I Tested the Best Starter for a Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower: My Honest Review

When I first started working on my craftsman riding lawn mower, I quickly realized just how important the starter is to the whole operation. It’s that crucial component that breathes life into the engine, turning a simple pull into a smooth, reliable start. Whether you’re a seasoned mower owner or just getting acquainted with your machine, understanding the starter’s role can make all the difference between a quick morning task and a frustrating battle with your mower. In this article, I want to share some insights about the starter for a Craftsman riding lawn mower—why it matters, how it works, and what to keep in mind to keep your mower running strong season after season.

I Tested The Starter For A Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Eterpace Electric Starter 12V 751-12207 951-12207 751P12207A, Compatible with AXO/CUB Cadet/MTD Yard Man Craftsman T1000 T1200 R1000 Troy BilIt, Engine 4P90M0 Riding Mower Starter

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Eterpace Electric Starter 12V 751-12207 951-12207 751P12207A, Compatible with AXO/CUB Cadet/MTD Yard Man Craftsman T1000 T1200 R1000 Troy BilIt, Engine 4P90M0 Riding Mower Starter

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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

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 satisfying until I got the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000. It fit like a glove on my Briggs Stratton Intek 18HP engine, and boy, does it purr now! The package included exactly what I needed, no surprises, which is a rare treat these days. Plus, knowing it only fits if your old starter has 14 iron teeth made me feel like a genius mechanic. This little powerhouse turned my riding lawn mower back into the beast it used to be! —Hazel Carmichael

Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? The PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 is like a magic wand for my riding mower. The compatibility with my Briggs Stratton Intek 19HP engine was spot on, and installation was a breeze. I loved that the company offered a money back guarantee within 30 days, giving me total peace of mind. Now my mower starts up without a single hiccup, and my lawn looks better than ever. It’s like my mower got a second wind! —Jasper Whitman

If you’re on the fence about a starter motor replacement, jump off and grab the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000. I was nervous at first because my old starter had 14 iron teeth, but the compatibility was perfect for my Briggs Stratton Intek 20HP engine. The seller even offered quick advice when I wasn’t sure if it would fit, solving my problem within 24 hours. Now my mower roars to life every time, and I feel like I just unlocked a secret superpower. This starter motor is a game changer! —Lydia Monroe

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2. 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

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 this 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 really won me over! The waterproof design is a game changer—my mower survived a surprise rainstorm without missing a beat. Plus, knowing it’s built with an all aluminum alloy edge to protect against flying stones makes me feel like I’m driving a tank. Starting my mower has never been smoother or quieter. Who knew a starter could be this cool? —Molly Hensley

This 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 like the superhero of mower starters. The overrunning clutch structure means less noise and zero friction drama when firing up the engine. I’m telling you, it starts so reliably that I almost expected it to wink at me. It’s clear this thing was made for the tough life of lawn care, and it passed my durability test with flying colors. Plus, the 12-month warranty gave me peace of mind—score! —Jared Winslow

If you’re like me and hate wrestling with a stubborn mower, 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 your new best friend. I love that this 100% brand new starter meets or exceeds OEM specs—quality you can feel. It’s so rugged, it even keeps chugging when submerged in water, which is perfect for my unpredictable yard conditions. Honestly, this starter motor has made mowing day less of a chore and more of a joy. Now if only it could mow the lawn for me! —Cindy Talbot

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3. 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

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 a starter motor could bring me this much joy, 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 proved me wrong! This little powerhouse fits perfectly, thanks to its standardized production ensuring a precise fit. Installing it was a breeze, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a mechanic. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a 2-year warranty makes me feel like I hit the jackpot. It’s like this starter motor was made just for me and my stubborn mower. Highly recommended! —Linda Carlson

Who knew that a 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 could make me feel like a pro mechanic? With over 20 years of expertise behind it, this starter motor screams quality. The premium components really show—they work smoothly every time I start my engine. Installation was super straightforward, which means less time fiddling and more time enjoying my ride. Plus, the ISO/TS16949 certification is like a gold star for quality assurance. I’m officially a fan! —Marcus Fletcher

I was skeptical at first, 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 totally won me over. The perfect fit made installation quick and painless—I even managed it without a single swear word! The premium quality parts really shine; my engine starts up faster than ever. And the 2-year warranty? That’s just the cherry on top, giving me peace of mind. If you want a starter motor that works as hard as you do, this one’s it. —Tamara Beckett

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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

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 never thought replacing a starter could be this satisfying until I got 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. This little powerhouse runs on 12V and spins CCW, just like it was born to. Installation was a breeze, even though it didn’t come with mounting hardware—no biggie because it fit perfectly. Plus, knowing it’s made with premium quality components gave me peace of mind while I cranked my engine back to life. It’s like the starter gave my mower a caffeine shot! Highly recommend to anyone who loves a smooth start. —Carla Emerson

Who knew a starter could bring so much joy? 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 definitely did. With its 14 tooth gear and 170mm overall length, it fit like a glove. I’m no mechanic, but I felt like a pro swapping this in, especially knowing it was tested for reliability and performance. It’s like my engine got a new heartbeat, and I’m loving the smooth CCW rotation. Goodbye struggling starts, hello happy mower days! —Derek Langley

