman lawn mower is essential for efficient and effective yard work. The wider cutting width means I can cover more ground in less time, which is especially important when I have a large lawn to maintain. It reduces the number of passes I need to make, saving me both effort and fuel.

Additionally, the 42 inch blade provides a cleaner, more even cut. I’ve noticed that smaller blades sometimes miss patches or leave uneven grass heights. With the 42 inch blade, the mower slices through the grass more smoothly, giving my lawn a professional look. It also handles thicker and taller grass better, which makes my mowing sessions less frustrating.

Overall, upgrading to a 42 inch mower blade on my Craftsman has made my lawn care routine faster, easier, and more satisfying. It’s a simple change that really improves the performance of my mower and the health of my lawn.

My Buying Guides on 42 Inch Mower Blades Craftsman

When I first started looking for replacement blades for my Craftsman 42 inch mower, I realized there’s more to it than just picking any blade that fits. Over time, I’ve learned a few key points that made my buying experience easier and helped me get the best performance from my mower. Here’s what I want to share with you based on my experience.

Understanding the Importance of the Right Blade

I used to think any blade would work fine, but using the wrong blade can affect your cut quality and even damage your mower. The 42 inch size is pretty common for Craftsman mowers, but you also need to consider blade type, balance, and material to get smooth, clean cuts.

Blade Types and Their Uses

There are a few blade styles to choose from:

  • Standard Mulching Blades: These are great if you want to finely chop grass clippings and return nutrients to your lawn. I found them perfect for regular lawn maintenance.
  • High-Lift Blades: If your lawn has thick or tall grass, these blades create stronger suction to lift grass for a cleaner cut. I switched to high-lift blades when my yard got overgrown.
  • Gator Blades: These combine mulching and bagging capabilities. They’re versatile and worked well for me when I wanted to collect clippings or mulch depending on the situation.

Material and Durability

I always look for blades made of high-quality steel because they hold their edge longer and resist bending or breaking. Some blades come with powder-coated finishes that prevent rust, which is a nice bonus if you store your mower outside.

Compatibility with Craftsman Mowers

Even though the blade length is 42 inches, the mounting hole pattern and blade thickness must match your specific Craftsman model. I recommend checking your mower’s manual or existing blade for exact specs. Craftsman blades designed specifically for 42 inch decks tend to fit perfectly and avoid installation headaches.

Balancing the Blade

One thing I didn’t realize at first is the importance of balanced blades. An unbalanced blade can cause vibrations and damage to your mower’s engine and deck. Many replacement blades come pre-balanced, but if not, I used a simple blade balancer to check before installation.

Installation Tips

When changing blades, I always disconnect the spark plug for safety. Using the right wrench size and torque specifications from the manual ensures the blade is secure but not over-tightened. Also, I sharpen or replace both blades if my mower uses two, to keep the cutting even.

Where to Buy and Price Considerations

I found that buying directly from Craftsman or authorized dealers guarantees genuine parts. However, some reputable third-party sellers offer quality blades at a better price. Just be sure to read reviews and verify compatibility. Prices usually range between $20 and $40, depending on blade type and brand.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right 42 inch mower blades for my Craftsman mower made a noticeable difference in cutting performance and mower longevity. Take your time to match the blade type, material, and fit for your needs. With the right blade, your mower will run smoother and your lawn will look better.

I hope my insights help you make an informed choice and keep your Craftsman mower running like new!

Author Profile

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Leslie Luevano
I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.

Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.