8 Best Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower Pull Cord Replacements 2025

For the hands-on DIYer, this YAMAKATO kit is an exceptionally economical and versatile solution. Its primary strength lies in providing a generous 16 feet of durable 4.0mm rope, which is enough for two or three separate repairs across various machines. The compound rope’s double-layer construction, featuring a robust inner core and a tough outer sheath, is specifically designed for enhanced strength and abrasion resistance, solving the common problem of premature cord fraying.

Performance hinges entirely on the user’s ability to properly disassemble the old recoil housing and wind the new rope, which can be a delicate process. The specially contoured handle offers a comfortable and secure grip, a noticeable upgrade over many stock handles. While the rope is universally applicable to machines from Honda, Predator, and Briggs & Stratton, success depends on correctly tensioning the spring during reassembly. This is not a plug-and-play fix but a kit for a more involved repair.

The trade-off is clear when compared to a full assembly like the ZeeKee 591139: the YAMAKATO kit is significantly more affordable but demands time, patience, and a bit of mechanical skill. It’s the perfect choice for someone managing a fleet of small engines or a homeowner on a tight budget who is comfortable with the re-spooling process. For a fraction of the cost, this kit provides the essential components for a troy bilt lawn mower pull cord replacement, unlike the simple bolt-on convenience of a complete starter assembly.

Striking an ideal balance between quality and affordability, the ZeeKee 591139 recoil assembly presents a fantastic value proposition. It is engineered as a direct-fit replacement for a wide array of popular push mowers, including the Troy Bilt TB110 and TB200 models. The unit’s construction features an ultra-durable Manila fiber drawstring and a sturdy PVC handle, materials chosen to solve the core problem of weak OEM cords that snap unexpectedly. This focus on material quality ensures longevity and reliable performance.

During installation, the starter’s 172mm mount hole distance aligns perfectly with specified Briggs & Stratton 140cc and 150cc engines, eliminating any guesswork or modification. The pull action is consistently smooth with low noise, providing a clean start without the harsh, grinding feel of a failing unit. For any user with a compatible mower, this is a straightforward unbolt-and-replace job that restores functionality in under five minutes, making it a highly efficient repair.

When positioned against the SOFO 497680 starter, the ZeeKee’s target audience becomes clear: it’s built for the common 140cc/150cc engine family, while the SOFO is for larger 6.75HP engines. This makes the ZeeKee 591139 the go-to for the majority of residential push mowers needing a quick and effective recoil starter replacement. It offers comparable ease of installation to the SOFO but is tailored for a different, more common class of engine.

Powerfully built for bigger engines, the SOFO 497680 is the definitive solution for mowers with higher-displacement motors. This assembly is specifically designed for the robust Briggs & Stratton 6.75HP and 190cc engines commonly found in models like the Troy Bilt TB210 and TB230. A key advantage is the inclusion of four mounting bolts, a thoughtful detail that eliminates a potential trip to the hardware store and streamlines the repair process right out of the box.

In terms of performance, this recoil starter is engineered to handle the higher compression of a 6.75HP engine, where weaker starters often fail. The internal pulley and spring assembly feels substantial and provides a strong, positive engagement with every pull. The sturdy manila fiber cord and PVC handle contribute to a feeling of durability, ensuring it can withstand the force required for repeated starts on these more powerful machines. It’s a solid, reliable fix for a very specific and common engine series.

Its specialized nature is clear when compared to the GCV160 starter for Honda engines. The SOFO 497680 is the correct, purpose-built choice for specific Briggs & Stratton powered Troy Bilt mowers, featuring a completely different mounting pattern and engagement mechanism. This makes it the ideal part for anyone with a TB210 or TB230 looking for a troy bilt lawn mower pull cord replacement. The SOFO offers a specialized fit that a Honda-specific part simply cannot provide.

This recoil starter is the definitive fix for the legion of mowers powered by Honda’s legendary engines. It is precision-engineered for perfect compatibility with the Honda GCV135 and GCV160 engine series, a power plant found on many high-quality Troy-Bilt mowers. By replacing a host of OEM part numbers like 28400-ZL8-023ZA, it eliminates compatibility concerns and provides a fit and finish that rivals the original factory part, solving the issue of a broken or non-retracting cord.

