Troy Bilt TB200 Lawn Mower Won’t Start: 3 Replacement Recoil Starters Compared

By Graham Fisher

Updated November 2026

When a Troy Bilt TB200 lawn mower won’t start, a worn or broken recoil starter is one of the most common culprits, especially if the pull cord feels loose, snaps back without turning the engine, or has frayed near the handle. This guide compares three recoil pull start assemblies sold for the TB110 and TB200 family of mowers, using the criteria that matter most: fit with the original engine, compatibility with the part numbers printed on the old starter, build quality as described in the listing, and how easy the replacement is for a home mechanic to install.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

593959 591139 Recoil Starter for Troy Bilt TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Lawn Mower

593959 591139 Recoil Starter for Troy Bilt TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Lawn Mower Brigs Straton 450E 550EX 08P502 093J02 09P602 09P702 Engines 593959 Pull Start Assembly

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Best for: Overall fit and the widest set of cross-referenced part numbers

This is a good first choice for owners who have pulled the old starter and see a 593959 or 591139 number stamped on it. The listing names several OEM and engine model numbers, which helps confirm you have the right assembly before ordering.

Key specs

• Listed for Troy Bilt TB110 and TB200 mowers
• Listed for 140cc and 150cc engines
• Cross-referenced to part numbers 593959 and 591139
• Complete pull start assembly, not just a rope

Pros

• Clear part-number cross-reference makes verification straightforward
• Covers both Troy Bilt and several Briggs & Stratton-style engine references
• Full assembly means you are not replacing only the cord

Cons

• Fitment still depends on matching your exact engine model
• Owners report that installation requires removing the shroud and blower housing, which takes patience

Bottom line: A strong pick for owners who want to confirm compatibility against several printed numbers before buying.

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Troy Bilt TB200 Recoil Starter 593959 590588 Replacement

for 593959 590588 593961450E 500E 550E 575E Troy Bilt Craftsman TB110 TB200, 140CC 150CC Engine Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Recoil Pull Start Assembly Replace 591139

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Best for: Owners who need to match a specific printed part number

If the number on your old starter reads 590588 or 593961, this listing is organized around those references. It suits someone who wants a direct replacement without much guesswork.

Key specs

• Cross-referenced to 593959, 590588, 593961, and 591139
• Listed for 140cc and 150cc engines
• Recoil pull start assembly for Troy Bilt, Craftsman, and similar models

Pros

• Strong part-number coverage for older Troy Bilt and Craftsman units
• Useful if your mower was sold under a different brand name
• Clear listing title makes matching easier

Cons

• Some owners report that the rope length differs slightly from the original, so check before installing
• Installation still requires removing the engine shroud

Bottom line: Best for owners who have a specific part number in hand and want the most direct cross-reference.

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Recoil Pull Start Starter for Troy-Bilt TB110 TB200 Husqvarna LC221A

Recoil Pull Start Starter for Troy-Bilt TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Husqvarna LC221A LC 221A Lawn Mowers

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Best for: A budget-minded direct swap

This option is aimed at owners who want a straightforward replacement and are comfortable confirming fit themselves. It also lists compatibility with the Husqvarna LC221A, which may appeal to owners of mowers with similar engine layouts.

Key specs

• Listed for Troy-Bilt TB110 and TB200
• Listed for 140cc and 150cc engines
• Also listed for Husqvarna LC221A

Pros

• Simple listing with a clear list of compatible models
• Useful cross-compatibility with the Husqvarna LC221A
• Straightforward for owners replacing a worn starter on a like-for-like basis

Cons

• Fewer OEM part numbers are spelled out than in the other two listings
• Owners should compare the spring and pawl orientation against the old unit

Bottom line: A sensible choice if you have already confirmed your engine model and want a simple swap without paying for extra features.

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Buying Guide

Confirm your engine model and part number first

Before ordering any starter, find the engine model and the part number stamped on the old recoil assembly or on the engine decal. Troy Bilt TB110 and TB200 mowers use engines in the 140cc to 150cc range, but the starter assembly can differ between engine revisions. Matching the number is the fastest way to avoid a return.

Good picks for this: 593959 591139 Recoil Starter for Troy Bilt TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Lawn Mower, Troy Bilt TB200 Recoil Starter 593959 590588 Replacement

Check whether you need the full assembly or just the rope

A worn pawl, a broken spring, or a cracked housing usually means replacing the full assembly. A rope that has simply frayed at the handle can sometimes be replaced alone, but many owners find the full unit is more reliable and only slightly more work to install.

