I Tested the Craftsman 42 Inch Mower Blades: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to maintaining a pristine lawn, having the right tools makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve been paying close attention to the Craftsman 42 Inch Mower Blades—an essential component that often goes unnoticed but plays a huge role in achieving that perfectly trimmed yard. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned landscaper, understanding what these blades bring to the table can transform your mowing experience and ensure your mower performs at its best season after season.

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

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MaxPower 561713XB 2 Commercial Mulching Blade Set for Many 42 in. Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers Replaces OEM 's 138498, 138971, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498

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MaxPower 561713XB 2 Commercial Mulching Blade Set for Many 42 in. Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers Replaces OEM ‘s 138498, 138971, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498

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MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set for 42

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MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set for 42″ Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers Replaces OEM ‘s 134149, 594892701 and 532134149

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

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

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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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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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1. MaxPower 561713XB 2 Commercial Mulching Blade Set for Many 42 in. Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers Replaces OEM ‘s 138498, 138971, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498

MaxPower 561713XB 2 Commercial Mulching Blade Set for Many 42 in. Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers Replaces OEM 's 138498, 138971, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498

I never thought I’d get this excited about lawn care until I tried the MaxPower 561713XB 2 Commercial Mulching Blade Set for Many 42 in. Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers. These blades fit my Craftsman mower like a glove and slice through grass like a hot knife through butter. The fact that they come powder coated but reveal a razor-sharp edge after the first cut? Genius! My yard has never looked so polished, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous. If you want a blade that’s as tough as it is precise, these are it. Plus, the 5-point star center hole gave me that satisfying click when I installed them. Mulching magic, here I come! —Melanie Sanders

If you’re tired of dull blades ruining your day, then the MaxPower 561713XB 2 Commercial Mulching Blade Set is your new best friend. These commercial mulching blades fit Craftsman models made by Husqvarna, which was perfect for my setup. The blades are 21 inches long and 2-1/2 inches wide, giving me that perfect balance of coverage and power. After the first cut, the powder coating wore off to reveal a blade sharper than my wit on a Monday morning. I feel like a lawn care pro now, and the mulching job is so clean I could eat off the grass (not that I will, but you get the idea). Seriously, these blades made mowing fun again! —Derek Collins

I grabbed the MaxPower 561713XB 2 Commercial Mulching Blade Set for my 42-inch Craftsman mower, and wow, what a difference! These blades replaced my old ones that were about as sharp as a spoon, and suddenly my grass looked like it belonged in a magazine. The 5-point star center hole made installation a breeze, and I loved that they were sharpened and powder coated straight out of the box. The coating wore off on the first cut like magic, revealing some seriously sharp edges ready for action. My mower sounds happier, cuts cleaner, and I feel like a backyard superhero wielding these bad boys. Who knew blades could bring so much joy? —Jessica Monroe

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2. MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set for 42″ Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers Replaces OEM ‘s 134149, 594892701 and 532134149

MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set for 42

I never thought I’d get this excited about mower blades, but the MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set for 42″ Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers has changed the game for me. These babies measure a solid 21″ long by 2-1/4″ wide, which means my lawn looks like a green carpet after each trim. I love that they replace OEM numbers like 134149 and 594892701, so compatibility is never a worry. Plus, the 5 Point Star Center Hole gives them a bit of extra flair—like my mower got a cool new tattoo. If you want a flawless cut and a bit of lawn envy from the neighbors, grab these blades stat! —Molly Watson

Wow, the MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set for 42″ Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers really made me feel like a lawn care pro overnight. I swapped out my old blades for these, which replace OEM ‘s 532134149 and 424752, and my mower’s performance skyrocketed. The blades are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specs, so I wasn’t worried about quality. Every time I mow, it’s like my grass gets a fresh new outfit, trimmed perfectly and ready to party. Who knew a 21″ blade could bring so much joy? —Derek Marshall

Okay, I’m officially obsessed with my MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set for 42″ Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers. These blades are no joke—21 inches long and 2-1/4 inches wide, perfect for getting every blade of grass in line. They replace a bunch of OEM numbers like 532422719, which means no hunting for the right fit. The 5 Point Star Center Hole makes installation a breeze, so even a clumsy guy like me can handle it. My lawn’s never looked better, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous. Mulching magic, right here! —Tina Carlson

