By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a toro lawn mower won’t pull start, the recoil starter assembly is often the first suspect, especially if the rope pulls freely with no resistance or the rope has snapped at the handle. This guide compares seven recoil starter replacements sold on Amazon US that are listed for Toro push mowers, including Recycler and GTS 22-inch models and several engines that share fitment with Toro machines. The selection criteria were compatibility with named Toro models, clear listing details, consistent owner feedback patterns and how well each part matches common engine families. Before ordering, confirm your engine model and deck size, because a starter that fits one Toro engine may not bolt onto another.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overall590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22View on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for Kohler-powered Toro mowersPowtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for 6.5 HP Toro GTS ownersPull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN RecyclerView on Amazon - 4
Best for B&S 163cc enginesRecoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230View on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickRecoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inchView on Amazon - 6
Best for multi-brand fitmentRecoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800 Toro Recycler 22View on Amazon - 7
Best for leaf vacuum and mower crossoverRecoil Pull Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22"View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22 | Broad Toro and Tecumseh-family fitment | Long fitment list across Toro, Lawn Boy and Craftsman listings |
| Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter | Kohler 6.5 to 6.75 HP engines | Matches Kohler XT series part numbers in the listing |
| Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN | Toro GTS 22-inch owners | Model-specific title for the GTS deck |
| Recoil Starter with Pull Rope for Craftsman M230 | B&S 163cc and Toro 7.25 owners | Pull rope included in the listing |
| Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS | Owners on a tighter budget | Replacement rewind starter design |
| Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800 | Kohler-powered Toro and MTD mowers | Multiple Kohler and Toro cross-references |
| Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22″ | Toro GTS plus leaf vacuum owners | Dual-use listing for Toro and Craftsman vacuums |
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: Owners who want the widest listed fitment across Toro, Tecumseh and Lawn Boy push mowers.
This assembly suits owners of older Toro Recycle 22-inch mowers and several related models whose part numbers are cross-referenced in the listing. Check the old starter’s part number and engine family before ordering, since cross-references are not a substitute for a direct match.
Key specs
- Recoil pull-start assembly for 22-inch Toro Recycle style decks
- Listed cross-references include Tecumseh and Lawn Boy part numbers
Pros
- Long compatibility list makes matching easier for older machines
- Complete assembly rather than a loose rope-only part
- Broadly recognized part family for Toro push mowers
Cons
- Broad listings mean the part number must still be verified by hand
- Not a fit for electric start or riding models
Bottom line: A strong first choice for owners of older Toro Recycle 22 mowers who want to match several cross-references at once.
Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter for Toro Recycler 22
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 6.5 to 6.75 HP engine owners who need a starter matched by engine family.
This starter is built around Kohler XT-series engines in the 149cc class, which are common on Toro Recycler 22 models. Confirm the engine model plate before purchase.
Key specs
- Designed for 149cc Kohler-family engines
- Pull-start assembly for Toro Recycler 22 style decks
Pros
- Engine-family focus helps with fitment on Kohler 6.5 and 6.75 HP units
- Listing references several Kohler and Toro part numbers
- Simple swap for a worn or broken recoil assembly
Cons
- Fitment depends on the exact engine displacement and shroud design
- Owners with non-Kohler engines should look elsewhere
Bottom line: Best suited to owners who have confirmed a Kohler 149cc or 173cc engine on a Toro Recycler.
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: Toro GTS 22-inch owners who want a model-specific title.
The listing names the Toro 6.5 HP GTS and 22-inch Recycler directly, which makes the intended application clear. It suits owners whose mower carries those designations on the engine and deck.
Key specs
- Listed for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch Recycler mowers
- Recoil pull-start assembly
Pros
- Model-specific naming reduces guesswork
- Straightforward replacement for a broken starter
- Fits the most common Toro GTS 22-inch configuration
Cons
- Limited cross-reference information compared with broader listings
- Owners with other Toro engine models may need a different part
Bottom line: A good pick for a Toro GTS 22-inch owner who wants a direct, model-matched replacement.
