Offering insight and information on the latest power equipment.....and hopefully having some fun along the way. Lawn and snow equipment can be confusing and I'm here to help.
@rocket thanks for the video, Ours was running great. Used it only few times over 3 years, made oil maintenance, changed spark plugged, cleaned the filter, change the fuel with recommended one... all parts sold at Homedepot. Still ain't running... is it that dead and good for trash or something else we could look into it?
@@SatellaPower I'm not sure then. Whatever it is will be relatively simple, so I'd say it's definitely worth fixing. It's just a matter of figuring out the cause. Are you certain it has spark?
@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks for your time. Greatly appreciated. That's a great question. We assume yes because we changed the spark plug and made sure the tip was at the right distance. Inserted it has instructed in manual.... but I don't know how to tell if it had spark. When we pull on the coil, the engine spins for a brief moment but does not start. We're searching the internet on how to diagnose the cause and fix it. So far, we attempted to apply general tips without success.
I am looking at the HRN vs the HRX with hydro transmission. It's just for personal use on a modest sized lot. Do you think there is any benefit in the HRX for me? I like the fact that the HRN is significantly lighter...
@steve8803 If you're mowing for an hour, I'd buy an HRX. It really just boils down to time. How many hours you're putting on it and how many years it's going to last for you.
Husqvarna includes the trimmer attachment with their top of the line kombi engine for same price of the 131... when is stihl going to include the trimmer attachment to compete?
I bought a new 2023 Gravely ZT HD 60 in March 2024 during Gravely’s “Mow the Distance” sales event. Got an excellent deal and I absolutely love the machine!!💯
I bought this mower early this Spring...and have not been impressed. Lot of favorable reviews and neighbor recommendations. Mower cuts unevenly, with lots of high spots even with a 1/3 overlap. Going one direction, then coming back - the path height of one is higher than the other. Last it leaves massive wheel ruts, even when mowing a different pattern each time. I will probably be replacing in next season...for the price and the "Honda" name I expected so much more!! Would really like it if anyone has a suggestion(s) for fixing these issues.
I just quit on a Honda HRX217HXA after 17 years of absolutely problem free use, nothing at all! Cut 1/3 of an acre every 10 -14 days, only changed the oil every year, and spark plug every other year, that is all...nothing replaced or adjusted. Period. God I miss that mower now...I replaced it with a real piece of S**T Toro battery mower.
When you showed the under deck of VKA I noticed something. In your video, the shiny piece that the blades rest on is a round piece. But that piece apparently was redesigned in the later VKA models to look like the one in HRN (shaped like a bow). Can possibly you confirm this?
@@rezanorouzian8198 The VKA would have the bow tie shaped blade holder. I had a VYA or an HYA tipped over in the video. That round piece is part of the blade clutch assembly.
@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 thanks! But the round piece also shows in the pictures that Honda has on its website for VKA. I also wonder if there is a way to tell the production year for these movers using the information on their box (ex. Serial no., UPN, etc.)?
@rezanorouzian8198 They didn't change any of those parts mid-model. If you look up parts for HRX217K6VKA, you'll only see they one design. A different generation (K5, K4, etc.) could be different.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 also wonder if there is a way to tell the production year for these movers using the information on their box (ex. Serial no., UPN, etc.)?
@@rezanorouzian8198 You can find it with the serial number. I'm not sure if you can look it up on a consumer site, but a dealer can definitely find it for you.
For the most part everything has been wonderful with my Combi system but today I noticed the weed wacker head is literally rotating separate from the shaft. I tried tightening the 4 bolts but it still turns does anybody have any reasons why and how to rectify it?
I'll adjust the throttle lower when my old man is using it, that way he can still palm drive it, but it won't drag him to an early death since it won't easily depress all the way. He wasn't used to such a fast, powerful self propelled -- so that's a good safety alternative since there's no limiter.
