By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a Craftsman M220 lawn mower won’t start, a worn or broken recoil starter is one of the most common culprits, especially if the pull rope snaps, slips, or feels like it has no tension. This guide compares seven recoil pull starter assemblies listed for the Craftsman M220 and related push mower models. Each pick is judged on how well it matches the M220 starter specification, how the part is described, and the patterns owners tend to report about fit and durability.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRecoil Pull Starter (11A-A2T2793, Replacement for Craftsman M110 and M220)View on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for exact part-number matchingReplaces Model 12A-A26B793 Recoil Pull StarterView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickBXParts 11A-A2T2793 Recoil Pull StarterView on Amazon - 4
Best for multi-model ownersUSPEEDA Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100, M110, M115 and M220View on Amazon - 5
Best for owners comparing Toro-style starters163cc and for Toro Recycler 22 Recoil Starter Pull Start with Pull RopView on Amazon - 6
Best for a single-model replacementPull Start Recoil Starter for Craftsman M220 Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 7
Best for shared M110/M220 fitRecoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 (11A-A2T2793 / 12A-A26B793)View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil Pull Starter (11A-A2T2793, Craftsman M110/M220) | Most M220 owners wanting a direct replacement | Listed against the 11A-A2T2793 and 12A-A26B793 part numbers |
| Replaces Model 12A-A26B793 Recoil Pull Starter | Buyers matching by the original part number | Cross-referenced to 11A-A2T2793 for M110/M220 push mowers |
| BXParts 11A-A2T2793 Recoil Pull Starter | Budget-conscious repairs | Same part-number compatibility with a simple drop-in listing |
| USPEEDA Pull Recoil Starter | Owners with several Craftsman models | Lists M100, M110, M115 and M220 with multiple part numbers |
| 163cc Recoil Starter Pull Start with Rope Rewind | Owners who want to check a different fit style | Rope rewind design, listed for Craftsman M230 and Toro models |
| Pull Start Recoil Starter for Craftsman M220 | Owners who want an M220-specific listing | Named directly for the M220 with part 12A-A26B793 |
| Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110/M220 | Shared-model compatibility checks | Covers both 11A-A2T2793 and 12A-A26B793 references |
Recoil Pull Starter (11A-A2T2793, Replacement for Craftsman M110 and M220)
11A-A2T2793 Recoil Pull Starter, Replacement for Craftsman M110 Model Replacement for Craftsman M220 Model, Replaces 12A-A26B793
Best for: Most M220 owners who want a direct replacement for a broken recoil starter.
This is a straightforward replacement assembly listed for the Craftsman M110 and M220 push mowers. It suits owners who have already confirmed the rope or housing has failed and want the closest match to the original starter.
Key specs
- Listed part number: 11A-A2T2793
- Listed cross-reference: 12A-A26B793
- Designed for Craftsman M110 and M220 push mowers
Pros
- Lists both common Craftsman part numbers for M220 matching
- Clear model compatibility in the listing title
- Simple drop-in replacement for the pull-start assembly
Cons
- Installation may require removing the blade housing or engine shroud on some units
- Owners should still compare the old starter’s mounting holes before ordering
Bottom line: A strong first choice for M220 owners who want a clearly labeled replacement that matches the original part numbers.
Replaces Model 12A-A26B793 Recoil Pull Starter
Replaces Model#12A-A26B793 11A-A2T2793 Lawn Mower Recoil Pull Starter Compatible for Craftsman M110 M220 Push Mower
Best for: Buyers who prefer matching by the original Craftsman part number.
This listing leads with the 12A-A26B793 reference, which is useful if you have read the number off an old starter or a parts diagram.
Key specs
- Cross-referenced part numbers: 12A-A26B793 and 11A-A2T2793
- Listed for Craftsman M110 and M220 push mowers
Pros
- Easy to verify against the old part number
- Covers two closely related Craftsman models
- Helpful for owners working from a parts diagram
Cons
- Part-number matching still needs a visual check against your starter
- Listing wording varies between sellers, so confirm the housing shape
Bottom line: Good for owners who want to match by part number before buying.
BXParts 11A-A2T2793 Recoil Pull Starter
BXParts 11A-A2T2793 Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110 M220 Model 11A-A2T2793 12A-A26B793 Lawn Mower
Best for: Budget-conscious repairs on a Craftsman M220.
This option is aimed at owners who want an affordable replacement without giving up part-number compatibility with the M220.
