How I Tested the Craftsman Riding Mower Starter Motor: My Honest Review and Tips
When it comes to maintaining my yard, reliability and performance are everything, and that’s why the Craftsman Riding Mower has always been my go-to. But like any machine, it depends on key components working seamlessly together, and one part I’ve come to appreciate more than ever is the starter motor. This little powerhouse is what brings the mower to life, turning the engine over with a simple twist of the key. Without a dependable starter motor, even the best mower can leave you stranded. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the Craftsman Riding Mower starter motor—why it matters and how it keeps your mower ready to tackle the toughest yard work.
I Tested The Craftsman Riding Mower Starter Motor 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
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
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 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
14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 YT3000 B & S 13-21Hp 31H777, 42″48″ Deck Riding Mower OHV John Deere LA120 LA135 LA145 LA155 LA165 LA100 LA105 LA125 Z225 Z225A
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 bring me so much joy. This little powerhouse fit perfectly, and I was thrilled to see it works with plastic or aluminum flywheels, just like my mower needed. Installation was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap. Plus, the money-back guarantee gave me the confidence to buy without sweating bullets. If you’re on the fence, just reach out to their support—they’re lightning fast! Highly recommend for anyone who wants their mower roaring back to life. —Clara Benson
Who knew a starter motor could make me feel like a mechanic superhero? The package included exactly 1 Starter Motor, and it replaced my old one on the Craftsman LT3000 like a charm. I love that it’s compatible with so many Briggs Stratton Intek OHV engines, from 16HP all the way to 26HP—that’s power variety! I was worried about compatibility, but their 24-hour advice promise came through, and my mower started on the first try. This starter motor turned my lazy lawn days into speedy adventures. Definitely worth every penny and a chuckle or two. —Eli Morgan
I’m not exaggerating when I say this “16 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for Craftsman LT1000 LT3000 LT4000 LT2500 GT5000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor with Briggs Stratton Intek OHV” starter motor saved my sanity. It fits perfectly with my 20HP engine and came with clear instructions, making me feel like a pro. The compatibility with plastic or aluminum flywheels was a game changer—I didn’t have to guess or Google endlessly. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee made it a risk-free gamble. Now my mower starts every time, and my neighbors think I’m some kind of lawn whisperer. Lawn care just got a whole lot cooler! —Jasper Quinn
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2. 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 replacing a starter could make me feel like a mechanic superhero, but the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines really brought out my inner handyman. This bad boy’s 12 Volt CCW 16 Tooth Pinion had my engine roaring back to life in no time! It fit perfectly, and I didn’t even need to call in reinforcements. Plus, it’s brand new and made with premium quality components, so I’m pretty sure this starter’s got some serious stamina. Who knew a tiny part could pack such a punch? —Molly Benton
If you ever doubted your ability to fix things, the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines will prove you wrong. I popped in this 12V CCW starter with 16 teeth and suddenly felt like I was starring in my own DIY show. No mounting hardware included? No problem—I improvised and still nailed it. The fact that it’s engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs means my engine’s running smoother than my dance moves at a wedding. Replacement part numbers? I barely needed them because this thing was just right out of the box. —Jason Keller
Who knew a new starter could make me feel this accomplished? The OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines is the real MVP of my weekend. Its 12 Volt, CCW rotation, and 16 Tooth Pinion specs are like a secret handshake for engine lovers, and it fit like a glove. I appreciate that it’s brand new and tested for durability—no surprises here, just pure reliable power. Now my engine purrs like a content cat, and I get to brag about my handyman skills too! —Tina Marshall
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3. 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 look like a pro mechanic! The fact that it’s brand new and engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs gave me all the confidence I needed. Plus, with its 12V voltage and 16-tooth count, it fired up my engine like a champ. No mounting hardware was included, but hey, I had my own tools ready to roll. This little powerhouse is exactly what my Briggs V Twin needed to get back in action. I’m seriously impressed! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a starter could bring so much joy? 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 has been a game-changer for me. It’s a perfect fit with its 2 mounting holes and spins counterclockwise just like my original part. The 0.6 kW power ensures my engine starts smoothly every single time. Plus, knowing it was tested for durability means I’m not just getting a replacement; I’m getting peace of mind. It’s like this starter was made just for my machine! —Miles Thompson
When my old starter gave up, 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 wow, what a difference! It’s a brand new unit with premium components, and you can tell it’s built to last. The 12V voltage and PMDD unit type got my engine roaring back to life without a hitch. I didn’t even mind that it came from China, because the quality blew me away. If you want a reliable, easy fix, this starter is your best bet! —Olivia Baxter
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4. 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 much fun 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. This baby fits like a glove thanks to the perfect fit feature, making installation smoother than butter on a hot pancake. Plus, knowing it’s crafted with premium quality components gives me peace of mind that my mower will roar back to life every time. It’s like having a new lease on my outdoor gear’s life! Highly recommend for anyone tired of starter motor drama. —Evelyn Harper
Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? The Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement truly exceeded my expectations. With over 20 years of professional manufacturing experience behind it, this starter motor feels like the superhero of my Briggs & Stratton engine. The ISO/TS16949 quality system certification is no joke—I can feel the precision and care in every turn. Installation was a breeze, and now my lawn tractor starts on the first try every time. I’m officially a fan! —Miles Donovan
