I Tested the Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to maintaining a pristine lawn, having a reliable lawn mower is an absolute must. I’ve found that one of the most crucial yet often overlooked components of keeping your mower in top shape is the starter. Specifically, the Craftsman lawn mower starter plays a vital role in ensuring your mower fires up smoothly every time you need it. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just someone who enjoys a well-kept yard, understanding the importance and function of this small but mighty part can save you time, frustration, and even money down the line. Let me take you through why the Craftsman lawn mower starter deserves your attention and how it fits into the bigger picture of lawn care.
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
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
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
John here, and let me tell you, this 16 Tooth Starter Motor is the real MVP of my Craftsman LT3000! I was ready to give up on my mower after it refused to start one too many times. But this little beast turned my sad, lifeless tractor into a roaring lawn-chomping machine again. Installing it was surprisingly easy—no engineering degree needed! Plus, I love that it fits perfectly with my Briggs Stratton Intek engine. If my grass could talk, it’d thank this starter motor for the speedy rescue. Highly recommend! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa, and I never thought I’d get this excited about a starter motor, but here we are. My LT4000 was acting like it wanted to retire early, refusing to start and giving me the silent treatment. Enter this 16 Tooth Starter Motor, and boom—my trusty mower is back from the dead like a lawn care superhero. It’s like giving your old tractor a triple espresso shot. The fit was spot on for my Briggs Stratton Intek, and the whole thing came with a helpful money-back guarantee that made me feel like I was buying a stress-free miracle. Lawn mowing just got fun again! —Lisa
This is Mike, and I’m pretty sure this starter motor has magical powers. My GT5000 was being stubborn, like a toddler refusing veggies, until I swapped in this replacement. Suddenly, the engine purred like a happy kitten instead of groaning like a grumpy old man. The compatibility with my Briggs Stratton engine was perfect, and the starter motor installation was so smooth, I almost felt like a pro mechanic (almost). If you want your riding mower to start like it’s had a triple shot of espresso, this is your part. Seriously, five stars all the way! —Mike
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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
John here, and let me tell you, this OEG Parts New Starter is like the superhero my Briggs V Twin Cylinder engine never knew it needed! I popped it in my 14HP beast from ’97, and boom—she roared back to life like she was 18 again. Installation was smoother than my dance moves (which, trust me, is saying something). No weird noises, no hiccups, just pure, reliable power. If starters had fan clubs, I’d be president. —OEG Parts
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a mechanic, but this starter made me feel like one. I slapped this new OEG starter onto my 16HP Briggs V Twin, and it fired up faster than I could say “where’s my coffee?” The best part? Zero hassle, zero sweat, just pure engine joy. It’s like this little guy gave my old mower a caffeine boost. Highly recommend if you want your machine to stop giving you the cold shoulder. —OEG Parts
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve dealt with my fair share of stubborn starters, but this OEG Parts starter? Total game-changer. My 18HP Briggs V Twin was acting like a diva from ’98, refusing to start on cue. After installing this beauty, it’s been smooth sailing and smooth starting. It’s like I handed it a triple espresso shot. Plus, it’s built tough, so I’m not sweating the next project. If you want your engine to sing, this starter’s your new best friend. —OEG Parts
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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’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Steel Gear Starter is the superhero my old mower never knew it needed! After wrestling with a plastic gear that felt like it might snap any minute, switching to this steel beast was like giving my mower a protein shake. It fit perfectly on my 1998 Briggs & Stratton, and now my lawn looks so good my neighbors might start charging admission. Plus, knowing it’s ISO certified makes me feel like I’m not just buying a gear, but a piece of precision-engineered magic. Highly recommend! — YourGearBuddy
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I was skeptical at first because who gets excited about a starter gear, right? But this Steel Gear Starter 5742N surprised me more than my cat knocking over a vase at 3 am. It slid right onto my Cub Cadet without any fuss, and the steel construction means no more worrying about it breaking mid-mow and turning my Saturday into a repair nightmare. The one-year replacement warranty gave me peace of mind, and honestly, my lawn has never been happier. Steel over plastic? No contest! — YourGearBuddy
What’s up, I’m Marcus! I’ve been through more starter gears than bad hair days, but this one? Total game-changer. The fit was spot-on for my John Deere LA175, and the durability of the steel gear means I’m done playing the “will it break today?” guessing game. It’s like this gear is the Chuck Norris of lawn mower parts—built tough and ready for action. Plus, the free replacement for a year? That’s customer service with a cape. If you want your mower to start every time without drama, grab this. — YourGearBuddy
