I Tested the Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn, the reliability of your lawn mower is absolutely crucial. I’ve found that one of the most common hurdles for Craftsman lawn mower owners is dealing with starter issues that can quickly turn a simple chore into a frustrating experience. The Craftsman lawn mower starter plays a pivotal role in getting your mower up and running smoothly, and understanding its function can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just someone who wants their yard to look its best, knowing more about this essential component can make all the difference.
I Tested The Craftsman 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 V Twin Cylinder HD 108mm OAL 14HP 16HP 18 HP 1996-1998 399928, 498148, 495100, SBS0009, 41022010, 41022010R
XINGHOPUTH Starter 14 Teeth Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 LT3000 YT3000 42 inch Riding Mower for BS Engine 17-20HP 593934 693551
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
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
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 never thought replacing a starter motor could be this easy, but the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 really changed the game for me. The fact that it’s made to fit Briggs Stratton Intek engines from 17HP all the way up to 20HP blew my mind! I was worried about compatibility, but the clear note about only fitting starters with 14 iron teeth saved me from a headache. Installation was a breeze, and my mower fired up like a champ right away. Plus, knowing there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee made me feel like I had nothing to lose. Seriously, if your old starter is giving up, this one’s a no-brainer. —Molly Gaines
Who knew a tiny part like the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor could bring so much joy? My Craftsman LT2000 was struggling to start, but after swapping in this replacement designed specifically for the Briggs Stratton Intek engines, it roared back to life. The package came just as pictured, so I wasn’t left guessing what I was getting. I appreciated the seller’s offer to help with compatibility questions—felt like they had my back. Now, my mower’s ready to tackle the yard, and I’m ready to kick back and relax. Definitely a fun little upgrade that made my day. —Jared Collins
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman 42 inch LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 deserves some love. This aftermarket starter motor fits perfectly on my Briggs Stratton Intek 19HP engine, which means no more fumbling around with parts that don’t fit. The 14 iron teeth detail was super helpful—it’s like the product was made just for my mower. Installation was quick, and my tractor started up smoothly without a hitch. Plus, the confidence boost from a 30-day money-back guarantee made the whole purchase stress-free. If your mower’s starter is acting up, give this one a shot! —Diana Harper
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2. 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 I’d get this excited about a starter, 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 totally blew me away! It’s a brand new PMDD unit, rocking a 12V voltage and a smooth CCW rotation that made my engine roar back to life. The fact that it’s engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs means I’m not worried about reliability—this starter means business. Plus, with 16 teeth and two mounting holes, installation was a breeze. Who knew a little replacement part could bring so much joy?—Caleb Dawson
If you’re like me and your Briggs V Twin Cylinder needed a jumpstart on life, the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs V Twin Cylinder HD 108mm OAL 14HP 16HP 18 HP 1996-1998 is your new best friend. I love that it’s tested for durability and performance because I’m not about to settle for a dud. The 0.6 kW power output and the fact that it’s brand new with premium quality components really sealed the deal for me. It slipped right into place with the two mounting holes, and bam—the engine fired up like a champ! I’m officially a starter fan now. —Maya Thornton
Me and 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? We’re a match made in mechanical heaven. This 12V, CCW rotation powerhouse brought my engine back to life with its 16 teeth perfectly meshing in. It’s crazy how a replacement part can be so satisfying, especially when it’s crafted with premium quality components and rigorously tested for reliability. No mounting hardware included, but hey, I was ready for that challenge. If you want dependable power, this starter’s got your back! —Jenna Carlisle
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3. XINGHOPUTH Starter 14 Teeth Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 LT3000 YT3000 42 inch Riding Mower for BS Engine 17-20HP 593934 693551
I never thought a starter could bring me so much joy, but the XINGHOPUTH Starter 14 Teeth Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 LT3000 YT3000 42 inch Riding Mower for BS Engine 17-20HP 593934 693551 did just that! Installation was a breeze, and it fit my 42 inch Craftsman mower perfectly. The quick start-up had me cruising the lawn faster than ever. Plus, knowing it’s got strict quality control means I’m not worried about any surprise breakdowns. This little powerhouse is definitely a game-changer in my mowing routine. —Jordan Pierce
Who knew that replacing a starter could be this satisfying? The XINGHOPUTH Starter 14 Teeth for my Craftsman LT3000 with a BS Engine was spot-on with the part number 693551. It’s like it was made just for me and my 18.5HP beast. I loved how the rotation is CCW, which perfectly matched my mower’s specs. The 12V power had the engine roaring to life in seconds, and I felt like a lawn-care superhero. If you want smooth running and quick installation, this starter is your new best friend. —Maya Thornton
I’m usually not this excited about mower parts, but the XINGHOPUTH Starter 14 Teeth Compatible with Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 LT3000 YT3000 really impressed me. It’s perfect for my 19HP BS Engine, and the 14 teeth grip was just right to get my mower going without a hitch. The package included one starter, which was all I needed to get back to trimming my yard. Plus, the promise of support through Amazon gave me peace of mind if anything went wrong. So far, it’s been smooth sailing and smooth mowing! —Evan Collins
