By Lucy FitzgeraldUpdated November 2026
A Craftsman brushless lawn mower won’t start for a handful of common reasons, and in many cases the fix is a single component: a starter motor, a solenoid, or a recoil starter assembly. Choosing the right replacement depends on your mower’s model number, whether it uses an electric or pull start, and whether the failed part is the one you actually need to swap. This guide compares six replacement options from the Amazon listings we reviewed, weighing specifications, fit notes, brand reputation and the patterns owners tend to describe in their feedback.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overall4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12VView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for riding mowersCraftsman T110 Starter MotorView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for push mowersCraftsman M110 Recoil Pull StarterView on Amazon - 4
Best for engines up to 21 HPBriggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934View on Amazon - 5
Best budget pick146154 Starter Solenoid 12VView on Amazon - 6
Best for YT-series tractorsElectric Starter for Craftsman YT4000View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
The six products below were selected on fit with common Craftsman models, specification clarity, and how consistently owners describe them as direct replacements. Each one addresses a specific failure point, so start by identifying which part is failing before you choose.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12V | Riding mowers with no-click starts | Direct replacement for Husqvarna 532192507 |
| Craftsman T110 Starter Motor | 42-inch riding mowers with 17.5 HP engines | Targets delayed or no-start conditions |
| Craftsman M110 Recoil Pull Starter | Push mowers with a worn pull cord | Replaces model 12A-A26B793 and 11A-A2T2793 |
| Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 | 12 to 21 HP engines, including Craftsman tractors | Broad cross-brand compatibility |
| 146154 Starter Solenoid 12V | Budget repairs on LT1000-type tractors | Lists multiple cross-reference numbers |
| Electric Starter for Craftsman YT4000 | YT4000, YT4500 and YTS4000 owners | Model-specific electric starter |
4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12V
4-Post, fits Craftsman LT2000, YT3000, YS4500, replaces Husqvrana 532192507, direct replacement, reliable starts Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12V for 192507 582042801 582042802
Best for: Riding mower owners whose machine clicks when the key is turned but does not crank.
This solenoid is listed as a direct replacement for Craftsman LT2000, YT3000 and YS4500 models, and as a cross-reference for Husqvarna part 532192507. It suits owners who have confirmed the solenoid is the failing component, since a single click usually points there rather than to the starter motor.
Key specs
- 12V DC solenoid
- Listed cross-references: 192507, 582042801, 582042802
- Designed as a bolt-in replacement
Pros
- Clear list of compatible Craftsman and Husqvarna models
- Replacement is typically a short job with basic hand tools
- Addresses one of the most common causes of no-crank starts
Cons
- Only relevant if the solenoid is the actual fault; a dead battery or starter motor will not be solved by it
- Fit should be double-checked against your model number before ordering
Bottom line: A strong first choice for LT2000, YT3000 or YS4500 owners who hear a single click and suspect the solenoid.
Craftsman T110 Starter Motor
Restore Ignition System Efficiency, Reduce Starting Delays or No-start Conditions Lawn Mower Starter Motor Fit for Craftsman T110 17.5-HP, 42in Riding Mower
Best for: Owners of 42-inch Craftsman T110 riding mowers with a 17.5 HP engine.
This starter motor is positioned as a fix for ignition delays and no-start conditions on the T110. It is most useful when the engine cranks slowly, cranks but does not catch, or fails intermittently before finally starting.
Key specs
- Designed for the Craftsman T110 17.5 HP, 42-inch riding mower
- Electric starter motor assembly
Pros
- Model-specific listing reduces guesswork
- Addresses slow or failing cranks, a common complaint on older starters
- Straightforward swap for owners comfortable with mower wiring
Cons
- Starter motor replacement involves battery disconnection and more labor than a solenoid
- Owners should rule out battery and cable problems first
Bottom line: The right choice for T110 owners whose mower cranks weakly or intermittently.
Craftsman M110 Recoil Pull Starter
Replaces Model#12A-A26B793 11A-A2T2793 Lawn Mower Recoil Pull Starter Compatible for Craftsman M110 M220 Push Mower
Best for: Push mower owners whose pull cord snaps, slips or no longer engages the engine.
Recoil starters are one of the most frequently replaced parts on push mowers. This assembly is listed as a replacement for part numbers 12A-A26B793 and 11A-A2T2793, and as compatible with the M110 and M220 push mower lines.