In practice, the unit delivers the smooth, low-effort pull that Honda engines are known for, thanks to a well-calibrated spring and high-quality pull cord. The housing is made of a durable acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic, which capably resists damage from fuel, oil, and impacts. For anyone struggling with a faulty starter on their Honda-powered machine, this assembly is the key to restoring that satisfyingly quick and easy one-pull start.

The distinction between this and a Briggs & Stratton replacement like the AUTOKAY 591139 is critical. This GCV160 starter is purpose-built for Honda’s unique mounting pattern and pawl engagement system, making it completely incompatible with B&S engines, and vice-versa. It is the perfect choice for the user who has correctly identified their mower has a Honda engine. This unit provides a tailored, high-performance solution that generic or B&S-specific parts cannot match.

Presenting a streamlined and effective solution, the AUTOKAY 591139 recoil starter is a no-frills, direct replacement part. It focuses on getting the job done by providing a lightweight yet functional fix for the most common Troy Bilt and Craftsman mowers equipped with 140cc or 150cc Briggs & Stratton engines. This assembly is designed to solve the single most common mower starting problem—a broken pull cord—without any unnecessary complexity or cost.

As a direct replacement for the widely used OEM part 591139, it bolts on perfectly to compatible engines like the popular 550ex series, ensuring a hassle-free installation. The pull action is consistent, and the recoil mechanism engages reliably, immediately resolving the frustration of a limp or severed cord. It performs its core function admirably, making it an excellent choice for a quick and straightforward repair.

When evaluated alongside the nearly identical HONEYRAIN 591139, the AUTOKAY unit stands out for its lightweight design and functional simplicity. Both assemblies offer the same solution for the same range of engines, making the decision between them often a matter of availability or minor preference. The AUTOKAY is an excellent choice for a troy bilt lawn mower pull cord replacement that prioritizes function and ease of installation above all else.

Engineered for longevity, the HONEYRAIN 591139 recoil starter is a decidedly robust replacement part. It is built to be a durable, direct-fit solution for popular Troy Bilt models like the TB110 and TB200, designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use and outlast less substantial alternatives. This assembly directly solves the problem of premature failure by using reinforced components where they matter most, giving users confidence in their repair.

The heavy-duty plastic housing and strengthened internal components provide a reassuringly solid feel right out of the package. In use, it capably handles the repetitive stress of starting a 140cc engine without flexing or showing signs of wear. A key performance benefit is the crisp and strong recoil action, which ensures the cord retracts fully and neatly every time—addressing a common failure point on worn-out original starters.

Contrasting this durable assembly with the YAMAKATO rope-only kit highlights its value for users prioritizing convenience and reliability. The HONEYRAIN 591139 offers a complete, rugged, and easy-to-install unit, making it ideal for those who want a long-term fix with minimal downtime. While the YAMAKATO saves money upfront, the HONEYRAIN provides a more substantial and lasting solution for a broken pull start.

This Anxingo kit is the complete tune-up package for owners of more powerful mowers. It not only provides a robust recoil starter for 6.75HP Troy Bilt models like the TB210 and TB230, but it also includes a crucial maintenance item: a replacement 491588S air filter. This smart bundling addresses both a common point of failure and a routine service need in one convenient purchase, offering a more comprehensive engine refresh.

The recoil starter itself is built to handle the higher demands of 190cc engines, delivering a smooth and dependable pull start after a quick installation. The true advantage, however, is the ability to bundle the repair with preventative maintenance. Swapping in the new air filter while replacing the starter can noticeably improve engine breathing and overall performance, turning a simple repair into a valuable tune-up.

When compared to the other 6.75HP option, the SOFO 497680, the Anxingo kit’s value proposition is clear. While the SOFO kit includes mounting bolts for the repair, the Anxingo bundle includes an air filter for maintenance. This makes the Anxingo kit the perfect choice for the user looking to perform a more thorough service on their mower. It provides superior value by bundling two common replacement parts, unlike the more singularly focused SOFO kit.