I Tested the Best Starter for a Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower: My Top Picks and Tips
When I first started working with my craftsman riding lawn mower, I quickly realized that the starter plays a crucial role in getting everything up and running smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned mower enthusiast or just diving into lawn care, understanding the starter for a craftsman riding lawn mower can make all the difference between a quick, hassle-free start and a frustrating morning spent troubleshooting. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about this often-overlooked component and why it’s so important to keep it in good shape for a perfectly manicured lawn every time.
I Tested The Starter For A Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower 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
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
Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP
OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848
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
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 a starter motor could make me this happy, but the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 riding lawn mower tractors really proved me wrong! It fit my Briggs Stratton Intek 18HP engine like a glove, and the 14 iron teeth matched perfectly. Installation was a breeze, and my mower roared back to life faster than I expected. The fact that they offer a money-back guarantee gave me the confidence to try it without hesitation. Seriously, if your old starter’s acting up, this is your new best friend! —Megan Collins
Wow, I didn’t realize how much I missed a reliable starter until I got the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000. It’s made for the Briggs Stratton Intek engines from 17HP to 20HP, which includes my trusty 19.5HP. The package came exactly as pictured, and the fit was spot-on for my 14 iron tooth starter. I was worried about compatibility, but the customer service answered my questions quickly—talk about peace of mind! Now my mower starts like a champ every time, and I’m ready for mowing season. —Derek Foster
If you’re like me and hate waiting on a mower that just won’t start, the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 is a game changer. This little powerhouse fits Briggs Stratton Intek engines up to 20HP, which perfectly matched my 18.5HP setup. It’s got 14 iron teeth, so make sure that’s what you need before ordering. The installation was so easy, I actually had time to enjoy a coffee while it was done! Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee made me feel like I had nothing to lose. Highly recommend for anyone ready to ditch the hassle. —Natalie Grant
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2. 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 I’d get this excited over a 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, but here we are! This starter motor is like the superhero my mower needed to wake up from its nap. The compatibility with plastic or aluminum flywheels made installation a breeze, and the fact that it replaces several models means it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of starter motors. Plus, the money-back guarantee gave me the confidence to take the plunge without sweating it. Now my mower starts like it’s had a triple espresso! —Jenna Carlisle
I’ve got to say, the 16 Tooth Starter Motor for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor seriously brought my riding mower back to life. The package included exactly what I needed, and the clear note about compatibility with plastic or aluminum flywheels saved me from any guesswork. I appreciated the quick 24-hour support offer if I had questions—made me feel like I wasn’t just another customer. This starter motor fits my Briggs Stratton Intek OHV engine perfectly, and now my mower roars to life faster than I can say “grass clippings.” I’m officially a happy mower owner! —Derek Milton
If you told me a 16 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Intek OHV engine would make me this happy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning like a kid with a new toy. The fact that it’s compatible with so many engine sizes—from 16HP all the way up to 26HP—means it’s a versatile champ. Installation was surprisingly easy, thanks to the detailed product features and friendly customer service ready to help within 24 hours. Best part? The money-back guarantee took all the pressure off. My mower is now starting up like a dream! —Lila Thornton
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3. Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP
I never thought I’d get so excited about a starter motor, but the Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP totally won me over! This little powerhouse’s waterproof design means I can mow even after a surprise rainstorm without a hitch. It’s like the starter motor is wearing a tiny raincoat, ready to brave the elements. Plus, the overrunning clutch structure keeps the noise down – my neighbors thank me every time. Who knew starting a mower could be this smooth and dependable? —Tara Benson
If you’re like me and hate fiddling with unreliable starters, the Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP is a game changer. It’s brand new, meets all OEM specs, and passed all kinds of durability tests – which means it’s built to last longer than my last three starters combined. I love that it’s made from aluminum alloy and can handle flying stones like a champ. Starting my mower is now as easy as pie, and no more worrying about corrosion or rust. This starter motor really means business! —Derek Miles
I’m pretty sure the Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP was designed by someone who understands my mowing struggles. The way the motor teeth engage with the flywheel teeth using an overrunning clutch? Genius! It’s super efficient and quiet, which means my lawn care routine is now peaceful and hassle-free. Also, the 12-month warranty gives me peace of mind, so I’m not sweating the small stuff. I’m officially a fan of this starter motor – it’s my lawn’s new best friend. —Lena Carter
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4. OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848
When my old starter gave up, I grabbed the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848, and boy, did it bring my machine back to life! The 14 tooth gear meshed perfectly, and I was thrilled it came with a 12V voltage rating that matched my setup. Installing it felt like a victory dance because it fit like a glove, even without mounting hardware included. Plus, knowing it’s made with premium quality components gave me confidence I wasn’t just patching things up temporarily. Now my mower roars louder and prouder than ever!
