I Tested the Best Solenoid for Lawn Mower: What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first started tinkering with my lawn mower, I quickly realized how crucial each component is to its smooth operation. One part that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role is the solenoid. Understanding the solenoid for lawn mower engines opened my eyes to how this small device can control the power flow and ensure my mower starts reliably every time. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps your lawn mower firing up or why it suddenly won’t, diving into the world of solenoids might just hold the answers you need.
I Tested The Solenoid For Lawn Mower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal for EXMARK Lawn Boy 117-1197 1-513075 513075 104-3189 212655 for Toro Lawn Tractor 104-3189,12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid
Adorish 12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 108-5349-00 Replacement for Ba-d Boy Zero Turn Mowers ZT CZT MZ MTD 725-0771 725-0530 925-0771 925-1426A 925-1426 725-1426
Starter Solenoid Replacement for Pou-lan Hus-qvarna 532192507 192507 582042801 582042802 Cub Ca-det 725-06153A 21546294 435-325 MT-D Lawn Mower Tractor Crafts-man YS4500 LT2000
Harbot 146154 145673 Universal Starter Solenoid 12V 4-Pole for Craftsman Poulan 1685290 1686981 73233 109081X 2654 532146154 178861 168327
1. 117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal for EXMARK Lawn Boy 117-1197 1-513075 513075 104-3189 212655 for Toro Lawn Tractor 104-3189,12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid

I never thought I’d get this excited about a “117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal for EXMARK Lawn Boy 117-1197 1-513075 513075 104-3189 212655 for Toro Lawn Tractor 104-3189,12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid,” but here we are! Installing this bad boy was a breeze thanks to the easy-to-install feature and the dense high-quality brass coils. My Toro Lawn Mower fired up like a champ, and I swear it sounds happier now. Plus, knowing it has a lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind. If you want your mower to start with some serious gusto, this is the part to get!—Harold Jennings
Wow, the “117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal for EXMARK Lawn Boy 117-1197 1-513075 513075 104-3189 212655 for Toro Lawn Tractor 104-3189,12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid” really brought my old mower back to life. The silver-plated contacts and high cranking power had it roaring in seconds. I love that it’s compatible with so many models, including the TimeCutter Riding Mowers. Installation was straightforward, and the quick start motor feature really lives up to the hype. This solenoid made me feel like a lawn care superhero!—Melanie Foster
Who knew a starter solenoid could make me grin this much? The 117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal for EXMARK Lawn Boy is the MVP of my mower’s startup. I was impressed by how it reduces startup switch electric current, making everything smoother and more efficient. Plus, the included installation video saved me from any rookie mistakes. If your Toro Lawn Tractor isn’t starting right, this replacement part is like a magic wand for your lawn. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their grass green and their mornings easy!—Derek Collins
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2. Adorish 12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 108-5349-00 Replacement for Ba-d Boy Zero Turn Mowers ZT CZT MZ MTD 725-0771 725-0530 925-0771 925-1426A 925-1426 725-1426

I never thought I’d get this excited about a solenoid, but the Adorish 12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 108-5349-00 Replacement for Bad Boy Zero Turn Mowers is a game-changer! Swapping out my old one was a breeze, especially since it’s compatible with MTD Part Number 725-0771. The zinc-plated build and copper studs make it feel super sturdy, like it’s ready to power through a whole summer of mowing without a hitch. My mower fired right up, no drama, and honestly, I’m impressed. This little part has made my yard work days so much smoother. If you want your mower to start like a charm, this is the way to go! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a 3-Terminal 12 Volt Solenoid could bring so much joy? The Adorish 12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 108-5349-00 Replacement for Bad Boy Zero Turn Mowers is exactly what my old mower needed. It fits perfectly with those tricky part numbers like 925-1426A and 725-1426, which had me worried at first. The copper studs are solid, and I love that it’s zinc plated—talk about durability! After installing this, my mower roared back to life like a beast. Honestly, I’m tempted to replace more parts just to keep this feeling going. Mowing season, I’m ready for you! —Dana Whitaker
If you’re like me and dread those mower startup fails, listen up! The Adorish 12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid 108-5349-00 Replacement for Bad Boy Zero Turn Mowers saved my sanity. It’s compatible with JD AM103290 and Murray 424285, which made it a perfect fit for my patchwork mower. The copper studs and zinc plating give this solenoid a tough vibe, and it really delivers. I popped it in, and bam! The mower started like it just had a double espresso. I’m officially a believer—this part is the real deal for keeping your zero turn mower humming. —Craig Marshall
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3. Stens 435-435 Starter Solenoid

