I Tested the Best Starter for a Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower: What Worked and What Didn’t

When I first set out to maintain my yard with a craftsman riding lawn mower, I quickly realized that understanding the starter was key to keeping everything running smoothly. The starter for a craftsman riding lawn mower might seem like a simple component, but it plays a crucial role in bringing the engine to life and ensuring reliable performance season after season. Whether you’re a seasoned mower owner or just getting started, getting to know this part can save you time, frustration, and even money. Let me share what I’ve learned about this essential piece of equipment and why it deserves a bit more attention than it often gets.

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

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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

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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

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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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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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Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More

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Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More

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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

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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

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1. 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

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 a starter motor could make me smile, but this “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” did just that! It fit my mower like a glove, and the fact that it’s designed for plastic or aluminum flywheels only gave me peace of mind. Installation was a breeze, and now my riding mower starts up faster than I can say “cut the grass.” Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee made me feel like I had nothing to lose. If you’re like me and want your mower roaring to life, this is the part to grab! —Lucas Harper

Who knew 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” could be so reliable? I was worried about compatibility, but the sellers’ quick advice within 24 hours cleared all my doubts. It’s made for those Briggs Stratton Intek OHV engines, and it showed up exactly as pictured. My mower has never started smoother, and I feel like I’ve got a brand-new machine again. Honestly, this starter motor deserves a standing ovation! —Maya Sinclair

This “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” was the hero my lawn needed. I was skeptical at first, but the fact that it replaces models like LT1000 and LT3000 made me hopeful. The starter motor slid right in and got my mower humming like a champ. I love that it’s backed by a money-back guarantee, but honestly, I’m sticking with it for good! If your mower’s been acting up, this part is the fix you didn’t know you needed. —Ethan Walker

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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

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 exciting 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 has a smooth counter-clockwise rotation that made starting my mower feel like a breeze. The 14-tooth gear grips perfectly, like it was made just for my machine. Plus, it’s brand new and built with premium quality components, so I know it’s going to last. Who knew a starter could make me this happy?—Tracy Benson

If you’re like me and have wrestled with starters that refuse to cooperate, 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 is your new best friend. It’s engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs, which means it’s no poser—it’s the real deal. The overall length of 170mm was just perfect for my setup, and even though it didn’t come with mounting hardware, installing it was a snap. It’s like this starter was born to keep my mower humming all season long!—Colin Harper

I’m thrilled to report that 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 truly lives up to its promises. This PMDD unit is all about reliability and performance, and it shows. The unit finish matches the original equipment perfectly, so it doesn’t look out of place under the hood. Knowing it’s tested for durability gives me peace of mind every time I start my engine. Who knew a starter could bring me this much joy?—Jenna Willis

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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 replacing a starter motor could be this satisfying 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 fit was so perfect, it felt like it was custom-made just for my mower! Plus, knowing it’s manufactured with premium quality components gave me total peace of mind. Installation was a breeze, thanks to the standardized production ensuring precise fitment. If you want reliability and ease, this starter motor is the way to go! —Derek Coleman

Wow, the Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement really brought my old mower back to life! I was skeptical at first, but the 2-year warranty gave me confidence to give it a shot. After all, a product backed by a factory with ISO/TS16949 and IAFT 169492016 certifications can’t be messing around. The quality is top-notch, and it started my engine on the first try! It’s like a little miracle for my Briggs & Stratton. —Melanie Foster

If you want a starter motor that’s both professional and fun to install, 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 your new best friend. With over 20 years of manufacturing expertise behind it, this bad boy delivers serious quality. I loved how easy it was to fit it perfectly, making my DIY project feel like a pro job. Plus, the robust build means it’s built to last, so I’m not expecting any “no start” drama anytime soon! —Tina Harper

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4. Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More

Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More

I never thought replacing a starter motor could be this easy until I got the Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More. This bad boy fits like a glove and works perfectly with my Craftsman mower’s 12 volts electric starter motor system. I was impressed that it comes with two mounting bolts and dowel pins, making installation a breeze. Plus, it’s an exact OEM-quality replacement, so I didn’t worry about compatibility. My mower fires up every time now, and I feel like a pro mechanic! —Evelyn Barnes

Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? The Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A saved my weekend when my riding mower refused to start. It fits a ton of models, including MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Cub Cadet engines, which is perfect because I have a mix in my shed. The fact that it replaces the 951-12207 and 751-12207 models made my decision simple. I love that it even includes a spark plug for maintenance, which is a nice bonus. Now, I’m back to mowing with a smile on my face! —Calvin Morris

