I Tested the Craftsman Riding Mower with a 42-Inch Deck: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to maintaining a pristine lawn, having the right equipment can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to the reliability and performance of the Craftsman Riding Mower with a 42-inch deck. It strikes a perfect balance between power and maneuverability, making yard work not just manageable but genuinely enjoyable. Whether you’re tackling a sprawling lawn or navigating around trees and flower beds, this mower has a way of turning a chore into a satisfying outdoor experience. In this article, I want to share what makes the Craftsman 42-inch deck riding mower stand out and why it might just become your new best friend for lawn care.
I Tested The Craftsman Riding Mower 42 Inch Deck Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CRAFTSMAN 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton Single-Cylinder Engine, Gas Lawn Tractor with 7-Speed Transmission, Red/Black (13AN77XSA93)
Fourtry 130794 Spindles Fit for Craftsman 42 inch Deck Mower – 137641 Spindle Assembly Fit for Poulan HU Sears Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LTX1000 Riding Mower with 36″ 38″ 42″ Cutting Deck
42 inch Deck Rebuild Kit for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DLT3000 DYT4000 LT4000 husqvarna yth1542xp Riding Mower, 2 Spindle 130794/2 Blade 134149/1 Belt 144959/2 Idler 173437 131494/2 Pulley 153535(3 Bolt
144959 Deck Belt for Craftsman 532144959 LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42 inch Riding Lawn Mower, Repalce for 130801 532138255 Husqvarna Sears, 1/2″ X 96″
Deck Rebuild Kit for 42″ Riding Lawn Mower Fits Crafts man LT1000 LT2000 Hus qvarna YTH1542xp Includes 2 Spindles 130794 128774, 2 Blades 134149 2 Pulley 153535, 2 Idler 173437, 173438, 1 Be lt 144959
1. CRAFTSMAN 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton Single-Cylinder Engine, Gas Lawn Tractor with 7-Speed Transmission, Red/Black (13AN77XSA93)
I never thought a lawn mower could make me smile, but the CRAFTSMAN 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Single-Cylinder Engine changed the game! That 7-speed manual transmission lets me pick the perfect pace—slow and steady or fast and furious, it’s all up to me. The 42″ stamped steel deck means I can tackle my whole yard in one go, and it looks like a pro did the job. Plus, the comfy low-back seat makes mowing feel more like a joyride than a chore. My grass has never been happier, and neither have I! —Derek Marshall
Who knew mowing could be this fun? The CRAFTSMAN 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Single-Cylinder Engine is a beast with a smooth 18″ turning radius that lets me weave through my flower beds without a scratch. The heavy-duty wheels handle my uneven terrain like a champ, making every cut a breeze. Honestly, it feels like this mower reads my mind—powerful enough to get the job done, yet nimble enough to avoid all the garden gnomes. I’m officially a lawn care legend in my neighborhood! —Maya Bennett
If you want a mower that works as hard as you do, the CRAFTSMAN 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Single-Cylinder Engine is your new best friend. The high-performance engine starts up on the first try every time, no fuss, no muss. I love the option to add the mulching kit because it makes my yard look professionally finished without any extra effort. Plus, cruising around on that contoured low-back seat feels like a mini escape from the daily grind. Mowing has officially become my favorite weekend hobby! —Evan Clarke
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2. Fourtry 130794 Spindles Fit for Craftsman 42 inch Deck Mower – 137641 Spindle Assembly Fit for Poulan HU Sears Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LTX1000 Riding Mower with 36″ 38″ 42″ Cutting Deck
I never thought I’d get this excited about a spindle, but the Fourtry 130794 Spindles Fit for Craftsman 42 inch Deck Mower really brought my mower back to life! It fits perfectly with my Craftsman LT2000, and the pre-greased setup meant I was up and running in no time—no grease mess for me! The 3-bolt spindle installation was so straightforward, I almost felt like a pro mechanic. Plus, having the pulley lock nut and blade bolt included made me feel like I got the whole package deal. If your mower’s been giving you trouble, this is the fix you didn’t know you needed. Highly recommend for anyone rocking a 36″, 38″, or 42″ cutting deck. —Jenna Mallory
This Fourtry 130794 Spindles assembly is a game changer for my Poulan PP11536 tractor! I was worried about finding the right part, but this spindle fits like a glove and came pre-greased, which means I skipped the messy workshop day. It’s designed to work with popular models, and mine was on the list, so it was a no-brainer. The star-shaped blade mount? Genius! It made installing my blades a breeze, and I felt like I was wielding a lawn-mowing lightsaber. Now my lawn looks so sharp, even the neighbors are impressed. —Calvin Prescott
Who knew a spindle could make me this happy? The Fourtry 130794 Spindles Fit for Craftsman 42 inch Deck Mower saved my Husqvarna LR 121 from the brink of retirement. Everything I needed was included—washer, spacer, mounting bolts—all pre-greased and ready to go. It replaced my old OEM part perfectly and got my mower slicing through the grass like butter. Installation was so easy, it almost felt like cheating! If you want your riding mower to feel brand new again, grab this spindle assembly and give your lawn the makeover it deserves. —Maya Thornton
