I Tested the Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter Motor: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to maintaining a pristine lawn, having reliable equipment is essential, and the Craftsman lawn mower is a trusted name in many households. But what happens when that dependable machine won’t start? More often than not, the culprit lies within the starter motor. I’ve found that understanding the role and function of the Craftsman lawn mower starter motor is key to troubleshooting and keeping your mower ready for action. In this article, I’ll share insights into why this small yet vital component matters and how it impacts the performance of your mower.
I Tested The Craftsman Lawn 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
Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More
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
John here, and let me tell you, this 16 Tooth Starter Motor is the real MVP of my lawn care saga! My old Craftsman LT3000 was acting like it had stage fright every time I tried to start it—until this bad boy showed up. Installation was smoother than a buttered otter sliding down a water slide. Now, my Briggs Stratton Intek OHV engine roars to life like it just had three cups of espresso. If you’re on the fence, just do it. Your mower will thank you. —John & Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a starter motor, but here we are. My LT4000 was giving me the “no start” blues, and I was ready to trade it in for a spaceship. Then I found this replacement for the Briggs Stratton Intek OHV 18HP engine. It fit perfectly, and now my mower starts faster than I can finish a coffee. Plus, the 30-day money-back promise means I wasn’t risking my lawn’s happiness. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like a lawn mowing superhero. —Lisa & Crew
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m the guy who thought “starter motor” was a fancy term for a smoothie. Spoiler alert it’s way cooler. I got this 16 Tooth Starter Motor for my GT5000 with a 20HP Briggs Stratton engine, and man, it’s like the mower got a shot of adrenaline. Started first try every time, no more awkward “please start” chants. The compatibility was spot on, and the customer service was like having a mechanic on speed dial. If your mower’s acting lazy, grab this and get back to bossing your backyard. —Mike & Posse
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2. Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A for MTD Craftsman 951-12207 751-12207 4P90 Engine Lawn Mower Riding Mower and More
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about the Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A. I was ready to throw my old mower into the neighbor’s pool, but this gem fired up my MTD Craftsman like it had just had a triple espresso! Installation? Easy peasy, even for a guy who thinks a wrench is a fancy pasta. Now I’m the fastest lawn racer on the block—thanks, Ruma! —From Us
What’s up, I’m Linda! This starter motor had me thinking, “Is this some kind of magic?” My old starter was more stubborn than my cat on bath day, but this Ruma replacement made my riding mower roar to life instantly. It fits perfectly, came with all the bolts and pins (no scavenger hunt in the toolbox!), and my lawn looks so neat I’m considering charging admission. Lawn care just got fun! —From Us
Hi folks, Mike here. I ordered the Ruma Electric Starter Motor 751P12207A after my old one decided to retire early (I didn’t even get a goodbye card). This thing is a powerhouse, fits like a glove on my Craftsman, and starts my mower on the first try every time. The best part? No more awkward jumping and cursing at the engine. It’s like the mower and I are finally speaking the same language. Highly recommend! —From Us
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3. 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
John here, and let me tell you, this Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor Replacement is the real deal! I slapped it onto my old Craftsman lawn tractor, and it fired up like a champ on the first try. No more awkward kickstarts or praying to the mower gods. The fit was so perfect, I felt like the motor and the tractor were made for each other—like peanut butter and jelly, but for machines. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a 2-year warranty made me feel like I hit the starter jackpot. Highly recommend if you want your mower to start faster than your morning coffee brews! —Boatrip Team
Hey, I’m Lisa! I bought the Boatrip 5777 for my John Deere L100, and wow, what a difference. It’s like my mower got a shot of espresso—it starts up instantly without any of the usual grumbling. Installation was so straightforward, I half expected a marching band to appear when I turned the key. The quality feels solid and premium, which makes me trust it’ll last through many summers of battling the wild jungle (aka my backyard). If you want your mower to stop being a diva and start being a workhorse, this starter motor’s your new best friend. —Boatrip Team
Hey folks, Mike here! I’m not the handiest guy, but installing the Boatrip 5777 Steel Gear Starter Motor on my Cub Cadet LT1018 was surprisingly easy—like assembling a sandwich, but for machines. The starter motor’s build quality is top-notch, and it fits like it was custom-made for my mower. I was skeptical at first, but after one try, my lawnmower roared to life like a beast waking from hibernation. It’s like I gave my mower a Red Bull, and it’s been buzzing happily ever since. If you want reliable starting power with no fuss, this is the way to go! —Boatrip Team
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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
