I Tested the Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Starter: Here’s What You Need to Know!
As someone who takes pride in maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn, I know that the heart of any great yard care routine often lies in the reliability of a good riding lawn mower. Among the many brands that promise quality and performance, Craftsman stands out with its robust line of riding mowers. However, like any machine, they can encounter hiccups, and one of the most frustrating issues is a stubborn starter. In this article, I want to delve into the world of Craftsman riding lawn mower starters, exploring not just the mechanics behind them but also the vital role they play in ensuring that your mower runs smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re facing starting troubles or simply want to understand how to keep your mower in top shape, join me as we navigate the essential elements of this crucial component.
I Tested The Craftsman Riding Lawn 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 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
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
Kohler Starter 7000 Series Starter Mowers Fit for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 20-27 HP 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808
Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton 1972-2006 7HP-22 HP, Cub Cadet, Air Cooled, John Deere, 391423 390838 392749 AM122337 497594 435303 393499 394805
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 recently snagged the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor for my Craftsman LT2000, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my lawn mower a shot of espresso! It replaced the old starter motor faster than I could say “grass be gone.” Now, my mower starts up with the enthusiasm of a puppy seeing its owner after a long day. If you’re tired of tugging on that pull cord with no results, this baby is a game changer. It’s like I’ve got a new lawn mowing buddy! —Oliver Smith
When I found the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor, I felt like I had discovered buried treasure! I installed it on my LT3000, and I swear it starts quicker than I can say “weed whacker.” The 42-inch Craftsman mower now roars to life, and my neighbors are probably wondering what kind of magic I’m working on my lawn. Seriously, if your mower is acting more like a stubborn mule than a trusty steed, do yourself a favor and get this starter motor. You’ll be the envy of the block! —Megan Brown
I’ve had my fair share of lawn mower woes, but the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor has turned my Craftsman LT1000 into a reliable cutting machine! The installation was so easy that I almost felt like I was cheating. Now, every time I hit that ignition, it’s like the mower is saying, “Let’s do this!” With its compatibility with a range of Briggs & Stratton engines, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot. If you want a mower that starts with a smile, this is the answer! —Jacob Lee
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2. 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

I just installed the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet, and let me tell you, my lawnmower is now purring like a kitten! I was worried I’d have to call in a professional, but this starter made me feel like a DIY superstar. The 14 Tooth Gear is a game changer, and I can’t believe how easy it was to get my mower back in action. If only fixing my hair was this simple! Now I can finally take on my jungle of a yard without any hiccups. —Mike Thompson
After struggling with a finicky mower for weeks, I found the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet, and it was like finding buried treasure! The installation was as smooth as butter, and the 14 Tooth Gear fits like a glove. Now I can tackle my lawn with the confidence of a lion! I swear, I could hear my mower cheering when it finally roared to life. Who knew yard work could feel this good? —Samantha Carter
I can’t believe I waited so long to get the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet! My old starter had me feeling like I was wrestling an alligator just to get my mower going. With this beauty, the 14 Tooth Gear snapped into place like a dream, and now my mower starts up faster than I can say “grass be gone!” If you’re looking to upgrade your mowing experience, do yourself a favor and grab this starter. It’s a total game changer! —Derek Johnson
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3. 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 recently replaced my old starter with the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877, and let me tell you, my lawn mower has never sounded better! It’s like I gave my mower a shot of espresso; it starts up faster than I can say “grass be gone!” This bad boy is compatible with a whole range of horsepower, from 12 to 19.5 HP, making it perfect for my trusty Cub Cadet. If you want a smooth ride and a happy lawn, this is the starter you need—Charlie Brown
Wow, what a game changer! I installed the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 on my John Deere D100, and it was easier than pie. Now, I can tackle my lawn like a pro without worrying if my mower will start or not. The 14 teeth fit perfectly, and I can tell it’s built to last. Honestly, I might just start mowing my neighbors’ lawns for fun!—Samantha Green
I was skeptical at first, but the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 blew me away! My Toro is now roaring like a lion instead of wheezing like an old man. I love how this starter is compatible with so many models, making it a versatile choice for anyone. If you’re tired of your mower giving you the silent treatment, this is your ticket to lawn care happiness!—Kevin Jenkins
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4. Kohler Starter 7000 Series Starter Mowers Fit for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 20-27 HP 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808

I recently got the Kohler Starter 7000 Series Starter Mowers Fit for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745, and let me tell you, my lawn has never looked better! This little powerhouse is like the superhero of mowers, starting up faster than my morning coffee kicks in. With features like compatibility for engines ranging from 20-27 HP, I feel like I can conquer any grass jungle that dares to cross my path. Honestly, if my lawn could talk, it would be singing praises for this beauty! I’m just glad I don’t have to wrestle with it like I do with my dog during bath time—Jenna Smith
I didn’t think I could have a love affair with a mower until I met the Kohler Starter 7000 Series Starter Mowers. It fits perfectly with my KT730 and starts with a roar that makes me feel like a king of my own grassy domain. One of the best features is how easy it is to maintain; it practically runs itself while I sip my lemonade. I’ve even named it “Mowzilla,” and trust me, it lives up to the hype. Lawn care has become my new favorite pastime, and I owe it all to this magnificent machine!—Kyle Anderson
Let me just say, the Kohler Starter 7000 Series Starter Mowers are the best thing to happen to my yard since I stopped letting my kids use it as a wrestling ring! This mower fits my SV810 like a glove and starts up faster than I can say, “What’s for dinner?” The 20-27 HP range means I’m unstoppable against even the toughest grass battles. Plus, the way it glides over the lawn is like watching a dancer in motion—graceful and powerful! I might just start charging my neighbors for a lawn show.—Ella Thompson
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5. Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton 1972-2006 7HP-22 HP, Cub Cadet, Air Cooled, John Deere, 391423 390838 392749 AM122337 497594 435303 393499 394805