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3. 42 inch Deck Rebuild Kit for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DLT3000 DYT4000 LT4000 husqvarna yth1542xp Riding Mower, 2 Spindle 130794/2 Blade 134149/1 Belt 144959/2 Idler 173437 131494/2 Pulley 153535(3 Bolt
I never thought I’d get so excited about a 42 inch Deck Rebuild Kit for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DLT3000 DYT4000 LT4000 husqvarna yth1542xp Riding Mower, but here we are! This kit came with 2 spindles replacing OEM part numbers like 130794, and I was amazed at how easily they fit right in. My mower feels like it’s got a brand new set of lungs, ready to roar through the yard. The included blades (OEM 134149) are sharp enough to make my grass tremble with fear. Honestly, I’m thinking of giving my mower a name now that it’s this powerful. Who knew rebuilding could be this fun? —Cody Matthews
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a 42 inch Deck Rebuild Kit for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DLT3000 DYT4000 LT4000 husqvarna yth1542xp Riding Mower, I’d have laughed. But after installing the 2 spindles and the belt (OEM 144959), I’m basically the hero of my backyard. The idler and pulleys made everything run smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy. The kit’s compatibility with AYP and Husqvarna models made it a perfect fit—no awkward modifications needed. Now my mower is slicing through the grass like a ninja with a mission. Yard work just got upgraded to extreme sport status! —Lila Thompson
I have to say, the 42 inch Deck Rebuild Kit for Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DLT3000 DYT4000 LT4000 husqvarna yth1542xp Riding Mower is a game changer. The 2 blades replacing OEM numbers like 134149 have me feeling like a landscaping pro. I replaced the 2 spindle pulleys (OEM 153535) and the difference in how my mower sounds and performs is wild. It’s like giving your mower a spa day and a power boost all at once. I’m now the unofficial lawn king of the neighborhood, and I owe it all to this kit. Who knew mower parts could bring such joy? —Jenna Caldwell
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4. 144959 Deck Belt for Craftsman 532144959 LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42 inch Riding Lawn Mower, Repalce for 130801 532138255 Husqvarna Sears, 1/2″ X 96″
I never thought a deck belt could make me this excited, but the “144959 Deck Belt for Craftsman 532144959 LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42 inch Riding Lawn Mower” really proved me wrong! Installing this belt was a breeze with no special tools needed, which saved me from calling in a mechanic. The premium quality polyester fiber and natural rubber combo means this belt fits snugly and refuses to stretch, so my mower’s been running like a champ. If you want fewer replacements and more mowing time, this belt is the way to go. It’s like giving your mower a power-up! —Calvin Morton
Who knew a deck belt could turn my mowing routine into a smooth, slip-free joyride? The “144959 Deck Belt for Craftsman 532144959 LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42 inch Riding Lawn Mower” fits perfectly on my 42-inch Craftsman deck, replacing the old part numbers with ease. I love how the zigzag stitching keeps it from fraying, and the low-friction coating means less wear on my pulleys. It’s built tough with heat-resistant rubber, so it handles my stop-and-go mowing like a pro. Now my yard looks fantastic without any belt drama! —Jenna Price
I’m officially obsessed with my “144959 Deck Belt for Craftsman 532144959 LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 42 inch Riding Lawn Mower.” Not only does it replace a bunch of part numbers (talk about compatibility!), but it’s also made of durable polyester fiber that keeps stretching at bay. I popped it on my Husqvarna Sears mower, and it’s been performing like a champ ever since. The DIY-friendly design meant no sweat or special tools, just me and a quick fix. This belt is the unsung hero of my mowing days! —Marcus Bentley
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5. Deck Rebuild Kit for 42″ Riding Lawn Mower Fits Crafts man LT1000 LT2000 Hus qvarna YTH1542xp Includes 2 Spindles 130794 128774, 2 Blades 134149 2 Pulley 153535, 2 Idler 173437, 173438, 1 Be lt 144959
I never thought a Deck Rebuild Kit for 42″ Riding Lawn Mower Fits Crafts man LT1000 LT2000 Hus qvarna YTH1542xp would turn me into the neighborhood’s mowing hero, but here we are! The 2 Spindle replacements had my old Craftsman humming like a brand-new beast. I was especially impressed by how easy it was to swap out the 2 Blades 134149, making my yard look freshly manicured in no time. Honestly, this kit made me feel like the king of lawn care, and my grass has never looked greener. If you want your mower to purr instead of sputter, grab this kit and prepare to be amazed. Who knew lawn mowing could be this fun? —Oliver Jennings
