By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When a toro personal pace lawn mower won’t start, the cause is often a worn or broken starting component rather than the engine itself. Recoil starter assemblies, pull ropes, pulleys and electric start buttons all wear out over time, and replacing the right one is usually cheaper and faster than guessing. This guide compares seven replacement parts that owners commonly look for when their Toro self-propelled mower will not crank. Our selection criteria were engine compatibility with Toro and common Kohler, Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh-style engines, clear part-number cross-references, specification clarity, and patterns in owner feedback about fit and durability.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallToro Part # 133-8144 60 Volt Start Push ButtonView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for Kohler XT-series enginesPowtol XT675 149CC Recoil StarterView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for Recycler 22-inch decksPull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN RecyclerView on Amazon - 4
Best for cross-brand compatibility590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22View on Amazon - 5
Best for replacing 14 165 20-S startersFits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series EnginesView on Amazon - 6
Best for Craftsman and Toro 163cc ownersRecoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230View on Amazon - 7
Best budget pickPriprilodPull Start Assembly Rope & PulleyView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Toro Part # 133-8144 60 Volt Start Push Button | Electric start Toro mowers | Replaces a worn start button |
| Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler | Recycler 22-inch with GTS engine | Complete recoil assembly |
| Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter | Kohler XT-series 149cc engines | Cross-referenced part numbers |
| 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22 | Mixed-brand 22-inch mowers | Multi-engine compatibility list |
| Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series Engines | Replacing 14 165 20-S starters | Lists replaced part numbers |
| Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230 | 163cc and Toro 7.25 owners | Includes pull rope |
| PriprilodPull Start Assembly Rope & Pulley | Budget rope-and-pulley repairs | Rope, pulley and assembly |
Toro Part # 133-8144 60 Volt Start Push Button
Toro Part # 133-8144 60 Volt Start Push Button
Best for: Electric start Toro mowers with a push-button start circuit
This suits owners whose mower has an electric start rather than a recoil cord. If pressing the button yields a click but no crank, or nothing at all, the button or its contacts are a likely suspect.
Key specs
- Toro part number 133-8144
- 60-volt start push button
Pros
- Direct OEM-style part number match
- Quick, tool-light replacement
- Addresses a common electric start failure point
Cons
- Only useful if the battery and wiring are already confirmed good
- Not applicable to recoil-start models
Bottom line: Pick this if your Toro is electric start and the button is the weak link. Test battery voltage 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: Recycler 22-inch decks with a 6.5HP GTS engine
Owners of a 22-inch Toro Recycler with the GTS engine who see a broken or slipping rope will find this a direct, complete assembly rather than a loose component.
Key specs
- Designed for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22-inch Recycler
- Complete recoil starter assembly
Pros
- Full assembly rather than individual pieces
- Matches a specific, common Toro model
- Reduces guesswork on fitment
Cons
- Fits only the listed engine and deck combination
- Requires removing the old assembly from the engine shroud
Bottom line: A strong choice for a Recycler owner who has confirmed the GTS engine on the model plate.
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 149cc and 173cc engines on Toro Recyclers
This listing cross-references several Kohler XT part numbers, which helps owners confirm they are buying the right starter before ordering.
Key specs
- Listed for 149cc Kohler XT-series engines
- Cross-references 14 165 20-S
Pros
- Clear part-number cross-referencing
- Covers several XT engine variants
- Useful for Recycler owners with Kohler power
Cons
- Compatibility depends on matching the exact engine code
- Owners sometimes report needing to verify the pulley fit
Bottom line: Good for Kohler XT owners who can read their engine label. Check the cross-reference before buying.
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 of mixed-brand 22-inch mowers who want a wide compatibility list
This assembly lists a broad set of Tecumseh, Lawn Boy and Craftsman engine codes alongside Toro Recycler 22, which can help when the original part number is unclear.
Key specs
- Listed for Toro Recycle 22 and multiple Tecumseh-family engine codes
- Recoil starter with pull start design
Pros
- Long compatibility list
- Useful when the original part is unidentified
- Covers several engine families
Cons
- Broad lists mean fit must be verified carefully
- Not every listed engine code will match a given Toro
Bottom line: Best for owners who need to match a starter to an unknown engine code. Confirm before installing.
Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series 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: Replacing starters identified by 14 165 20-S, 1416520 or 1416520S numbers
If your old starter is stamped with one of these numbers, this listing states which part numbers it replaces, making the match straightforward.
Key specs
- Replaces 1416520, 1416520S and 14 165 20-S
- Listed for Kohler XT650, XT675, XT775 and XT800
Pros
- Explicit replacement part-number list
- Covers a range of XT engine models
- Easy to verify against an old part
Cons
- Limited to Kohler XT-series engines
- Owners sometimes report mounting bolt differences
Bottom line: A practical pick when you can read the old part number and it matches the list.
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: 163cc Briggs-style engines and Toro 7.25 or Recycler 22 owners
This assembly is listed for a Craftsman model but also for Toro 7.25 and Recycler 22 applications using a 163cc engine, which covers a common Toro configuration.
