2 Pack 131494 Idler Pulley Craftsman Replaces 532173437 532173438 597025001 532131494 Craftsman 165888 173437 173438 for Craftsman 42 inch LT1000 LT2000 Husqvarna YTH18542 YTH1542XP Decks

What It Is

This is a 2-pack of idler pulleys designed to maintain tension on the mower deck belt, keeping it engaged with the spindle blades. It fits 42-inch stamped-steel decks commonly found on Craftsman LT1000/LT2000 and Husqvarna YTH18542/YTH1542XP lawn tractors.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your deck is 42 inches and uses a 3-blade spindle system. This pulley replaces OEM numbers 532131494, 532173437, 532173438, and 597025001. It fits Craftsman 42-inch decks on LT1000, LT2000, and similar models (check your model number—e.g., 917.xxxxx). Also fits Husqvarna YTH18542, YTH1542XP, and some Poulan Pro models with 42-inch decks. Measure your old pulley: outside diameter should be 4 inches, with a 5/8-inch bore and a 1/2-inch-wide groove. If your pulley is larger or has a different bore, this won’t work.

Key Things to Know

• Quality vs OEM: These are aftermarket pulleys with sealed ball bearings. They’re comparable to OEM but may wear slightly faster under heavy use. Check reviews for long-term durability.
• Installation: Easy—remove a single bolt on the deck, swap pulleys, and re-tighten to 20-25 ft-lbs. Use thread locker if the bolt is loose.
• Common gotcha: The pulley’s inner bearing race can seize if the bolt is over-tightened. Don’t exceed torque spec.
• Deck belt check: Always inspect your belt for cracks or glazing when replacing pulleys. A worn belt will destroy a new pulley quickly.

Should You Buy It

If you’re replacing a worn or noisy idler pulley on a 42-inch Craftsman or Husqvarna deck, this 2-pack is a solid value for the price. It’s not heavy-duty enough for commercial use, but for residential mowing on 1-2 acres, it’ll hold up fine. Skip it if you need OEM for warranty reasons or have a larger deck.