591139 Pull Start for Briggs & Stratton 450E 500E 550E 575EX 140cc Engine for Troy-Bilt TB100 TB110 TB200 for Husqvarna LC221A HU550FH HU625AWD for Craftsman M115 M110 M210 Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The 591139 Pull Start is a replacement recoil starter assembly designed specifically for Briggs & Stratton 450E, 500E, 550E, and 575EX engines (140cc series). Itâs built to fit popular Troy-Bilt, Husqvarna, and Craftsman walk-behind mowers like the TB100, LC221A, and M115. If your pull cord snapped, the recoil spring gave out, or the starter housing cracked, this $18.99 part is a budget-friendly fix for DIY homeowners who want to avoid a costly service call.
Who Should Buy This
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DIY homeowners with a dead starter â If your mowerâs pull cord is frayed, stuck, or wonât retract, this is a direct swap for the original assembly. No special tools required beyond a socket set.
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Owners of Troy-Bilt TB100/TB110/TB200 mowers â These models are notorious for recoil failure after a few seasons. This replacement is the cheapest route back to cutting grass without buying a new mower.
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Husqvarna LC221A or HU550FH users â If your starter housing cracked from a hard pull or cold weather, this part fits perfectly and restores smooth operation.
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Budget-conscious shoppers â At under $20, this is a fraction of what a shop would charge for labor alone. If youâre handy with a wrench, youâll save $50â$80.
Key Features Breakdown
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Engine Compatibility: Works with Briggs & Stratton 450E, 500E, 550E, and 575EX (140cc). This covers the most common push-mower engines from the last decade. Check your engine model numberâitâs stamped on the valve coverâbefore buying.
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Mower Fitment: Troy-Bilt TB100/TB110/TB200, Husqvarna LC221A/HU550FH/HU625AWD, and Craftsman M115/M110/M210. These are all popular entry-level mowers, so compatibility is broad.
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Construction: The housing is plastic, which keeps weight down but means itâs not indestructible. The rope is standard nylonâadequate for normal use but not heavy-duty. The spring is pre-wound, so you install it without the headache of tensioning.
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Included Hardware: Comes with the complete assembly: housing, pulley, spring, rope, and handle. You wonât need to buy separate parts. The mounting bolts are not includedâyou reuse the ones from your old starter.
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Installation: Direct bolt-on. Remove two bolts (usually 5/16â or 8mm), swap the assembly, and reinstall. Expect 15â20 minutes if youâve never done it before.
Pros
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Easy installation â No spring-winding frustration. The pre-assembled unit drops right in. Even a novice can do it with a basic ratchet set.
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Broad compatibility â Covers three major brands and five engine variants. If your mower has a 140cc Briggs, thereâs a high chance this fits.
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Price point â At $18.99, itâs cheaper than a single service call. You can fix two mowers for the cost of one shop repair.
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Restores original performance â Once installed, the pull feels smooth and the rope retracts cleanly. No more jerky starts or tangled cords.
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No special tools â You only need a socket or wrench. No puller, no spring compressor, no voodoo.
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Lightweight â The plastic housing doesnât add bulk. Your mower stays easy to maneuver.
Cons
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Plastic housing durability â The housing is thin in spots. If you drop the mower or hit a rock, it can crack. Metal housings are more robust but cost triple.
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Rope length is short â The included rope is about 36 inches. Thatâs fine for most users, but tall folks or those who prefer a longer pull might find it cramped.
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No mounting bolts â You must reuse the old bolts. If theyâre rusted or stripped, youâll need a trip to the hardware store.
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Mixed reviews on spring longevity â Some users report the spring snapping after one season. Itâs hit-or-miss, likely due to manufacturing variance. At this price, itâs a gamble.
Bottom Line
The 591139 Pull Start is a practical, low-cost fix for a common failure on Briggs & Stratton 140cc engines. If your mowerâs recoil is dead and youâre comfortable with a basic bolt swap, this part will get you cutting again for under $20. Itâs not built like a tankâthe plastic housing and short rope are compromisesâbut for the price, itâs hard to beat. I recommend it for budget-minded DIYers who own a Troy-Bilt, Husqvarna, or Craftsman mower from the last 5â10 years. If you want a starter that will outlast the engine, look for a metal-reinforced option. Otherwise, this is a solid value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this fit my Craftsman M115 with a 140cc Briggs engine?
A: Yes, it fits the Craftsman M115, M110, and M210 models that use a Briggs & Stratton 450Eâ575EX engine. Double-check your engine model number on the valve cover to be safe.
Q: Do I need to wind the spring myself?
A: No. The spring comes pre-wound inside the housing. You just bolt it on and thread the rope through the handle. No tensioning required.
Q: The rope feels shortâcan I replace it with a longer one?
A: Yes, you can swap the rope. Remove the old rope, buy a 48-inch replacement (3/16â diameter), and re-thread it. The spring will still work fine. Just make sure the rope isnât so long that it jams in the housing.
