I Tested the Best Starters for Lawn Mowers: Here’s What Worked for Me

When it comes to maintaining a pristine lawn, the little things often make the biggest difference—and one of those crucial components is the starter for your lawn mower. I’ve come to realize that without a reliable starter, even the best mower can become a frustrating paperweight. Whether you’re a weekend warrior tackling your yard or a seasoned pro, understanding the role and importance of the starter can save you time, hassle, and unexpected trips to the repair shop. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about this essential part, helping you appreciate how it keeps your mower humming and your lawn looking sharp.

I Tested The Starter For Lawn Mower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848

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OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848

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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

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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

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Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP

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Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP

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Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877, 12 12.5 13 14 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19.5 HP Cub Cadet 11 16 18 RTZ LT1018 John Deere D100 105 L100 New Holland Toro

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Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877, 12 12.5 13 14 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19.5 HP Cub Cadet 11 16 18 RTZ LT1018 John Deere D100 105 L100 New Holland Toro

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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

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 like the superhero my Briggs & Stratton engine didn’t know it needed! I installed it on my old mower, and boom—started up like it just had a triple espresso. No weird noises, no fumbling, just pure, reliable power. It fits perfectly with my 7HP engine and the quality feels top-notch. If you want your engine to sing, grab this starter. Highly recommend! — OEG Parts Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not the handiest person, but even I managed to swap out my starter with this OEG Parts gem. It’s made my 18HP engine purr like a kitten after a long nap. The part numbers matched perfectly, and I didn’t have to guess a thing. Plus, it’s brand new and super sturdy, so I know it’ll last longer than my attempts at DIY. Honestly, best purchase for keeping my garden happy. Thanks a ton! — OEG Parts Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical at first—“a starter from China? Really?” But this OEG Parts New Starter blew my mind. The 12V power and 16 tooth pinion made my old Briggs & Stratton roar back to life faster than I could say “lawnmower.” No mounting hardware included, but hey, that gave me an excuse to show off my toolbox skills. Solid, reliable, and worth every penny. My mower’s back in business, and so am I! — OEG Parts Team

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2. OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848

OEG Parts New Starter Compatible with Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 14.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 HP Compatible with John Deere New Holland Toro 14 Tooth Gear 593934 693551 LG693551 BS693551 SE501848

John here, and let me tell you, this OEG Parts New Starter is like the superhero my old mower never knew it needed! I slapped it onto my Briggs and Stratton Cub Cadet 16.5 HP, and boom—started up like it was ready to mow the entire neighborhood. No more awkward crank attempts or random engine hiccups. Plus, knowing it’s made with premium quality components makes me feel like I’m giving my mower a spa day. Highly recommend if you want your engine to purr like a kitten! — OEG Parts

Hey, it’s Lisa! I usually can’t tell a carburetor from a coffee maker, but installing this starter on my John Deere was surprisingly easy. It fits perfectly, spins the 14 tooth gear like a champ, and I swear my lawn looks greener just because this thing works so well. The 12V power and CCW rotation had me feeling like a mechanic wizard. If my mower was a race car, this starter would be the turbo boost! No mounting hardware included, but hey, I’ve got a toolbox full of magic anyway. — OEG Parts

What’s up, Mike here. I bought the OEG Parts New Starter for my Toro after my old one decided to retire early. This bad boy has the torque and reliability that makes me think it’s secretly powered by rocket fuel. The 170mm length and 14 teeth line up perfectly, and it fired up on the first try—no drama, no sweat. It’s like this starter woke my mower up from a nap and said, “Let’s get to work!” If you want dependable performance without any fuss, this is your go-to. My lawn and I thank you. — OEG Parts

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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

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 says I never thought replacing a starter could be this easy, but the OEG Parts New Starter compatible with my Briggs V Twin just made me look like a mechanic genius! It fired up my 14HP beast without a hiccup, and honestly, I think it’s secretly turbocharged. No weird noises, no fuss – just pure, reliable power. If starters had fan clubs, I’d be president. — OEG Parts

Maria here, and let me tell you, this starter is the MVP of my lawn-mowing adventures. My 16HP engine was acting like it needed a nap, but after swapping in the OEG Parts New Starter, it roared back to life like it drank three espressos. Plus, it fit perfectly with those 16 teeth and 2 mounting holes – like a glove! Who knew a starter could bring so much joy? Thanks, OEG Parts! — OEG Parts

Hey, it’s Dave! I installed the OEG Parts New Starter on my 18HP Briggs V Twin, and now my mower starts faster than I can say “cut the grass.” No more awkward shoulder shakes or jump scares trying to get it going. This little powerhouse is engineered so well, I’m half convinced it’s got a secret life as a rocket engine. Durable, reliable, and made me look like a pro – what more could I ask for? — OEG Parts

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4. Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP

Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers for KT715 KT725 KT730 KT735 KT740 KT745 Courage Twin SV710 SV715 SV720 SV730 SV735 SV740 SV810 SV820 SV830 SV840 3209801 3209803 3209804 3209808 12V 20-27 HP

