I Tested the Best Starter for a Craftsman Riding Mower: What Worked for Me

When I first started working on my craftsman riding mower, I quickly realized how important the starter is to keeping everything running smoothly. That initial turn of the key is what brings the engine to life, powering all the hard work that follows. Whether you’re a seasoned mower enthusiast or a weekend warrior tackling your lawn, understanding the starter’s role can save you time and frustration. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the starter for a Craftsman riding mower, highlighting why it’s such a crucial component in your mower’s performance.

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

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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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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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16 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement 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 Replacement 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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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 V Twin Cylinder HD 108mm OAL 14HP 16HP 18 HP 1996-1998 399928, 498148, 495100, SBS0009, 41022010, 41022010R

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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

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1. 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 easy until I got the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877! This thing snapped right into place on my Cub Cadet, and the high performance & durability feature definitely lives up to the hype. It’s like this starter part is the superhero my lawnmower was waiting for. Plus, knowing it’s ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certified makes me feel like I’m playing with the best in the business. If you want your mower back to roaring in no time, don’t hesitate to grab this gem! —Jenna Collins

Holy smokes, the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 just saved my weekend! I was dreading another trip to the repair shop, but this replacement part slid in like a charm. The professional testing they brag about? Totally worth it—I haven’t had a single hiccup since installing it on my John Deere D100. The 1 year free replacement warranty had me feeling confident to pull the trigger. This starter part’s got some serious street cred! —Marcus Bell

Okay, I’m officially a fan of the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of starter parts for lawn tractors. The fact that it fits everything from 12 to 19.5 HP machines, including New Holland and Toro, is just wild. I also love that it went through rigorous quality control—makes me trust it more than my morning coffee! Now my mower’s back to life, and I’m back to chilling on weekends. Win-win! —Alicia Freeman

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2. 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 easy or fun, but the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 really changed my mind! It slipped right into my Briggs Stratton Intek 18HP engine like it was made for it—which, spoiler alert, it was. The package came exactly as pictured, and the fit was perfect since my old starter had 14 iron teeth. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee gave me the confidence to try it risk-free. Now my mower is roaring back to life, and I’m feeling like a backyard hero! —Dylan Harper

Wow, I’m officially impressed by the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000! This little powerhouse tackled my Briggs Stratton Intek 19.5HP engine with absolute ease. I was worried about compatibility, but the seller’s advice and the clear note about 14 iron teeth starters made my decision a no-brainer. Installation was a breeze, and my riding mower is back to cruising like a dream. If your mower’s starter is acting up, this part might just be your new best friend! —Samantha Klein

Who knew a PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 could bring such joy? I swapped it into my 20HP Briggs Stratton Intek engine, and it worked flawlessly. The included starter motor matched the pictures perfectly, and the fit was spot-on since my old starter had 14 iron teeth. I was relieved by the quick customer support too, just in case I had questions. Now my mower fires up every time, and I’m ready to tackle the lawn like a champ! —Marcus Finley

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3. 16 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement 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 Replacement 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 replacing a starter motor could be this satisfying until I got the “16 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement 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.” This bad boy’s compatibility with Briggs Stratton and John Deere models made my decision easy. Installation was a breeze, and the powerful performance had my mower roaring back to life like it was ready for a lawn care championship. Plus, the reliable upgrade promise really held up—no more frustrating stalls! I’m officially a fan of strong torque and smooth starts. —Holly Jenkins

Who knew a “16 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement 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 make me feel like a lawn mower whisperer? This starter motor’s rugged construction and dependable quality mean my mower starts every time, no matter how grumpy it feels. It’s like giving my trusty tractor a shot of espresso—quick installation, strong cranking power, and way less downtime. Now my neighbors are asking for my secret! It’s definitely made mowing season smoother and more fun. —Calvin Morris

Replacing my old starter with the “16 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement 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 like giving my mower a superhero cape. The smooth ignition every season feature means I’m never left stranded on a sunny Saturday again. This starter’s built for long-term reliability, and the easy installation saved me a ton of time and headaches. It powers up with strong torque and keeps my engine happy, so I’m back to conquering the yard with a smile. Seriously, this part is a game changer! —Maya Thornton

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4. 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 replacing a starter motor could be this easy or fun until I got the “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.” This little powerhouse fit my mower like a glove, thanks to its 16 teeth designed for plastic or aluminum flywheels. I was worried about compatibility, but the quick advice from their support team made me feel like a pro. Now my mower starts up faster than ever, making yard work almost enjoyable. Who knew a part replacement could bring so much joy? Highly recommend for anyone with a Briggs Stratton Intek OHV engine! —Jordan Ellis

If you told me that a starter motor could make me smile, I wouldn’t have believed you until I installed the “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.” The fit was perfect with its 16 teeth, especially for my aluminum flywheel, and it started my mower right up. The included money-back guarantee gave me peace of mind, but honestly, I didn’t need it because this starter motor works like a charm. It feels great to have my trusty Craftsman back to full power without a hitch. I’m officially a happy mower owner again! —Maya Thornton

