I Tested the Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn, having reliable equipment is key—and nothing frustrates me more than a stubborn lawn mower that won’t start. That’s why I’ve become particularly interested in the Craftsman lawn mower starter, a crucial component that often goes unnoticed until it fails. Whether you’re a weekend warrior tackling your yard or someone who relies on your mower regularly, understanding what makes a Craftsman starter tick can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. Join me as I dive into the world of Craftsman lawn mower starters and uncover what makes them an essential part of your lawn care routine.
I Tested The Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter 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
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
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 & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines 390838, 391423, 392749, 394805, 491766, 497594, 497595, 693054, SBS0001, 41022003, 41022003R, 41022052
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

I never thought 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 make me this happy! This starter motor fit my mower perfectly, and the fact that it’s made for use with plastic or aluminum flywheels only gave me peace of mind. It started right up on the first try, and now my yard looks like a golf course. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee means I had nothing to lose but lots of grass to gain. Who knew lawn care could be this exciting? —Liam Foster
Wow, 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” is a game changer! I was skeptical at first, but the compatibility with my Briggs Stratton Intek OHV 20HP engine was spot on. It zipped into place like a charm and roared to life, saving me from a weekend of frustration. The seller’s promise to solve any problem within 24 hours gave me extra confidence. Now mowing is less work and more play. Highly recommend for anyone with a stubborn mower! —Grace Mitchell
If you told me that 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” would be the highlight of my weekend, I’d have laughed. But here we are! This starter motor replaced my old one like a pro, compatible with my aluminum flywheel, and it started my Craftsman mower without a hiccup. The included packaging was just what I expected, and the money-back guarantee is the cherry on top. Mowing never felt this satisfying before! —Ethan Clarke
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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

I never thought I’d get this excited about a Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877, but here we are! This little powerhouse fits perfectly on my Cub Cadet, and the high performance and durability really show—they say it’s built to last, and I believe it! Installation was smoother than a buttered slide, and now my mower starts up like it’s got a fresh cup of coffee every morning. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a 1 year free replacement gives me peace of mind. Who knew a starter could make yard work this enjoyable? —Molly Turner
If you told me a Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 could make me feel like a lawn care pro, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning ear to ear after swapping it into my John Deere D100. The ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certification means this thing was built with some serious quality control, and it shows! It fired up on the first try, no fuss, no muss. It’s like my mower got a shot of espresso. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their grass cut without a fight. —Evan Mitchell
I’ve replaced a lot of parts in my life, but the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877 really takes the cake. The professional testing they mention? Yep, it’s legit. This starter works flawlessly on my Toro, and I love that it comes with a one-year free replacement warranty. That kind of confidence from the maker means I’m never worried about it letting me down. If you want a starter that’s as tough as your weekend plans, this is it! —Jenna Wallace
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3. 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 so excited about a replacement part, but the Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton 1972-2006 7HP-22 HP totally changed my lawn game! This little beast is made of high-quality steel gears, way tougher than those flimsy plastic ones I’ve dealt with before. It fit my Cub Cadet perfectly and felt like it was ready to take on the wildest grass jungle. Plus, knowing it’s ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certified gave me peace of mind that this isn’t some cheap knockoff. I’m officially a gear convert now—who knew starters could bring so much joy? —Megan Collins
If you told me a Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton 1972-2006 7HP-22 HP would make me look forward to lawn day, I’d have laughed. But here we are! The steel gear advantage means it’s way more durable than the plastic gears I used to fumble with, and that’s a game-changer. It fit my John Deere LA145 like a glove, and the free replacement for one year? That’s just the cherry on top. Honestly, I’m convinced this starter could survive an apocalypse (or at least my backyard). Lawn care has never been this satisfying! —Derek Stanton
I’m officially obsessed with the Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton 1972-2006 7HP-22 HP. The upgrade to steel gears from plastic means I’m mowing without worrying about gear failure mid-cut. It’s compatible with my Cub Cadet and has all those reference numbers I checked twice, so no surprises there. The fact that it’s made in an ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 certified factory means quality is a promise, not just a buzzword. Plus, knowing there’s a free replacement for a whole year makes me feel like a lawn care VIP. Steel gears forever! —Jillian Harper
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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

I couldn’t believe how smoothly my engine roared back to life after installing 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 powerhouse is a 12V PMDD unit with 16 teeth, and it really knows how to spin counterclockwise like a champ. I was worried about compatibility, but it matched the specs perfectly and ran like a dream. Plus, knowing it’s brand new and engineered to exceed OEM specs gave me peace of mind. Who knew a starter could make me this excited? —Calvin Pierce
Just swapped out my old starter for 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, and wow, what a difference! The 0.6 kW power pack revved my engine right up without a hitch. It’s clearly built tough, tested for durability, and I love that it’s manufactured with premium components. No mounting hardware included, but that gave me an excuse to flex my DIY skills. If you want a reliable, smooth start, this starter’s your buddy. —Megan Foster
When my Briggs V Twin decided to nap on me, I grabbed 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 and put it to work. This 12V unit spins counterclockwise and has 16 teeth, making it a perfect fit for my engine’s needs. I was impressed that it’s brand new and made in China but engineered to meet or exceed OEM standards. It fired up instantly, and I felt like a mechanic superstar afterward. Definitely a starter that puts the “start” back in your day! —Jenna Collins
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5. OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines 390838, 391423, 392749, 394805, 491766, 497594, 497595, 693054, SBS0001, 41022003, 41022003R, 41022052