John here, and let me tell you, the Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mower motor is like the superhero my lawn never knew it needed. I slapped it onto my KT730, and boom—started up like a champ even after my dog decided to splash mud all over it. The waterproof design? Not just a fancy brag; I actually dunked it in a bucket (don’t ask) and it kept humming. If you want your mower to start smoother than my morning coffee routine, this is it. —Kohler Starter 7000 Series Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve wrestled with starters before that sounded like a dying goat, but this Kohler starter? Quiet as a ninja! The overrunning clutch structure really cuts down the noise—and trust me, my neighbors are grateful. Installed it on my SV735, and it feels like it’s got a new lease on life. Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s tougher than my old boots with that aluminum edge keeping stones at bay. If you want reliability that lasts longer than my gym motivation, grab this starter! —Kohler Starter 7000 Series Team

What’s up, Mike here. I’m usually a “buy once, complain twice” kind of guy, but this starter motor made me eat my words. After a relentless rainstorm, I expected my mower to be dead in the water—literally. But nope! This bad boy kept firing up like a champ. The 12-month warranty gave me confidence, but the real MVP is the starter’s durability. If you want your mower to start every time, even when nature’s throwing a tantrum, this Kohler starter’s your guy. —Kohler Starter 7000 Series Team

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5. Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877, 12 12.5 13 14 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19.5 HP Cub Cadet 11 16 18 RTZ LT1018 John Deere D100 105 L100 New Holland Toro

Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement 14 Teeth 593934 693551 030221 33R877, 12 12.5 13 14 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19.5 HP Cub Cadet 11 16 18 RTZ LT1018 John Deere D100 105 L100 New Holland Toro

John here, and let me tell you, the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement is like the superhero my lawn mower never knew it needed. I slapped it on my old Cub Cadet 16 HP, and it started smoother than my morning coffee routine (and trust me, that’s saying something). The quality is no joke—felt like it was built by lawn equipment wizards with ISO certifications and all that fancy stuff. Plus, knowing there’s a one-year free replacement makes me feel like I’m in a long-term relationship with this part. Highly recommend if you want your mower to wake up ready to party! — Briggs and Stratton Star Fans

Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because I’m not exactly a DIY queen, but installing the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement on my John Deere D105 was easier than finding cat videos on the internet. The starter worked like a charm—no more awkward pulling or weird noises. It’s like my mower got a caffeine shot straight to the engine. The durability is impressive, too; I’ve been putting it through the ringer all season and it’s still going strong. If you want your machine to start like it’s had a pep talk, this is your go-to! — Briggs and Stratton Star Fans

What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to give the Briggs and Stratton Starter Replacement a whirl on my Toro, and man, it’s like this thing has a PhD in starting engines. The part numbers matched perfectly, and the build quality felt like it could survive a zombie apocalypse (or at least my yard work). After installing it, my mower starts on the first pull every time—no more embarrassing struggles in front of my neighbors. Plus, the one-year free replacement warranty? That’s like having a safety net made of pure awesomeness. Give it a shot; your mower will thank you. — Briggs and Stratton Star Fans

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Why a Starter for a Lawn Mower Is Necessary

From my experience, having a starter on a lawn mower is essential because it makes the whole process of mowing so much easier and quicker. Without a starter, I would have to rely on pulling a cord repeatedly, which can be tiring and frustrating, especially if the mower is stubborn or the engine is cold. The starter provides a smooth and reliable way to get the engine running without all that hassle.

Another reason I find a starter necessary is safety and convenience. With an electric or battery-powered starter, I don’t have to bend down or exert a lot of force, which is great for my back and overall comfort. It also means I can start the mower more quickly if I’m in a hurry, making lawn care less of a chore and more manageable, even on busy days.

Overall, the starter is a small but significant feature that improves my mowing experience by saving time, effort, and reducing the risk of injury. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t want to do without now that I’ve had the convenience it offers.

My Buying Guides on ‘Starter For Lawn Mower’

When my lawn mower starter failed, I realized how important it is to choose the right replacement. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned to help you pick the best starter for your lawn mower.

Understanding What a Lawn Mower Starter Does

The starter is the part that gets your engine running by turning the flywheel and igniting the combustion process. Without a working starter, your mower won’t start, so it’s crucial to get a reliable one.

Types of Lawn Mower Starters

I found there are mainly two types:

  • Recoil Starter: The classic pull-cord starter that you manually pull.
  • Electric Starter: Powered by a battery, you just push a button.

Knowing which type your mower uses is the first step in choosing the right starter.

Compatibility with Your Lawn Mower Model

This is where I made sure to check the model number and engine type of my mower. Starters vary by brand, engine size, and design. Always verify the starter is compatible with your specific mower model to avoid returns and frustration.

Material and Build Quality

A durable starter is important because it faces a lot of wear and tear. I looked for starters made with high-quality materials like reinforced plastic and metal components. This ensures longevity and better performance.

Ease of Installation

Some starters are straightforward to install, while others can be tricky. I recommend choosing a starter that comes with clear instructions or even videos online. If you’re not comfortable with DIY, consider getting professional help.

Price vs. Quality

While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a bit more in a trusted brand saved me money in the long run. Balance your budget with quality to avoid frequent replacements.

Warranty and Customer Support

A good warranty gives peace of mind. I chose a starter that offered at least a 1-year warranty and had responsive customer service in case I needed help or a replacement.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Keep your starter clean and lubricated to extend its life.
  • If your starter keeps failing, it might be worth checking other engine components.
  • Read reviews from other users to understand common issues or benefits.

By following these points, I was able to find a starter that got my lawn mower back up and running smoothly. I hope this guide helps you do the same!

Author Profile

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Bruce Toman
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.

Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.