How It Compares
Head-to-Head Comparison: Lawn Mower Recoil Starter vs. Battery Charger
Quick Verdict
This comparison is fundamentally flawed because Mower A is a replacement recoil starter for gas lawn mowers, while Mower B is a battery charger/maintainer â they are completely different products with no functional overlap, so the winner depends entirely on whether you need to repair a mower or maintain a battery.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A (Recoil Starter) | Mower B (Battery Charger) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $18.99 | $29.95 |
| Power Source | Manual pull-start mechanism | 120V AC wall outlet |
| Cutting Width | N/A (replacement part) | N/A (not a mower) |
| Self-Propelled | No (part for non-self-propelled mowers) | No |
| Best Yard Size | N/A (part for any size mower) | N/A (used with any battery) |
| Warranty | Not specified (likely 30-90 days) | 3-year limited warranty |
Where Mower A Wins
- Direct repair solution â If your Briggs & Stratton 450E/500E/550E/575EX or compatible mower (Troy-Bilt TB100/TB110/TB200, Husqvarna LC221A/HU550FH/HU625AWD, Craftsman M115/M110/M210) has a broken pull-start recoil, this $18.99 part is the exact fix you need.
- Ultra-low cost for essential repair â At $18.99, itâs far cheaper than buying a new mower or paying a repair shop, making it a budget-friendly DIY solution.
- Compatibility specificity â Designed for multiple popular mower brands (Troy-Bilt, Husqvarna, Craftsman) with 140cc engines, ensuring a precise fit for common models.
Where Mower B Wins
- Versatile multi-purpose use â Works with 6V and 12V lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium batteries â ideal for cars, motorcycles, boats, lawn tractor batteries, and more.
- Proven reliability and trust â With 62,222 reviews and a 4.4/5 rating, this is one of the most trusted battery chargers on the market, backed by a 3-year warranty.
- Advanced technology features â Includes automatic desulfation, temperature compensation, overcharge protection, and a smart maintainer mode that keeps batteries healthy long-term.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A if:
- You own a compatible Troy-Bilt, Husqvarna, or Craftsman mower with a broken recoil starter and need a cheap, direct replacement part to get your mower running again.
- You are mechanically inclined and comfortable replacing a pull-start assembly yourself.
- You donât own any batteries that need charging or maintaining (e.g., you donât have a car, boat, or seasonal vehicle).
Buy Mower B if:
- You need to charge or maintain any 6V or 12V lead-acid or lithium battery â for a car, motorcycle, lawn tractor, boat, RV, or classic car.
- You want a smart charger that prevents overcharging and extends battery life through automatic desulfation and temperature compensation.
- You value proven reliability and wide compatibility over a single-purpose repair part.
Consider neither if:
- You need an actual lawn mower (both products are accessories or parts, not complete mowers). In that case, look for a complete gas or electric mower suited to your yard size.
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you listed. Please note that these are not both complete lawn mowers. Mower A is a replacement recoil starter assembly (a part), and Mower B is a set of inner tubes for wheels or tires. A direct comparison of them as mowers is impossible, so the analysis below treats them as the accessories/parts they are.
Quick Verdict
Neither wins overall because they serve completely different functionsâMower A is a critical engine component, while Mower B is a tire accessoryâso your choice depends entirely on whether you need a starter or inner tubes.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A (Recoil Starter) | Mower B (Inner Tubes) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $18.99 | $24.79 (for 2 tubes) |
| Power Source | Pull-start mechanism (replaces broken starter) | No power source (passive tire component) |
| Cutting Width | N/A (part, not a mower) | N/A (fits 20x8-8 or 20x10-8 tires) |
| Self-Propelled? | No (manual pull-start) | No (tire component) |
| Best Yard Size | Any size where engine starts reliably | Any size where tires hold air |
| Warranty | Not specified (likely limited) | Not specified (highly rated for durability) |
Where Mower A (Recoil Starter) Wins
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Critical Engine Fix for Popular Models
This part directly replaces broken starters on Briggs & Stratton 450Eâ575EX engines used in Troy-Bilt, Husqvarna, and Craftsman mowers. If your mower wonât start because the recoil rope is snapped or the spring is dead, this is an exact, low-cost fix. -
Very Low Price
At $18.99, itâs far cheaper than buying a new mower or paying a shop to repair the starter. For DIYers, itâs a budget-friendly solution. -
Compatibility with Common Brands
Works with 10+ specific mower models (TB100, TB110, LC221A, M115, etc.), making it a safe bet if you own one of these.
Where Mower B (AR-PRO Inner Tubes) Wins
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Massive User Trust (20,211 Reviews)
With a 4.3-star average from over 20,000 ratings, this product has proven reliability. Mower A has only 4 reviews, so Mower B is a much safer purchase for quality assurance. -
Versatile Size Compatibility
These 20x8.00-8 tubes fit multiple common tire sizes (20x8-8, 20x10-8, etc.) used on mowers, tractors, golf carts, and trailers. You can use them on your lawn tractor or even a garden cart. -
2-Pack Value
For $24.79, you get two tubesâenough to replace both rear tires on a riding mower or have a spare. Mower A gives you only one starter part.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Recoil Starter) if:
- Your current mowerâs pull-start is broken, jammed, or the rope is frayed.
- You own a Troy-Bilt TB100/TB110, Husqvarna LC221A, or Craftsman M115/M110 and need an exact replacement.
- You want the cheapest fix to get your mower running again (under $20).
Buy Mower B (Inner Tubes) if:
- Your mower or tractor has a flat tire due to a puncture or leaky valve stem.
- You need a versatile, highly-rated product for a riding mower, garden trailer, or golf cart.
- You want a spare tube on hand (2-pack) for future repairs.
Buy neither if:
- You need a complete, ready-to-mow lawn mower. Both products are replacement parts, not functioning mowers. For a new mower, look for a full model with engine, deck, and wheels.
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- Lawn Mower Won't Start
- Lawn Mower Maintenance Schedule
- How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
- How to Change Lawn Mower Oil
- How to Change a Mower Spark Plug
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