Pull Recoil Starter Assembly for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler Lawn Mower

What It Is

This pull recoil starter assembly replaces the OEM starter mechanism on Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler lawn mowers. It engages the engine flywheel to start the mower when you pull the rope.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Exact Fit: Designed for Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler models with a 22-inch deck and the 6.5HP Briggs & Stratton engine (typically model 12H802 or similar).
• Check Your Model Number: Look under the seat or on the engine shroud for a model/serial tag (e.g., 20017, 20018). This part fits most GTS Recycler variants from the early 2000s onward.
• OEM vs Aftermarket: This is a genuine Toro part (OEM), not a generic replacement. That means better durability and bolt-on fit, but it’s not universal—will not fit other brands or engines.
• Measurements: The assembly is roughly 4.5 inches wide with a 3-inch mounting bolt pattern. Verify your old starter’s bolt spacing matches.
• What to Bring: If unsure, remove your old starter and compare the housing shape, rope length (typically 36-40 inches), and pulley diameter.

Key Things to Know

• Installation Difficulty: Easy (15-30 minutes). You’ll need a socket wrench (usually 8mm or 10mm), a screwdriver, and possibly a new rope if the old one is frayed.
• Common Gotcha: The recoil spring can pop loose during install. Work in a clean area and keep the spring tensioned properly—use a zip tie to hold the rope pulley in place if needed.
• Quality: 4.1 stars from 149 reviews—generally reliable, but a few users report the rope snapping after a season. Pre-stretch the rope by pulling it out fully and letting it rewind slowly before first use.
• No Returns Once Installed: Because it’s a mechanical part, Toro won’t accept returns after mounting. Test the pull action before bolting it on.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if your Toro 6.5HP GTS 22IN Recycler’s recoil starter is broken, slipping, or the rope is jammed. It’s a direct OEM replacement at a fair price—better than cheap aftermarket units that may not fit. Skip it if your engine model isn’t listed, or if the flywheel or starter cup is damaged (you’ll need those parts separately).