Key specs
- Replaces Craftsman part numbers 12A-A26B793 and 11A-A2T2793
- Compatible with M110 and M220 push mowers
Pros
- Part numbers are listed prominently for easy matching
- Bolt-on replacement for most owners
- Covers two commonly paired push mower models
Cons
- Brushless Craftsman models may use different starter configurations, so confirm fit first
- Owners should check the spring and pulley condition before assuming the whole assembly is needed
Bottom line: A practical pick for M110 or M220 owners with a broken pull cord and no electric start.
Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934
Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 693551 12HP-21HP Fit 31C707 31R907 31P777 John Deere Z225 D105 L100 Troy Bilt Craftsman DLT-3000 Husqvarna PP19A42 YTH18542 MIA13018 SE501848 5777N
Best for: Owners with 12 to 21 HP engines who want a cross-brand starter option.
This starter is listed across a wide range of engines and brands, including Craftsman DLT-3000 and Troy Bilt models, along with Briggs and Stratton part numbers 593934 and 693551. It is a practical choice when your original part number is hard to find but your engine’s horsepower and brand are known.
Key specs
- Listed for 12 to 21 HP engines
- Cross-references include 593934, 693551, 31C707 and 5777N
Pros
- Very broad cross-reference list
- Useful for owners who cannot locate a model-specific part
- Covers multiple brands sharing the same engine family
Cons
- Broad compatibility means the part number match matters more than the listing headline
- Not ideal if you have a model-specific Craftsman starter already identified
Bottom line: A good fallback for owners matching a part number across several brands and engine sizes.
146154 Starter Solenoid 12V
146154 145673 Starter Solenoid 12V for Craftsman LT1000 Poulan 532145673 Husqvarna 532146154 AYP 109081X Lawn Mower
Best for: Budget-minded owners repairing an LT1000-type tractor with a solenoid fault.
This solenoid lists several cross-reference numbers, including 145673, Poulan 532145673 and Husqvarna 532146154, along with AYP 109081X. It is an economical option when you have already diagnosed the solenoid as the problem.
Key specs
- 12V starter solenoid
- Cross-references: 146154, 145673, 532145673, 532146154, 109081X
Pros
- Lower-cost route for a solenoid swap
- Multiple cross-references help confirm fit
- Covers Craftsman LT1000 and several related brands
Cons
- Budget parts can vary in build quality, so inspect terminals on arrival
- Still requires confirming the failure is in the solenoid
Bottom line: The most economical pick here, suited to LT1000 owners who have confirmed a solenoid fault.
Electric Starter for Craftsman YT4000
Electric Starter for Craftsman YT4000 YT4500 YTS4000 Lawn Mower
Best for: YT4000, YT4500 and YTS4000 owners who need a model-specific electric starter.
This electric starter is listed for the Craftsman YT4000, YT4500 and YTS4000 lawn mowers. Because the listing is tied to specific models, it is one of the more direct options for owners of those tractors.
Key specs
- Listed for Craftsman YT4000, YT4500 and YTS4000
- Electric starter assembly
Pros
- Model-specific listing reduces fit uncertainty
- Covers three related YT-series models
- Addresses the starter itself rather than auxiliary parts
Cons
- Limited to the listed models; other Craftsman tractors will need a different part
- Installation requires battery disconnection and careful wiring
Bottom line: The best match for YT4000-series owners whose starter has failed.
Buying Guide
Before you buy any replacement, work out what is actually failing. A brushless Craftsman mower has the same basic starting chain as other electric-start machines: battery, safety switches, solenoid, and starter motor. Narrowing down the fault saves money and avoids replacing a good part.
Identify the Failing Component
A single click when you turn the key usually points to the solenoid or a low battery. A rapid clicking sound often means the battery is too weak to engage the solenoid fully. A slow or grinding crank suggests the starter motor. No sound at all can mean a blown fuse, a faulty safety switch or a dead battery. Test battery voltage with a multimeter first; a fully charged 12V battery should read around 12.6 volts at rest.
Good picks for this: 4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12V, 146154 Starter Solenoid 12V
Match Your Model Number
Craftsman model numbers are printed on the deck or engine decal. Compare that number against the listed compatible models, and check any cross-reference part numbers against the old part still on the mower if you can access it. Cross-references are useful, but only when they match your exact configuration.
Good picks for this: Electric Starter for Craftsman YT4000, Craftsman T110 Starter Motor
Electric Start Versus Recoil Start
Push mowers with a pull cord need a recoil starter, while riding and larger tractors use an electric starter motor. Mixing these up wastes time. Confirm whether your mower has a key switch and battery before ordering a starter motor, and confirm there is a pull handle before ordering a recoil assembly.
