By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a Craftsman push lawn mower won’t start, the recoil starter is one of the first parts people suspect, especially when the rope pulls freely or snaps back with no resistance. This guide compares five replacement recoil starter assemblies sold on Amazon, chosen by how closely they match common Craftsman push mower engine families, how the listings describe compatibility, and the feedback patterns owners tend to mention. We did not install or bench-test these units ourselves. Compatibility is the single biggest factor, so the notes below focus on which mowers each part is listed for and what to check before ordering.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallReplacement Recoil Starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 MowersView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for M220 owners who want a second listing to compareRecoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 MowersView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for 140 cc Craftsman M105 mowersRecoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M105 140 cc MowersView on Amazon - 4
Best for MTD-style Powermore enginesRecoil Starter for MTD Powermore 132 cc and 140 cc OHV EnginesView on Amazon - 5
Best for Craftsman M230 ownersRecoil Starter with Pull Rope for Craftsman M230 MowersView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement recoil starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 | Owners of M110 or M220 push mowers | Listed cross-reference part numbers 12A-A26B793 and 11A-A2T2793 |
| Recoil pull starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 | Buyers who want a second option with the same part numbers | Same model fit as the first listing, different seller listing |
| Recoil starter assembly for Craftsman M105 | Craftsman M105 3-in-1 mowers with 140 cc engines | Matched to the 140 cc engine family named in the listing |
| Recoil starter for MTD Powermore engines | Mowers running MTD Powermore 132 cc or 140 cc OHV engines | Lists multiple engine model numbers for cross-checking |
| Recoil starter with pull rope for Craftsman M230 | Craftsman M230 owners with a B&S or Toro-style 163 cc engine | Includes pull rope and lists 163 cc engine compatibility |
Replacement Recoil Starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 Mowers
Replaces Model#12A-A26B793 11A-A2T2793 Lawn Mower Recoil Pull Starter Compatible for Craftsman M110 M220 Push Mower
Best for: Owners who want a replacement starter for a Craftsman M110 or M220 push mower and have already matched their model number.
This is a good fit if your mower’s model plate reads M110 or M220 and the old starter has failed or the rope no longer engages the pulley. The listing name identifies it as a replacement assembly for both models using the part numbers 12A-A26B793 and 11A-A2T2793.
Key specs
- Designed as a recoil pull starter assembly for Craftsman M110 and M220 push mowers
- Cross-referenced to part numbers 12A-A26B793 and 11A-A2T2793
Pros
- Lists two specific model numbers, which makes fit easier to confirm
- Cross-references both original part numbers
- Designed as a direct replacement rather than a universal kit
Cons
- Fit is limited to the listed models, so other Craftsman mowers will not match
- Installation still requires removing the old assembly and checking the pulley and spring
Bottom line: A strong first choice for M110 and M220 owners who want a clearly labeled direct replacement with cross-referenced part numbers.
Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 Mowers
11A-A2T2793 Recoil Pull Starter, Replacement for Craftsman M110 Model Replacement for Craftsman M220 Model, Replaces 12A-A26B793
Best for: Buyers who want a second listing with the same M110 and M220 cross-references to compare against.
This option targets the same Craftsman M110 and M220 push mowers and references the same part numbers as the first pick. It suits anyone comparing seller listings for the same fit, or checking whether the included parts differ.
Key specs
- Recoil pull starter replacement for Craftsman M110 and M220 models
- Cross-referenced to part numbers 12A-A26B793 and 11A-A2T2793
Pros
- Same model and part-number coverage as the first pick
- Useful for comparing included hardware in the listing photos
- Easy to verify against the old assembly before installing
Cons
- Overlaps closely with the first pick, so the choice comes down to listing details
- Like any aftermarket starter, quality can vary between sellers
Bottom line: Pick this if you want an alternative listing for the same M110 or M220 fit and plan to compare the included parts before buying.
Recoil Starter Assembly for Craftsman M105 140 cc Mowers
Recoil Starter Assembly – Fits Craftsman M105 140 cc 3‑in‑1 Lawn Mowers
Best for: Owners of Craftsman M105 3-in-1 push mowers with a 140 cc engine.
If your mower is a Craftsman M105 with a 140 cc engine, this assembly is listed for that exact configuration. Confirm the engine displacement on your decal before ordering, because Craftsman used several engine families across its push mower line.
