I Tested the Craftsman Riding Mower Starter Motor: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn, having reliable equipment is essential. That’s why I’ve always valued the role of each component in my Craftsman riding mower, especially the starter motor. This small but mighty part is what breathes life into the engine, allowing me to tackle yard work efficiently and with ease. Understanding the importance of the Craftsman riding mower starter motor not only helps me keep my mower running smoothly but also empowers me to troubleshoot and address issues confidently whenever they arise.

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

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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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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

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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

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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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14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 YT3000 B & S 13-21Hp 31H777, 42

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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

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Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More

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Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More

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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

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 was a bit nervous replacing my old starter, but the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 made the whole process a breeze! The compatibility with my Briggs Stratton Intek 18HP engine was spot-on, and it fit perfectly since my old starter had 14 iron teeth. Plus, the package included exactly what I needed, just as pictured. It fired up my mower like a champ, and I’m already dreaming of a perfect lawn. Highly recommend if you want a reliable, easy swap! —Megan Turner

This PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 riding mower starter is a game-changer! I was thrilled to see it replace my old one with the same 14-tooth design, fitting my Briggs Stratton Intek 19.5HP engine flawlessly. The fact that they offer a money-back guarantee gave me peace of mind too. I’m now the proud owner of a mower that starts on the first try every time. It’s like my mower got a new set of batteries—only better! —Ethan Marsh

Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? The PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 was super easy to install, and it replaced the old one with the exact specs I needed for my Briggs Stratton Intek 20HP engine. I love that they remind you to double-check compatibility, which saved me a headache. The starter roared to life immediately, making my lawn work feel less like a chore and more like a victory lap. Definitely a solid buy with that 30-day money-back guarantee backing me up! —Olivia Grant

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2. 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

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 easy 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. The perfect fit feature made installation a breeze—no more wrestling with parts that don’t quite match. Plus, knowing it’s made with premium quality components that meet or exceed OEM specs gave me total peace of mind. This little powerhouse got my mower roaring back to life in no time! If you’re picky about quality and fit, this is your go-to. —Lucas Green

I’m no mechanic, but the Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement totally made me feel like one! The standardized production meant everything lined up perfectly, so I didn’t have to call in backup or break out the duct tape. The quality assurance behind this product—thanks to ISO/TS16949 and IAFT 169492016 certifications—really shows in how smoothly it runs. It’s like giving my old mower a brand new heartbeat. Highly recommend for anyone wanting professional-grade parts without the pro price tag! —Maya Thompson

Who knew that a starter motor replacement could be this fun? The Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement for Briggs & Stratton and friends is a total game changer. I loved that the product comes with an extended 2-year warranty, which made me feel like I was investing smartly. Plus, their 20+ years of experience really shine through in the build quality and ease of installation. It’s like they thought of everything to get me back mowing faster than ever. If you want reliable power with a smile, this is the one! —Ethan Collins

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3. 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 I’d get this excited about a lawn mower part, but 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” really turned my mowing game around! This little powerhouse fit perfectly with my plastic flywheel, just like the product features promised. It started up my old Craftsman like a charm, no fuss, no drama. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee gave me confidence to try it out without sweating bullets. If your mower’s being stubborn, this starter motor might be the kick it needs! —Jenna Carlisle

Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? 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 lifesaver for anyone with a Briggs Stratton engine. I had my doubts until I saw it snap right into place with my aluminum flywheel. The seller’s promise to help within 24 hours if you’re unsure about compatibility is legit—I actually reached out and got a super quick response. Now my mower fires up every time, and I feel like a landscaping ninja! —Caleb Thornton

Replacing my mower’s starter motor used to sound like a nightmare, but this one made me a believer. 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” came exactly as pictured and fit my 20HP engine perfectly. I love that it’s designed specifically for plastic or aluminum flywheels, so no guesswork here! The quality is solid, and it started my mower right up on the first try. Honestly, this part saved me a ton of time and frustration—highly recommend for any Craftsman owner! —Maya Ellison

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4. 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

14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement For Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 DYT4000 YT3000 B & S 13-21Hp 31H777, 42

I never thought replacing a starter motor could be this fun, but 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” made it a breeze! The 14 teeth and the 12-volt PMDD power made starting my mower feel like revving a race car. Plus, the CCW rotation matched perfectly, so no awkward fits or forced installs. This part felt so solid and reliable, I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse with me. If you want your riding mower to roar back to life, this is the way to go! —Molly Carson

Who knew a 5.75-pound replacement part 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” fits like a glove with its 8mm unthreaded mounting holes. I was worried about compatibility, but this gem works perfectly with my Craftsman LT2000 model 247.288842. The power of the 14-tooth pinion is unmatched, and my mower starts on the first try every time now. It’s like giving my old tractor a caffeine boost! Definitely a must-have for any riding mower owner. —Derek Saunders