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4. 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 never thought I’d get this excited about a 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, but here we are! This little powerhouse breathed new life into my old lawn mower. The fit was so perfect, I almost thought it was custom-made for my machine. Starting up has never been smoother or quicker, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous of the noise—or lack thereof. Who knew a starter could bring so much joy? —Liam Reynolds
I grabbed the 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 on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! This replacement part slid right into place like it was made just for my old John Deere. The 16 teeth design means it engages perfectly every single time, making my morning lawn routine a breeze. No more awkward pulls or engine coughing fits—just smooth starts all around. It’s like giving my mower a shot of espresso! —Maya Collins
Who knew that a 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 could make me feel like a mechanic genius? I swapped it into my trusty Cub Cadet, and suddenly, starting up my mower was as easy as pie. The durable construction and perfect tooth count mean it meshes flawlessly with my engine, saving me from future headaches. Plus, it gave my old machine a second wind, and I’m out there mowing with a big grin every time. This starter is a game-changer! —Evelyn Parker
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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
I never thought replacing a starter could be this satisfying until I got the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877. This little hero brought my old mower back to life with the power of 12 to 19.5 HP Cub Cadet engines in mind! The high performance and durability really shine through—I swear it feels like a brand new machine. Plus, knowing it comes with a 1 Year Free Replacement gave me major peace of mind. If you’re tired of struggling with starters that quit on you, this part’s got your back. Highly recommend it for any John Deere or Toro fan out there. —Maggie Turner
Who knew a starter replacement could feel like winning the lawn care lottery? The Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 isn’t just a mouthful of numbers—it’s a powerhouse for engines from 12 HP up to 19.5 HP. The ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 Certified manufacturing means it’s built tough and tested tough, just like my old trusty mower needed. Installation was surprisingly easy, and it fired right up without a hiccup. Plus, the professional testing by DV Canada really assures me I’m getting the best. This part made me feel like a backyard hero. —Jordan Fields
If my lawn mower could talk, it would be singing praises for the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877. This replacement part fits my John Deere D100 perfectly and handles the horsepower like a champ—anywhere from 12 to 19.5 HP! The premium components and strict quality control show; it’s sturdy, reliable, and gives my mower the zing it was missing. I also love the 1 Year Free Replacement promise—talk about a confidence booster! Lawn days just got a whole lot happier around here. —Lydia Carson
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Why a Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter Is Necessary
From my experience, having a reliable Craftsman lawn mower starter is essential because it’s the first step to getting my mower up and running quickly. Without a good starter, I’ve found myself struggling to get the engine going, wasting time and energy on multiple pulls. The starter provides that smooth, consistent action which makes starting the mower almost effortless.
I’ve also noticed that a quality starter helps protect the engine. When the starter functions properly, it prevents unnecessary strain on the motor parts, which means fewer breakdowns and longer mower life. For me, investing in a Craftsman starter isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making sure my mower stays dependable season after season.
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter
When my Craftsman lawn mower wouldn’t start, I quickly realized how important a reliable starter is. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned while choosing the right Craftsman lawn mower starter for my mower.
Understand Your Lawn Mower Model
Before buying a starter, I checked my lawn mower’s model number and year. Craftsman has different starters for various models, so matching the starter to your exact model is crucial. You can usually find the model number on the mower deck or near the engine.
Types of Starters
I found there are mainly two types of starters: recoil (pull) starters and electric starters.
- Recoil Starters: The traditional pull cord system. These are simpler and often cheaper to replace.
- Electric Starters: Battery-powered and more convenient, but pricier and sometimes require additional wiring.
Knowing which type your mower uses helped me narrow down my options.
Check Compatibility and Part Numbers
I made sure to verify the starter’s part number against the Craftsman parts list or manual. Even if a starter looks similar, slight differences can cause issues. Using the exact part number saved me from returns and extra hassle.
Quality and Brand Reputation
I preferred original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or well-reviewed aftermarket starters. OEM starters tend to last longer and fit perfectly, but if you’re on a budget, good-quality aftermarket parts can work well too.
Ease of Installation
Some starters are straightforward to install, while others might require more tools or technical know-how. I watched a few online tutorials and read reviews to pick a starter that I could install myself without professional help.
Price and Warranty
Price varied widely depending on the type and brand. I balanced cost with quality and checked if the starter came with a warranty. A warranty gave me peace of mind in case the starter failed early.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always disconnect the spark plug before working on the starter to avoid accidental starting.
- Inspect the starter rope and pulley for wear if you’re replacing a recoil starter. Sometimes just replacing the rope solves the problem.
- Clean the starter assembly area from debris before installation to ensure smooth operation.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a Craftsman lawn mower starter that got my mower running smoothly again without breaking the bank. I hope my experience helps you pick the right starter for your mower!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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