A succinct but comprehensive overview of the Honda HRX217HYA 21" self-propelled lawnmower -- highlighting the patented Honda Versamow system, hydrostatic drive system and lifetime cutting deck.
That would be great! Possibly never -- Honda looks at the market and is conservative. They had an intermediate walk-behind (36") some years back; but, discontinued it.
My neighbour has a 23 year old Honda push mower,he does very little maintenance and it still starts first pull every time.The same with his Honda snow blower.They are well designed and well constructed for either the average homeowner or the professional lawn maintenance company. Your tutorial on this mower is the most comprehensive I have seen to date.Thanks.
"Residential" tells you everything you need to know when buying any equipment. About 15 years ago the church bought a commercial 21 inch Toro mower for $800 when comparable mowers were $500. The mower lasted for over a decade on weekly trimming the 6 acre property. The 84 inch National mower did the rest.
I scored one of two Honda mowers left in my area, an HRX217VKA. I'd prefer the one you demonstrated as I don't like the speed control on the one I'm about to pick up in the next couple days, but I'm glad I was able to find one before they were all completely sold out. I wish Honda would reconsider and fight the government! Lord knows they have the money!
I have been doing yard maintenance for almost 20 years and this is the best mower I ever used, I used toro commercial, Honda comercial and they are heavy, in Oregon there is too much rain amd they leave grooves and this mower is light, it’s getting popular, I seen many gardeners using it. It’s a Good lawn mulching, commercial mower is good for mulching leaves.
Yes -- the Toro and Honda Commercial mowers are excellent, heavy-duty machines (we sell them both); but, the Honda HRX217HYA is top-of-the-line and, as you say, a lot lighter (although, not, as J.P.M. 52 noted -- not lightweight, per se). Many decades ago I spent two weeks in the Eugene area with a girlfriend who had bought a small farm .....
Unfortunately, Honda issued a stop sale on these mowers on June 19th due to a faulty camshaft. I went through two mowers that had the same issue. Finally, I decided to upgrade to the HRC216 commercial as it is not affected by this problem.
Yes --- this all took place this year in 2023. It was a silly little problem -- a small metal component which was supposed to freely slide in a guide in the plastic cam would, through a defect, not properly engage. In that case, after initial use, the engine would suffer from a compression lock and become virtually impossible to pull. While highly annoying and a bit of a headache, I cannot really blame Honda -- the engines when originally tested would have run satisfactorily. I don't know from where you had purchased and returned your two HRX mowers; but, any Honda Dealer would have been able to rectify the issue by simply installing a new cam. We've done quite a number of those repairs. Your commercial unit utilizes an entirely different engine (a much better engine, I should add, than is used on the residential models) and the cam issue was not present with that series of engine. Enjoy your commercial Honda -- a bit heavy; but, a great lawnmower!
Excellant! Wish you had a Florida store so I could do business with you. So refreshing to experience a concise review. I am replacing a well used Honda and was searching for just this video!
@@keithpetersen8114 I'have purchased the Honda HRX217HYA and very satisfied with it! The additional power and quiet operation are an added pleasure . Once again Thanks for your poiny of view Keith.
The best lawnmowers you can buy, period. I have a 7 year old HRX, this exact model actually, and I love it. The clip director is very effective and givese the best of both worlds between mulching and bagging when my lawn is really thick and maybe the weather has put me a few days behind on mowing. That blade clutch feature is a God send when you're bagging too or need to move anything. Honda's engines are just so far and above the competition with smoothness, power, and of course reliability. You'll pay more for one of these but I can tell you from experience that you won't regret it. Keep it cleaned and maintained and it will last you many years. I convinced my fiance's father to buy an HRR in 2016 and he loves it and I bought my mom a brand new HRN in the spring and she loves her's. I've used both a few times and they're a great buy if you want a lower priced mower from Honda and the smart drive is a nice self propel system.
My Honda with hydrostatic transmission is now 20 years old it runs as good now as it did on day one. It has the plastic deck and grass does not stick under the deck. In my opinion there is no comparison of the hydrostatic transmission to the Toro personal pace garbage drive system. If my Honda ever dies I will most definitely buy an HRX with the hydrostatic transmission. .02 from a long time owner
Hi -- Yes, a hydro transmission is the way to go for any self-propelled product. We do, also, sell the Toro Super Recycler which uses the Personal Pace engagement design -- I can say that we have zero issues with that trans -- it is close to bullet-proof. But, as you say, the hydro trans is a better way to go.
They are similar -- having said that, the Honda likely has a slight edge (excuse the pun) over the Toro. Either is a premium mower -- we sell them both.
What's going on with Honda? As of June 2020...I can't find the HRX217HYA anywhere! There are plenty of HRA217VKA's out their, but I want the HYA and can't find it in the DC metro area. I think Covid must have affected Honda's production.