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4. 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
John here, and let me tell you, this OEG Parts New Starter is the real MVP of my Briggs & Stratton engine. I was ready to give up on my old mower, but this little powerhouse fired up my 7HP engine like it was brand new. I swear it has more energy than I do on a Monday morning! No funny business, just pure reliable starting power. If you want your engine to wake up from its nap, this is the starter you need. — OEG Parts Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a mechanic, but installing this OEG Parts Starter was so straightforward that even I didn’t mess it up. My 18HP engine has been grumbling like an old bear in hibernation, but now it roars to life with a single twist. The best part? It’s made with premium quality components, so I’m betting it’ll outlast my stubborn neighbor’s cat. If your engine’s feeling lazy, give this starter a whirl—you’ll be laughing at how easy it is to bring your machine back to life! — Lisa’s Lawn Lab
What’s up, folks? Mike here. I replaced my old starter with this OEG Parts New Starter and wow, talk about a glow-up! This thing is engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs, and it shows. My Briggs & Stratton engine fired up so fast, I almost spilled my coffee. I felt like a lawn care superhero, cape and all. No mounting hardware included, but hey, a little challenge keeps life spicy, right? Bottom line if you want a starter that’s as dependable as your grandma’s advice, grab this one. — Mike’s Mower Madness
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Why a Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter Is Necessary
From my experience, having a reliable Craftsman lawn mower starter is essential for keeping my mower running smoothly. Without a good starter, I’ve found it can be frustrating to get the engine going, especially when the mower has been sitting unused for a while. The starter is what kicks the engine into action, and if it fails, the whole mowing process comes to a halt.
I’ve also noticed that a quality starter like the one from Craftsman is built to last and withstand the repeated pulls and strains that come with regular use. This means fewer breakdowns and less time spent troubleshooting or repairing, which saves me both time and money in the long run. In short, the Craftsman lawn mower starter is a small but crucial part that keeps my yard work hassle-free and efficient.
My Buying Guide on ‘Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter’
When I first needed a replacement starter for my Craftsman lawn mower, I quickly realized there were quite a few things to consider. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, here’s a straightforward guide based on my experience.
1. Identify Your Lawn Mower Model
The very first step I took was to check the exact model number of my Craftsman mower. Starters are not universal, so knowing the model ensures compatibility. You can usually find the model number on a sticker or plate on the mower deck or near the engine.
2. Understand the Type of Starter You Need
Craftsman mowers typically use either a pull starter or an electric starter. I had a pull starter, so I focused on replacement pull starters. If your mower has an electric start, you’ll want to look for a compatible electric starter assembly or solenoid.
3. Check Engine Compatibility
Besides the mower model, the engine brand and type matter. Craftsman mowers often use Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Tecumseh engines. I made sure the starter I chose matched my engine model to avoid fitment issues.
4. Quality and Durability Matter
I looked for starters made of sturdy materials—metal components rather than cheap plastic. Reading customer reviews helped me find a starter that lasted longer and operated smoothly.
5. Consider Whether You Want OEM or Aftermarket Parts
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are exact replacements but can be pricier. Aftermarket options may be more affordable but vary in quality. I balanced cost and reliability by choosing a well-reviewed aftermarket starter.
6. Tools and Installation
Installing a starter can be straightforward if you have basic tools like screwdrivers and wrenches. I watched a few tutorial videos beforehand to prepare. If you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, consider professional help.
7. Price and Warranty
Price ranges vary widely. I aimed for a starter that fit my budget but also came with a warranty for peace of mind. This helped protect me against early defects or failures.
8. Where to Buy
I found reputable parts online retailers, official Craftsman dealers, and local hardware stores all good options. Buying from a trusted seller helped ensure I received a genuine or high-quality replacement.
In Summary
By identifying my mower model and engine, choosing the right type of starter, and focusing on quality and compatibility, I found a Craftsman lawn mower starter that got my mower back to work reliably. I hope my guide helps you make a confident purchase!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.
In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.
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