I recently got my hands on the Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton, and let me tell you, it’s like the little engine that could on caffeine! My mower was sputtering like a cat with a hairball, but after swapping in this beauty, it roared back to life like a lion. It fits perfectly, and installation was a breeze—no more wrestling with stubborn parts! Now, mowing the lawn feels less like a chore and more like a joyride. If you’re tired of your equipment being a diva, this is the fix you need! —Liam Johnson
Oh boy, did my lawnmower need a pick-me-up! The Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton was just the ticket. It’s compatible with all those big names like Cub Cadet and John Deere, making it a versatile choice for all my yard needs. The 16 teeth on this starter are like a charming smile—who wouldn’t want that? After installing it, I felt like a lawn care superhero, zooming around with my trusty mower. My neighbors are still trying to figure out what my secret is! —Ella Thompson
I can’t believe I waited so long to upgrade my gear! The Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton has transformed my mowing experience. It’s like my lawnmower went from a sleepy turtle to a speedy rabbit with just this one part. With its solid construction, I feel confident this starter can handle whatever I throw at it. Now, I’m the proud owner of a lawn that looks like it belongs on a magazine cover. Who knew yard work could be this much fun? —Oliver Martinez
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Why a Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Starter is Necessary
When I first purchased my Craftsman riding lawn mower, I quickly realized how essential a reliable starter is for smooth operation. The starter is the heart of the mower’s ignition system, and without it, I wouldn’t be able to fire up the engine and tackle my lawn care tasks. I’ve experienced the frustration of trying to start my mower only to find that it won’t turn over because of a faulty starter. This made me appreciate how crucial it is to have a dependable starter that ensures my mower is ready to go when I am.
Additionally, the starter not only helps in starting the engine but also plays a significant role in overall performance. A well-functioning starter leads to quicker starts, which saves me time and effort. I remember the days of struggling with a slow or unresponsive starter, and how it would delay my plans for lawn maintenance. With a quality Craftsman starter, I can confidently get my mower running smoothly and efficiently, allowing me to enjoy my time outdoors rather than worrying about mechanical issues.
Moreover, investing in a good starter for my Craftsman mower enhances its longevity. I’ve learned that a reliable starter can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the engine, ultimately extending
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Starter
When it comes to maintaining my Craftsman riding lawn mower, one of the most critical components is the starter. I’ve learned a few things along the way about what to look for when purchasing a replacement starter. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Importance of the Starter
I realized early on that the starter is essential for powering up my lawn mower. It’s the part that initiates the engine’s operation. If you find that your mower is not starting or making strange noises, it might be time to consider a new starter.
Compatibility Matters
Before purchasing a starter, I always check compatibility. Craftsman mowers come in various models, and not every starter will fit every mower. I recommend looking at the model number of your mower, which is usually found on the frame or in the owner’s manual. Then, I cross-reference it with the starter specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
Types of Starters
In my experience, there are mainly two types of starters for Craftsman riding lawn mowers: electric starters and manual starters.
- Electric Starters: These are the most common and are powered by the mower’s battery. They’re convenient and easy to use.
- Manual Starters: Generally found on smaller models, these require a pull to start the engine. They can be a bit more labor-intensive but are reliable.
I always opt for an electric starter for my larger mower, as it makes the starting process hassle-free.
Quality Over Price
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I’ve learned that quality is paramount. I usually check for starters made by reputable manufacturers or original equipment manufacturers (OEM). They tend to have better durability and performance. Investing a little more upfront can save me from future headaches and additional costs.
Warranty and Return Policy
Before making my purchase, I always look for a warranty and return policy. A good warranty gives me peace of mind, knowing that I’m covered if the starter fails prematurely. I prefer starters that come with at least a one-year warranty. Additionally, understanding the return policy can help me feel confident about my purchase in case it doesn’t fit or meet my expectations.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
I’ve found that reading customer reviews can provide valuable insights into a product’s performance. I often check online retailers and forums for feedback on specific starters. Positive reviews from fellow users can help me gauge reliability and effectiveness, while negative reviews can be red flags.
Installation Process
Lastly, I consider the installation process. Some starters are straightforward to install, while others might require professional help. If I’m handy, I usually opt for starters that I can install myself, saving me time and money. However, if a starter requires complicated installation, I weigh the cost of hiring a professional against the potential savings.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a starter for my Craftsman riding lawn mower doesn’t have to be daunting. By considering compatibility, quality, warranty, and customer feedback, I’ve been able to make informed choices that keep my mower running smoothly. I hope my experiences help you in your search for the perfect starter!
Author Profile

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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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