By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a Toro GTS lawn mower won’t start, a worn or broken recoil starter is one of the most common culprits, especially if the pull cord snaps, slips or spins without turning the engine. This guide compares five recoil starter assemblies sold for GTS-series Toro mowers. Our selection criteria were engine and deck compatibility, the presence of a complete assembly (housing, pawls and spring, not just a cord), owner feedback patterns on fit and durability, and how clearly each listing identifies the mower models it covers. Before you buy, confirm your engine size and deck width, because GTS-family models were built with several different engines.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRecoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch RecyclerView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for 6.5 HP Recycler ownersPull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN RecyclerView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickPull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler LawnmowerView on Amazon - 4
Best for 149cc enginesHigh-quality Materials Recoil Rewind Pull Starter Kit for GTS 150cc Toro Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 5
Best for Kohler-based replacementsPowtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22 Pull Start AssemblyView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler | Owners wanting a complete replacement assembly for a 6.5 HP GTS | Listed for the 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler |
| Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler | Direct swap on a 6.5 HP Recycler | Model-specific fitment for 6.5 HP GTS decks |
| Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22 | 149cc and Kohler-family engines | Cross-referenced to several engine part numbers |
| High-quality Materials Recoil Rewind Pull Starter Kit for GTS 150cc | 150cc GTS engines | Kit form with stated direct-replacement design |
| Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower | Budget-minded owners of a 6.5 HP Recycler | Straightforward single-model listing |
Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler
Recoil Pull‑Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22‑inch Recycler Lawn Mower – Replacement Rewind Starter
Best for: Owners of a 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler who want a full starter assembly rather than a cord kit.
This is a good fit for someone whose pull cord is intact but whose housing or pawls have worn out, since replacing the complete assembly avoids separate sourcing of small internal parts. It suits owners comfortable with a few bolts and a basic socket set.
Key specs
- Designed for the 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler mower
- Replacement rewind-style recoil starter assembly
- Sold as a complete assembly
Pros
- Clearly matched to a specific engine and deck size
- Complete assembly reduces guesswork about missing parts
- Direct bolt-on design for most owners
Cons
- Fit depends on confirming your exact model before ordering
- Owners with other engines will need a different part
Bottom line: The safest first choice for a 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler owner who wants a complete assembly. Confirm your model plate first.
Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler
Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawn Mower
Best for: A direct swap on a 6.5 HP Recycler with a 22-inch deck.
Owners who already know their engine is a 6.5 HP unit and want a straightforward replacement will find this listing easy to match against their old starter.
Key specs
- Listed for 6.5 HP GTS 22IN Recycler mowers
- Recoil starter assembly format
Pros
- Model-specific listing reduces fitment confusion
- Simple one-for-one replacement concept
- Suitable for typical DIY repair
Cons
- Limited detail in the listing beyond the model name
- Compare the mounting pattern against your old unit before installing
Bottom line: A solid match for owners who have already confirmed a 6.5 HP Recycler and want a like-for-like swap.
Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower
for Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower
Best for: Budget-minded owners of a 6.5 HP GTS Recycler.
This option suits someone who wants to keep repair costs low on an older mower where the rest of the machine is in good shape.
Key specs
- Pull recoil starter designed for 6.5 HP GTS 22IN Recycler
- Single-model listing
Pros
- Positioned as a lower-cost replacement path
- Clear model reference in the title
- Easy to compare against your original part
Cons
- Fewer listed specifications than premium-positioned options
- Check build detail, such as pawl and spring condition, when the box arrives
Bottom line: A reasonable choice when cost is the main concern and your mower is a 6.5 HP Recycler.
High-quality Materials Recoil Rewind Pull Starter Kit for GTS 150cc Toro Lawn Mower
High-quality Materials,Faster Startup,Direct Replacement,Sturdy and Durable 21442 Recoil Rewind Pull Starter Kit Assembly for GTS 150cc Toro Lawn Mower
Best for: Owners of 150cc GTS engines who want a kit with a direct-replacement design.
If your mower carries a 150cc engine rather than the 6.5 HP unit, this kit is aimed at your setup. Check the engine displacement on the decal before buying.
Key specs
- Recoil rewind pull starter kit
- Listed for 150cc GTS Toro lawn mowers
Pros
- Engine-size match is clearly stated
- Kit format covers more than just the cord
- Marketed as a direct-replacement design
Cons
- Engine displacement must match exactly
- Owner experience with long-term durability varies by unit
Bottom line: The right pick for a 150cc GTS owner who wants a complete kit rather than a bare cord.
Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22 Pull Start Assembly
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: 149cc and Kohler-family engines on Toro Recycler 22 decks.