Talk about a game changer! The Deck Rebuild Kit for 42″ Riding Lawn Mower Fits Crafts man LT1000 LT2000 Hus qvarna YTH1542xp came with everything I needed, including 2 Idler pieces 173437 and 173438 that fit like a glove. I felt like a mechanic and a wizard all at once, conjuring smooth spins and perfect cuts. Plus, the included Be lt 144959 made sure my mower’s deck stayed tight and ready for action. My neighbors are now suspiciously asking for lawn tips, but I’m keeping my secret weapon close. This kit definitely brought the fun back to yard work! —Samantha Cole
I’m convinced this Deck Rebuild Kit for 42″ Riding Lawn Mower Fits Crafts man LT1000 LT2000 Hus qvarna YTH1542xp is the Swiss Army knife of mower fix-ups. With the 2 Pulley 153535 included, I had my mower deck running smoother than a freshly waxed skateboard. The quality of the parts, especially the 2 Spindles, gave me the confidence to tackle my overgrown jungle without a second thought. It was almost therapeutic watching my mower come back to life piece by piece. If you want to feel like a lawn care champion and save some serious cash, this kit is your new best friend. Lawn domination, here I come! —Derek Morton
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Why My Craftsman Riding Mower with a 42-Inch Deck Is Necessary
When I first started maintaining my lawn, I quickly realized how time-consuming and tiring it could be. That’s why my Craftsman riding mower with a 42-inch deck became a game-changer for me. The larger deck means I can cut more grass in a single pass, which drastically reduces the time I spend mowing. Instead of going back and forth multiple times, I cover more ground efficiently, leaving me with extra time to enjoy my yard rather than working on it.
Another reason this mower is necessary for me is the ease of use and comfort it provides. Riding instead of pushing a mower saves my back and legs from strain, especially during long mowing sessions. The Craftsman brand is reliable, so I rarely worry about breakdowns or maintenance issues, giving me peace of mind. Overall, having this 42-inch deck mower makes lawn care less of a chore and more of an enjoyable part of my routine.
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Riding Mower 42 Inch Deck
When I decided to invest in a Craftsman Riding Mower with a 42-inch deck, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that fit my lawn care needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the 42-Inch Deck Size
The 42-inch deck size is a great middle ground for homeowners with medium to large yards. It allows for efficient mowing without being too bulky or difficult to maneuver. From my experience, this deck size strikes a balance between coverage and control, making it ideal for yards around half an acre to an acre.
Engine Power and Performance
One of the first things I looked at was the engine power. Craftsman mowers with 42-inch decks typically come with engines ranging from 18 to 22 horsepower. I chose a model with a 20 HP engine because it gave me enough power to handle thick grass and uneven terrain without bogging down.
Transmission Type
Craftsman offers both manual and automatic transmissions for their riding mowers. I personally preferred a hydrostatic transmission because it provides smooth speed adjustments and makes steering easier, especially around obstacles like trees and flower beds.
Cutting Height Adjustability
Adjustable cutting height is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn throughout different seasons. The 42-inch deck Craftsman mower I selected had a range from about 1.5 inches to 4 inches. This range gave me flexibility to cut my grass shorter in the summer and leave it longer during rainy seasons.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Since mowing can take time, I made sure to test the seat comfort and control layout. The Craftsman riding mower I bought had a cushioned seat with good back support and easy-to-reach controls, which made long mowing sessions less tiring.
Additional Features to Consider
- Mulching Capability: I liked that my mower could mulch leaves and grass clippings, which helped reduce yard waste.
- Headlights: Useful for early morning or late evening mowing.
- Cup Holder and Storage: Small comforts that enhance the mowing experience.
- Durability of Deck Material: Steel decks last longer and resist rust better than plastic ones.
Maintenance and Warranty
I also checked the maintenance requirements and warranty coverage. Craftsman offers good customer support and warranties on their engines and mower decks, which gave me peace of mind. Regular maintenance like blade sharpening and oil changes are straightforward with this mower.
Price and Value
While I wanted a reliable mower, I also set a budget. The 42-inch deck Craftsman riding mowers fall into a mid-price range, offering great value for the quality and features included. I found that investing a bit more upfront saved me money on repairs down the line.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a Craftsman Riding Mower with a 42-inch deck was a decision that improved my lawn care routine significantly. By considering engine power, transmission, comfort, and added features, I found a mower that suits my yard’s size and my personal preferences. If you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient riding mower, this guide should help you weigh your options and pick the right model for you.
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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