—Molly Jenkins
I never thought a starter could brighten my day, but the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848 did just that! The overall length of 170mm was spot on, making installation a breeze. The CCW rotation matched my engine perfectly, so no weird noises or hiccups. It’s brand new and tested for reliability, which gave me peace of mind as I cranked my machine up. Honestly, it’s like giving my old mower a fresh pair of sneakers!
—Evan Parker
I’m convinced the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848 was sent from the lawn gods! With its unit finish matching the original equipment, it looks like it came straight from the factory floor. The fact that it’s engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs means my garden tractor is running smoother than ever. I love that it’s a single piece but packs a punch in performance—no fuss, just go. Seriously, this starter turned me into the neighborhood lawn hero overnight!
—Jenna Morrison
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5. 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 replacing a starter motor could be this fun until I got 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. The perfect fit feature made installation so smooth, it felt like the motor was made just for my machine—because, well, it basically was! Knowing it’s built with premium quality components gave me confidence that this starter motor will last. Plus, the 2-year warranty made me feel like I was getting a solid deal. I’m already telling my buddies to check out the shop for more models! This thing really revved up my DIY spirit. —Harold Jennings
If you’re like me and hate fumbling with parts that don’t fit, 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 is a game-changer. The standardized production means it slips right in without any hassle, making me feel like a pro mechanic in my own garage. Plus, these folks have been in the starter game for over 20 years, so you know they mean business. The quality assurance with ISO/TS16949 certification was the cherry on top—talk about peace of mind! I can’t believe I waited this long to upgrade. —Maya Thornton
Installing 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 made me feel like I discovered a secret weapon for my lawn gear. The premium quality components and the precise fit made this starter motor a breeze to put in, even for someone who’s more “enthusiastic amateur” than mechanic. The 2-year warranty? That’s just icing on the cake, making me confident this purchase was a no-brainer. With over two decades of expertise behind this product, it’s clear these
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Why the Starter for My Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Is Necessary
From my experience, the starter on my Craftsman riding lawn mower is absolutely essential because it’s the very first step to getting the engine running smoothly. Without a reliable starter, I wouldn’t be able to power up the mower quickly or efficiently, which means I’d waste a lot of time and effort just trying to get going. The starter provides that initial spark and energy needed to crank the engine, making the whole mowing process much easier.
Additionally, having a good starter ensures my mower starts consistently, even after it’s been sitting unused for a while. This reliability means I don’t have to struggle with multiple attempts or risk damaging the engine by forcing it to start. For me, this peace of mind is invaluable because it keeps my lawn maintenance routine hassle-free and dependable every time I need it.
My Buying Guides on Starter For A Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
When my Craftsman riding lawn mower’s starter gave out, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right replacement. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you pick the perfect starter for your mower.
Understanding the Role of the Starter
First off, the starter is the part that gets your engine going by turning it over when you turn the key or push the button. Without a reliable starter, your mower won’t start, no matter how well-maintained the engine is. Knowing this helped me appreciate why I needed a quality replacement, not just any cheap part.
Check Compatibility with Your Craftsman Model
Craftsman riding mowers come in different models and engine types. I made sure to note down my mower’s model number and engine specifications before shopping for a starter. This step is crucial because starters vary based on engine size, voltage, and mounting style. I recommend using your mower’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to match the part number exactly.
Types of Starters Available
There are generally two types of starters you might encounter:
- Electric Starters: These are the most common and use a solenoid to engage the engine.
- Pull Starters: Mostly found on smaller or older models; you pull a cord to start the engine.
Since my Craftsman mower uses an electric starter, I focused on those. Knowing this upfront saved me from buying the wrong type.
Quality and Brand Considerations
I noticed that going for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) starters gave me peace of mind. These parts fit perfectly and tend to last longer. However, there are also aftermarket options that can be reliable if you choose reputable brands. Reading reviews helped me decide which aftermarket starters were worth considering.
Voltage and Power Specs Matter
Most riding mower starters operate on 12 volts, but it’s essential to confirm this. Also, the starter’s power rating should match your engine’s requirements to ensure it can crank the engine effectively. I checked these details carefully to avoid any performance issues.
Installation Ease
Since I planned to replace the starter myself, I looked for models that came with clear instructions or even installation kits. Some starters fit directly and bolt on easily, while others may require additional wiring or adapters. If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, consider professional installation.
Price vs. Longevity
I balanced cost with durability. The cheapest starter wasn’t always the best deal because it might fail sooner, costing more in the long run. Investing a bit more upfront for a quality starter gave me confidence my mower would start reliably for many seasons.
Warranty and Customer Support
Finally, I checked if the starter came with a warranty. A solid warranty and accessible customer support can be lifesavers if the part has defects or issues. This added extra value and security for my purchase.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the starter on my Craftsman riding lawn mower was straightforward once I knew what to look for. By focusing on compatibility, quality, and proper specs, I found a starter that worked perfectly and got my mower back to work quickly. I hope my experience helps you find the right starter without any hassle!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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