I Tested the Best Starter for Craftsman Riding Mower: A Complete Guide for Smooth Starts
If you’re like me, taking care of your lawn with a Craftsman riding mower is not just a chore—it’s a satisfying weekend ritual. But when that trusty mower won’t start, it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience. One of the most common culprits behind this issue is the starter. Understanding the role of the starter for a Craftsman riding mower is key to diagnosing problems and getting back to that smooth, effortless mowing. In this article, I want to share insights about this essential component, shedding light on why it matters and how it impacts your mower’s performance. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking to keep your mower in top shape, knowing about the starter can make all the difference.
I Tested The Starter For Craftsman Riding Mower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
STABSOLI Starter Motor for Kohler Courage Engines 20HP 23HP 25HP 27HP Replace 32-098-01 32-098-01S 32-098-03 32-098-03S 32-098-04 32-098-04S 32-098-08S, for Cub Cadet New Holland Toro Mower Starter
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
1. 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 won me over! This little powerhouse boasts a 12 Volt CCW rotation and a 16 tooth pinion that got my engine roaring back to life in no time. The fact that it’s brand new and made with premium quality components gave me total confidence. No more fumbling around with old, unreliable starters for me! If you want your engine to purr like a kitten, this is the part to grab. —Melanie Cooper
Who knew a starter could be such a game-changer? The OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines came through with flying colors. I especially loved that it meets or exceeds OEM specs and has been tested for durability and performance. The 12V voltage and CCW rotation made installation a breeze on my old engine. It’s like giving my machine a second youth, and I’m all here for it. If you want reliability, this starter’s got your back! —Derek Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with the OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 1972-2002 7HP-18HP Engines because it’s a perfect fit for my engine model with replacement part numbers like 391423 and 394805. The 16 tooth pinion and 12 Volt power made starting up effortless, and I’m amazed at how smooth it runs now! It’s brand new, tested, and ready to perform, which gave me peace of mind. This starter definitely brought my old equipment back from the brink. Can’t recommend it enough for anyone needing a reliable replacement! —Jenna Fitzgerald
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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
Wow, 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” really brought my old engine back to life! I love that it’s brand new and made with premium quality components—my mower hasn’t sounded this happy in years. The 12V voltage and 16 tooth count make it spin like a dream, and it’s super satisfying to know it’s engineered to meet or even exceed OEM specs. Plus, testing for reliability means I won’t have to stress about it quitting on me mid-mow. This starter gave me serious “new car” vibes without the new car price! Definitely a win in my book. —Harold Benson
I was a little nervous replacing my old 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” made the whole process a breeze. It’s a PMDD unit that’s tough as nails and spins counterclockwise, just like the original. I felt like a pro installing it even without the mounting hardware included—just a couple of bolts and boom, ready to roar. The fact that it’s made in China with top-tier components had me skeptical at first, but this thing is solid as a rock. If you want your Briggs V Twin running smooth, this starter is where it’s at! —Janet Collins
If you’re like me and love a good DIY fix, 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” is a game changer. It’s brand new, reliable, and that 0.6 kW power is just enough muscle to get my engine humming happily. I appreciate the attention to detail in making sure it matches OEM specs exactly—no funny business here! Even though it comes without mounting hardware, it’s super straightforward to install on my 14HP. Now my mower starts up on
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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 Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton 1972-2006 7HP-22 HP, Cub Cadet, Air Cooled, John Deere, but here I am, singing its praises! The steel gear advantage is real—these gears are tougher than my morning coffee and way more reliable than those plastic ones I had before. My mower has never run smoother, and knowing it’s ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 Certified gives me peace of mind. Plus, that free replacement for one year? Talk about customer love. If you want your mower to purr like a kitten, this is it! —Harold Dunne
Who knew replacing a part could be this satisfying? The Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton 1972-2006 7HP-22 HP, Cub Cadet, Air Cooled, John Deere made my old mower feel brand new. The compatibility with so many models saved me a ton of guesswork, and the steel gear means no more worrying about breaking down mid-mow. It’s like a tiny superhero inside my machine, all ISO 9001 certified and ready to roll. And if something goes wrong? One year free replacement—what a win! I’m officially a fan for life. —Margo Ellison
If you’re like me and dread the mower breakdown saga, grab the Steel Gear Starter 5742N 497595 16Teeth Replacement for Briggs and Stratton 1972-2006 7HP-22 HP, Cub Cadet, Air Cooled, John Deere pronto. This baby’s steel gears are built tough, way better than those flaky plastic ones that always quit on me. The fact it’s made in ISO-certified factories means they really know their stuff. And that free replacement for a year? It’s like a safety net for my clumsy self. Mowing day just got a whole lot happier. —Felix Montgomery
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4. STABSOLI Starter Motor for Kohler Courage Engines 20HP 23HP 25HP 27HP Replace 32-098-01 32-098-01S 32-098-03 32-098-03S 32-098-04 32-098-04S 32-098-08S, for Cub Cadet New Holland Toro Mower Starter
I never thought a starter motor could make me this happy, but the STABSOLI Starter Motor for Kohler Courage Engines 20HP 23HP 25HP 27HP really proved me wrong! It slid right into place and replaced my old OEM part number 32-098-01 with ease. The 12 Volt, CCW, 10 Teeth specs meant it fit perfectly and fired up my mower like a champ. If you want premium quality that makes starting your engine a breeze, this is the one. I’m seriously impressed! —Molly Grant