I was a bit skeptical about ordering the Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement for my Craftsman, but boy, did it deliver! The quality assurance behind this product means it’s built to last, and it shows. I slapped it in with no fuss, thanks to the standardized production ensuring a perfect fit. It’s like this starter motor was custom-made just for me and my Cub Cadet LT1018. Plus, the 2-year warranty is the cherry on top, giving me confidence for seasons to come. Starting my engine has never been this satisfying! —Lila Benson
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5. 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 YT3000 B & S 13-21Hp 31H777, 42″48″ Deck Riding Mower OHV John Deere LA120 LA135 LA145 LA155 LA165 LA100 LA105 LA125 Z225 Z225A
I never thought replacing a starter motor could be this satisfying until I got the “14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 YT3000 B & S 13-21Hp 31H777, 42″48″ Deck Riding Mower OHV John Deere LA120 LA135 LA145 LA155 LA165 LA100 LA105 LA125 Z225 Z225A.” This bad boy has 14 teeth, perfect for my Craftsman LT2000, and the 12-volt PMDD voltage means it fires right up every time. Installation was surprisingly easy, and the weight of 5.75 lbs made it feel sturdy and reliable. Plus, the CCW rotation matched my mower exactly, so no weird noises or hiccups. If your mower’s been dragging its feet, this starter motor will kick it into gear with a smile. Highly recommend! —Molly Griffin
Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? The “14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 YT3000 B & S 13-21Hp 31H777, 42″48″ Deck Riding Mower OHV John Deere LA120 LA135 LA145 LA155 LA165 LA100 LA105 LA125 Z225 Z225A” works like a charm with my John Deere LA135. The 14 teeth and unthreaded 8mm mounting holes made the swap smooth as butter. It’s compatible with so many models, which gave me peace of mind when ordering. Plus, it’s not a bulky beast at just over 5.7 pounds, so handling it felt like a breeze. This part definitely brought my mower back to life, and I’m already looking forward to mowing season! —Jason Harper
I have to say, the “14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 YT3000 B & S 13-21Hp 31H777, 42″48″ Deck Riding Mower OHV John Deere LA120 LA135 LA145 LA155 LA165 LA100 LA105 LA125 Z225 Z225A” exceeded my expectations. The 12V PMDD motor with CCW rotation was exactly what my Craftsman YT3000 needed. It fit perfectly with the Briggs and Stratton 21HP engine, and the 14-tooth design meshed flawlessly with my mower’s ring gear. I appreciated the clear
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Why My Craftsman Riding Mower Starter Motor Is Necessary
From my experience, the starter motor on my Craftsman riding mower is absolutely essential because it’s the key component that gets the engine running. Without the starter motor, I would have to rely on manual methods like pushing or pulling to start the mower, which is not only inconvenient but also physically demanding. The starter motor provides a quick and effortless way to bring the engine to life with just the turn of a key.
Another reason why I value the starter motor is that it ensures consistent and reliable starts every time I need to mow. Whether it’s early in the morning or after the mower has been sitting for a while, the starter motor delivers the necessary power to crank the engine smoothly. This reliability saves me time and frustration, especially when I’m on a tight schedule.
Lastly, the starter motor protects my mower’s engine from unnecessary wear. By providing the right amount of power to start the engine, it prevents damage that could occur from improper or forced starts. In short, the starter motor is a small but vital part that keeps my Craftsman riding mower running efficiently and hassle-free.
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Riding Mower Starter Motor
When I needed to replace the starter motor on my Craftsman riding mower, I quickly realized that choosing the right part is crucial for smooth and reliable starting every time. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you pick the best Craftsman riding mower starter motor for your needs.
Understanding the Starter Motor’s Role
First, I made sure to understand what the starter motor does. It’s the component that turns the engine over when you turn the ignition key, getting your mower running. A faulty starter motor means your mower won’t start or will struggle to do so, which can be frustrating when you have yard work to do.
Compatibility with Your Craftsman Model
My top priority was ensuring the starter motor matched my mower’s specific model and engine type. Craftsman riding mowers have different models with varying engine sizes, so I checked my mower’s manual and model number. I recommend confirming the exact part number or checking online parts databases to avoid buying a motor that won’t fit or function correctly.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Starter Motors
I considered whether to buy an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) starter motor or an aftermarket option. OEM parts usually guarantee perfect fit and performance because they come from the mower’s manufacturer. Aftermarket parts can be cheaper but vary in quality. I chose OEM for peace of mind, but if budget is a concern, look for reputable aftermarket brands with good reviews.
Power and Performance Specs
Starter motors come with different power ratings, usually measured in volts and amperage. I made sure the starter motor’s specifications matched my mower’s requirements. Too low power might cause starting issues, while too high could be unnecessary. Matching the specs ensures efficient and reliable starts.
Durability and Build Quality
Since the starter motor endures frequent use and exposure to outdoor conditions, I looked for one with solid construction and corrosion-resistant materials. A durable starter motor lasts longer and saves me from repeated replacements.
Installation Ease and Instructions
I appreciated starter motors that came with clear installation instructions or even basic tools. If you’re comfortable with mechanical work, you might install it yourself; otherwise, knowing the complexity helps you decide whether to hire a professional.
Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices but didn’t let cost be the only deciding factor. A good warranty adds value and protects your investment. I looked for starter motors offering at least a one-year warranty, which gave me confidence in the product’s reliability.
Where to Buy
I found authorized Craftsman dealers, official websites, and trusted online retailers to be the safest places to purchase genuine starter motors. Avoid questionable sellers to minimize the risk of counterfeit or poor-quality parts.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the starter motor on my Craftsman riding mower was straightforward once I picked the right part. Paying attention to compatibility, quality, and warranty helped me get a reliable starter motor that brings my mower to life quickly every time. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect starter motor for your Craftsman mower!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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