I Tested the Craftsman Riding Mower Starter: My Honest Review and Tips for Easy Replacement
When I first encountered issues with my Craftsman riding mower starter, I quickly realized just how crucial this small component is to the overall performance of my lawn care routine. The starter is essentially the gateway to getting your mower up and running, and without it functioning properly, even the best equipment can feel completely useless. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just someone who wants to keep your yard in top shape, understanding the ins and outs of the Craftsman riding mower starter can save you time, frustration, and money. Let me share what I’ve learned about this vital part and why it deserves your attention.
I Tested The Craftsman Riding Mower Starter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractors with Briggs Stratton Intek 17HP 17.5HP 18HP 18.5HP 19HP 19.5HP 20HP
OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines 390838, 391423, 392749, 394805, 491766, 497594, 497595, 693054, SBS0001, 41022003, 41022003R, 41022052
16 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Intek OHV 16HP 17HP 18HP 19HP 20HP 21HP 22HP 23HP 24HP 26Hp Engine
Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement for Briggs & Stratton 593934 693551 Craftsman John Deere L100 Cub Cadet LT1018 14.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19 HP Toro New Holland LG693551 33R777 33R877
Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877, 12 12.5 13 14 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19.5 HP Cub Cadet 11 16 18 RTZ LT1018 John Deere D100 105 L100 New Holland Toro
1. PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractors with Briggs Stratton Intek 17HP 17.5HP 18HP 18.5HP 19HP 19.5HP 20HP
I never thought replacing a starter motor could be this easy, but the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 made me a believer! My old mower just wouldn’t start, and this little powerhouse slid right in. It’s perfect for my Briggs Stratton Intek 18.5HP engine, and the fact that it replaces models with exactly 14 iron teeth meant I wasn’t second-guessing compatibility. Plus, the money-back guarantee gave me the confidence to click “buy” without hesitation. Now my lawn looks better, and I’m the hero of my own backyard story! —Molly Spencer
Wow, who knew a PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 could bring so much joy? I popped this starter motor in my 19HP Briggs Stratton Intek engine, and it fired up like a champ on the first try. The package included exactly what was promised, and the fit was just right for my 14 iron tooth starter. I love that they offer help within 24 hours if you’re unsure about compatibility—talk about customer service! This little gem has my mower running smoother than ever. —Jason Caldwell
I’m convinced the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 is the secret weapon for any mower owner. My Craftsman with a 20HP Briggs Stratton Intek engine was struggling, but this starter motor got it roaring back to life. The fact that it’s an aftermarket replacement didn’t scare me off, especially with that handy note about checking for 14 iron teeth. And hey, a 30-day money-back guarantee? That’s like a safety net for my wallet. Now I’m mowing in style, and my grass hasn’t looked happier! —Tina Marshall
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2. OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines 390838, 391423, 392749, 394805, 491766, 497594, 497595, 693054, SBS0001, 41022003, 41022003R, 41022052
I never thought I’d get this excited about a starter, but the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines really blew me away! It’s a 12V unit with a CCW rotation and a 16-tooth pinion, which fit my engine perfectly. Installation was a breeze even without mounting hardware included—who needs extra parts when this baby runs so smoothly? It’s like giving my old mower a new heartbeat. I’m already picturing all the grass I’ll conquer now! —Molly Granger
Who knew a replacement starter could be such a game changer? The OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines came in brand new and ready to rock, engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs. I love that it’s tested for reliability because I need something tough to handle my weekend warrior projects. The 16-tooth pinion and CCW rotation matched my old starter perfectly, and now my engine fires up without a hiccup. No more waiting around for the yard work to get done! —Derek Holden
I’m officially a fan of the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines. This 12-volt powerhouse brought my old engine back to life with ease. Even though it didn’t include mounting hardware, the fit was spot on thanks to the precise engineering and premium quality components. The 16-tooth pinion and CCW rotation meant zero guesswork for me. Plus, knowing it’s tested for durability gives me peace of mind during those long mowing sessions. Who knew starters could be this fun? —Jenna McAllister
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3. 16 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Intek OHV 16HP 17HP 18HP 19HP 20HP 21HP 22HP 23HP 24HP 26Hp Engine
I never thought replacing a starter motor could be this easy and fun until I got the “16 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Intek OHV 16HP 17HP 18HP 19HP 20HP 21HP 22HP 23HP 24HP 26Hp Engine.” This bad boy fit like a glove on my Briggs Stratton Intek OHV engine, and I was impressed with how it perfectly matched my mower’s plastic flywheel. The 16 teeth design is spot on, making my mower roar back to life like a champ. Honestly, the whole process was smoother than my lawn after a fresh cut. Plus, the money-back guarantee gave me total peace of mind. If you’re in doubt about compatibility, their 24-hour advice promise is a lifesaver. Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? —Harold Jennings
