Maxpower 561735XB 3 Blade Commercial Mulching Set for 48" Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan, Replaces OEM no. 173921, 532173921

What It Is

This is a set of three mulching blades designed for 48-inch cutting decks on select Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan lawn tractors. It replaces OEM part numbers 173921 and 532173921, and is intended for commercial-grade mulching—chopping clippings finer for better lawn feeding.

Fitment & Compatibility

Deck size: Must be exactly 48 inches—measure your deck width, not the tractor model.
Brand/model check: Fits most Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan tractors with a 48" stamped or fabricated deck, but not all. Look up your specific model number (e.g., 917.xxxxx for Craftsman) on the manufacturer’s parts site or the Maxpower fitment list.
OEM vs aftermarket: The Maxpower set is a direct replacement for the OEM blades, but aftermarket blades may vary slightly in thickness or balance.
Measurements: Each blade is 16.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, with a 1-inch center hole and 0.5-inch offset. Verify your existing blade’s length, hole diameter, and offset before buying.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Heat-treated steel with a coated edge for durability—holds up well on rocky or rough terrain, but will dull faster than OEM if you hit debris regularly.
• Installation: Moderate difficulty. You’ll need a torque wrench (tighten to 70–90 ft-lbs) and a blade removal tool. Always disconnect the spark plug and battery first.
• Common gotcha: These are mulching blades, not bagging or discharge blades. They’ll create finer clippings but may leave clumps in wet grass.
• Balance: Each set is factory-balanced, but check for warping if you’ve hit a stump or rock—unbalanced blades cause vibration and damage spindles.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 48-inch Craftsman, Husqvarna, or Poulan tractor and want a cost-effective mulching upgrade that’s tougher than standard blades, this set is a solid choice. It’s best for homeowners or light commercial use on moderate-sized lawns. Avoid it if you need bagging or side-discharge blades, or if your deck uses a different blade length or offset.