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: Owners of B&S 163cc engines or Toro 7.25 models who also have a Craftsman M230 reference.
This listing ties together Craftsman M230, Briggs and Stratton 163cc, and Toro 7.25 engines. It is useful when the mower shares an engine family with the Craftsman reference, but verify the shroud and mounting pattern.
Key specs
- Pull rope included in the listing
- Listed for B&S 163cc and Toro 7.25 engines
Pros
- Rope included, which simplifies a full rebuild
- Covers a broad engine family
- Useful for owners with mixed-brand engine references
Cons
- Cross-brand fitment requires careful verification
- Not intended for Toro Recycler decks without checking
Bottom line: Best for owners who have confirmed a 163cc engine and want a starter with the rope included.
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: Owners on a tighter budget who want a rewind starter for a Toro 6.5 HP GTS.
This replacement rewind starter targets the same GTS 22-inch configuration as the model-specific listing above, and is positioned as a lower-cost alternative. Compare the mounting pattern to your old unit before installing.
Key specs
- Replacement rewind starter design
- Listed for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch
Pros
- Budget-friendly choice within the GTS family
- Clear model naming
- Easy to compare against the original assembly
Cons
- Build quality and rope durability vary across budget starters
- Limited cross-reference information
Bottom line: Suitable for a GTS owner who has already matched the old part and wants a lower-cost replacement.
Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800 Toro Recycler 22
Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800 149cc 173cc 6.5 7.75 8.0HP Engine MTD Toro Lawn Boy Toro Recycler 22 Pull Start Replace 14 165 20 S,1416520, 1416520-S
Best for: Kohler-powered Toro and MTD mowers that use several XT-series engine numbers.
The listing cross-references multiple Kohler XT engine numbers alongside Toro Recycler and Lawn Boy references. It is the widest engine-family match in this group and works well for owners who have a Kohler engine and need to confirm compatibility.
Key specs
- Kohler XT650, XT675, XT775 and XT800 cross-references
- Listed for 6.5 to 8.0 HP engine classes
Pros
- Multiple engine cross-references improve fitment chances
- Covers both Toro and MTD references
- Useful when the engine model is known but the deck is unclear
Cons
- Wide cross-referencing means the exact part number should still be checked
- Not intended for Briggs and Stratton engines
Bottom line: Best for owners who need one starter to cover several Kohler XT engine numbers.
Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22″
for Craftsman Leaf Vacuum with 4.5hp Tecumseh Engine Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22" Recycler Lawn Mower
Best for: Toro GTS 22-inch owners who also have a leaf vacuum with a Tecumseh-family engine.
This listing references Craftsman leaf vacuum and Tecumseh engine applications alongside the Toro GTS 22-inch mower. It can be useful for shared-engine households, but confirm the exact application before buying.
Key specs
- Listed for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch mowers
- Also referenced for Craftsman leaf vacuum with 4.5 HP Tecumseh engine
Pros
- Dual-use listing for mower and vacuum owners
- Clear Toro GTS naming
- Recoil assembly replacement for a common failure point
Cons
- Mixed application list means extra verification is needed
- Vacuum and mower engines may differ in shroud design
Bottom line: A practical pick for owners with both a Toro GTS 22-inch mower and a Tecumseh-powered leaf vacuum.
Buying Guide
Confirm your engine model and displacement
Look for the engine model plate, usually on the blower housing or engine shroud. Kohler XT-series engines and Briggs and Stratton 163cc engines are common on Toro push mowers, and displacement (149cc, 163cc, 173cc) narrows the list quickly. A starter matched to the wrong engine family often fails to line up with the flywheel or mounting bosses.
Good picks for this: Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter; Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800
Match the Toro deck and model designation
Toro uses designations like Recycler 22, GTS 22 and 7.25 on different mowers. Check the deck badge and the owner’s manual model number. Model-specific listings reduce guesswork, but a near match is not a guarantee.
