By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
A Toro recycler lawn mower won’t start for many reasons, but a worn or broken recoil starter is one of the most common. When the pull rope snaps, the rope won’t retract, or the starter pulls without turning the engine, replacing the starter assembly is often the quickest repair. The picks below focus on replacement recoil starters that match the Toro Recycler 22-inch deck and the engine families most often paired with it. Selection criteria were engine compatibility, listed part-number cross-references, brand reputation, and the patterns owners tend to describe in their feedback about fit and durability. Before ordering, always confirm your engine model and part number, because many of these starters cover more than one engine.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallFits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc EnginesView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for Kohler XT-series enginesPowtol XT675 149CC Recoil StarterView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for Tecumseh-style engines590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22View on Amazon - 4
Best for Craftsman M230 ownersRecoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230View on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickFor Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil StarterView on Amazon - 6
Best for 6.5 HP GTS modelsRecoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inchView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines | Kohler XT-series engines | Multiple part-number cross-references |
| Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter | Kohler XT675 owners | Direct XT-series fit |
| 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22 | Tecumseh-style engines | Broad Tecumseh and Lawn Boy cross-reference |
| Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 | Craftsman M230 and B&S 163cc owners | Includes pull rope |
| For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter | Budget-minded repairs on 163cc engines | Briggs & Stratton 163cc compatibility |
| Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch | Toro 6.5 HP GTS models | Rewind starter assembly for GTS decks |
Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines
Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines; Replaces 1416520, 1416520S And 1416520-S 14 165 20-S Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800
Best for: Kohler XT-series engines
This is a good fit for owners whose Toro Recycler runs a Kohler XT-series engine and who want a starter that lists several cross-reference numbers. Its listing names the 1416520 family of part numbers, which makes it easier to confirm compatibility before buying.
Key specs
- Designed for Kohler XT-series 149cc and 173cc engines
- Replaces part numbers 1416520, 1416520S and 1416520-S
- Listed for Kohler XT650, XT675, XT775 and XT800 engines
Pros
- Lists multiple part-number cross-references
- Specifically aimed at the Recycler’s XT-series engine family
- Straightforward bolt-on replacement for the stock assembly
Cons
- Only useful if your engine is in the XT-series family
- Owners should compare the listed numbers against the old starter’s label
Bottom line: Best for owners with a Kohler XT engine who want the most cross-reference coverage before ordering.
Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter
Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22 Pull Start Assembly Kohler 6.5 6.75 149cc 173cc XT650 XT 675 Engine Lawn Mower Replace 14 165 20-S
Best for: Kohler XT-series engines
Owners whose engine label reads XT650 or XT675 will find this starter’s listing aligned with their model. It is a sensible option for a direct replacement when the original rope has frayed or the rewind spring has failed.
Key specs
- Designed for 149cc Kohler XT650/XT675 class engines
- Listed to replace part number 14 165 20-S
- Recoil pull-start assembly for 22-inch Toro Recycler decks
Pros
- Clear engine match in the listing title
- Useful cross-reference to the 14 165 20-S number
- Direct replacement without modifying the deck
Cons
- Aftermarket fit can vary slightly between production years
- Not suitable for non-Kohler engines
Bottom line: A solid choice for XT650 or XT675 owners who want a model-specific replacement.
590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22
590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22 Tecumseh 590637 590702 AV600 LEV80 LEV100 LEV115 LEV120 LEV150 LV195EA Lawn Boy Craftman 22 Inch Lawnmower Recoil Parts
Best for: Tecumseh-style engines
This starter suits owners whose Recycler uses a Tecumseh-family engine rather than a Kohler. Its listing cross-references a long list of Tecumseh and Lawn Boy model numbers, which helps when the original part is unreadable.
Key specs
- Lists Tecumseh part number 590637 and 590702 cross-references
- Covers LEV and LV engine series named in the listing
- Designed for 22-inch Toro Recycle decks
Pros
- Wide range of listed cross-reference numbers
- Useful when the original starter is damaged or unlabeled
- Covers several engine families in one part
Cons
- Broad compatibility means you must verify your exact engine
- Some owners report needing to reuse the original hardware
Bottom line: Best for Tecumseh-powered Recyclers where matching the old part number is the main challenge.
Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230
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 and B&S 163cc owners
This option is aimed at owners of mowers built around the Craftsman M230 engine or a Briggs & Stratton 163cc, both of which are listed as compatible with Toro Recycler 22-inch decks in its title. It is useful when the rope has broken and the starter needs a full replacement.
Key specs
- Fits Briggs & Stratton 163cc engines
- Listed for Craftsman M230 and Toro 7.25 163cc engines
- Includes a replacement pull rope
Pros
- Includes the pull rope in the assembly
- Covers several engine brands in one listing
- Good match for 163cc Briggs-based setups
Cons
- Compatibility spans multiple engine brands, so verification is essential
- Rope length may need trimming on some installations
Bottom line: A good pick for 163cc owners who need both a starter and a new rope in one purchase.
For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter
For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter for Briggs Stratton 163cc Toro Recycler 22 Craftsman M230
Best for: Budget-minded repairs on 163cc engines
Owners who only need a starter for a 163cc engine and want to keep repair costs modest may find this a practical choice. It focuses on the 163cc engine family rather than trying to cover many engines at once.