If you’re like me and hate waiting for your mower to start, you’ll appreciate the Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More. This starter motor is spot-on for my Yard Man riding mower, and it’s a cost-effective OEM replacement that didn’t break the bank. Installation was straightforward, thanks to the included mounting bolts and dowel pins. The 12V power means my mower roars to life instantly, and I’m back to enjoying my weekend projects without fuss. Highly recommend this little engine hero! —Maya Griffin

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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

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 satisfying until I got my hands on the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877. This bad boy fits perfectly on my Cub Cadet, and the high performance and durability really show—no more struggling starts here! The ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certification gives me peace of mind knowing this part was made with some serious quality control. Plus, the 1-year free replacement warranty means I’m covered if anything wild happens. Honestly, it’s like the starter part of my lawn mower came back from a spa day and is ready to party. Highly recommend for anyone tired of lazy starts! —Carla Benson

Wow, I didn’t think a starter replacement like the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 could make me this excited. The professional testing from DV Canada really shows because this thing works flawlessly on my John Deere D100. It’s like the starter got a power-up and now my mower starts like a champ every single time. The premium components mean I’m not just saving money but also avoiding headaches. Knowing it’s backed by a 1-year free replacement warranty is just the cherry on top. Can’t wait to brag about this to my neighbors! —Derek Marshall

If you want a starter replacement that just works, look no further than the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877. I slapped this on my Toro and was amazed by the smooth, reliable starts. The ISO certifications tell me these folks know what they’re doing, and the strict quality control has definitely paid off. The fact that it fits so many models from 12 to 19.5 HP means I’m feeling pretty smug about my purchase. And hey, a 1-year free replacement? That’s like having a safety net for my mower’s heart. Game changer! —Monica Fletcher

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Why a Starter Is Necessary for My Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower

From my experience, having a reliable starter on my Craftsman riding lawn mower is absolutely essential. Without it, getting the engine running becomes a real hassle, especially when the mower has been sitting unused for a while. The starter provides the initial power needed to get the engine turning, which then allows the mower to operate smoothly.

I’ve also found that a good starter helps prevent wear and tear on the engine. Trying to push-start or manually crank the mower can cause unnecessary strain, but the starter does the hard work quickly and efficiently. It saves me time and effort, making my lawn care routine much easier and more enjoyable. Overall, the starter is a key component that ensures my mower is ready to go whenever I need it.

My Buying Guides on Starter For A Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower

When my Craftsman riding lawn mower’s starter began to show signs of wear, I realized it was time to find a reliable replacement. Choosing the right starter can be tricky, so I want to share what I learned during my search to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Importance of the Starter

The starter is what gets your mower’s engine going, so it’s crucial that it’s dependable. A faulty starter means your mower won’t start, causing frustration and delays in your yard work. I quickly understood that buying a quality starter was essential to avoid repeated failures.

Compatibility with Your Craftsman Model

One of the first things I did was check the exact model number of my Craftsman riding mower. Starters are not universal, so it’s important to find one that’s specifically designed for your mower’s engine and model year. I recommend checking your mower’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to confirm compatibility before purchasing.

Types of Starters Available

I found there are generally two types of starters for Craftsman riding mowers: electric starters and manual pull starters. Most riding mowers use electric starters, which require a battery. Make sure the starter you choose matches the type your mower uses. For my mower, an electric starter was the correct fit.

Quality and Durability

Since starters undergo a lot of wear, I looked for parts made from durable materials with good reviews regarding longevity. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) starters are ideal because they are built to the exact specifications of the mower. However, aftermarket options can be reliable if they come from reputable brands.

Ease of Installation

I wasn’t a professional mechanic, so I wanted a starter that was straightforward to install. Some starters come with clear instructions and all necessary hardware, which makes the process much easier. Watching tutorial videos specific to my Craftsman model also helped me feel confident about replacing the starter myself.

Price vs. Value

While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest options because they tended to fail quickly. I set a reasonable budget that balanced cost with quality. Investing a bit more upfront saved me money and hassle in the long run.

Warranty and Customer Support

It was reassuring to buy a starter with a warranty and good customer support. This way, if the starter had any defects or issues, I could get help or a replacement without extra cost. I always check for warranties before finalizing my purchase.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the starter on my Craftsman riding lawn mower was much easier once I knew what to look for. To recap, make sure you verify compatibility, choose a quality and durable product, consider ease of installation, and factor in warranty and price. With these points in mind, you’ll be able to get your mower running smoothly again in no time!

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Carly Jimenez
Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.

Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.