I’m currently running 4 machines 8-10 hours a day. And I’m having to replace broken pull cords at least once a week usually twice. Not that there is ever a convenient time for anything to break but it’s always at the worst time that one breaks. Other than going with electric start has anyone found a decent solution to this issue. I’ve heard paracord is better and I’ve heard it ain’t any better.
I have the same problem with blowers. I have about a dozen old stihls that I keep for parts. I keep a complete cover with cord and coil spring attached on the trucks. Makes it easier for the guys to swap out quickly. Definitely paracord. Buy a couple of covers if your machines are all the same.
Plus one on paracord. Depending on the machine, you may be able to fit the 1100 lb paracord instead of the standard 550. That should be even more wear resistant.
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Are employees pulling them, or you?
Ive only broken one string, and order a few replacements complete cord assembly’s for easier swap on the job if one goes. They way to not break cords is to not be randomly yanking on them. Let the “fins” catch, then pull hard.
Are you pulling them with the hose flowing water?
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Fantastic idea! Wish I had thought of that sooner…
You might have problems finding bmw covers lol
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Drill start. My ol’ man started a lawnmower that way forever. Lol
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I concur with pull cord problems, and actually bought a cover/coil spring/cord several weeks ago. The cord only lasted about a week before IT broke. Can anyone suggest a good compact 12v battery that I can mount to my machine?
It’s not that easy. You need to weld a nut on the flywheel so the drill and socket have a connection point. After that, most any 18v cordless drill should work.
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I have some Honda GX 390s which I love but… yeah I replace pull cords a few times each season. That USED to be once every couple weeks. Biggest thing which helps (other than paracord) is just letting them runnnnnnn rather than starting and stopping a million times throughout the day. Mine runs at lunch, at bathroom breaks, while I’m chatting with the neighbor who cam by to ask questions, etc.
“But that wastes gas.”
Hahahahahah they burn a quart an hour, that’s the least of anyone’s expenses 
Check out : Cobra Pull Cords.
Lifetime Waranty
They makecirds for snowmobiles and other pull starts applications
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I’ve seen lawn mowing crews use string trimmer line before. Don’t know how long it lasts.
I used to replace my pull cord weekly, then I replaced it with a plastic coated steel cable and it will last most of the year.
I think the cable is 1/8" or 3/16, then I took a piece of 1/2" square tubing and made a handle from that. Now it takes about a year to rust and start to break. The only problem is after the coating wears off the steel cable starts to dig in to the cover. It is not a big deal mine is 4 years old and I will just replace the whole works at some point.
Steel cables are pretty standard now on trolling motors instead of the ropes. That is where I got the idea.
Joe
I will order the cobra and replace my existing one
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Let me know what length you order and keep me updated
Will do
How are you guys breaking pull cords left and right?
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Length: 88" , Diameter 5mm
They look solid, the handle feels and looks sick.
Will replace it in a couple of weeks