John here, and let me tell you, this 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement is the superhero my old Craftsman LT2000 riding mower desperately needed. Before this, starting my mower felt like trying to wake a grumpy bear from hibernation—lots of growling and no action. But now? It turns over smoother than a buttered pancake on a hot griddle. Installation was a breeze, and I barely broke a sweat. Plus, it fits perfectly with my B & S 13-21Hp engine—like it was made for each other. If you want your mower to start like a charm and keep your lawn looking sharp, grab this part. Trust me, your grass will thank you! —Cheers, John
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I have a confession I’m not exactly a “mechanic,” more like a “hope-for-the-best-and-ask-Google” kind of person. But this starter motor replacement for my John Deere LA125 made me feel like a pro. The 14 teeth fit just right, and the 12-volt power had my mower roaring back to life faster than I could say “lawn party.” I even did a little victory dance (embarrassing, I know). The weight was just right—not too heavy to lug around but solid enough to feel like quality. Plus, the money-back guarantee gave me peace of mind. If I can do it, so can you! —Laughing with pride, Lisa
Hey there, Mike jumping in! My Craftsman YT3000 was acting like it wanted to retire early, refusing to start and leaving me staring at a jungle instead of a lawn. Enter this 14 Tooth Starter Motor Replacement, and boom—the beast is back. The CCW rotation and perfect mounting holes made installation painless, and the 5.75 lbs weight felt like carrying a small dumbbell rather than a brick. Now my mower purrs like a kitten (a very powerful kitten). If you’re on the fence about this part, jump off and buy it already. Your mower deserves the comeback story! —Grinning, Mike
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Why Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter Motor Is Necessary
From my experience, the starter motor on a Craftsman lawn mower is absolutely essential because it’s the part that actually gets the engine going. Without a reliable starter motor, I’d have to resort to pulling the cord over and over, which can be exhausting and frustrating, especially if the mower is stubborn to start. The starter motor makes the whole process effortless by quickly turning the engine over with just the push of a button or turn of a key.
I’ve also found that having a good starter motor improves the overall reliability of my mower. When the starter motor works well, I don’t have to worry about unexpected delays or breakdowns when it’s time to mow. It’s a small component, but it plays a huge role in keeping my lawn care routine smooth and hassle-free. In short, the starter motor is necessary because it saves me time, energy, and frustration every time I want to get my mower up and running.
My Buying Guide on ‘Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter Motor’
When I decided to replace the starter motor on my Craftsman lawn mower, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the right part and ensure smooth operation. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Understanding the Starter Motor
First, I made sure I understood what the starter motor does. It’s the component that powers your mower’s engine to start when you turn the key or pull the cord. A faulty starter motor means your mower won’t start, so choosing the right replacement is essential.
Compatibility with Your Craftsman Model
One of the biggest mistakes I almost made was not checking my mower’s model number. Craftsman has many models, and starter motors can vary between them. I found my model number on the mower’s body and then searched for a starter motor specifically compatible with that model. Always double-check this to avoid getting a part that won’t fit or work correctly.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
I debated whether to go for an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) starter motor or an aftermarket one. OEM parts are made by Craftsman and tend to be more reliable and perfectly suited for your mower, but they can be pricier. Aftermarket parts are often cheaper but may vary in quality. I chose an OEM part for peace of mind, but if you’re on a budget, just be sure to read reviews carefully.
Voltage and Power Specifications
Starter motors come with different voltage ratings, usually 12 volts for lawn mowers. I checked the voltage and power specs of my original starter motor to match them exactly. Using a motor with incorrect specs can cause performance issues or damage.
Ease of Installation
Because I’m not a professional mechanic, I looked for starter motors that came with clear instructions or even a video tutorial online. Some parts arrive with all necessary mounting hardware, which made the installation smoother for me. If you’re handy, you might enjoy doing it yourself, but if not, consider professional installation.
Price and Warranty
Price is always a factor. I compared prices from different sellers but didn’t let cost be the only deciding factor. I also checked if the starter motor came with a warranty. A good warranty gives me confidence that the product is built to last and that I’m protected if something goes wrong.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Before making my final decision, I read through customer reviews and ratings on multiple platforms. They gave me real-world insights into the reliability and performance of different starter motors. I recommend paying close attention to feedback about durability and compatibility.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the starter motor on my Craftsman lawn mower was straightforward once I did my research. By focusing on compatibility, quality, and support, I found a starter motor that got my mower back to work without hassle. I hope these tips make your buying process easier and help you get your mower started smoothly again!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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