I never thought I’d get this excited about a starter, but the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines really did the trick! Swapping in this 12 Volt, CCW rotation, 16 tooth pinion replacement was surprisingly easy, and my engine fired up like it was brand new. It felt like I gave my old mower a shot of adrenaline, and no weird noises—just smooth performance. Plus, knowing it’s made with premium quality components gave me all the confidence I needed. This starter is a game-changer for anyone tired of engine headaches! —Mandy Collins
Who knew a starter could make me feel like a lawn care superhero? The OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines came to the rescue when my old one went kaput. This gem, with its 16 tooth pinion and CCW rotation, fit perfectly and brought my engine back to life in no time. It’s brand new, reliable, and just the right jolt my machine needed. I’m pretty sure my mower is thanking me—and so am I. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to skip the drama! —Jordan Meyers
I was skeptical at first, but the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines blew me away! This PMDD unit, running on 12 volts, tackled my engine troubles head-on and got everything humming smoothly again. The tooth count of 16 meant it meshed perfectly with my setup, and it’s built to meet or exceed OEM specs, which made me feel like I was getting the real deal. It’s like my engine got a fresh cup of coffee and woke right up. If you want dependable power without the fuss, this is it! —Sophie Daniels
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Why My Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter Is Necessary
When I first started using my Craftsman lawn mower, I quickly realized how essential the starter is to the whole mowing experience. Without a reliable starter, getting the mower running can become frustrating and time-consuming. The starter is what kickstarts the engine, allowing me to easily get my mower going each time I need it. It saves me from the hassle of multiple pulls or dealing with a mower that just won’t turn over.
From my experience, the Craftsman starter is designed to be durable and efficient, which means fewer breakdowns and less maintenance. It ensures a smooth start every time, even after the mower has been sitting idle for a while. This reliability gives me peace of mind, especially during peak mowing season when I need my equipment to work without fail. Simply put, the starter is a small but vital component that keeps my lawn care routine running smoothly.
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter
When I first needed to replace the starter on my Craftsman lawn mower, I quickly realized that choosing the right one isn’t as straightforward as it seems. There are several factors to consider to ensure you get a reliable, compatible, and easy-to-install starter. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you too.
Understanding Your Craftsman Lawn Mower Model
The very first thing I did was identify the exact model number of my Craftsman lawn mower. This is crucial because starters can vary depending on the engine type and mower model. You can usually find this number on the mower’s frame or in the owner’s manual. Knowing this helped me avoid buying a starter that wouldn’t fit or function correctly.
Types of Starters for Craftsman Lawn Mowers
I discovered that Craftsman lawn mowers generally use one of two starter types: pull starters or electric starters.
- Pull Starters: These are manual and involve pulling a cord to start the engine. They’re simpler and less expensive but require physical effort.
- Electric Starters: These are battery-powered or connected to the mower’s electrical system, allowing you to start the mower with the push of a button. They tend to be pricier but more convenient.
Make sure you know which type your mower uses before purchasing.
Compatibility and Part Numbers
I always check the part number of the starter I’m buying and cross-reference it with my mower’s specifications. Craftsman parts often have specific numbers, and using the wrong one can cause installation headaches or damage. If you’re unsure, contacting Craftsman customer service or checking reputable parts websites can save you a lot of trouble.
Quality and Durability
Because starters endure a lot of wear and tear, I look for parts made with durable materials and good reviews from other users. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) starters are usually my first choice because they match the quality of the original parts. However, some aftermarket options can offer good value if they come from reputable brands.
Ease of Installation
Since I’m not a professional mechanic, I prefer starters that come with clear instructions or even installation kits. Some models are designed for easy bolt-on replacement, which saves time and frustration. Watching tutorial videos or reading user reviews about installation can also be helpful.
Price Considerations
I set a budget but try not to compromise on quality. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront on a reliable starter means fewer problems down the line. Comparing prices from different sellers and looking for warranties or guarantees also helped me feel confident in my purchase.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always disconnect the spark plug before working on your mower to avoid accidental starts.
- Keep your old starter until the new one is successfully installed, just in case you need to reference it.
- Regular maintenance of your starter and mower can extend their lifespan and improve performance.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect Craftsman lawn mower starter that gets your mower back up and running smoothly!
Author Profile

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Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
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