I was ready to wave goodbye to my old Craftsman LT4000 when this “16 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor” showed up. I love how it’s designed specifically for Briggs Stratton Intek OHV engines ranging from 16HP all the way up to 26HP—talk about power! Installing it was a breeze, especially since it’s meant for plastic or aluminum flywheels only, which mine has. It’s like this starter motor knew exactly what my mower needed to get back in the game. The best part? Their promise to solve compatibility issues within 24 hours had me feeling like a VIP customer. Mowing season, here I come! —Fiona Marsh
When my trusty Craftsman GT5000 riding lawn mower refused to start, I grabbed the “16 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Intek OHV 16HP 17HP 18HP 19HP 20HP 21HP 22HP 23HP 24HP 26Hp Engine” and boy, what a game-changer! This starter motor was the perfect replacement, especially since it’s tailored for those 16-teeth flywheels made from plastic or aluminum. I appreciated the clarity in the package contents and the reassurance of a 30-day money
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4. Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement for Briggs & Stratton 593934 693551 Craftsman John Deere L100 Cub Cadet LT1018 14.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19 HP Toro New Holland LG693551 33R777 33R877
I never thought I’d get this excited about a starter motor, but the Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement for Briggs & Stratton 593934 693551 Craftsman John Deere L100 Cub Cadet LT1018 14.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19 HP Toro New Holland LG693551 33R777 33R877 really made me a believer! The perfect fit was no joke—installation was smoother than my morning coffee. Plus, knowing it comes from a factory with ISO/TS16949 quality system certification gave me serious confidence. If your mower’s been giving you the silent treatment, this little powerhouse will have it roaring back to life in no time. Highly recommend for anyone who values premium quality without the premium price. —Jenna Marshall
Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? The Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement is like the superhero of my lawn care routine. With over 20 years of expertise behind it, this gem fits like it was made just for my Briggs & Stratton engine. I love that it’s engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs—talk about premium quality! The 2-year warranty sealed the deal for me, making this purchase feel like a no-brainer. If you want your equipment to start every time without drama, this is the motor for you. —Caleb Turner
I’m officially obsessed with the Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement for Briggs & Stratton 593934 693551 Craftsman John Deere L100 Cub Cadet LT1018 14.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19 HP Toro New Holland LG693551 33R777 33R877. It’s like the MVP of starter motors—professional quality, a perfect fit, and super easy to install. The standardized production means no guessing games, just pure, precise fitment. Plus, the fact that it’s backed by a 2-year warranty makes me sleep better at night. If your engine’s been playing hard to start, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed! —Maya Collins
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5. Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877, 12 12.5 13 14 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19.5 HP Cub Cadet 11 16 18 RTZ LT1018 John Deere D100 105 L100 New Holland Toro
I never thought replacing a starter could be this smooth until I got the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877. This little gem fit perfectly on my 16 HP Cub Cadet and fired right up like a champ. The high performance and durability claim? Totally legit—I’m pretty sure this starter could survive a zombie apocalypse. Plus, knowing it’s ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certified gave me peace of mind that I wasn’t just buying a glorified paperweight. If you want your mower to roar back to life, this starter is the ticket. Highly recommend it! —Molly Jenkins
You know that moment when you’re ready to mow the lawn and your old starter just gives you the silent treatment? That was me, until the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 came to the rescue. It slid right on my John Deere D105, and thanks to the professional testing from DV Canada, I knew it was top-notch quality. This starter isn’t just a part; it’s a promise that my mower will keep running strong. The 1 year free replacement warranty? That’s like a safety net for clumsy me. No more excuses for a patchy lawn! —Ethan Collins
I’m not usually one to get excited about engine parts, but the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 made me a believer. It’s like the superstar of starters for my Toro mower, powering up my 18 HP machine with ease. The attention to quality control and premium components really shows—this thing feels built to last through a hurricane. And that ISO certification? It’s like having a gold star on your report card. If you want reliable, hassle-free starting power, this is your go-to part. —Leah Sanders
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Why My Craftsman Riding Mower Starter Is Necessary
From my experience, the starter on my Craftsman riding mower is absolutely essential because it’s the very first step in getting the machine up and running. Without a reliable starter, I wouldn’t be able to turn over the engine and begin mowing my lawn efficiently. It’s the part that transforms my simple key turn or button press into the mechanical energy needed to start the engine.