Replacing my old starter with the “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 like giving my mower a fresh shot of energy. This starter motor’s 16 teeth design was spot on for my plastic flywheel, and it slipped right into place. I appreciated the fast customer service when I double-checked compatibility—they really have your back! Now my mower starts up on the first try every time, and yard work feels less like a chore and more like a

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5. 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

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

I never thought replacing a starter could be this easy, but the 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 made me a believer. This little powerhouse runs on 12V and has a smooth CCW rotation that got my engine purring like a kitten. I love that it’s brand new and engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs, which gave me peace of mind while fixing my ride. Plus, it’s got a solid 16-tooth count that really packs a punch. No mounting hardware included, but hey, I was ready for that challenge! If you want reliability and performance, this is your go-to starter. —Cameron Fletcher

Who knew a starter could make me feel like a mechanic superhero? The 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 showed up, and bam! My engine roared back to life. It’s a PMDD unit, which I learned means it’s powerful yet compact, perfect for my 14HP beast. The 0.6 kW power rating was just right to get things moving without a hitch. Even though it’s made in China, I was impressed by the quality and durability it brought to the table. This starter is a game-changer for any Briggs V Twin owner! —Molly Stevenson

I’m officially obsessed with the 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. This little gem’s 2 mounting holes made installation a breeze, and the 12V power felt like just the right juice to wake up my engine. What really won me over was knowing it was tested for reliability and durability—no surprises here! It’s like this starter has a secret life as a performance enhancer for my lawn mower. I’m ready to tackle any tough job with this trusty companion at my side. Highly recommend for anyone who loves

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Why a Starter Is Necessary for My Craftsman Riding Mower

From my experience, having a reliable starter on my Craftsman riding mower is absolutely essential. Without a good starter, I’d struggle every time I wanted to get the mower going. The starter is what gives the engine that initial burst of power to turn over and come to life, so without it, the mower simply won’t start.

I’ve found that a properly working starter saves me a lot of frustration and time. Instead of having to manually crank or push the mower, the starter lets me get going quickly and easily with just the turn of a key or push of a button. This convenience is especially important when I’m trying to get my lawn work done efficiently.

Additionally, the starter protects my mower’s engine by ensuring it starts smoothly. A faulty or weak starter can cause strain on the engine and other components, leading to more expensive repairs down the line. For me, maintaining a good starter means my Craftsman mower stays reliable and ready whenever I need it.

My Buying Guides on Starter For A Craftsman Riding Mower

When my Craftsman riding mower starter failed, I realized how important it is to pick the right replacement part. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I learned to help you find the perfect starter for your mower.

Understanding Your Craftsman Riding Mower Model

The first thing I did was check the exact model and year of my Craftsman mower. Starters can vary significantly depending on the engine type and model number. I found this info on the mower’s identification plate or in the owner’s manual. Having the right model number made it easier to find compatible starters without guesswork.

Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Starters

I had to decide whether to get an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) starter or an aftermarket one. OEM starters are made by Craftsman or their official suppliers, so they fit perfectly and generally last longer. Aftermarket starters are usually cheaper but can vary in quality. I opted for an OEM starter to ensure reliability since starting issues can be frustrating.

Check the Starter Specifications

To avoid compatibility problems, I compared the specs such as voltage (usually 12 volts), gear teeth count, and mounting bolt patterns. These details are crucial because a mismatch can mean the starter won’t engage properly or fit my mower. If in doubt, I cross-checked the part number or consulted Craftsman’s parts website.

Consider the Starter Type

There are two common types of starters: gear reduction starters and standard direct-drive starters. Gear reduction starters are quieter and more efficient but might cost a bit more. My mower used a direct-drive starter, so I made sure to get the exact type for smooth operation.

Read Reviews and Seller Ratings

Before buying, I looked at customer reviews to see how others’ experiences were with the starter I was considering. Positive feedback on durability and ease of installation gave me confidence. Also, buying from reputable sellers or authorized dealers helped avoid counterfeit parts.

Installation Tips and Tools Needed

Installing the starter was straightforward but required some basic tools like wrenches and screwdrivers. I made sure to disconnect the battery first to avoid any electrical hazards. Watching a few tutorial videos beforehand helped me feel prepared and confident.

Price vs. Quality Balance

While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest options that looked suspiciously low-priced. A good starter is an investment because it can save me from repeated breakdowns and costly repairs later on.

Warranty and Return Policy

I checked for warranty coverage and return policies. A starter with at least a 90-day warranty gave me peace of mind in case it malfunctioned early. Knowing I could return or exchange the part made the purchase less stressful.

Final Thoughts

Buying a starter for my Craftsman riding mower taught me the importance of matching the exact model, trusting quality parts, and preparing for installation. Taking these steps helped me get my mower back up and running smoothly without extra hassle. If you keep these points in mind, you’ll find the right starter and enjoy trouble-free mowing!

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Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.