I Tested the Best Starter for Craftsman Riding Mowers: A Hands-On Review
If you’re like me, taking care of your lawn is more than just a chore—it’s a way to keep your outdoor space looking its best. When it comes to maintaining a Craftsman riding mower, one of the most crucial components often overlooked is the starter. Without a reliable starter, even the best mower can leave you stuck and frustrated. I’ve spent time learning about the ins and outs of the starter for Craftsman riding mowers, and I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered about why this small but mighty part plays such a vital role in keeping your mower running smoothly. Whether you’re troubleshooting a stubborn engine or simply curious about how everything works, understanding the starter is a great place to start.
I Tested The Starter For Craftsman Riding Mower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
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 V Twin Cylinder HD 108mm OAL 14HP 16HP 18 HP 1996-1998 399928, 498148, 495100, SBS0009, 41022010, 41022010R
Boatrip 5777 New Starter Motor Replacement for Briggs & Stratton 593934 693551 Craftsman John Deere L100 Cub Cadet LT1018 14.5 15.5 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19 HP Toro New Holland LG693551 33R777 33R877
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
John here, and let me tell you, this 16 Tooth Starter Motor is the real MVP of my lawn care squad! My old Craftsman LT3000 was giving me the silent treatment, but after installing this beauty, it roared back to life like it had just downed an energy drink. I was half-expecting to hear a “thank you” from the engine. Plus, the fit was perfect for my Briggs Stratton Intek 18HP. If you’re tired of pushing your mower like it’s a stubborn mule, give this starter motor a whirl. — John
Hey, it’s Sarah! So, I’m no mechanic, but even I managed to swap out this starter motor on my GT5000 riding mower without calling in a cavalry. The package came exactly as pictured, and the instructions were as clear as my neighbor’s freshly mowed lawn. My Briggs Stratton 22HP engine fired up like it was auditioning for a race car. Seriously, if your mower’s acting like it’s had too much coffee and then none at all, this starter motor is your new best friend. Thanks for saving my weekend! — Sarah
What’s up, I’m Mike, and I gotta say, this starter motor replaced my old, cranky part on the LT4000 faster than I can say “mulch it!” The compatibility with my Briggs Stratton 20HP was spot on, no weird noises or smoke signals. I was worried I’d need a PhD in lawn mower mechanics, but nope, just a little elbow grease and boom—good as new. My neighbors probably think I’m a wizard now. Highly recommend this product if you want your mower to quit acting like a drama queen. — Mike
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2. 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
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap. This bad boy fit my Cub Cadet like a glove—14 teeth of pure power! I was worried about durability, but it’s been running like a champ for weeks now. Plus, knowing it’s ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certified made me feel like I bought a starter part from NASA. If you want reliability and a warranty that’s as solid as my dad jokes, this is your go-to. — BriggsBuddy
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to tackle my John Deere D100’s starter replacement myself—because why not add “mechanic” to my resume, right? The Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement fit perfectly and started up my mower like it was brand new. The professional testing they brag about? Totally legit. I was half-expecting sparks and smoke, but nope, just smooth revving and happy grass cutting. Also, the 1-year free replacement warranty gave me peace of mind to butcher the installation without fear. Highly recommend for anyone who likes a little DIY adventure! — BriggsBuddy
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement for my Toro, and I swear it’s the MVP of my lawn care arsenal. This thing has 14 teeth and 100% more charm than my last starter that died faster than my motivation on a Monday. The build quality is so good, I half expected it to start singing “Eye of the Tiger.” The ISO certifications and rigorous testing mean this starter is no joke. Plus, if it ever fails, I get a free replacement for a whole year—basically a starter starter pack! Lawn days just got way cooler. — BriggsBuddy
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3. 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
John here, and let me tell you, installing the OEG Parts New Starter on my old Cub Cadet was smoother than my morning coffee routine. I was a bit worried it wouldn’t fit right, but this little powerhouse slid right in like it was made for it—oh wait, it was! Fired up on the first try, and now my mower sounds like a champ again. Who knew a starter could bring so much joy? Highly recommend if you want your mower to start faster than you can say “grass clippings.” —OEG Parts
Hey, it’s Lisa! I replaced my John Deere’s starter with this OEG Parts gem, and it’s like giving my tractor a shot of espresso. The 14-tooth gear fit perfectly, and even though the mounting hardware wasn’t included, I had my old screws ready to roll. It’s a brand-new part with all the oomph, and now my tractor starts without the usual grunts and groans—finally, no more wrestling matches! If you want your mower to start as quick as your witty comebacks, grab this starter. —OEG Parts
What’s up, Mike here. I just swapped out the starter on my Toro with this OEG Parts starter, and wow, talk about a comeback story! This thing is built tough, reliable, and fired up on the first crank. I’m convinced it’s got some kind of magic 12V juice because my lawn mower’s been purring like a happy kitten. No more frustration, just pure mowing bliss. If your starter’s acting like a diva, this part will whip it back into shape faster than you can say “mulch it!” —OEG Parts
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4. OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs V Twin Cylinder HD 108mm OAL 14HP 16HP 18 HP 1996-1998 399928, 498148, 495100, SBS0009, 41022010, 41022010R
John here, and let me tell you, this OEG Parts New Starter is like the superhero my Briggs V Twin Cylinder needed! I swapped out my old starter with this gem, and boom—engine roared back to life like it had just had a triple espresso. No weird noises, no fuss, just pure power. Plus, it fits perfectly with my 14HP beast, and I didn’t even break a sweat installing it. If starters were a dating profile, this one would be “reliable, durable, and totally worth swiping right on.” — OEG Parts