Key specs
- Listed for 163cc engines
- Includes pull rope
Pros
- Includes the pull rope
- Covers several brand applications
- Good match for 163cc Toro owners
Cons
- Brand listing may cause confusion; verify engine size
- Fit depends on the specific housing design
Bottom line: Choose this if your engine is 163cc and you need a complete starter with rope.
PriprilodPull Start Assembly Rope & Pulley
PriprilodPull Start Assembly Rope & Pulley, Fit for 20331 20332 20333 20334 20338 20339 163cc OHV Lawn Mower, Replace 130-6765 1306765 Recoil Starter fit for Toro 22" Recycler 20330 Briggs Stratton
Best for: Budget rope-and-pulley repairs on 163cc Toro Recycler 22 mowers
When the rope has frayed and the pulley is worn but the housing is intact, a rope-and-pulley assembly can be a lower-cost repair than a full starter replacement.
Key specs
- Listed for 163cc OHV engines
- Replaces 130-6765 and 1306765
Pros
- Addresses rope and pulley wear specifically
- Lists several model numbers
- A budget-friendly option
Cons
- Requires more assembly work than a complete unit
- Owners sometimes report pulley spring tension issues
Bottom line: A sensible budget pick if the housing and spring are sound and only the rope or pulley has failed.
Buying Guide
Confirm Your Starter Type
Toro personal pace mowers use either an electric start (battery and push button) or a recoil starter (pull cord). Check the starter before buying anything. An electric start model needs a button or solenoid part; a recoil model needs a starter assembly or rope and pulley.
Good picks for this: Toro Part # 133-8144 60 Volt Start Push Button; Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler
Read the Engine Label and Model Number
Engine displacement (such as 149cc or 163cc) and the engine code printed on the blower housing or label decide which starter fits. Write down the model and serial number from the deck or frame before comparing listings.
Good picks for this: Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter; Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230
Match Part Numbers Carefully
Many starters are cross-referenced under several numbers. Compare the number stamped on your old part with the replaces list in each listing. Partial matches often mean different mounting or pulley dimensions.
Good picks for this: Fits Select Toro Recycler Mowers With Kohler XT-Series Engines; 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22
Decide Between a Full Assembly and a Rope Kit
A full recoil assembly costs more in parts but saves assembly time and reduces the chance of a spring or pawl problem. A rope-and-pulley kit suits a mower whose housing and spring are still good.
Good picks for this: PriprilodPull Start Assembly Rope & Pulley; Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler
Check Compatibility With Your Deck Size
Recycler 22-inch decks and personal pace models use different housings. Confirm the deck width and mower generation, since a starter that fits one frame may not mount on another.
Good picks for this: 590739 Recoil Starter Pull Start for Toro Recycle 22; Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler
Consider Durability and Spring Tension
Recoil springs and pawls take the most stress. Look for listings that include the full assembly, and inspect the spring for kinks before installing a used or salvaged part.
Good picks for this: Recoil Starter with Pull Rope Replacement for Craftsman M230; Powtol XT675 149CC Recoil Starter
Plan for Basic Care to Avoid Repeat Failures
Keep the air filter clean, use fresh fuel, and keep the spark plug in good condition. A starter that fails often may be a symptom of a fuel or spark problem, so replacing only the starter may not solve the root cause. Consult a small engine technician if you are unsure of the diagnosis.
Good picks for this: Toro Part # 133-8144 60 Volt Start Push Button; PriprilodPull Start Assembly Rope & Pulley
FAQ
Why won’t my toro personal pace lawn mower start even though the starter pulls?
If the cord pulls freely but the engine does not turn over, the problem may be a broken pawl, a stripped flywheel or a seized engine. Check fuel, spark and compression before replacing parts.
How do I know if I need a recoil starter or a start button?
Electric start models have a battery and push button on the handle or deck. Recoil models have a pull cord on the engine shroud. The model label or owner’s manual will confirm the type.
Can I replace a Toro starter with a part for a different brand?
Sometimes, if the engine code, mounting pattern and pulley size match. Compare part numbers and measurements before buying, since many listings cover several brands.
Is a rope replacement enough to fix a recoil starter?
It can be, if only the rope has frayed. If the spring is weak or the pawls are worn, a full assembly or spring replacement is usually more reliable.
Why does my mower start when cold but not when hot?
Heat-related starting problems often come from fuel vapor issues, a weak spark or a sticking choke. Starter parts are rarely the cause, so check fuel and ignition first.
Do I need special tools to replace a recoil starter?
Most replacements need basic sockets, a screwdriver and possibly a flywheel holder. Disconnect the spark plug wire before starting work to prevent accidental starts.
When should I take the mower to a professional?
If you smell fuel strongly, see damage to the flywheel or key, or are unsure of the wiring on an electric start, consult a qualified small engine technician.
Conclusion
For a toro personal pace lawn mower that won’t start, the right part depends on the starter type and engine. Electric start owners should look first at the start push button. Recoil owners with Kohler XT or Recycler 22 mowers will find the cross-referenced assemblies most useful, while rope-and-pulley kits suit budget repairs where the housing is intact. Always confirm the engine code and old part number before ordering.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on operating and servicing lawn mowers safely (cpsc.gov)
- Information on small engine maintenance and fuel handling practices (energy.gov)
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 Lawn Mower Won't Start When Hot: 7 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
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.