Key specs
- Recoil starter assembly for Craftsman M105 3-in-1 lawn mowers
- Listed for 140 cc engines
Pros
- Fit is stated by model and engine size, which is the most useful way to match
- Specific enough to avoid confusion with other Craftsman starters
- Straightforward replacement for a worn or broken starter
Cons
- Only suitable for M105 mowers with 140 cc engines
- Not listed with cross-reference part numbers, so checking the old part is essential
Bottom line: The right pick for M105 owners whose mower has a 140 cc engine, provided the engine size checks out.
Recoil Starter for MTD Powermore 132 cc and 140 cc OHV Engines
951-05167 651-05167 Recoil Starter Replacement for MTD for Powermore 132cc 140cc OHV Engine 1T65NU 1T65NUA 1T65NUB 1T65RU 1T65RUA 1T65RUB 1T65RUC
Best for: Mowers running MTD Powermore OHV engines in the 132 cc or 140 cc range, including some Craftsman-branded push mowers built with MTD-supplied engines.
This starter lists a long set of Powermore engine model numbers, so it is most useful when you can read the engine model code off the blower housing or engine decal. Matching the engine model rather than the mower brand is the safer approach here.
Key specs
- Recoil starter replacement for MTD Powermore 132 cc and 140 cc OHV engines
- Lists part numbers 951-05167 and 651-05167
- Covers multiple engine model numbers, including 1T65NU, 1T65RU and related variants
Pros
- Long engine-model compatibility list helps confirm fit
- Lists two OEM-style part numbers for cross-checking
- Useful beyond a single mower model if the engine matches
Cons
- Requires reading the engine model code, not just the mower model
- Not a match for Craftsman mowers with other engine brands
Bottom line: Best for owners who have identified an MTD Powermore engine and want a starter matched by engine model number.
Recoil Starter with Pull Rope for Craftsman M230 Mowers
Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Fits B&S 163cc Toro 7.25 163cc and Toro Recycler 22 Pull Start
Best for: Craftsman M230 push mower owners with a 163 cc B&S-style engine.
This assembly includes a pull rope and is listed for the Craftsman M230 as well as Toro-family 163 cc engines. If your M230 has a 163 cc engine and the rope is frayed or the starter is jammed, this is the most directly matched option in this list.
Key specs
- Recoil starter with pull rope for Craftsman M230 lawn mowers
- Listed for B&S 163 cc engines and Toro 7.25 163 cc models
Pros
- Includes the pull rope, so the assembly is ready to install
- Clear engine-size compatibility for 163 cc engines
- Covers a common Briggs and Stratton-style fit
Cons
- Limited to 163 cc engines, so it will not fit smaller or larger M230 variants
- Compatibility with Toro models means you should still confirm the exact engine on your mower
Bottom line: A good choice for M230 owners who have confirmed a 163 cc engine and want a rope-included replacement.
Buying Guide
Confirm Your Mower Model and Engine Size
Check the model plate on the deck or handle for the mower model, then read the engine decal for displacement (for example 140 cc or 163 cc) and engine model code. Many Craftsman push mowers were built with engines from more than one manufacturer, so the model name alone can be misleading. Matching the engine is more reliable than matching the mower brand.
Good picks for this: Recoil starter for MTD Powermore 132 cc and 140 cc OHV engines, Recoil starter assembly for Craftsman M105 140 cc mowers
Compare Part Numbers Against the Original Starter
Remove the old starter and read any stamped or printed part number on the housing. Cross-referenced part numbers such as 12A-A26B793 or 11A-A2T2793 help you confirm that a replacement is intended for the same application. If the old part has no legible number, measure the mounting bolt pattern and compare it with the listing photos.
Good picks for this: Replacement recoil starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 mowers, Recoil pull starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 mowers
Check Whether the Pull Rope Is Included
Some replacement units ship as a bare starter housing, while others include the rope, handle or spring. If your existing rope is intact and you only need the housing, a rope-less assembly can work. If the rope is frayed or missing, choose an assembly that includes it so you do not have to source cord separately.
