593959 593960 Pull Recoil Starter Fits for Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mowers Replace Kits

What It Is

This is an aftermarket pull recoil starter replacement kit (part numbers 593959 and 593960) designed for Briggs & Stratton engines on walk-behind lawn mowers. It includes the starter assembly, rope, and pulley to replace a broken or worn-out recoil system.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your engine’s model number (stamped on the valve cover or blower housing). This kit fits many Briggs & Stratton engines with 5–9 ft-lbs of torque, typically on 20–22 inch mower decks. Check the original starter’s mounting hole spacing and pulley diameter—this kit uses a 3-inch pulley and 4-bolt pattern (center-to-center about 2.5 inches). It’s an aftermarket replacement for OEM part numbers 593959 and 593960. Not compatible with vertical shaft engines on tractors or zero-turns. Measure your old starter’s bolt pattern and rope length (standard is 60–72 inches) to confirm.

Key Things to Know

• Quality varies: Some users report the rope is slightly thinner than OEM (2.5mm vs 3mm), which may fray faster. Consider replacing the rope with a heavier-duty one if you mow heavy grass.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a screwdriver, pliers, and maybe a small wrench. The spring can be tricky to wind—take a photo of the old assembly before disassembly.
• Common gotchas: The included mounting bolts may be too short for some mower decks (especially stamped steel). Check thread pitch (typically 1/4-20). Also, the starter pawls may need a light oiling before first use.
• Return policy: Since it’s an aftermarket part, confirm the seller accepts returns if fitment is off. Measure twice, buy once.

Should You Buy It

If you have a common Briggs & Stratton walk-behind mower with a broken recoil starter and you’re comfortable with basic mechanical work, this is a cost-effective fix. It’s not built to OEM standards but works well for light-to-medium use. For heavy commercial mowing or if you want absolute reliability, spend more on an OEM starter.