Key specs
- Listed part number: 11A-A2T2793
- Cross-referenced: 12A-A26B793
- Designed for Craftsman M110 and M220 lawn mowers
Pros
- Clearly labeled for the M220 and M110
- Good match for a basic starter-only repair
- Lists both common part numbers
Cons
- Owners report that build quality can vary, so inspect the rope and spring on arrival
- Limited detail in the listing about rope length or spring specifications
Bottom line: A sensible budget pick for an M220 owner who wants a plain replacement starter.
USPEEDA Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100, M110, M115 and M220
USPEEDA Pull Recoil Starter for Craftsman M100 M110 M115 M220 Lawn Mower CMXGMAM201102 CMXGMAM1125499 11A-B0BY793 11A-A2T2793 12A-A26B793
Best for: Owners who maintain more than one Craftsman push mower.
The listing covers several Craftsman models and multiple part numbers, which makes it useful if you own more than one mower and want to keep spare parts simple.
Key specs
- Listed models: Craftsman M100, M110, M115 and M220
- Cross-referenced part numbers include 11A-A2T2793 and 12A-A26B793
Pros
- Covers a wider range of Craftsman push mowers
- Multiple part numbers listed for easier matching
- Useful as a spare for a second mower
Cons
- A wider compatibility list means you must confirm your exact model before ordering
- Some owners report needing to transfer the pulley or spring from the old unit
Bottom line: A practical choice for owners with several Craftsman mowers who want one part that covers multiple models.
163cc Recoil Starter Pull Start with Pull Rope Rewind (Craftsman M230 and Toro Recycler 22)
163cc and for Toro Recycler 22 Recoil Starter Pull Start with Pull Rope Rewind Starter for Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Fit for Toro 7.25
Best for: Owners comparing starter designs across similar 163cc-class engines.
This listing is built around a 163cc engine reference and names the Craftsman M230 alongside a Toro model. It is best for owners who have confirmed their engine displacement matches before buying.
Key specs
- Listed engine reference: 163cc
- Listed compatibility: Craftsman M230 and Toro Recycler 22
- Rope rewind pull-start design
Pros
- Rope rewind design is familiar to most push mower owners
- Clear engine displacement reference
- Useful if the M220 engine has been swapped
Cons
- Not specifically listed for the M220, so verify fit carefully
- Mounting pattern may differ from the original M220 starter
Bottom line: Worth considering only if you have confirmed the engine displacement and mounting pattern match your M220.
Pull Start Recoil Starter for Craftsman M220 Lawn Mower
Pull Start Recoil Starter for Craftsman M220 Lawn Mower 12A-A26B793
Best for: M220 owners who want a listing named specifically for their model.
This product is labeled for the Craftsman M220 with part number 12A-A26B793, so it is a narrower and more direct match than multi-model listings.
Key specs
- Listed for Craftsman M220 lawn mower
- Listed part number: 12A-A26B793
Pros
- Model-specific listing reduces guesswork
- Part number clearly stated
- Straightforward for a single-mower owner
Cons
- Fewer cross-references listed than some multi-model options
- Still requires checking the housing against the original part
Bottom line: A solid pick for an M220 owner who wants a model-specific listing and does not need multi-model coverage.
Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 (11A-A2T2793 / 12A-A26B793)
Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110 M220 Model 11A-A2T2793 12A-A26B793 Lawn Mower
Best for: Owners who want both common part numbers covered in one listing.
This assembly lists the two part numbers most often seen on M110 and M220 starters, which helps when the label on your old unit is worn.
Key specs
- Listed part numbers: 11A-A2T2793 and 12A-A26B793
- Designed for Craftsman M110 and M220 push mowers
Pros
- Both common Craftsman part numbers listed
- Useful when the original label is unreadable
- Clear model compatibility
Cons
- Installation details are limited in the listing
- Owners report that rope length should be checked against the original
Bottom line: A reliable choice for owners who want the two most common M220 part numbers covered by one replacement.
Buying Guide
Confirm Your Exact Model and Part Number
The Craftsman M220 is commonly associated with the 11A-A2T2793 and 12A-A26B793 part numbers, but Craftsman sold several push mower generations. Check the model plate on the deck or handle, then compare the number printed on your existing starter. A mismatch in housing shape or mounting holes is the most common reason a replacement fails to fit.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Starter (11A-A2T2793), Replaces Model 12A-A26B793 Recoil Pull Starter
Check Rope Length and Spring Tension
A starter assembly that looks correct can still fail if the rope is too short to engage the flywheel or the rewind spring is weak. Measure the old rope from the handle to the knot before ordering, and compare the new spring’s coil count and wire diameter if the listing provides them. Replacing the rope and spring alone can be a cheaper fix when the housing is still sound.