Good picks for this: Recoil starter with pull rope for Craftsman M230 mowers
Match the Starter Style to Your Engine Family
Recoil starters are not interchangeable across all engine brands. Pulley diameter, rope length and spring tension vary between engine families. Confirm the engine brand (Briggs and Stratton, Tecumseh, MTD Powermore, Toro-family and others) before ordering, since even a visually similar starter may not seat correctly.
Good picks for this: Recoil starter for MTD Powermore 132 cc and 140 cc OHV engines, Recoil starter with pull rope for Craftsman M230 mowers
Consider Whether the Engine Is Actually the Problem
A worn starter is only one cause of a no-start. If the rope pulls freely with no engagement, the starter is a likely culprit. If the engine cranks strongly but will not fire, the problem is more likely fuel, spark or air. Fixing a starter does not help if the real issue is a clogged carburetor or a dead spark plug, so rule out the basics first.
Good picks for this: Replacement recoil starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 mowers
Think About Durability and Replacement Frequency
Starter assemblies take repeated load every time the mower is started. Owners often report that the rope and pawls are the first parts to wear, so a unit with a stronger spring and an included rope may last longer in heavy use. Keep spare rope on hand if your mower is used often for long cutting sessions.
Good picks for this: Recoil starter with pull rope for Craftsman M230 mowers, Recoil starter assembly for Craftsman M105 140 cc mowers
Care Tips to Extend Starter Life
Pull the rope smoothly rather than yanking it, and let it retract fully each time. Keep grass clippings and dirt out of the starter housing, and store the mower in a dry place so the spring does not rust. Replace a frayed rope before it breaks mid-pull, and check the pulley for cracks during routine maintenance.
Good picks for this: Replacement recoil starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 mowers, Recoil pull starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 mowers
FAQ
Why does my Craftsman push mower rope pull freely with no resistance?
A freely spinning rope usually means the pawls are not engaging the flywheel or the rope has come off the pulley. The starter spring may also have lost tension. Remove the recoil housing and check the pawls, spring and pulley. If the spring is broken or the pawls are worn, replacing the starter assembly is the usual fix.
How do I know which replacement starter fits my Craftsman mower?
Start with the mower model number on the plate, then read the engine decal for displacement and engine model code. Compare the old starter’s part number with the listing’s cross-references. When in doubt, match the engine family rather than the mower brand, because Craftsman used engines from several manufacturers.
Can I replace the rope without replacing the whole starter?
Yes, in many cases. If the housing and pawls are in good shape, you can usually replace only the rope and reset the spring. Work carefully, because the spring is under tension and can uncoil. If you are unsure, a small-engine repair shop can handle the job.
Is a starter problem the same as a mower that won’t start at all?
Not always. A mower that cranks strongly but will not start usually has a fuel, spark or air issue rather than a starter fault. A starter problem typically shows up as a rope that pulls freely, won’t retract, or does not turn the engine at all. Diagnose the engine before buying a new starter.
Do I need special tools to install a recoil starter?
Most replacements need basic hand tools, typically a socket set or wrench for the mounting bolts and a screwdriver for the shroud. The spring may require a second person or a clamp to hold tension safely. Disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the starter to prevent accidental starting.
How long does a replacement recoil starter usually last?
Lifespan depends on use, storage and the quality of the assembly. Owners often report that regular, smooth pulls and a dry storage location extend starter life considerably. Frayed ropes and cracked pulleys are early warning signs that replacement is coming.
Conclusion
For most Craftsman M110 and M220 owners, the first pick is the most direct match, with the second listing as an alternative to compare. If you have a Craftsman M105 with a 140 cc engine, the M105 assembly is the best-matched option. For mowers built with MTD Powermore engines, the Powermore starter is the one to check by engine model number. Craftsman M230 owners with a 163 cc engine will find the rope-included assembly the most convenient. Confirm your engine before ordering, since fit depends on it more than anything else.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on small engine and lawn equipment hazards, including starting and handling precautions (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace safety guidance on handling stored mechanical energy such as spring tension during repairs (osha.gov)
- University cooperative extension resources on small engine maintenance, fuel systems and troubleshooting (extension.org)
Related reading
- Push Lawn Mower Won't Start After Winter: 7 Fixes to Try First
- My Push Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes to Try First
- John Deere Push Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes (2026)
- Husqvarna Push Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Fixes to Try First
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn mowers guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