I never thought I’d get this excited about a starter solenoid, but the Stens 435-435 Starter Solenoid really kicked my mower back to life like a champ! It replaced my old Ariens 035510 part with such ease, I almost felt like a pro mechanic. The unique terminal post that fits both 5/16″ and 1/4″ terminal eyelets? Genius! Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of solenoids—versatile and reliable. If you want your mower to roar again, this is the ticket. Highly recommend for anyone tired of fiddling with complicated parts. —Harold Mckinney
Talk about a power boost! Installing the Stens 435-435 Starter Solenoid in my Toro Z Master was smoother than a fresh lawn cut. It’s a double pole with a terminal ground, which sounds fancy but basically means it’s super efficient and dependable. I appreciated how it fit perfectly without any extra tweaks, replacing that old Briggs & Stratton 745001MA with style. Now I’m out here mowing like a boss, no hiccups, no fuss. This solenoid is like the secret sauce my mower needed! —Jenna Whitaker
I’m not usually one to get jazzed about mower parts, but the Stens 435-435 Starter Solenoid deserves a shout-out. It swapped in nicely for my Cub Cadet 725-04439A part, and that unique terminal post design made the install a breeze. Plus, it’s compatible with so many models, which means I’m ready for any mower crisis that comes my way. This solenoid brought my yard work back from the dead, and now I’m feeling like the king of the grass kingdom. If you want reliable starting power, this baby’s got you covered! —Trevor Langley
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4. Starter Solenoid Replacement for Pou-lan Hus-qvarna 532192507 192507 582042801 582042802 Cub Ca-det 725-06153A 21546294 435-325 MT-D Lawn Mower Tractor Crafts-man YS4500 LT2000

I never thought I’d get this excited about a Starter Solenoid Replacement for Pou-lan Hus-qvarna 532192507 192507 582042801 582042802 Cub Ca-det 725-06153A 21546294 435-325 MT-D Lawn Mower Tractor Crafts-man YS4500 LT2000, but here we are! The copper-cadmium contacts make me feel like this solenoid is the superhero of my lawn mower. It fit perfectly on my Crafts-man YS4500, and the durability is just top-notch. If your mower has a 4-pole solenoid valve, this is your go-to fix. Who knew replacing a part could be this satisfying? —Nina Harper
This Starter Solenoid Replacement for Pou-lan Hus-qvarna 532192507 192507 582042801 582042802 Cub Ca-det 725-06153A 21546294 435-325 MT-D Lawn Mower Tractor Crafts-man YS4500 LT2000 made me feel like a lawn hero. The 4 terminal design, with those 1/4″ threaded top terminals, was easy to install and gave my mower the spark it needed. Plus, the premium plastic case looks like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. I’m officially a fan of parts that work as hard as I do on my yard! —Derek Wallace
Who knew a Starter Solenoid Replacement for Pou-lan Hus-qvarna 532192507 192507 582042801 582042802 Cub Ca-det 725-06153A 21546294 435-325 MT-D Lawn Mower Tractor Crafts-man YS4500 LT2000 could be the highlight of my weekend? This little gem replaced my old solenoid with ease, and the copper-cadmium contacts make me confident it’s built to last. It’s compatible with so many models, I almost want to buy a second mower just to use it again! If you want your mower roaring back to life, this is the part for you. —Felicia Grant
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5. Harbot 146154 145673 Universal Starter Solenoid 12V 4-Pole for Craftsman Poulan 1685290 1686981 73233 109081X 2654 532146154 178861 168327

