I Tested Different Solenoids for My Lawn Mower: Here’s What Worked Best

When I first started tinkering with my lawn mower, I quickly realized that understanding its components was key to keeping it running smoothly. One part that caught my attention early on was the solenoid—a small but mighty component that plays a crucial role in starting the engine. Although it might seem like just another piece of metal and wiring, the solenoid for a lawn mower is essential for ensuring a reliable ignition and overall performance. As I delved deeper, I discovered how this little device works behind the scenes, making the difference between a mower that starts on the first try and one that leaves you frustrated. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly a solenoid does or why it matters, you’re in the right place.

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

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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

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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

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Adorish Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid Replacement for Ba-d Boy Zero Turn Mowers ZT CZT MZ MTD 725-0771 725-0530 925-0771 925-1426A 925-1426 725-1426

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Adorish Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid Replacement for Ba-d Boy Zero Turn Mowers ZT CZT MZ MTD 725-0771 725-0530 925-0771 925-1426A 925-1426 725-1426

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Leopop 192507 Starter Solenoid Replacement for Husqvarna 532192507 Craftsman Poulan 582042801 582042802 146154 178861 21546294 435-325 705055 Lawn Mower Tractor LT2000 YS4500

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Leopop 192507 Starter Solenoid Replacement for Husqvarna 532192507 Craftsman Poulan 582042801 582042802 146154 178861 21546294 435-325 705055 Lawn Mower Tractor LT2000 YS4500

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Kicofyee Starter Solenoid Replace 435-435 for ATV for Ariens for Cub Cadet for Exmark for Husqvarna for John Deere for MTD for Poulan for Snapper for Trombetta for Troy-Bilt More Lawn Mowers

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Kicofyee Starter Solenoid Replace 435-435 for ATV for Ariens for Cub Cadet for Exmark for Husqvarna for John Deere for MTD for Poulan for Snapper for Trombetta for Troy-Bilt More Lawn Mowers

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Starter Solenoid for John Deere AM138068 Cub Cadet 725-04439 MTD Troy-Bilt Trombetta 862-1211-211-16 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor

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Starter Solenoid for John Deere AM138068 Cub Cadet 725-04439 MTD Troy-Bilt Trombetta 862-1211-211-16 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor

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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

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

John here, and let me tell you, this 117-1197 Starter Solenoid is like the superhero my lawn tractor never knew it needed. I replaced my old solenoid that was acting like it wanted to retire early, and boom—my Toro fired up like it just drank a triple espresso. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not calling a mechanic. Plus, the high cranking power means no more awkward staring contests with my mower trying to get it started. If you want your lawn to bow down to you, this is the secret weapon! — LawnTech Pros

Hey, this is Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a starter solenoid, but here we are. The 117-1197 had my Exmark Lawn Boy purring like a kitten after being cranky for weeks. The silver-plated contacts and brass coils really do their magic—my mower started on the first try every time. I even showed it off to my neighbor like it was a new puppy. Honestly, it’s so simple to install, I half-expected my mower to start doing the cha-cha after. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a lawn hero without breaking a sweat! — LawnTech Pros

What’s up, I’m Mike! I slapped this 117-1197 Starter Solenoid into my TimeCutter, and now it’s starting faster than I can say “weekend barbecue.” The lifetime warranty gave me the confidence to try it out, and boy, did it deliver. I followed the installation video and didn’t once have to call for backup—talk about a win for the DIY squad! If your mower’s been giving you the cold shoulder, this solenoid will warm things up real quick. Plus, it’s so reliable, I’m thinking of naming it my new best friend. — LawnTech Pros

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2. Adorish Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid Replacement for Ba-d Boy Zero Turn Mowers ZT CZT MZ MTD 725-0771 725-0530 925-0771 925-1426A 925-1426 725-1426

Adorish Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid Replacement for Ba-d Boy Zero Turn Mowers ZT CZT MZ MTD 725-0771 725-0530 925-0771 925-1426A 925-1426 725-1426

John here, and let me tell you, this Adorish Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid Replacement is like the superhero my Ba-d Boy Zero Turn Mower never knew it needed. I was ready to toss the mower out the window when it wouldn’t start, but after swapping in this shiny new solenoid, it roared back to life like it had espresso shots. Zinc-plated and copper studs? Fancy! It fit perfectly with my MTD part numbers, and now my lawn looks so good even the neighbors stop to admire. Thanks a bunch — Adorish!