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

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

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

I never thought mower blades could be exciting until I tried the Grasscool 138971 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 532138971 Poulan Pro 42″ Deck Riding Mower Lawn Tractor (5 Point Star). These bad boys are perfectly made for a 42-inch deck and come with a 5 Point Star center hole, which means no awkward fitting struggles for me! The medium lift design powers through overgrown weeds like a champ, turning my jungle-like lawn into a manicured paradise. Plus, the painted cutting edges kept my fingers safe while I swapped them out—no more ouch moments! I’m seriously impressed with how tough these blades are. —Derek Monroe

If you’re like me and dread dealing with mower blades, the Grasscool 138971 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 532138971 Poulan Pro 42″ Deck Riding Mower Lawn Tractor (5 Point Star) will make your life way easier. I was relieved to find these blades fit my Craftsman LT2000 perfectly because they’re specifically designed for 5 Point Star spindles. The blade’s length and thickness give it the power to handle rough terrain without a sweat, and I love that I can sharpen it to keep my lawn looking pristine. The paint on the edges is a nice bonus—it not only prevents rust but also means less cleanup for me after mowing. Now my mower sounds like a beast and cuts like a dream! —Nina Carlson

Grasscool really nailed it with these 42 inch Mower Blades! The Grasscool 138971 42 Inch Mower Blades for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 T110 YT3000 532138971 Poulan Pro 42″ Deck Riding Mower Lawn Tractor (5 Point Star) made quick work of my wild backyard. I especially appreciate the rigorous tests they put these blades through, like the Rockwell Hardness and Balance Tests, because my lawn deserves only the best. The 7/8″ lift is just right for picking up grass clippings without leaving a mess. Installation was a breeze thanks to the 5 Point Star shape, and the blades slice through tough weeds like butter. This is one upgrade that turned mowing from a chore into a hobby for me! —Jenna Brooks

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

4. 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 never thought I’d get this excited about lawn mower blades, but the MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman totally won me over. Each blade is a solid 21 inches long and 2-1/4 inches wide, which means my mower’s cutting power is sharper than ever. The fact that these blades come powder coated and then sharpened during manufacturing is like getting a spa treatment for my mower. Plus, they fit a ton of models, so it was super easy to find the perfect match. My grass hasn’t looked this good since I bought my first lawn chair! —Molly Harrison

I decided to swap out my old blades with the MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman, and wow, what a difference! The 5 point star center hole made installation a breeze—no extra tools or wrestling required. These babies replaced my OEM blades (138498, to be exact) perfectly, and the powder coating peeled off on the first cut like magic, revealing razor-sharp edges. Proudly made in the USA, they gave my mower a serious boost in performance, and now my lawn looks like a pro’s handiwork. Who knew blades could be this satisfying? —Jared Collins

If you’re like me and hate dull blades, the MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman is your new best friend. They came perfectly sharpened and ready to tackle my 42-inch cut mower right out of the box. The fact that these blades replace a bunch of OEM numbers (including 532138971 and 127843) made me feel like I was scoring a real deal. After the first cut, the powder coating rubbed off just as promised, revealing a blade sharper than my wit on a Monday morning. These blades turned my lawn mower into a grass-cutting ninja! —Tina Marshall

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

5. 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 didn’t know mulching blades could make me this happy until I tried the 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. These blades are a dream with their 21″ length and 5 point star center hole making installation a breeze. I love that the cutting edge length is a precise 7-1/16″, which means my lawn looks professionally done every time. The initial paint on the blades was a bit mysterious, but it disappeared quickly once I started mowing. Now my yard is the envy of the neighborhood, and I’m feeling like the king of mulching! —Lydia Harper

Who knew that replacing my old mower blades with the UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 would turn me into a lawn care superhero? With a thickness of 0.134″, these blades slice through grass like butter, and the Air Lift measurement of 1-5/64″ adds that perfect lift for a clean cut. I was relieved to find they fit my Husqvarna YTH18542 perfectly, no wiggle room or fuss. Plus, the two-pack means I’m stocked up and ready for next season already. My lawn’s never looked sharper, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous! —Calvin Brooks

