By Colin FosterUpdated November 2026
When a craftsman 420cc riding lawn mower won’t start, the starter circuit is one of the first places to look. Most owners land on one of two problems: the starter motor is worn or failing, or the starter solenoid is no longer passing enough current to turn the engine over. This list covers seven replacement starter motors and solenoids that owners and fitment guides commonly associate with Craftsman and MTD-family riding mowers using 420cc-class engines. Selection was based on listing specifications, brand reputation, compatibility notes and patterns in owner feedback, not on any hands-on testing.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallBriggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 693551View on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for solenoid-only failures192507 Starter Solenoid for Husqvarna Poulan Craftsman Riding MowerView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for MTD-style fitmentRuma 751-12207 Electric Starter Motor 420cc 452cc PowerMoreView on Amazon - 4
Best for cross-brand fitment951-12207 751P12207A Starter for MTD Yard Man Craftsman Troy-BiltView on Amazon - 5
Best for T110 Craftsman ownersCraftsman T110 Starter Motor 17.5-HP Manual/Gear 42-inView on Amazon - 6
Best for Troy-Bilt and Bronco modelsTroy Bilt Bronco Pony Starter 14 Teeth Intek IC OHVView on Amazon - 7
Best budget pick4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12VView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 | Overall starter motor replacement | Broad engine-size coverage, 12HP to 21HP |
| 192507 Starter Solenoid | Solenoid-only failures | Single-part replacement for common Husqvarna and Craftsman numbers |
| Ruma 751-12207 Electric Starter Motor | MTD-style 420cc fitment | Listed for 420cc and 452cc PowerMore engines |
| 951-12207 751P12207A Starter | Cross-brand fitment | Lists many MTD, Yard Man and Troy-Bilt applications |
| Craftsman T110 Starter Motor | T110 owners | Model-specific listing for 17.5HP T110 mowers |
| Troy Bilt Starter Replacement (14-tooth) | Bronco and Pony owners | 14-tooth gear for Briggs and Stratton Intek OHV engines |
| 4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12V | Budget solenoid replacement | Direct replacement for 192507 and 582042801 numbers |
Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 693551
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: Overall starter motor replacement when the motor itself is worn or spins without cranking the engine.
This is a good fit for owners who want one part that covers a wide range of riding mower engines rather than a model-specific unit. Listing references include several Troy Bilt, John Deere and Husqvarna models in addition to Craftsman.
Key specs:
- Listed for 12HP to 21HP engines
- 12-volt starter motor
- Listed cross-references include Craftsman DLT-3000 and Husqvarna PP19A42
Pros:
- Wide application list covers many models
- Useful when the original part number is unreadable
- Recognized brand for replacement starters
Cons:
- Broad fitment means you must confirm your exact model before ordering
- Mounting-bolt pattern can differ slightly between older and newer decks
Bottom line: A strong first choice if you need a motor replacement and want coverage across several brands.
192507 Starter Solenoid for Husqvarna Poulan Craftsman Riding Mower
192507 Starter Solenoid for Husqvarna Poulan 532192507 582042802 582042801 Craftsman LT2000 YS4500 YT3000 Trombetta 862-1241-211-12 Ariens 21546294 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor
Best for: Solenoid-only failures, where you hear a click but the starter motor does not crank.
Owners who have confirmed the starter motor is fine but the engine still will not turn over often start with the solenoid, since it is the cheaper and quicker part to swap.
Key specs:
- Listed cross-references include 532192507, 582042802 and 582042801
- Designed for riding mower starter circuits
Pros:
- Single part covers many numbers
- Quick swap with basic hand tools
- Good first test when the starter motor is suspect but unproven
Cons:
- Does not fix a worn motor or a bad battery connection
- Terminal layout should be compared to your original before installing
Bottom line: Pick this if the click-and-no-crank symptom points to the solenoid.
Ruma 751-12207 Electric Starter Motor 420cc 452cc PowerMore
Ruma 751-12207 Electric Starter Motor for t1000,t1200,lt1500,lt4200,r1000,TB30,TB42 and More, 420cc 452cc PowerMore Engine 951-12207 Starter Motor for MTD Craftsman Huskee Troy Bilt 751-12207 4P90
Best for: MTD-style 420cc fitment on Craftsman, Troy-Bilt and Huskee mowers.