Good picks for this: Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler; Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch
Check the part number before you order
Compare the old starter’s stamped part number with the listing’s cross-references. Many starter listings include Tecumseh, Lawn Boy or Craftsman numbers. Cross-references help, but treat them as a starting point and confirm the mounting holes and rope exit position.
Good picks for this: 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22; Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800
Decide whether you need the rope included
Some listings include only the recoil assembly, while others bundle a pull rope. If your rope is frayed but the pawl and spring still engage, a rope-only repair may be enough. If the pulley or pawls are worn, a complete assembly is the safer choice.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230
Consider brand cross-compatibility
Many small engines share parts across brands, including Toro, Craftsman, MTD and Lawn Boy. Multi-brand listings can help, but they also increase the chance of a mismatch. Measure the mounting pattern and starter housing before installation.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22″; 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22
Weigh build quality and rope durability
Budget starters can work well for occasional use, but rope quality and pawl materials vary. Look for listings that describe the pulley, spring and rope construction, and avoid parts with no detail at all if your mower is used heavily.
Good picks for this: Recoil Pull-Start Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5 HP GTS 22-inch; Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter
Plan for installation and safety
Disconnect the spark plug wire before any work, and block the deck so the mower cannot roll. Starter springs store energy and can release suddenly. If you are unsure about spring tension or the mounting sequence, consult a qualified small-engine technician.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800; Recoil Pull Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22″
FAQ
Why won’t my toro lawn mower pull start even when the rope moves freely?
A rope that moves without resistance usually means the pawls are not engaging the flywheel or the spring has lost tension. The starter may be disengaged, the pawl may be broken, or the rope may be slipping off the pulley. Check for debris, fuel issues and a stuck choke as well before assuming the starter is at fault.
How do I know if the recoil starter or the engine is the problem?
If the engine turns over when you spin the flywheel by hand but the rope does not engage, the starter is the likely cause. If the engine does not turn at all, the problem may be seized, locked or lacking compression. Remove the spark plug and check for compression before buying a new starter.
Can I use a starter from a different Toro model?
Sometimes, but only if the mounting pattern, engine family and pulley size match. Two Toro models can look similar and still use different starters. Compare part numbers and mounting holes, and do not rely on deck size alone.
Is it difficult to replace a recoil starter yourself?
Many owners complete the job with basic hand tools, but the spring is under tension and can cause injury if released carelessly. Work with the spark plug disconnected and follow the engine manufacturer’s procedure. If you are uncomfortable with spring tension, a small-engine shop can handle the replacement.
Should I replace only the rope or the whole starter?
Replacing only the rope is reasonable if the pawls, spring and pulley are in good condition. If the starter has cracked housing, worn pawls or a weak return spring, a complete assembly is the more reliable repair.
Why does the starter work sometimes but not always?
Intermittent failure often points to a worn pawl, a weak spring or a rope that binds in the pulley. Fuel and carburetor issues can also mimic this symptom because a marginal engine may start only on some pulls.
Does the engine model matter more than the deck model?
Yes, in most cases. The starter attaches to the engine, so the engine family, displacement and shroud design determine fitment. The deck model helps narrow the choice, but engine verification is the more reliable step.
Conclusion
For most Toro push mower owners whose toro lawn mower won’t pull start, the first step is confirming the engine model and displacement. The 590739 Recoil Starter and the Recoil Starter for Kohler XT650 XT675 XT775 XT800 offer the widest cross-reference coverage, which suits owners unsure of their exact part number. The Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN is a good choice for GTS 22-inch owners who want a model-specific title, while the Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter fits Kohler 149cc engines. Owners of a 163cc engine or a shared-engine leaf vacuum may prefer the Craftsman M230 listing or the GTS dual-use assembly. Verify fitment against the old part before installation, and consult a small-engine professional if spring tension makes you uneasy.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on power equipment and lawn mower hazards (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace and equipment safety guidance on stored energy and hand tool use (osha.gov)
- Land-grant university extension guidance on small engine maintenance and starting problems (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.