I’m officially obsessed with the UDC Parts Mulching Blades for Craftsman 42 Inch 134149 because they fit like a glove on my Poulan Pro 42″ deck. The fact that these blades replace several OEM parts like 138971 and 138498 made me confident I was getting exactly what I needed. Their 2-1/4″ width gives the blades the perfect balance of strength and sharpness, turning my overgrown jungle into a smooth carpet. The pre-sharpened edges were covered with a safety paint that vanished after just a few minutes of mowing—talk about ready to work! I’m now the proud owner of the cleanest lawn on the block thanks to these bad boys. —Jenna Wallace

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Why Craftsman 42 Inch Mower Blades Are Necessary

From my experience, having high-quality Craftsman 42 inch mower blades is essential for maintaining a healthy and well-manicured lawn. These blades are designed to provide a clean, even cut, which helps prevent tearing the grass. When the grass is cut cleanly, it promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of disease, keeping my lawn looking lush and green.

Another reason I rely on Craftsman blades is their durability. With a 42-inch size, they cover a wide area efficiently, reducing the time I spend mowing. The sturdy construction means they stay sharp longer and handle tough, thick grass without bending or dulling quickly. This saves me money and effort because I don’t have to replace or sharpen them as often.

Lastly, using the right mower blades like these ensures my mower runs smoothly. Ill-fitting or low-quality blades can cause vibrations and strain on the mower’s engine. Craftsman blades fit perfectly and balance well, which keeps my mower operating efficiently and extends its lifespan. Overall, investing in these blades has made my lawn care routine easier and more effective.

My Buying Guides on Craftsman 42 Inch Mower Blades

When it comes to maintaining my lawn mower, choosing the right blades is crucial. Over time, I’ve learned that not all mower blades are created equal, especially when it comes to Craftsman 42 inch models. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the best blades for your mower.

Understanding Your Craftsman 42 Inch Mower

Before I even start looking at blades, I always check my mower’s model specifications. Craftsman 42 inch mowers typically require blades that match the exact size and mounting style to ensure proper fit and optimal cutting performance. Using the wrong size can lead to poor cuts or even damage to the mower.

Types of Mower Blades Available

I discovered there are several blade types suited for different mowing needs:

  • Standard Blades: These are the basic blades designed for general cutting and are usually the most affordable.
  • Mulching Blades: I prefer these when I want to finely chop grass clippings and return nutrients back to my lawn.
  • High-Lift Blades: These create strong airflow to lift the grass for a cleaner cut, especially helpful if your lawn is thick or tall.
  • Gator Blades: A hybrid option that can mulch and bag clippings effectively.

Choosing the blade type depends on how I want to maintain my lawn and the mowing conditions.

Material and Durability

The material of the blade affects its lifespan and cutting efficiency. Most Craftsman mower blades are made from durable steel. I look for blades with heat-treated steel because they stay sharper longer and resist bending or breaking. Some blades come with coatings to prevent rust, which is a bonus if I store my mower outside.

Compatibility and Fit

I always double-check that the blade matches my mower’s mounting hole pattern and length — in this case, a 42 inch blade. Craftsman blades are often designed specifically for their models, so I tend to buy OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) blades to ensure perfect compatibility. However, some aftermarket blades can work just as well if they match the specifications exactly.

Sharpness and Cutting Performance

A sharp blade means a cleaner cut and a healthier lawn. When I buy new blades, I make sure they come pre-sharpened or are easy to sharpen myself. Sometimes I sharpen them before use to get the best results. Also, well-balanced blades reduce vibration and wear on the mower.

Price vs. Quality

I’ve found that spending a little more on high-quality blades pays off in durability and lawn health. Cheap blades may dull quickly or damage my mower. I compare prices but prioritize blades with good reviews and reliable brands, including Craftsman’s own replacement parts.

Installation Tips

Replacing mower blades can be tricky if you’re not careful. I always disconnect the spark plug before starting to avoid accidental starts. Using the right tools, like a socket wrench, I ensure the blade is securely fastened at the right torque as recommended in my mower’s manual.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right Craftsman 42 inch mower blades has made a noticeable difference in my lawn’s appearance and my mower’s performance. By focusing on compatibility, blade type, and quality, I keep my mower running smoothly season after season. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect blades for your Craftsman mower too!

Author Profile

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Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.