Kumar Bros USANew Mulching Cover 24142, 198383, 36420 for 42" Decks FSP Lawn Mower Craftsman

Reading several other reviews I was skeptical about the fit of this, or any other mulching cover for such an old machine. This cover did not fit perfectly, but that was due to the age of the mower deck rather than the mulch cover itself. At 20 yrs of age, the deck is no longer "like new". It has dents and distortion due to many years of service. once I bent the deck back close to original, the cover fits very snug. Yes the rubber straps are tight and I imagine they will stretch a bit. While some reviewers fastened it to their mower deck with screws, I wanted to keep mine flexible. there are quite a few obstructions around my property that have a tendency to bump the deck if I get too close or forget where they are hidden. If they should hit this cover the straps have enough give that should (hopefully ) allow it to slide around rather that crack. I fasten the front one before the cover is in place, then swing the cover over the chute and install the rear strap. other reviewers mention a small gap and this cover will leave a tiny slice of space if it's not installed just right. Also, the manual recommends not removing the original dust cover and this may also help keep any loose clippings in check. One thing I have noticed is that I need to clean out underneath the deck more frequently now that I'm mulching. getting a little off topic, I installed new Oregon G5 Gator mulching blades, and the quality of cut is quite satisfactory. I also (again 20 yr old mower) noticed one of the blade mandrel assemblies was tilted. to realign the blades I installed washers to shim two of the three bolts that hold it to the deck.

It is the right (sort of) part for 917 series mowers. This actual part (136420) is no longer available anywhere and parts stores will steer you to the replacement with the notch on top for later models. It’s the right shape but the material is not the rubber type plastic you usually see on these kind of things but a hard plastic like a 5 gallon bucket is made of. Still seems pretty durable and if you don’t run over sticks and junk it should be fine. There is a gap at the top but this was probably meant to be used with the regular discharge chute in place so no down vote there. I usually mow when it’s too high and wet so I haven’t experienced the grass geyser like others have. The rubber is stretched to the absolute limit to attach it and I will not be surprised when it breaks. It’s basically the only thing going if you’ve acquired an old craftsman.

The item purchased was delivered on time and in good condition, everything was as I expected, and the product is of great quality. Many thanks to the Seller!Unfortunately Amazon has joined "Giant Tech" in Cancel Culture (or call-out culture), a modern form of ostracism in which Conservative Americans are being thrust out of social or professional circles - either online on social media, in the real world, or both. Given that, I will no longer purchase, nor receive anymore products through Amazon. The company is a disgrace to American values!

See the attached photo to better understand two suggestions:1. Don't throw away your old cover's rubber straps. My new cover's front strap split within a week. The strap you see is from my old cover.2. The front strap's attachment point seems to be off from the original. The strap pulls the cover out of position, leaving a gap at the top. I addressed this by installing a sheet metal screw to help hold the cover in place.All in all, for the price, it's not great but it'll do.

It doesn't fit quite as well as the original, but it works. Shipment was prompt.

Fits LT1000. Straps are to short. Order at least 5" ones. Covers the whole opening.

I had read several reviews stating that the reviewer had to cut or modify this in some way for this to work. There are apparently at least 2 different styles. I looked in my owners manual parts list to see what part I was supposed to use for my mower. While I could not tell much from the part number I could tell from the picture. My mower is a 2002 Craftsman LT1000 and this part fit as it was supposed too without any modifications. Very satisfied with my purchase.

Was not the exact fit for my lawn mower deck but with a little southern engineering worked out OK Close enough for government work like we used to say at my old job. I just finished mowing the lawn the mulching cover did a great job 😀