What part of the recoil starter unit most frequently breaks?

In a recoil starter unit, the rope is the component that most frequently breaks due to its repetitive stress and wear from pulling. Each time the starter is used, the rope undergoes tension and flexing, which can lead to fatigue over time, especially if the operator pulls the rope with excessive force or if the rope is made from lower quality materials.

The cover, spring, and handle can also experience issues but are generally more durable than the rope. The spring can wear out, but it usually lasts longer under normal use compared to the rope. Similarly, the handle may break if subjected to extreme force, but it generally has more structural integrity. Therefore, given the nature of use and the mechanical structure of the recoil starter, the rope is the most vulnerable part to breakage in frequent operational contexts.