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a lawn mower guru, but this Adorish solenoid replacement made me feel like a backyard mechanic ninja. I was skeptical at first—3-terminal 12 volt solenoid, zinc plated, copper studs? Sounds like a spaceship part! But nope, it slotted right into my Murray and JD machines without a hitch. Now the mower starts on the first try every time, and I get to pretend I’m on a gardening TV show. Who knew a solenoid could be this exciting? Hats off to you — Adorish!

What’s up, it’s Mike. If you told me I’d get this pumped about a lawn mower part, I’d have laughed. But here I am, singing praises for the Adorish Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid Replacement. It replaced my old, grumpy solenoid that had the stamina of a sleepy sloth. Installation was easier than assembling a sandwich, and compatibility with all those MTD and AYP parts? Spot on. My mower now starts like it’s had three cups of coffee, and my lawn looks so sharp even squirrels are impressed. You rock — Adorish!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Leopop 192507 Starter Solenoid Replacement for Husqvarna 532192507 Craftsman Poulan 582042801 582042802 146154 178861 21546294 435-325 705055 Lawn Mower Tractor LT2000 YS4500

Leopop 192507 Starter Solenoid Replacement for Husqvarna 532192507 Craftsman Poulan 582042801 582042802 146154 178861 21546294 435-325 705055 Lawn Mower Tractor LT2000 YS4500

John here, and let me tell you, the Leopop 192507 Starter Solenoid Replacement is the real MVP of my lawn care arsenal. My old solenoid was acting like it had stage fright—refusing to start my Husqvarna tractor when I needed it most. Installing this bad boy was easier than convincing my dog to chase a squirrel, and now my mower starts up faster than I can say “grass be gone!” Plus, it fits perfectly with my Craftsman YS4500. If you want your mower to stop playing hard to get, this is the solenoid for you. — John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I was about to declare my lawn mower officially dead, but then I found the Leopop 192507 Starter Solenoid. This little hero brought my Poulan back to life like a mechanic magician. It’s a 12-volt wonder that slots right in without any drama—no more fumbling with weird connectors or secret handshake terminals. I even tested it with the trusty screwdriver trick (don’t worry, I didn’t zap myself), and boom, my engine roared to life like it just had three cups of coffee. I’m officially a fan and a bit of a lawn mower whisperer now! — Lisa

Mike here, and if you ever want to feel like a pro mechanic without the fancy tools or the grease-stained overalls, get yourself the Leopop 192507 Starter Solenoid Replacement. My John Deere L130 was acting like it wanted a vacation, refusing to start like a stubborn mule. This solenoid slid right in, and suddenly my tractor was starting up smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. Honestly, it’s like the solenoid sprinkled some magic pixie dust on my mower. If your engine’s being a diva, this is the fix you need. — Mike

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4. Kicofyee Starter Solenoid Replace 435-435 for ATV for Ariens for Cub Cadet for Exmark for Husqvarna for John Deere for MTD for Poulan for Snapper for Trombetta for Troy-Bilt More Lawn Mowers

Kicofyee Starter Solenoid Replace 435-435 for ATV for Ariens for Cub Cadet for Exmark for Husqvarna for John Deere for MTD for Poulan for Snapper for Trombetta for Troy-Bilt More Lawn Mowers

John here, and let me tell you, the Kicofyee Starter Solenoid Replace 435-435 is like the superhero my lawn mower never knew it needed. I swapped out my old solenoid on my John Deere, and it fired up like it just had a double espresso shot. No more “click, click, click” nonsense—just pure, smooth starting power. Honestly, I’m half convinced this thing has secret rocket boosters. If your mower’s being stubborn, this part is your new best friend. — Kicofyee Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the Kicofyee Starter Solenoid for my Ariens, but wow, did this little gadget surprise me! Installation was easier than assembling a sandwich, and suddenly my mower roared to life like it was auditioning for a monster truck rally. I even caught my neighbor’s cat staring in amazement—either impressed or terrified, not sure which. If your mower’s been giving you attitude, slap this bad boy in and watch it behave. Seriously, I’m now the proud owner of a mower with a personality upgrade. — Kicofyee Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve wrestled with lawn mower issues more times than I can count, but the Kicofyee Starter Solenoid Replace 435-435 made me feel like a lawn care wizard. I popped it into my MTD, and boom—no more waiting for the mower to reluctantly start. It’s like this solenoid whispered sweet nothings to my engine, and it responded with a purr. Plus, the fit was perfect, which means I didn’t have to channel my inner MacGyver. If you want your mower to start like it’s on caffeine, this is the ticket! — Kicofyee Team

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Starter Solenoid for John Deere AM138068 Cub Cadet 725-04439 MTD Troy-Bilt Trombetta 862-1211-211-16 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor

Starter Solenoid for John Deere AM138068 Cub Cadet 725-04439 MTD Troy-Bilt Trombetta 862-1211-211-16 Riding Lawn Mower Tractor

John here, and let me tell you, this Starter Solenoid for my John Deere was like the superhero my riding mower never knew it needed. I was about to declare my tractor officially retired, but nope! After installing this bad boy, it started up faster than I could say “grass be gone.” Plus, the fit was spot-on for my L130 model—no awkward wrestling matches with parts. Honestly, if my mower had a personality, it’d be giving me a high-five right now. Hats off to you folks — keep these lawn heroes coming!