The listing ties this motor to the 420cc and 452cc PowerMore engine family and to several MTD-built Craftsman models, which makes it a natural match for mowers in this engine class.
Key specs:
- Listed for 420cc and 452cc PowerMore engines
- Cross-references include 951-12207 and 4P90
Pros:
- Specifically aimed at the 420cc engine class
- Covers multiple MTD-family brands
- Part number cross-references make matching easier
Cons:
- Listing applications vary, so verify your model number first
- Some owners report that gear engagement needs a check after installation
Bottom line: A targeted choice for 420cc MTD-family Craftsman mowers.
951-12207 751P12207A Starter for MTD Yard Man Craftsman Troy-Bilt
951-12207 751P12207A Starter for MTD Yard Man Craftsman Troy-Bilt Huskee Riding Mower 751-12207 30369N for JHB JHA 13A226JD099 41022067
Best for: Cross-brand fitment when your mower carries an MTD-family part number.
This starter is listed for a long run of MTD, Yard Man and Troy-Bilt riding mowers, so it suits owners who are working from a cross-reference rather than a Craftsman-specific number.
Key specs:
- Cross-references include 751-12207 and 30369N
- Listed for several MTD-built riding mower models
Pros:
- Large list of compatible part numbers
- Helpful if the original starter is badly labeled
- Works well as a direct replacement for MTD-family starters
Cons:
- Broad compatibility means more chances of a near-miss fit
- Mounting ears should be compared before final installation
Bottom line: Good for owners with an MTD-family mower who want a broad cross-reference match.
Craftsman T110 Starter Motor 17.5-HP Manual/Gear 42-in
Starter Motor for Craftsman T110 17.5-HP Manual/Gear 42-in Riding Lawnmower
Best for: Craftsman T110 owners who want a model-specific starter.
If your mower is a Craftsman T110 with a 42-inch deck, a listing written for that exact model reduces guesswork about bolt pattern and gear fit.
Key specs:
- Listed for 17.5HP engines
- Listed for 42-inch riding mower decks
Pros:
- Model-specific listing
- Lower risk of fitment mismatch
- Clear application statement
Cons:
- Narrow fit means no use on other Craftsman models
- Owners with a different deck size should look elsewhere
Bottom line: The right pick for a T110 with a 42-inch deck.
Troy Bilt Bronco Pony Starter 14 Teeth Intek IC OHV
for Troy Bilt 42 inch Bronco, Pony Riding Lawn Mower Tractors 17.5HP 18HP 18.5HP 19HP 19.5HP 20HP, 14 Teeth Starter Replacement for Briggs and Stratton Intek IC OHV Engine
Best for: Troy-Bilt Bronco and Pony owners, and anyone with a Briggs and Stratton Intek IC OHV engine.
The 14-tooth gear and Intek OHV engine reference make this a useful choice when the starter drive gear is the suspected issue.
Key specs:
- Listed for 17.5HP to 20HP engines
- 14-tooth starter gear
Pros:
- Clear tooth count helps confirm fit
- Covers a range of engine sizes
- Useful for Intek OHV applications
Cons:
- Tooth count must match your flywheel ring gear
- Less relevant for non-Briggs engines
Bottom line: Best for Bronco and Pony owners with an Intek OHV engine.
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: Budget solenoid replacement on Craftsman LT2000, YT3000 and YS4500 class mowers.
If you have already diagnosed a solenoid fault, this is a straightforward swap with a clear list of cross-reference numbers.
Key specs:
- 12-volt solenoid
- Cross-references include 192507 and 582042801
Pros:
- Direct replacement layout
- Covers multiple part numbers
- Simple to install
Cons:
- Solenoid only; a worn motor will not be fixed
- Terminal positions should be checked against the original
Bottom line: A practical budget choice when the solenoid is the confirmed fault.
Buying Guide
Identify whether the motor or solenoid has failed
A single click with no cranking usually points to the solenoid or a poor battery connection. Rapid clicking often means low voltage. A whirring sound with no engine rotation can point to a worn starter drive. Check battery voltage and cable connections before buying anything. Consult a qualified small-engine technician if you are unsure.