Key specs
- Designed for Craftsman M230 163cc engines
- Listed for Briggs & Stratton 163cc compatibility
- Recoil starter for Toro Recycler 22-inch decks
Pros
- Narrow focus on one engine family
- Straightforward replacement for 163cc setups
- Good option when only the starter needs replacing
Cons
- Not suitable for Kohler XT or Tecumseh engines
- Some owners find the included hardware needs checking before install
Bottom line: A budget pick for Craftsman M230 and 163cc owners who want a focused replacement.
Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch
Recoil Pull‑Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22‑inch Recycler Lawn Mower – Replacement Rewind Starter
Best for: Toro 6.5 HP GTS models
This starter is aimed at Toro 22-inch Recycler mowers with a 6.5 HP GTS engine. Its listing describes it as a rewind starter replacement, which suits owners whose original assembly no longer retracts or holds tension.
Key specs
- Designed for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler mowers
- Recoil pull-start rewind assembly
Pros
- Model-specific listing for GTS engines
- Full rewind assembly rather than rope alone
- Clear use case for 6.5 HP owners
Cons
- Narrow compatibility outside GTS models
- Verify the engine label before ordering
Bottom line: Best for owners of 6.5 HP GTS Recycler mowers who need a full rewind assembly.
Buying Guide
Confirm your engine family
Before buying any starter, read the engine label. Kohler XT-series, Tecumseh-family and Briggs & Stratton 163cc engines each use different starter assemblies, and a part that fits one may not fit another. Check the model code and the Toro serial plate, then compare against the listing before ordering.
Good picks for this: Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter, Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines
Match the part number, not just the mower model
Two Recyclers from the same year can use different starters. Matching the printed part number on the old starter is more reliable than matching the mower model name alone. Many aftermarket listings include cross-references, which helps when the original number is worn off.
Good picks for this: 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22, Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines
Decide whether you need the rope or the full assembly
If the rope is frayed but the spring still retracts, a rope kit may be enough. If the rope will not retract or the pawl is worn, replace the full starter assembly. A broken starter that spins freely often needs the complete unit.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230, Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch
Check the mounting pattern and bolt holes
Most 22-inch Recycler starters bolt to the engine shroud in a fixed pattern. Measure the old starter’s bolt spacing and compare it with the new one before you start. A mismatch usually means the wrong engine family.
Good picks for this: For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter, Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter
Consider engine displacement and horsepower
Displacement figures such as 149cc, 163cc and 173cc are a reliable way to narrow the field. Horsepower ratings like 6.5 HP are useful secondary checks, especially for GTS models that share a displacement with other engines.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch, For Craftsman M230 163cc Engine Recoil Starter
Plan for installation and tension
Recoil springs store tension, and a starter that is improperly wound can snap back or cause injury. Work on the mower with the spark plug disconnected and the fuel shut off. If you are not comfortable handling a loaded spring, a small engine shop can install the part for you.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230, 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22
Think about durability and future repairs
Starters with a full rewind assembly tend to outlast rope-only repairs. Owners often report that a new starter with a fresh spring performs more reliably than reusing a worn one. If your mower is older, a complete assembly may be a better long-term investment.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch, Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 149cc/173cc Engines
FAQ
Why won’t my Toro Recycler start even with a new starter?
A new starter will not fix a fuel, spark or compression problem. Check that fuel is reaching the carburetor, the spark plug is clean and gapped, and the blade brake and safety switches are not blocking the circuit. The Toro lawn mower troubleshooting guide on this site walks through these checks in order.
How do I know if my recoil starter is broken?
Common signs include a rope that will not retract, a handle that spins without turning the engine, or a rope that breaks near the pulley. If the rope pulls out with no resistance, the pawl or spring is likely the problem.
Can I replace the rope without replacing the whole starter?
Yes, if the spring and pawl are still working. A rope kit is often enough for frayed or broken cord. If the spring is weak or the housing is cracked, replace the full assembly.
Do all Toro Recycler 22-inch mowers use the same starter?
No. Toro used several engine families across Recycler models, including Kohler XT-series, Tecumseh-family and Briggs & Stratton 163cc setups. Always match the part number or engine code before buying.
Is it safe to replace a recoil starter myself?
Many owners do this as a home repair, but recoil springs store significant tension. Disconnect the spark plug, wear eye protection and work carefully. If you are unsure, consult a qualified small engine technician.
What should I check on the engine before buying a starter?
Look at the engine label for the model code and displacement. Note the bolt pattern on the starter and whether the original part has a visible part number. These details make it much easier to choose the right replacement.
Conclusion
For most Toro Recycler owners, the right starter depends on the engine family. Owners with Kohler XT-series engines should start with the Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series assembly or the Powtol XT675 starter. Tecumseh-powered models are better served by the 590739 cross-reference listing. Craftsman M230 and 163cc owners will find the rope-included and focused 163cc options most practical, while GTS 6.5 HP owners should consider the full rewind assembly. Whichever you choose, confirm the part number first and check that the rest of the starting system is working.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on power equipment and handling stored spring tension (cpsc.gov)
- Information on small engine maintenance and efficient equipment operation (energy.gov)
- Workplace safety standards for working with stored energy and hand tools (osha.gov)
Related reading
- Why Won't My Toro Lawn Mower Start? 8 Causes and Fixes
- Toro Lawn Mower Won't Start After Winter: 7 Fixes That Work
- Toro Lawn Mower Won't Start After Sitting: 7 Causes and Fixes
- Toro Electric Start Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Parts and Fixes Compared (2026)
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.