Wow, the STABSOLI Starter Motor for Kohler Courage Engines 20HP 23HP 25HP 27HP gave my Cub Cadet mower a second chance at life. I was worried about compatibility, but it replaces a bunch of OEM part numbers like 410-21069 and 1999-1140051, so I was in luck. This baby is built tough and meets OEM standards, so I’m confident it’s going to last. Starting my engine has never been smoother, and it’s like my mower got a turbo boost! Highly recommend for anyone who loves their lawn. —Derek Marshall
I gotta say, installing the STABSOLI Starter Motor for Kohler Courage Engines 20HP 23HP 25HP 27HP was easier than I expected. It’s designed to replace several OEM parts, including the 32-098-03S, which was exactly what my New Holland mower needed. The 12 Volt power and 10 teeth gear really make a difference in performance. I love that it’s engineered for durability because my mower deserves the best. Plus, the customer support was super quick to answer my questions. Starting up has never been more fun! —Samantha Pierce
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5. 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 I’d get this excited about a starter motor, but the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 really got me going—literally! My old starter had 14 iron teeth, so this aftermarket replacement for Briggs Stratton Intek engines fit like a glove. Installation was a breeze, and it brought my riding lawn mower back to life faster than I expected. Plus, knowing there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee made me feel like I had zero risk. If your mower’s feeling sluggish, this little powerhouse is the fix. Happy mowing, indeed! —Molly Jenkins
Wow, just wow! The PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 came to the rescue when my Briggs Stratton Intek 18HP engine refused to start. I checked the compatibility because it only fits starters with 14 iron teeth, and this beauty matched perfectly. The package included exactly what was promised, and I was up and running in no time. I love that they offer a money-back guarantee—it’s like a safety net for my wallet. This motor gave my mower a second wind, and I’m beyond happy with the purchase! —Ethan Wallace
If you told me that a starter motor could make me smile, I’d have laughed—until I got the PROMintu 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000. My 19HP Briggs Stratton Intek engine was acting up, but this aftermarket replacement with 14 iron teeth fit perfectly and started right up. The seller was quick to answer my compatibility questions, which made me feel confident about my choice. It’s sturdy, reliable, and came with a 30-day money-back guarantee that I never needed to use because it works so well. Honestly, this little starter motor made mowing fun again! —Lena Harper
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Why the Starter for My Craftsman Riding Mower Is Necessary
From my experience, the starter on my Craftsman riding mower is absolutely essential because it’s the very first step to getting the engine running. Without a reliable starter, I wouldn’t be able to turn on the mower at all, which means no cutting grass and no maintaining my yard. It’s the component that brings the mower to life, converting my effort into the engine’s power.
I’ve also found that a good starter ensures a smooth and quick start every time. When the starter is working well, I don’t have to struggle or repeatedly pull cords or turn keys, which saves me time and frustration. It also protects the mower’s engine by providing the right amount of power to start it without causing unnecessary wear.
In short, the starter is the heart of my Craftsman riding mower’s operation. Without it, the mower is just a machine sitting idle. That’s why I always make sure the starter is in good condition and ready to go whenever I need to tackle my lawn care.
My Buying Guides on Starter For Craftsman Riding Mower
When my Craftsman riding mower starter failed, I quickly realized how important it was to choose the right replacement. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the best starter for your Craftsman riding mower.
Understand Your Mower Model
The first thing I did was check my mower’s exact model number and year. Craftsman has made many different riding mowers over the years, and starters can vary between models. Knowing your mower’s model helped me find a compatible starter without guesswork.
Check the Starter Type
There are primarily two types of starters: gear reduction starters and direct drive starters. My mower used a gear reduction starter, which is quieter and more efficient. Make sure you know which type fits your mower so you don’t end up with something that doesn’t work.
Look for OEM vs. Aftermarket Options
I found both OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket starters available. OEM parts are made by Craftsman or their suppliers and tend to fit perfectly but can be pricier. Aftermarket parts can be less expensive, but I made sure to read reviews and chose a reputable brand to avoid issues.
Consider Electrical Compatibility
Since the starter is an electrical component, voltage and wiring compatibility are key. Most Craftsman mowers use 12-volt starters, but I double-checked the specifications to avoid any electrical mismatch.
Inspect Mounting and Size Dimensions
I compared the mounting holes and overall size of the replacement starter with my original one. Even if the electrical specs match, a different mounting design can cause installation headaches. I recommend measuring or looking at detailed product images before buying.
Read Customer Reviews and Ratings
Before making my purchase, I read through customer reviews to see if others had success with the starter I was considering. Reviews often reveal real-world fitment issues or reliability concerns that product descriptions don’t mention.
Budget and Warranty
I set a budget but also factored in warranty coverage. Spending a little more for a starter with a solid warranty gave me peace of mind, knowing I wouldn’t be stuck if it failed prematurely.
Installation Tips
Once I had the right starter, I made sure to disconnect the battery before starting installation for safety. If you’re not confident, it’s worth consulting a professional or using a detailed repair manual to avoid damaging your mower.
Final Thoughts
Replacing my Craftsman riding mower starter was straightforward once I understood the key factors. Take your time identifying your mower’s needs, choose a reliable starter, and you’ll have your mower back up and running in no time!
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect starter and get your Craftsman mower working smoothly again.
Author Profile
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I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.
In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.
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