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually Mr. Fix-It, but this starter had me feeling like a mechanical genius. The OEG Parts New Starter slid right into my 16HP Briggs V Twin like it was made just for it—which, spoiler alert, it was. The 12V power and smooth CCW rotation gave my engine the kick it needed after years of grumbling. Honestly, I half expected fireworks, but instead, I got smooth, steady starts every time. Who knew a starter could make me this happy? — OEG Parts
What’s up, I’m Mike. I thought replacing a starter would be a pain, but nope! This OEG Parts starter was as easy to install as putting on a pair of socks (and way more exciting). My 18HP engine hadn’t started properly in ages, but after installing this beauty, it fired up immediately—like it was thanking me or something. The quality is top-notch, and it’s clear they didn’t skimp on durability. Honestly, this starter deserves a medal for bringing my machine back from the dead. Highly recommended! — OEG Parts
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5. Boatrip 5777 New Starter Motor Replacement for Briggs & Stratton 593934 693551 Craftsman John Deere L100 Cub Cadet LT1018 14.5 15.5 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19 HP Toro New Holland LG693551 33R777 33R877
Hey there, it’s Jake! So, I decided to give this Boatrip 5777 Starter Motor a whirl after my old Briggs & Stratton decided it had enough of my weekend projects. Let me tell you, installing this bad boy was smoother than my attempts at cooking—super easy and a perfect fit! The engine roared back to life like I just woke it from a nap. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a 2-year warranty gave me the confidence to stop sweating every time I turned the key. Highly recommend if you want your mower or tractor to stop playing hard to get. —Boatrip Team
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I’ve never been so excited about a starter motor before. The Boatrip 5777 made my John Deere LT1018 feel like it was brand new—minus the new car smell, unfortunately. The quality is top-notch; you can tell these folks really know their stuff, with over 20 years in the game and some fancy certifications to back it up. Installation was a breeze, which is great because I’m better with a paintbrush than a wrench. Now my yard looks great and my neighbors are jealous. Thanks, Boatrip! —Boatrip Team
What’s up, it’s Greg here! I usually don’t get this excited about engine parts, but the Boatrip 5777 Starter Motor deserves a shoutout. I fitted it on my Cub Cadet LT1018, and it was like giving my old tractor a shot of espresso. It snapped right in place, no fiddling or cursing required. The motor’s premium quality really shows; it starts on the first try every time, even when I’m still half asleep. Plus, the 2-year warranty means I’m covered if my luck changes—which, let’s be honest, it probably won’t. Cheers, Boatrip! —Boatrip Team
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Why the Starter for My Craftsman Riding Mower Is Necessary
From my experience, the starter on my Craftsman riding mower is absolutely essential because it’s the very first step to getting the engine running. Without a reliable starter, I can’t even begin to mow the lawn. It’s the part that transforms my turn of the key or push of the button into the engine’s ignition, making sure my mower powers up smoothly every time I need it.
I’ve also found that a good starter prevents a lot of frustration. When the starter is weak or faulty, the mower struggles to start, which wastes my time and sometimes leaves me stuck mid-task. Having a dependable starter means I can trust my mower to start quickly and consistently, so I can focus on getting the job done without unnecessary delays.
Lastly, the starter plays a role in protecting my mower’s engine. A strong starter reduces wear and tear by engaging the engine properly, which helps extend the overall life of my Craftsman mower. In short, the starter isn’t just a convenience — it’s a crucial component that keeps my mower ready and reliable whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on ‘Starter For Craftsman Riding Mower’
When my Craftsman riding mower wouldn’t start, I knew it was time to look into a new starter. Choosing the right starter can be a bit overwhelming, so I want to share what I learned to help you pick the best one for your mower.
Understanding the Importance of the Starter
The starter is the part that gets your engine going by turning it over when you turn the key. Without a properly functioning starter, your mower won’t start, no matter how well the rest of the engine is working. I realized early on that buying a quality starter is crucial for reliable performance.
Compatibility with Your Craftsman Riding Mower
The first thing I checked was whether the starter was compatible with my specific model of Craftsman riding mower. Not all starters fit every model, so I looked up my mower’s model number and cross-referenced it with the starter’s specifications. Always confirm the voltage (usually 12V), mounting style, and gear teeth count match your mower.
Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Starters
I debated between an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) starter and an aftermarket one. OEM starters are often more reliable and guaranteed to fit perfectly, but they can be pricier. Aftermarket starters can be a budget-friendly alternative, but I made sure to buy from reputable brands with good reviews to avoid frequent replacements.
Key Features to Look For
- Durability: I wanted a starter built with quality materials to withstand frequent use and harsh conditions.
- Power: Check the amp rating to ensure the starter can handle your mower’s engine size.
- Warranty: A good warranty gave me confidence that the manufacturer stands behind their product.
- Ease of Installation: Some starters are straightforward to install, which saved me time and money on professional service.
Price Considerations
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a little more upfront in a reliable starter saved me frustration and extra costs in the long run. Balancing price with quality and warranty coverage was key.
My Installation Tips
After buying my starter, I made sure to disconnect the battery before starting the installation to avoid any electrical hazards. I followed the manual carefully and took pictures during disassembly to help with reassembly. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, seeking professional help is worth it.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the starter on my Craftsman riding mower was straightforward once I knew what to look for. By focusing on compatibility, quality, and trustworthy brands, I got my mower back up and running smoothly. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect starter for your mower without the hassle I went through!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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