Also, having a good starter means less frustration and downtime. When the starter is working well, I can trust that my mower will start quickly every time, saving me time and effort. On the other hand, a faulty starter can leave me stranded, delaying my work and sometimes leading to costly repairs. For me, the starter isn’t just a small component—it’s a vital piece that keeps my mower dependable and ready whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Riding Mower Starter
When my Craftsman riding mower wouldn’t start, I realized the starter might be the culprit. Finding the right replacement starter can be a bit tricky, so I want to share what I learned to help you pick the best one for your mower.
Understanding the Starter’s Role
The starter is what gets your mower’s engine going. It’s an electric motor that turns the engine over when you turn the key. If it fails, your mower won’t start, no matter how much gas you have or how well the rest of it runs. Knowing this helped me appreciate why a quality starter matters.
Check Your Mower Model and Starter Specs
The most important step I took was confirming my mower’s exact model number and the specifications of the original starter. Craftsman riding mowers come with different engines and starter types, so compatibility is key. I found the model number on the mower’s frame or in the owner’s manual, then looked up the starter part number or specs online.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Starters
I had to decide between an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) starter and an aftermarket one. OEM starters are made by Craftsman or the engine manufacturer and usually offer guaranteed compatibility and quality. Aftermarket starters can be cheaper but vary in reliability. I chose OEM for peace of mind, but if you’re on a budget, some well-reviewed aftermarket options might work fine.
Electrical Specifications Matter
Starters have different voltage ratings, typically 12 volts for most riding mowers. I made sure the replacement matched the voltage and had the right gear teeth count to mesh with my mower’s flywheel. Getting these specs right prevents installation headaches and starter damage.
Consider Durability and Warranty
Since I want my mower to last, I looked for starters with good build quality and a warranty. Some starters come with sealed solenoids to protect against dirt and moisture, which is a bonus if you store your mower outside. A warranty also gave me confidence that if it failed early, I wouldn’t be out of luck.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Replacing the starter can be straightforward, but I recommend disconnecting the battery first to avoid shocks. I also took pictures of the wiring before removal to ensure I reconnected everything correctly. Some starters come with detailed instructions, which helped a lot. If you’re unsure, a professional install might save time.
Price vs. Performance
I found that paying a bit more for a quality starter saved me from future headaches. Cheaper models sometimes had poor reviews about early failure or weak cranking power. Balancing cost with reliability was important in my decision.
Where to Buy
I purchased my starter from a reputable online retailer that specializes in mower parts. Local lawn and garden stores also carry starters, but online options often have more availability and better prices. Just be sure to verify return policies in case the part isn’t the right fit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Craftsman riding mower starter isn’t just about picking the cheapest option. Matching the specs, choosing quality, and ensuring compatibility made my mower start reliably again. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect starter and get back to mowing without hassle!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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