I have the same issue with my old cast iron engined recoil or rope start tractors. They came with bigger diameter or heavier gauge rope than I have found around here lately and if I get too rough with the newer smaller rope the old cast iron engines will just eat it into smaller pieces. I need to look for some bigger pull rope.

 

I don't buy starter ropes. I go to the rope section and get a good braided rope that's a little larger diameter. They outlast the original ropes by a long shot.

 

Its hard to find a good pull rope. So many replacements are cheaply made or just sized wrong.

 

I tried to make some, but the neighbor keeps using it up in it's early (green) stage.

 

I have some old original replacement starter ropes still in their original boxes from atleast 30 years ago. They were thinner then too. I've been offered about a hundred NOS B&S parts in their boxes. Many are replacement ropes, there are some interesting parts but I haven't decided yet. To me the ropes are of very little value because they are undersized. Good Luck, Rick

 

Try a marine shop for a length of quality rope. 10' could be a lifetime supply. Most of the rope we see in the big stores is not the same quality that your tractor came with.. I got some quality "cord" rope but I don't have the packaging and it was sold to be used for some other purpose.

 

I got a used Stihl chain saw a while back. Broke the pull rope right away. Went to a Stihl dealer and got another one. That lasted 3 pulls. Tried some rope I had (larger dia.) That didn't last long either. Went to Ace Hardware (Stihl Dealer, different one) and that rope is hanging in there so far. That saw has a lot of kick back when pulling the rope!

 

There's about 9 sizes for Lawn and garden applications, and with any product you need to carefully select what you buy. Grades available to the dealers are "Economy", "Premium" ,"Enhanced Premium" ( USA made)

Most Hardware stores stock the "Economy"

They normally come in 500 foot rolls, If you guys want to buy some of the good stuff I'll gladly list some on my site in 1' increments.

 

Sears replacement starter rope=garbage. Broke a few pulls after replacing it. So far it's held up, but I'm not sure how long it will...
Luckily I haven't had to replace the rope on any of my power equipment. If I did I would probably just go to my dealer.

 

There's a few more issues that wear a rope out. The angle of the pull, the condition of the rope guide, not letting it snap back into the recoil, dry rot, dirt etc. My Dad always cleaned & waxed the ropes & guides. I only remember a few times of him replacing a rope.

 

I added the most common ropes,if anyone needs some

https://bolenspartsandsupplies.com/small-engine-parts/starter-rope-recoil-parts/

If anyone has any questions about selecting the proper rope just let me know :thumbs:

 

If anyone has any questions about selecting the proper rope just let me know :thumbs:

Is this different than the common nylon braided rope?

 

I tried to make some, but the neighbor keeps using it up in it's early (green) stage.

So you are telling me that catnip is used in making rope. No wonder most cats like to play with a string.

 

So you are telling me that catnip is used in . . . .

Yes, that's what he's talking about. Yes, it is. :thumbs:

 

I looked for a long time for replacement rope for my kohler powered 83 gravely but all I found was the newer small diameter rope. I popped into my gravely dealer and asked for the beefiest he had. He came up with a good match. It's been fine ever since.

 

Is this different than the common nylon braided rope?

I would say everything is wound better , more dense and made of better materials.

Here's what the factory states:

-Smooth Braid

-Low stretch Core

- abrasion resistant

-Nylon cover with a twisted Tire cord core

 

Sounds good!

 

I have used the heavy para cord and it holds up well.