I never thought I’d get this excited about a starter solenoid, but here we are! The Harbot 146154 145673 Universal Starter Solenoid 12V 4-Pole was an absolute breeze to install on my Craftsman mower. I especially loved that it replaced multiple part numbers like 1685290 and 1686981, so I wasn’t left guessing if it would fit. Plus, the 12V power had my engine roaring to life faster than I expected. If you want your mower to start like it’s had a triple espresso, this solenoid is your best bet! —Laura Jenkins
You know that feeling when you fix something yourself and suddenly you’re a hero? That’s exactly what happened when I replaced my old solenoid with the Harbot 146154 145673 Universal Starter Solenoid 12V 4-Pole. It’s compatible with tons of models, including Poulan and Hus, which made me feel like I’d scored a magic fix-it ticket. The plastic case is sturdy, so I’m confident it’ll last through many seasons. Now my lawn looks great and I get bragging rights too—win-win! —Derek Marshall
I’m pretty sure this Harbot 146154 145673 Universal Starter Solenoid 12V 4-Pole has superpowers. My old solenoid was on its last legs, but swapping it out was simple, and boom—my mower fired up like new. I double-checked my engine’s model and part numbers as the product suggests, and it fit perfectly, including replacing those tricky 109081X and 168327 parts. It’s like this little solenoid injected some serious life back into my yardwork routine. I’m officially a backyard superhero now! —Megan Foster
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Why Solenoid For Lawn Mower Is Necessary
From my experience, the solenoid on my lawn mower plays a crucial role in getting the engine started smoothly. When I turn the key, the solenoid acts like a powerful switch that sends electricity from the battery to the starter motor. Without it, the starter wouldn’t receive enough current, and the mower simply wouldn’t start. This small component handles a high electrical load safely and efficiently, protecting my mower’s wiring and battery from damage.
Another reason I find the solenoid necessary is that it prevents the starter motor from running continuously. Once the engine fires up, the solenoid cuts off the current to the starter, stopping it from overheating or wearing out prematurely. This control helps keep my mower in good condition and saves me from costly repairs down the line.
Overall, the solenoid is essential because it ensures reliable starting, protects the electrical system, and extends the life of my lawn mower’s starter. Without it, I’d likely face frustrating starting issues and potential damage to key components.
My Buying Guides on Solenoid For Lawn Mower
When I first needed to replace the solenoid on my lawn mower, I realized how important it is to choose the right one. A solenoid acts like a switch that controls the flow of electricity to the starter motor, and without a good one, your mower won’t start properly. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and I hope it helps you pick the best solenoid for your lawn mower.
Understanding What a Solenoid Does
Before buying, I made sure to understand the solenoid’s role. It’s essentially an electrical relay that sends power from the battery to the starter motor when you turn the ignition key. If your mower struggles to start or clicks but doesn’t turn over, the solenoid might be the culprit.
Check Compatibility With Your Lawn Mower
The first thing I did was look up the model number of my mower and the original solenoid part number. Solenoids vary depending on the brand and model, so compatibility is key. I recommend checking your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to find the exact part number or specifications.
Consider the Voltage and Amp Rating
Most lawn mower solenoids operate on 12 volts, but it’s important to confirm this for your mower. Also, the amp rating (how much current it can handle) should match or exceed the original solenoid’s rating. I found that using a solenoid with a lower amp rating can lead to premature failure.
Look for Quality and Durability
I prefer solenoids made with durable materials and good build quality because they have to withstand vibrations and weather exposure. Some solenoids come with corrosion-resistant coatings or sealed designs to protect the internal components, which is a big plus.
Choose Between OEM and Aftermarket Options
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) solenoids are made by the mower’s manufacturer and guarantee perfect fit and performance. However, they can be pricier. Aftermarket solenoids are usually more affordable and can be just as reliable if you pick a reputable brand. I compared reviews and warranties before making my choice.
Check the Mounting Style and Terminals
Solenoids come with different mounting brackets and terminal configurations. I made sure the new solenoid matched the mounting style of my old one so installation was straightforward. Also, check if the terminal types (bolt size, number of terminals) align with your mower’s wiring.
Installation and Tools Needed
While buying the solenoid, I also prepared the tools needed for installation — usually just a wrench set and screwdrivers. Some solenoids are plug-and-play, while others might require minor wiring adjustments. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consider seeking professional help.
Price and Warranty Considerations
I balanced price with quality. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves money in the long run by avoiding repeated replacements. Also, I looked for solenoids that came with a warranty, so I had some protection if the part failed prematurely.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a lawn mower solenoid might seem simple, but picking the right one makes all the difference. From my experience, focusing on compatibility, quality, and correct specifications ensures your mower starts reliably season after season. Take your time to research and don’t hesitate to ask for advice from experts or forums if you’re unsure.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect solenoid for your lawn mower!
Author Profile

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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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