The various drive controls..... Can you help me understand the different drives systems on the HRN and HRX. I've used the HRN. The more the drive handle is rotated, the faster the mower goes. On the HRX with Select Drive - when you hold the paddle in, does it go right to the speed you have set in the dial OR does the speed vary depending how far the paddle is pushed (kind of like the HRN)? And finally, I see two levers on the Hydro static drive (8:30). Orange, which you described and the a small Black one next to it. Is the Orange lever a micro adjustment of where the Black lever is placed or? Between waiting for the Zoysia to fill in on our front yard and all the short runs and obstacles in the back, there are many times when I want to vary the speed.Thinking the HRN may be a better drive for me. Thoughts? Deciding which to buy before they become totally unavailable. Great, great, great reviews BTW.
Very informative video. I recently bought the HRN216VKA/B. Though it has a larger engine than the HRR216 it replaced, it doesn't seem to have as much pulling power. Has anyone had this problem, or could I have caused this positioning the Smart Drive paddles?
I own a 2020 model HRN216 and prefer it over my 2021 Toro Super Recycler model 21386 with the aluminum deck and B&S 163 cc engine. Even for an entry level machine, the build quality on the Honda is superior (my Honda was not subject to the recent recall). With Honda having left the market, I am seriously considering buying a second one and giving a family member the Toro because they want a side discharge.
Do you guys still sell the Kombi Keeper? I've been looking around for that or alternatively those slatwall compatible holders that Stihl gives their dealers.
I'm not sure if Stihl makes those anymore. I'd have to check, but we quit stocking them years ago. Nobody ever bought them, and they didn't work great. About any garage organizers you find will have better hanging options available.
Where is your business/shop located---I know you've mentioned being in South Dakota? I was born and raised in SD, mainly east river Huron/Mitchell areas but, have lived in Rapid City for a period. Currently I'm in the Twin Cities area. I am frequently in SD and would like to stop by and get the run down on the beautiful Gravely equipment with a Kohler engine. Thank you, Barry T.
I recently bought an IKON Select 42 to replace an older Gravely 34Z. They seem to have made some changes since the model in this video. They got rid of the separate parking brake lever and now the control levers activate the parking brake. As you mentioned I have already got on the machine and flip the levers in and then try to start the engine, which doesn't work. I am sure I will get used to that but it is a little annoying. I also don't have the dial setup for the deck height. Mine has a pin system with various holes for each height setting, which I like because it is very similar to my previous Gravely. That dial system seems like something that might start giving problems as the machine gets older. I find it a little awkward getting on and off the mower and I may try the accessory entry assist handle but I need to try to find some more information about it since it is a little pricey and I'm not sure how useful it will be.
With Honda exiting the small lawnmower engine market ( they're staying in the larger commercial-grade market ), are they effectively exiting the consumer mower market also? Will parts be a problem going forward?
bought a IKON XD 60" last year it now has 33 hrs on it I mow about 10 acres I couldn't be happier with this purchase! I will never own another Husqvarna last one lasted 400 hrs then trans went out manu. will not stand behind the recall dealer was no help!
Crap I could have used the cultivator when i just ripped up a 4'x 90' section for planting trees this weekend lol. The 131 head is pretty unbalanced for string trimming. I love the Kombi system!
Great Video. You answered a lot of the questions I had. Got a zoom 44 Ariens and it has been very dependable. These are even better. I like the mechanical parking brake. Some of the competition has electric actuated.
Great saw, real screamer, but I always have trouble starting first time. Starts with one easy pull once it has been running, Goes through wood like a hot knife through butter,
I can't remember, but I believe the engines were cast differently for the electric start. I'm pretty sure you can't add it, and if you did, it would cost much more to buy the parts individually.
I picked one up and the 2nd time I used it I started getting a loud tapping. It goes away not sure what it is. Used the oil they sent. Less than 2 hours on it. Any thoughts?