Good picks for this: 593959 591139 Recoil Starter for Troy Bilt TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Lawn Mower

Compare cross-compatibility listings

Some starters are sold under several brand names, including Craftsman and Husqvarna, because the engines share components. A wider cross-reference list can be useful, but always confirm against your own engine rather than relying on the brand name alone.

Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Start Starter for Troy-Bilt TB110 TB200 Husqvarna LC221A, Troy Bilt TB200 Recoil Starter 593959 590588 Replacement

Consider rope length and handle style

Measure the original rope length and note whether the handle is the standard T-style or a different design. Small differences affect how the starter feels in use and whether the cord reaches the pulley correctly.

Good picks for this: Troy Bilt TB200 Recoil Starter 593959 590588 Replacement

Check build quality indicators

Look for listings that describe a complete assembly with a return spring and pawl. Owners often report that starters with a metal housing hold up better than thin plastic under repeated pulls. Recoil springs under tension can be dangerous, so handle the new unit carefully during installation.

Good picks for this: 593959 591139 Recoil Starter for Troy Bilt TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Lawn Mower

Plan the installation

Expect to remove the engine shroud or blower housing to reach the starter bolts on most of these engines. Disconnect the spark plug wire before starting work, and wear eye protection when releasing the spring tension.

Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Start Starter for Troy-Bilt TB110 TB200 Husqvarna LC221A

Know when a starter is not the problem

A recoil starter can feel fine and still leave the mower dead if the spark plug is fouled, the fuel is stale, or the blade brake and safety switches are preventing start. Test those items before replacing the starter if the cord pulls freely but the engine does not fire.

Good picks for this: 593959 591139 Recoil Starter for Troy Bilt TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Lawn Mower

FAQ

Why does my Troy Bilt TB200 pull cord spin freely without starting the engine?

This usually points to a broken pawl, a worn drive dog, or a sheared spring in the recoil assembly. The pulley turns, but it is not engaging the crankshaft. Replacing the full starter assembly is the usual fix.

Can I replace just the rope on a Troy Bilt TB200 starter?

Yes, on some units the rope can be replaced alone, but if the pawl or spring is worn, a full assembly is the more reliable repair. Owners often find the complete unit is simpler to install correctly.

How do I find the correct replacement part number?

Look for a stamped number on the old starter housing or the engine decal showing the model and serial information. Compare it with the part numbers in each listing, such as 593959, 590588, 593961, and 591139.

Will a Husqvarna LC221A starter fit my Troy Bilt TB200?

Some listings state cross-compatibility with the Husqvarna LC221A, but you should confirm the fit against your own engine and part number before installing. Do not rely on the brand name alone.

Do I need to drain the gas before replacing the starter?

It is not usually required for recoil replacement, but many owners prefer to disconnect the spark plug and keep the fuel valve closed. Check your owner’s manual for the specific procedure on your model.

What if the new starter installs but the mower still won’t start?

Check the spark plug, fuel condition, air filter, and safety switches. A new starter cannot fix a fouled plug or an engine with no spark. Work through the basics before assuming the engine itself has failed.

Should a professional install the starter?

Many owners handle this repair at home with basic hand tools. However, because the recoil spring is under tension, consult a qualified small-engine technician if you are not comfortable working with it.

Conclusion

When a Troy Bilt TB200 lawn mower won’t start and the recoil cord spins without turning the engine, a replacement starter is often the right fix. The 593959 591139 Recoil Starter for Troy Bilt TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Lawn Mower is the best overall choice for owners who want broad part-number coverage. The Troy Bilt TB200 Recoil Starter 593959 590588 Replacement suits anyone matching a specific printed number, and the Recoil Pull Start Starter for Troy-Bilt TB110 TB200 Husqvarna LC221A works well as a budget-minded direct swap. Confirm your engine model and part number before ordering, and rule out the spark plug and fuel system first.

Sources

• Safety guidance for lawn mower operation, maintenance, and handling of spring-loaded components (cpsc.gov)
• Workplace safety principles for working with stored mechanical energy and tools (osha.gov)
• Research-based guidance on small engine maintenance and troubleshooting (extension.org)

Related reading

• Troy Bilt TB210 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
• Troy Bilt TB100 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
• Troy Bilt Pony Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
• Troy Bilt Lawn Mower Won't Start TB110: 8 Causes and Fixes

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.