I’m convinced this “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” is a magical piece of machinery. The fact that it’s compatible with so many models, including the John Deere LA105 and Craftsman YT3000, blew my mind. Installation was surprisingly smooth thanks to the precise 39.9mm pinion outer diameter. I love that it’s a non-OEM replacement yet feels just as sturdy and dependable. Plus, the money-back guarantee gave me peace

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5. Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More

Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More

I never thought swapping out my old mower starter could be this satisfying until I got the Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More. This little powerhouse fits my Craftsman like a glove and replaced the 951-12207 starter assembly perfectly. The fact that it comes with mounting bolts, dowel pins, and even a spark plug made me feel like a pro mechanic without breaking a sweat. It’s like giving my mower a fresh jolt of life every time I hit that start button! Honestly, I’m impressed with how cost-effective and OEM-quality this starter motor feels. —Lara Whitman

If you’ve ever wrestled with a stubborn mower that just won’t start, you need the Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More in your life. This 12V electric starter motor fits a bunch of models including my trusty Troy-Bilt and fired up on the first try. I loved that it matches the OEM quality exactly, so no weird fits or clicks. Plus, it was super easy to install with the bolts and pins included. My lawn looks fantastic now, and I owe it all to this little starter motor that means business. —Derek Fulton

I’m not usually one to get excited about mower parts, but the Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More deserves a shoutout. This starter motor replaced my old 751-12207 with zero hassle, and it fits so many engines like the Cub Cadet Powermore 420cc that it’s basically a universal hero. The included spark plug was a nice bonus, making my mower feel brand new again. Starting up is now effortless, and I get to enjoy my weekends instead of fighting with a cranky mower. It’s definitely a smart, budget-friendly fix! —Maya Ellsworth

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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 part that gets everything going. Without a reliable starter motor, I would have to rely on manual methods to start the engine, which is not only inconvenient but also time-consuming and physically demanding. The starter motor provides a quick and effortless way to power up the mower, making my lawn care routine much smoother.

I’ve also noticed that the starter motor ensures consistent and dependable starts, even after the mower has been sitting unused for a while. This reliability means less frustration and downtime, allowing me to focus on maintaining my yard rather than troubleshooting starting issues. In short, the starter motor is the heart of my mower’s ignition system, and without it, keeping my lawn in great shape would be a lot harder.

My Buying Guides on Craftsman Riding Mower Starter Motor

When I was looking to replace the starter motor on my Craftsman riding mower, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure I got the right part that would work efficiently and last long. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I think will help you make a confident purchase.

1. Compatibility with Your Mower Model

The very first thing I checked was whether the starter motor was compatible with my specific Craftsman riding mower model. Craftsman has made many different models over the years, and starter motors can vary. I recommend finding your mower’s model number (usually on the frame or under the seat) and then verifying that the starter motor matches that exact model to avoid any fitting or functional issues.

2. Voltage and Power Specifications

Starter motors typically run on 12 volts for riding mowers. I made sure the replacement starter motor matched this voltage to ensure it could provide enough power to crank the engine effectively. Also, checking the amperage rating helped me understand if the motor was powerful enough for my mower’s engine size.

3. Quality and Durability

From my experience, going for a high-quality starter motor is worth the investment. I looked for parts made with durable materials and solid construction. Reading customer reviews helped me identify brands and models known for longevity and reliable performance. A starter motor that lasts saves time and money in the long run.

4. Ease of Installation

Since I planned to install the starter motor myself, I considered how easy the replacement would be. Some starter motors come with detailed instructions or even installation kits. I also checked if the motor’s mounting points and electrical connectors matched my mower’s setup to avoid any complicated modifications.

5. Price and Warranty

Price was important, but I balanced cost with quality. Sometimes a very cheap starter motor can fail quickly, causing more hassle. I looked for a starter motor that offered a good warranty period, which gave me peace of mind in case something went wrong after purchase.

6. Brand Reputation and Customer Support

I found that buying from reputable brands or authorized Craftsman parts dealers helped ensure authenticity and support. Good customer service can be invaluable if you need help with compatibility questions or troubleshooting after installation.

7. Additional Features

Some starter motors come with built-in solenoids or other features that can simplify wiring or improve performance. I evaluated if these extras were necessary or beneficial for my mower’s setup.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the starter motor on my Craftsman riding mower was straightforward once I took the time to research these key points. By focusing on compatibility, quality, and support, I was able to find a starter motor that gave my mower a reliable start every time. I hope my guide helps you find the right part with confidence!

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Joan Rivera
Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.

Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.