Good picks for this: BXParts 11A-A2T2793 Recoil Pull Starter, Pull Start Recoil Starter for Craftsman M220
Mounting Pattern and Housing Shape
Most push mower starters bolt to the engine shroud with a fixed hole pattern. Before buying, count the mounting holes on the old unit and check whether the pulley sits at the same height. Owners report that multi-model listings sometimes differ slightly in housing shape, so a side-by-side photo comparison is worth doing.
Good picks for this: USPEEDA Pull Recoil Starter, Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110 and M220
Engine Displacement
Craftsman push mowers have used several engine sizes over the years. If your M220 engine has been replaced or you are cross-checking a model number, confirm the displacement on the engine label. Starters listed for different displacements may use different pulleys or housing dimensions.
Good picks for this: 163cc Recoil Starter Pull Start with Pull Rope Rewind
Single-Model Versus Multi-Model Listings
A single-model listing reduces the chance of an ordering error, while a multi-model listing is useful if you maintain several Craftsman mowers. Multi-model parts often work well but require more careful verification, so match your exact model before installing.
Good picks for this: Pull Start Recoil Starter for Craftsman M220, USPEEDA Pull Recoil Starter
Durability and Build Quality
Owners often report that the rope, pawl and spring wear first, while the housing lasts longer. Look for listings that mention the rope material and spring construction. Inspect the assembly on arrival for bent pawls, loose rivets or kinked rope before installing.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Starter (11A-A2T2793), BXParts 11A-A2T2793 Recoil Pull Starter
Care and Installation Tips
Disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the starter. Remove the old assembly by taking out its mounting bolts, transfer the pulley if the new unit does not include one, and test the rope pull by hand before reinstalling the shroud. Keeping the rope clean and lightly lubricating the pawl can extend starter life.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Starter for Craftsman M110 and M220 (11A-A2T2793 / 12A-A26B793)
FAQ
Is a recoil starter the most common cause when a Craftsman M220 won’t start?
A broken or slipping recoil starter is one of the most frequent causes when the rope pulls freely with no resistance or does not turn the engine. Fuel, spark and oil level should also be checked, since they cause many no-start conditions too.
What part numbers should I look for on a Craftsman M220 starter?
The part numbers most often listed for the M220 are 11A-A2T2793 and 12A-A26B793. Compare the number on your existing starter or parts diagram before ordering.
Can one starter fit both the M110 and the M220?
Several listings state compatibility with both models, and the two machines share part-number references. Still, confirm the housing shape and mounting holes on your specific unit.
Do I need to remove the engine shroud to replace the starter?
On many push mowers the starter is accessible without full shroud removal, but some units require loosening or removing the shroud. Check the mounting bolts on your mower before starting the job.
Should I replace only the rope or the whole starter assembly?
If the housing and pawl are intact, replacing only the rope and rewind spring can be enough. If the pawl is worn or the housing is cracked, a full assembly replacement is usually the better repair.
When should I take the mower to a small engine repair shop?
If the engine turns over but does not fire after checking fuel, spark and the starter, or if the recoil assembly involves complex disassembly, a qualified small engine technician can diagnose the problem safely. Consult a professional if you are unsure about working around the flywheel or fuel system.
Conclusion
For most Craftsman M220 owners, the simplest path is a starter assembly listed directly against the 11A-A2T2793 or 12A-A26B793 part number. The Recoil Pull Starter (11A-A2T2793) is a strong first choice for a direct match, while the BXParts option suits a budget-focused repair. Owners with several Craftsman push mowers may prefer the USPEEDA listing, and anyone wanting a model-specific M220 label should look at the Pull Start Recoil Starter for Craftsman M220. Always confirm the part number and mounting pattern before installing, since a close match is not always a perfect fit.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on working with power equipment and small engines (cpsc.gov)
- Information on small engine maintenance and equipment efficiency (energy.gov)
- Workplace safety guidance on handling powered equipment and disconnecting energy sources during repairs (osha.gov)
Related reading
- Craftsman M320 Lawn Mower Won't Start: Step-by-Step Fixes
- Craftsman M260 Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes
- Craftsman M230 Lawn Mower Won't Start? 5 Best Recoil Starter Replacements (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.
