138971 Mower Blades for 42" Lawn Tractor, 138498 Gator Mulching Blades Compatible with Craftsman/Hus qvarna/Pou LAN Riding Mower, Replace 127843, 134149, 138971, 2 Pack

What It Is

This is a 2-pack of aftermarket Gator mulching blades designed for 42-inch lawn tractor decks. They are intended for mulching (fine grass clipping) rather than bagging or side-discharge, and are compatible with Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan riding mowers.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your deck width is exactly 42 inches (measured blade tip to tip). These blades replace OEM part numbers 127843, 134149, and 138971. Check your mower’s model number against the seller’s compatibility list—most Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan 42-inch decks with a center hole and 5-point star pattern will fit. Measure your existing blade’s length (21 inches), width (2.5 inches), and center hole diameter (typically 1 inch) to verify. Aftermarket blades may have slightly different thickness or balance than OEM, so compare visually.

Key Things to Know

• Mulching only: These are Gator-style blades with curved wings to recut clippings; they will not bag or side-discharge well. Use only for mulching.
• Installation tip: Mark blade orientation before removal—sharp edge faces deck rotation. Torque blade bolts to 70–90 ft-lbs; do not overtighten.
• Balance check: Aftermarket blades sometimes need balancing. Spin on a balancer before mounting; if off, file the heavy end slightly.
• Wear indicator: Replace when cutting edge is dull or nicked, or after 25 hours of use. Dull blades tear grass, causing brown tips.

Should You Buy It

Buy these if you have a 42-inch Craftsman, Husqvarna, or Poulan riding mower and want an affordable mulching upgrade over standard blades. They are a solid value for fine mulching, but if you need bagging or side-discharge performance, stick with OEM or universal blades designed for those tasks.