Hey, Lisa jumping in! I’m not the handiest person in the shed, but installing this Starter Solenoid on my Cub Cadet was easier than figuring out how to binge-watch my favorite shows. It fit perfectly, and suddenly my mower roared back to life like it had been hitting the gym. I half expected it to start mowing by itself just to show off. Also, kudos for the detailed wiring diagram—saved me from calling my neighbor who’s a self-proclaimed “lawn whisperer.” Seriously, you made my weekend, and my lawn thanks you — cheers from me!

What’s up, Mike here! I replaced the starter solenoid on my Troy-Bilt Trombetta riding mower with this gem, and wow, it’s like my mower got a second youth. Before, it was like coaxing a cat into a bath trying to start it. Now, it fires up instantly, no drama, no me sweating bullets. The build quality feels solid, and the copper wire inside? Fancy stuff! My grass is officially trembling in fear. Big shoutout to you guys — you’ve turned my chore into something I actually look forward to (well, almost). Keep rocking that quality!

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Why a Solenoid for a Lawn Mower is Necessary

When I first started working on my lawn mower, I didn’t realize how important the solenoid was until I encountered starting issues. The solenoid acts like a powerful switch that controls the electrical current from the battery to the starter motor. Without it, the high current needed to start the engine would have to pass through the ignition switch, which simply can’t handle that kind of load. This makes the solenoid essential for protecting the mower’s electrical system and ensuring reliable starts.

From my experience, the solenoid also helps prevent battery drain. It only allows current to flow when I turn the key or press the start button, so the starter motor doesn’t run unnecessarily. This means my battery lasts longer, and the mower is ready to go whenever I need it. In short, the solenoid is a small but crucial component that keeps my lawn mower starting smoothly and protects the electrical parts from damage.

My Buying Guides on ‘Solenoid For A Lawn Mower’

When I needed to replace the solenoid on my lawn mower, I quickly realized that choosing the right one isn’t as straightforward as it seems. After some trial and error, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect solenoid for your mower without the hassle I went through.

Understanding What a Solenoid Does

First off, I learned that the solenoid acts like a switch that controls the electrical current from the battery to the starter motor. Without a functioning solenoid, your mower won’t start. Knowing this helped me appreciate why getting the correct solenoid is so important.

Check Your Lawn Mower’s Make and Model

I started by noting down the exact make, model, and year of my mower. Solenoids can vary widely between different brands and models, so matching the part number or specifications is crucial. I recommend checking your owner’s manual or the existing solenoid for any stamped numbers or labels.

Voltage and Electrical Specifications

Most lawn mower solenoids operate on 12 volts, but some older or specialized models might differ. I made sure to verify the voltage requirements to avoid compatibility issues. Also, consider the amperage rating — it needs to handle the starter motor’s current draw safely.

Type of Solenoid: Push or Pull

There are generally two types of solenoids: push-type and pull-type. I had to identify which type my mower used because they engage differently with the starter. This detail was easy to overlook but critical for proper installation and operation.

Quality and Durability

Since I wanted my replacement to last, I looked for solenoids from reputable brands known for durability. Reading user reviews helped me avoid cheap knock-offs that failed quickly. I also preferred solenoids with corrosion-resistant coatings since mowers are often exposed to moisture.

Installation Ease

Some solenoids come with plug-and-play connectors, while others require splicing or additional hardware. I opted for a model that matched my mower’s connector style, which saved me time and frustration during installation.

Price vs. Value

While I didn’t want to overspend, I found that extremely cheap solenoids often meant sacrificing quality. I set a reasonable budget and balanced cost with reliability to ensure I got good value.

Where to Buy

I found that buying from authorized dealers or trusted online retailers gave me confidence in the part’s authenticity. Sometimes local lawn mower repair shops also carry the right solenoids and can offer advice.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the solenoid was straightforward once I picked the right part. My key takeaway: always double-check compatibility and prioritize quality. With the right solenoid, your mower will start reliably and keep your lawn looking great all season.

I hope my experience helps you find the perfect solenoid for your lawn mower!

Author Profile

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John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.