Good picks for this: Craftsman M110 Recoil Pull Starter, Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934
Engine Size and Horsepower
Starter motors are rated for specific engine sizes. A starter underpowered for a 17.5 HP or 21 HP engine may crank too slowly to start reliably, especially in cold weather. Check your engine’s horsepower on the decal and match it against the listed range.
Good picks for this: Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934, Craftsman T110 Starter Motor
Build Quality and Terminals
Starter solenoids and motors carry significant current, so terminal condition matters. Look for solid crimps, tight bolt threads and clean contact surfaces. Owners frequently report that corroded terminals cause the same symptoms as a failed part, so clean connections before replacing anything.
Good picks for this: 4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12V, 146154 Starter Solenoid 12V
Use Case and Duty Cycle
A mower used for a small suburban lawn once a week has different needs than one working larger acreage several times a week. Heavier use places more stress on starters and solenoids, so a model-specific part with clear specifications is often worth more than a generic option.
Good picks for this: Electric Starter for Craftsman YT4000, Craftsman T110 Starter Motor
Installation and Safety
Disconnect the battery before any starter or solenoid work, and remove the spark plug wire on engines where that applies. Starters can spin unexpectedly when wired incorrectly. If you are not comfortable with 12V electrical work, consult a qualified small-engine repair technician.
Good picks for this: Craftsman M110 Recoil Pull Starter, 146154 Starter Solenoid 12V
FAQ
Why does my Craftsman brushless lawn mower click but not start?
A single click usually means the solenoid is receiving power but not fully engaging the starter, or the battery is too weak to supply the current the starter needs. Check battery voltage first, clean the terminals, and test the solenoid before replacing the starter motor.
How do I know if the starter motor or the solenoid has failed?
A solenoid problem often produces a single click with no cranking. A starter motor problem usually produces a slow crank, grinding, or no movement even when the solenoid clicks firmly. Testing with a multimeter and checking voltage at the starter terminals will help separate the two.
Can a dead battery cause a no-start condition?
Yes. A low or dead battery is one of the most common causes of starting problems. Charge or replace the battery and test it under load before assuming a starter part has failed.
Do I need a recoil starter or an electric starter replacement?
It depends on your mower. Push mowers with a pull cord need a recoil starter assembly. Mowers with a key switch and battery use an electric starter motor and solenoid. Confirm which system your machine uses before ordering.
How do I find the right replacement part number?
Locate the model number on the mower’s decal or owner’s manual, then check the old part for printed part numbers. Compare these with the cross-reference numbers in the listing. If anything is unclear, contact an authorized Craftsman dealer or service technician.
Is it safe to replace a starter on my own?
Many owners complete these repairs with basic tools, but battery disconnection and wiring work carry risk. If you are unsure, consult a qualified small-engine repair professional.
When should I replace the whole mower instead of repairing it?
If multiple major components are failing, the engine has internal damage, or repair parts approach the cost of a replacement machine, it may be time to consider a new mower. A professional diagnosis can help you make that decision.
Conclusion
When a Craftsman brushless lawn mower won’t start, the fastest route to a fix is identifying which component is failing. For single-click no-start conditions on LT2000, YT3000 or YS4500 riding mowers, the 4-Post solenoid is a strong first choice. Owners of 42-inch T110 mowers with weak or intermittent cranks should look at the T110 starter motor. Push mower owners with a broken pull cord will want the M110 recoil starter. The Briggs and Stratton 593934 suits owners matching a part across several brands, the 146154 solenoid is the budget option for LT1000-type tractors, and the YT4000 electric starter fits that specific model line. Always confirm fit against your model number before buying.
Sources
- Consumer product safety guidance on lawn mower operation, maintenance and safe handling of power equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace guidance on electrical safety and lockout practices relevant to equipment repair (osha.gov)
- University extension information on small engine maintenance and troubleshooting (extension.illinois.edu)
Related reading
- Hart Brushless Lawn Mower Won't Start: Causes and Step-by-Step Fixes
- Craftsman M320 Lawn Mower Won't Start: Step-by-Step Fixes
- Craftsman M260 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
About Lucy Fitzgerald
Lucy researches and writes buying guides and how-to articles on lawn mowers. Picks are based on product specifications, brand reputation and patterns in owner feedback, and are updated as new models come out.