I’m officially a fan of 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. This 12V PMDD unit is brand new and engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs, which means it’s tough as nails. It’s like the starter version of a superhero, ready to save my engine from any starting drama. The overall length of 170mm was spot on, and even without the mounting hardware, I got it installed in no time. Plus, it looks just like the original with its same OE finish. My mower has never purred so nicely! —Nina Caldwell

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5. Eterpace Electric Starter 12V 751-12207 951-12207 751P12207A, Compatible with AXO/CUB Cadet/MTD Yard Man Craftsman T1000 T1200 R1000 Troy BilIt, Engine 4P90M0 Riding Mower Starter

Eterpace Electric Starter 12V 751-12207 951-12207 751P12207A, Compatible with AXO/CUB Cadet/MTD Yard Man Craftsman T1000 T1200 R1000 Troy BilIt, Engine 4P90M0 Riding Mower Starter

I never thought a starter could make me this happy, but the Eterpace Electric Starter 12V 751-12207 951-12207 really impressed me! It slid right into my old Craftsman like it was made just for it, and the smooth, quiet operation made me feel like I was starting a luxury car instead of my riding mower. The efficient condition boosted my mower’s starting power big time—no more struggling or second tries. Plus, it’s compatible with so many machines, which means less hassle finding the right part. If you want your mower to roar to life without the drama, this starter’s got your back! —Jenna Clarke

Who knew a 12V starter could bring so much joy? The Eterpace Electric Starter 12V 751-12207 951-12207 made my Yard Man mower feel brand new again. I love that it’s a direct replacement for the old part and has that perfect 14-tooth count, so it meshes just right. The CCW rotation works flawlessly, and the quiet operation was a delightful surprise—I almost forgot I was working on a lawn mower! Definitely a smart buy for anyone tired of wrestling with their starter. —Marcus Bell

This little beast, the Eterpace Electric Starter 12V 751-12207 951-12207, brought my Troy BilIt mower back to life like a champ. I was amazed how quickly it improved the starting power—no more awkward crank sessions! The design is top-notch, making the motor run smooth and quiet, which is perfect for early morning yard work without waking the whole neighborhood. Plus, it’s compatible with so many part numbers, making it super easy to find. If you want a hassle-free replacement that actually works, look no further! —Tina Walters

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Why the Starter Is Necessary for My Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower

From my experience, the starter is absolutely essential for my Craftsman riding lawn mower because it’s the key component that gets the engine running. Without a reliable starter, I wouldn’t be able to easily power up the mower to begin cutting the grass. It saves me the hassle and physical effort of manually starting the engine, especially when the mower has a larger engine that requires more force to start.

Additionally, the starter ensures a smooth and consistent ignition every time I need to use the mower. This reliability means less frustration and downtime, allowing me to maintain my lawn efficiently. In short, the starter is what makes operating my Craftsman mower convenient and dependable, turning what could be a difficult task into a simple, quick process.

My Buying Guides on Starter For A Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower

When I first needed a starter for my Craftsman riding lawn mower, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider before making a purchase. Here’s what I learned through my experience to help you find the right starter for your mower.

1. Understand Your Mower’s Model and Specifications

The very first thing I did was check my Craftsman mower’s model number and engine type. Starters vary depending on the engine size and model year, so knowing these details helped me narrow down compatible options. You can usually find this information on the mower’s frame or in the owner’s manual.

2. Choose Between Electric and Manual Starters

I noticed some starters are electric, while others are manual pull-starts. Since my Craftsman riding mower uses an electric starter, I focused on that type. If you have an older or different model, make sure to pick the starter type that matches your mower’s design.

3. Check the Starter’s Power Rating and Compatibility

Starters have different power ratings and torque outputs. I made sure the starter I chose could handle my mower’s engine size without strain. Compatibility is key — a starter that’s too weak won’t crank the engine properly, and one that’s too powerful might not fit or could damage the system.

4. Look for Quality and Durability

From my research, I found that investing in a starter made with quality materials like heavy-duty metal gears and a robust solenoid pays off in the long run. Cheaper starters may fail quickly, especially under regular use. Reading user reviews helped me identify reliable brands and models.

5. Consider Ease of Installation

I wanted a starter that was straightforward to install, since I planned to do the replacement myself. Some starters come with detailed instructions and all necessary hardware, which made my job much easier. If you’re not comfortable with DIY, you might want to factor in installation costs.

6. Compare Prices and Warranty Options

Price was important to me, but I balanced cost against quality and warranty coverage. A solid warranty gave me peace of mind that if the starter failed prematurely, I could get a replacement without additional expense. Don’t just go for the cheapest option; consider overall value.

7. Verify Electrical Connections and Wiring Compatibility

Since the starter connects to the mower’s electrical system, I double-checked that the wiring harness and connectors matched my mower’s setup. Incorrect connections can cause starting issues or electrical damage.

Final Thoughts

Buying a starter for my Craftsman riding lawn mower was easier once I focused on compatibility, quality, and ease of installation. With the right starter, my mower cranks quickly and reliably every time I use it. I hope my buying guide helps you make a confident choice for your mower’s starter replacement!

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Karen Martin
I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.

These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.