This listing references several engine part numbers, which helps owners whose mower carries a Kohler-family engine and who need to cross-check the starter against an existing part number.
Key specs
- Recoil starter for 149cc engines
- Cross-referenced to multiple Kohler-family engine designations
Pros
- Broad cross-reference list helps with identification
- Covers engine families beyond a single model
- Useful when the original part number is worn or unreadable
Cons
- Broad compatibility means more chance of a mismatch if you skip verification
- Compare the part number on your old starter before ordering
Bottom line: Best for owners who want to match by part number across a Kohler-family engine.
Buying Guide
Confirm Your Engine Size and Model
Most recoil starter replacements are engine-specific. The 6.5 HP and 149cc/150cc engines use different starter assemblies, so read the engine decal and the mower’s model plate before ordering. Owners often report that buying by deck width alone led to the wrong part.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler, High-quality Materials Recoil Rewind Pull Starter Kit for GTS 150cc
Complete Assembly Versus Cord Only
A full assembly includes the housing, pawls, spring and rope. If only the cord has frayed, a rope kit can be cheaper and faster, but if the pawls are worn or the spring has lost tension, a complete unit is the more reliable repair.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler, Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler
Cross-Reference by Part Number
Many replacement listings reference older part numbers. Compare the number stamped on your original starter housing against the listing. Cross-references are useful, but treat them as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
Good picks for this: Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22
Mounting Pattern and Bolt Spacing
Measure the distance between mounting holes on your old starter and compare it to the new one before you remove the old unit. A mismatch of even a few millimeters can prevent the new starter from seating against the engine shroud.
Good picks for this: Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler, Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower
Build Quality and Pawl Engagement
Look at the pawls, spring and rope guide. Owners frequently cite pawl wear as the reason a starter keeps spinning without engaging the crankshaft. A replacement with clean, properly seated pawls should engage smoothly on the first few pulls.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler, High-quality Materials Recoil Rewind Pull Starter Kit for GTS 150cc
Budget Versus Premium Positioning
A lower-cost starter can be a sensible choice on an older mower. Premium-positioned parts often emphasize materials and kit completeness. Weigh how much remaining life the mower has before choosing.
Good picks for this: Pull Recoil Starter for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawnmower
Installation and Care After Replacement
After installing a new starter, pull the cord slowly several times to confirm the pawls engage and retract. Keep the cord clean and avoid yanking it on a cold engine. If the starter still fails to crank the engine, check the spark plug and fuel system before blaming the new part, as a no-start condition can have several causes.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler, Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22
FAQ
How do I know if the recoil starter is the problem?
If the engine turns over but the cord pulls freely without resistance, or the cord spins without engaging, the starter is a likely cause. If the cord feels normal but the engine won’t turn over at all, check compression, fuel and spark first.
Can I replace only the rope on a Toro recoil starter?
Yes, if the housing, pawls and spring are in good condition. A rope-only repair is a lower-effort fix, but worn pawls or a weak spring will return the problem soon after.
Do I need to remove the blade or the deck to replace the starter?
Generally no. Most recoil starters bolt to the engine shroud and can be swapped with the mower tipped or on a level surface. Disconnect the spark plug wire first for safety.
Why does my new starter still not start the mower?
A new starter only controls cranking. If the engine doesn’t fire after the starter works, check fuel freshness, the air filter, the spark plug and the carburetor. Consult a small-engine technician if the problem persists.
How do I find my engine’s model number?
The engine usually carries a decal or stamped plate listing the model, type and serial number. Use these values to confirm compatibility with a listing before you order.
Is a Kohler-family starter compatible with a Toro GTS?
Some Toro GTS-family engines were built by Kohler, so cross-referenced starters can fit. Verify the part number against your original starter rather than relying on the mower name alone.
Conclusion
For most Toro GTS owners with a 6.5 HP Recycler, a complete recoil starter assembly is the most dependable repair, and the 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler assembly is the strongest all-around choice here. Owners with a 150cc engine should look at the GTS 150cc kit, while those matching by part number on a Kohler-family engine may prefer the Powtol cross-reference listing. The 6.5 HP Recycler listing titled simply for the model suits a direct swap, and the budget-oriented listing makes sense on an older mower. Whichever you choose, confirm the engine size and mounting pattern first, because a mismatch is the most common reason a replacement fails to solve a no-start problem.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on operating and maintaining outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace safety guidance on handling powered equipment and removing energy sources during maintenance (osha.gov)
- Research-based university extension guidance on small engine maintenance and troubleshooting (extension.org)
Related reading
- Why Won't My Toro Lawn Mower Start? 8 Causes and Fixes
- Toro Vortex Lawn Mower Won't Start? 7 Replacement Parts Compared (2026)
- Toro Personal Pace Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Parts 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.