Great video. I’m from the south in North Carolina and I have a gravely dealer five minutes down the road from me. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger on Gravely is there are no grease fittings and no one seems to be talking about issues concerning the grease fittings or servicing them because they are unable to be greased. What are your thoughts on the longevity of the machine without grease fittings?
Most brands don't put many grease fittings on anymore. At least not until you get to the larger/commercial mowers. Sealed bearings are used in most applications due to 90% of people not greasing them anyway. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it. When I see a spindle or something being replaced, it's because there's 800 hours on the machine, and it's just time. I understand the hesitation if you're someone who maintains their equipment, though.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thank you for the prompt response, that’s exactly what the dealer said lol. As a young buck, I purchased a Yazoo-kie 48 inch deck with Kawasaki engine and Greased the fittings regularly. I’ve had the mower now for almost 20 years and I have not had one single problem with the engine. Kawasaki is hands-down the best engine on a zero turn. The 2024 Gravely seems to be everything you are looking for in a mower outside of the unservable Hydro and the lack of grease fittings. Bottom line it seems to be the closest you will get to a commercial Mower. Again, I appreciate the response and tomorrow I will be putting 6K on a 52 inch because of your video. You should do a side-by-side on the Gravely ZT HD 52 versus a Bad Boy Elite 52. That would be interesting 💯👍🏼
Just found an ariens 46 inch on the side of the road , had a huge rats nest inside took out my multimeter changed out the coil and the ignition cost me under $100, I agree the deck on this is beefy as hell, some dudes trying to get in the store HIDE LOL..
After 5 years the self propel function crapped out. Local repair shop wanted $530 to repair. I just had them disable the sel-propel now it is strictly a push mower
Well, if it's 5 years old, you got the very first HRN. I'm not sure what your local shop thinks is the price of the entire mower to fix, but $530 is very steep for anything in that drivetrain. Sorry to hear about it, though.
I had a 217 HRX I bought in 2009. It ran great but I wanted one with the blade break so I bought another Honda last year. Sorry they're not making them anymore because they are great mowers.
Too expensive and much slower than using a TRUE zero turn with lap bars. Go buy a lawn tractor and save thousands if you want one of these. I know of 2 people that have already broke there’s and regret it. Edit: black and decker owns cub cadet… enough said.
As I said, these would only fit certain people's needs. I have also mentioned that Stanley/Black and Decker owns about 50 brand names (including Cub Cadet, Dewalt, Troy-Bilt, etc.) I agree that traditional zero-turns are better, but they don't fit everybody's needs. And I suppose this means nobody should buy any Dewalt products either. 🤣
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 haha, you’re right. I’m glad you have a sense of humor. I guess I need to go set my hustler on fire too but it’s still under warranty 😂
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 when men started arguing about tractors, trucks, and lawn equipment I think that’s when they eventuality came up with the phrase “to each their own.” Happy mowing 🫡.
I want one of these badly but in a 42". The main issue for me is the Kohler engine. That thing is just excessive loud! I heard one the other day and it was a HARD pass for me. I much prefer the quieter Kawasaki. I guess I'll have to get the ZT1 model with the Kaw and forget the steering wheel. That would give me more funds for mods anyway...
That one must have been old or had something wrong. There's really no difference in noise between Kawasaki and Kohler. If you really want a Kawasaki, though, I'd start looking at some other brands, too.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 It was older, but I read from many who say the Kawasaki is Quieter. I'll have to see it for myself I guess. I've also looked at other brands but keep coming back to Cub.
How well does the rear discharge work in comparison to a side discharge mower like my old Toro recycler? I need a new mower but I use side discharge 99% of the time.
How do you like the rear discharge vs side discharge? I discharge 99% of the time. My old toro needs to be replaced but having a hard time accepting the idea of rear discharge… Also, how durable is the rear deflector? Can I still run over small sticks like I do with my Toro?
The rear deflector is durable. As far as the rear discharge goes, it works ok if the grass isn't tall and/or wet. Mine will continually clog in those situations. I keep mine set at three inches and mulch most of the time.
