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

What It Is

This is an aftermarket recoil starter assembly (part #590739) designed to replace the pull-start mechanism on Toro Recycler 22, Lawn Boy, and Craftsman 22-inch walk-behind mowers equipped with Tecumseh engines. It provides the spring-loaded rope and pulley system needed to manually crank the engine.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify these four things:

1. Engine model: Confirmed fit for Tecumseh engines AV600, LEV80, LEV100, LEV115, LEV120, LEV150, and LV195EA. Check your engine’s model number (stamped on the blower housing or above the spark plug).
2. OEM part cross-reference: Replaces Toro 590637 and 590702. If your original part number is one of these, this should fit.
3. Deck size: Designed for 22-inch mower decks. Measure your deck width if unsure.
4. Physical dimensions: The starter housing is roughly 4.5 inches in diameter with a 3-bolt mounting pattern. Measure your existing starter’s bolt spacing (approx. 2.75 inches center-to-center) to confirm.

Important: This is an aftermarket part, not OEM Toro. Fitment on non-listed engine models or older Tecumseh variants may require modifications.

Key Things to Know

• Build quality: Mixed reviews—some report the rope is slightly thinner or the spring tension feels lighter than OEM. Inspect the rope for fraying before installation.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate (30-45 minutes). You’ll need a screwdriver, socket set, and possibly a spring hook tool. The recoil spring can pop out—work slowly and wear safety glasses.
• Common gotcha: The starter cup (the part that engages the flywheel) may be a tight fit on some engines. Check that the cup’s teeth align with your flywheel’s starter ring before tightening bolts.
• No rope pre-wound: You’ll need to wind the rope onto the pulley yourself (typically 4-5 turns). Follow a video guide if you’re not familiar with recoil spring tensioning.

Should You Buy It

If you own a Toro Recycler 22, Lawn Boy, or Craftsman 22 with a Tecumseh engine (LEV or LV series) and the original starter is broken or slipping, this is a budget-friendly replacement that works for most users. It’s not as durable as OEM, but for the price, it’s a solid fix for occasional-use mowers. Skip it if you have a different engine brand (Briggs & Stratton, Honda) or need a heavy-duty commercial-grade part.