Good picks for this: 192507 Starter Solenoid, 4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12V
Confirm the engine size and model number
Match the engine displacement (420cc in this case) and the model number on the mower or engine data plate. Many starters cross-reference across brands, so the part number on the old unit is more reliable than the mower brand alone.
Good picks for this: Ruma 751-12207 Electric Starter Motor, 951-12207 751P12207A Starter
Check the gear tooth count
The starter pinion must mesh with the flywheel ring gear. Tooth count varies between Briggs and Stratton, Kohler and MTD-family engines. A mismatched gear will grind or fail to engage.
Good picks for this: Troy Bilt Bronco Pony Starter 14 Teeth
Compare voltage and mounting layout
Most riding mower starters run on 12 volts, but mounting bolt spacing and terminal layout differ. Compare the photos and dimensions against your old part before installing.
Good picks for this: Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 693551, 192507 Starter Solenoid
Decide between model-specific and cross-brand parts
Model-specific listings reduce guesswork but cover fewer machines. Cross-brand listings cover more machines but require careful verification of the exact application.
Good picks for this: Craftsman T110 Starter Motor, 951-12207 751P12207A Starter
Consider durability and duty cycle
Starters endure short, high-current bursts. Owners often report that replacement motors fail sooner when the battery is weak or the engine is hard to turn. Replacing the battery and cables alongside the starter can extend service life.
Good picks for this: Briggs and Stratton Motor Starter 593934 693551, Ruma 751-12207 Electric Starter Motor
Plan the installation and maintenance
Disconnect the battery negative cable before working on the starter. Clean the battery terminals and ground connections, and apply dielectric grease to the terminals after installation. Keep the starter area free of grass and debris.
Good picks for this: 4-Post Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 12V, 192507 Starter Solenoid
FAQ
Why does my Craftsman 420cc riding mower click but not start?
A single click usually means the solenoid is energizing but not passing enough current to the starter motor, or the starter motor itself is failing. Check battery voltage and terminal connections first, then test the solenoid and starter.
How do I know if the starter motor or the solenoid is bad?
If you hear a click but the motor does not turn, the solenoid or the battery connection is the likely cause. If you hear a whir or nothing at all, the starter motor or its gear is more likely. Bypassing the solenoid with a jumper should be done carefully and only by someone familiar with the circuit.
Does the battery need to be replaced at the same time?
Not always, but a weak battery can damage a good starter. If the battery is more than a few years old or fails a load test, consider replacing it together with the starter.
Can I use a starter from a different brand?
Often yes, when the part number cross-references and mounting layout match. Compare the old part’s numbers, gear tooth count and terminal layout carefully before buying.
How many teeth should the starter gear have?
Tooth count depends on the engine family and must match the flywheel ring gear. Check the old starter or the engine documentation before ordering.
Should I consult a professional for this repair?
Starter and battery work involves high current and can cause burns or sparks. If you are not comfortable disconnecting the battery and working on the starter circuit, a qualified small-engine technician can complete the repair safely.
Conclusion
For a craftsman 420cc riding lawn mower that won’t start, the right replacement depends on the symptom. A single click with no crank points to the solenoid, so the 192507 Starter Solenoid or the 4-Post solenoid are logical first choices. If the motor itself fails to turn, the Ruma 751-12207 or the 951-12207 cross-reference starter suit 420cc MTD-family mowers, while the Briggs and Stratton 593934 offers the broadest coverage. The Craftsman T110 starter fits that specific model, and the Troy Bilt Bronco Pony starter suits owners with an Intek OHV engine. Confirm your model number and tooth count before ordering.
For more troubleshooting on related models and symptoms, see Craftsman 19.5 HP Riding Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Causes and Fixes, Riding Lawn Mower Won't Start No Clicking: 7 Causes and Fixes and Riding Lawn Mower Won't Start But Turns Over: 4 Best Parts Compared (2026).
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on lawn mower operation, battery handling and maintenance (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace electrical and battery safety guidance that applies to working on small engine starting circuits (osha.gov)
- Background on lead-acid battery care and voltage behavior relevant to starter performance (energy.gov)
Related reading
About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn mowers guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
