Antanekr 173437 532173437 Flat Idler Pulley for Craftsman Lawn Mower Tractor, Mower Pulley Fits Husqvarna Poulan 42" 44" Deck Replace 131494 532131494 173438 165888 LT16542 LT18452 LTH1342, 2 Pack

What It Is

This is a flat idler pulley (OEM part #173437 / 532173437) that guides and tensions the mower deck belt on Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan lawn tractors with 42" or 44" decks. Sold as a 2-pack, it replaces worn or seized pulleys that cause belt slipping, squealing, or poor blade engagement.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify three things:

• Deck size: Fits 42" and 44" stamped steel decks (e.g., models LT16542, LT18452, LTH1342). Not for 46" or 54" decks.
• Brand/model: Compatible with Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan, and some AYP-built tractors. Check your deck’s pulley layout – this is the flat idler, not a spindle or tensioner pulley.
• Measurements: Outer diameter ~4.0", inner bore ~0.5", width ~0.75". Confirm your old pulley matches. Replaces OEM numbers 131494, 532131494, 173438, 165888.

Cross-reference your mower’s model number (look under seat or on deck) with the part #173437 to avoid mismatch.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Metal construction with sealed bearings. Most users report it outlasts OEM pulleys, but inspect for smooth spin before installing – defective units are rare but possible.
• Installation difficulty: Easy (15-30 minutes). Requires removing belt, unbolting old pulley (usually a 5/16" or 3/8" bolt), and swapping. No special tools beyond a socket wrench.
• Common gotcha: The flat idler is not the same as a v-groove or tensioner pulley. If your deck uses a grooved pulley in this position, this won’t work. Also, the 2-pack is handy for replacing both flat idlers at once – save the spare for future maintenance.
• Belt routing: After installing, double-check belt path on deck diagram. Incorrect routing can cause premature wear.

Should You Buy It

If you need to replace a flat idler pulley on a 42" or 44" Craftsman/Husqvarna/Poulan deck, this 2-pack is a solid value – it’s cheaper than buying two OEM pulleys and performs equally well. Avoid it if your mower uses a grooved pulley in that position or if you need a spindle pulley.