@@TheEckounltd490 I eventually got the HYA and love it. I kept hounding Home Depot website and one morning it was available and I bought it 3 weeks ago. The VKA is great mower, but its base model, it has self propel basic transmission and works like your typical lawn mower. HYA: -Has blade stop, so you don't have to turn off the engine each time you need to stop and let go of mower. -Has Throttle speed control, so you can adjust the RPM speed of the engine. I like this because I can modify and adjust the RPM to run faster when I need more blade speed to mulch leaves. -Has a Hyro self-propel Transmission, its more robust than the base model . -You can also use self-propel without having the blades turn... so when you are done mowing, the mower can move on it's own power without cutting anything.
Would you recommend that I order an hrx now or wait next year to buy a newer one? Also, which drive system would you recommend? (Hydrostatic cruise control or Select Drive? I’m coming from the hrn216vka with the Smart Drive)
Hi Reid -- your choice when to buy; although, having said that and not knowing where you live, the likelihood is that currently there is no product available (there have been no HRX217HXA's in the northeast here since about May 2021). We would strongly suggest the HRX217HYA with the hydro drive due to the fact that the Honda geared transmissions don't last nearly as long.
Keith, do you think Honda will ever return to the riding mowers? I know they left the USA years ago as far as ride on mowers go. All my outdoor equipment, less my lawn tractor, is made by Honda and I'm 100% satisfied. Is it just because of cost?
Hi -- I cannot say with certainty what Honda will do in the future -- they made both riding mowers, tractors and commercial intermediate walk-behind machines which are all discontinued. Having said the above, I doubt they will get back into the riding mower market -- it is a fairly small segment of the marketplace.
Grass does leak past the shutter in full mulch mode. It is a relatively minor issue & not that hard to clean out. But many HRX owners don't like it & think it is a flaw that Honda should have corrected years ago. I'm just wondering, do you think Honda designed this system on purpose: that is, with some shutter gap, even in full mulch mode, in order to ensure good suction & air flow?
Hi -- I have never had any customer express this to me -- i.e., leakage. My immediate thought is that the underside of the cutting deck has a grass buildup that is preventing the gate from closing fully. Thoroughly clean the underside and especially in the area of the gate and see how you do. Make sure that you remove the spark plug lead when you go under the machine -- and, always ensure if/when you tip the mower that the carb is up (i.e., don't turn the machine on its side with the carb pointing down.
Thanks for the review. I have a couple of qustions. 1. How quiet is the mower. All the other youtube video I see, the mower is louid. 2. One of the video said , when you fill the bag with grass , the front end of the mower starts to lift up. poor design. It should have had large wheels in the back. 3. When you cut grass along side a sidewalk , the side of the mower gets scratched up. For the cost ofte mower, it should have come with a metal strip to protect the side of the lawn mower. Anyway, good job. I'm going to purchase this mower. a side
Hi -- thanks for your commendation on our video. In reference to noise -- it's a lawnmower; so, it's not quiet. Having said that, it has a smooth sound to it -- it is certainly not raucous. In terms of grass in the bag -- additional weight in the rear of any mower results in less traction on the front wheels which is why better lawnmowers are rear wheel drive (i.e., increase the drive traction). The only way that this mower's front wheels would noticeably lift due to grass in the bag would be either the bag is being overfilled -- especially if the grass is on the moist side -- and/or going up a hill. By itself, it's not an issue. The side of the mower will get scratched from stone curbing, etc. -- as will any mower. The cutting deck is virtually indestructible (lifetime warranty) and Honda has gone to the extent to build out the sides of the deck with fender skirts. It's true that a metal strip would further protect the deck; however, the fender skirts are so wide that you will never wear away enough protective fender material to actually affect the primary cutting chamber. You will like the machine -- thanks again for your comments.
You'll certainly like it. As soon as you can find one we suggest you buy it as these machine are (as is this written 3/13/22) are in short supply and are on allotment.
Great review...Honda really needs to get into the well pump business. I understand they do sell sump pumps. I also understand most well pumps are not as long-lasting as they used to be. With as much as a well pump costs to replace I think a pump with the Honda name would take over the market.
I have watched many reviews on difrent products over the years but yours are the most informative and detailed i have seen ....2 of the products you have reviewed i have bought including this mower ....best push mower i have ever had
I’m torn between this machine and a super recycler. If the super recycler with the Honda engine had the blade stop, that would be my choice but you have to go to a Briggs engine to get it. How do you feel the Briggs engine compares to the Honda? I’m replacing a 15 year old HRR216. Still runs good, it’s just time for a new toy.
So I was in the same position as you and was stumped as I wanted blade stop. But I loved the Toro with the Honda engine. In the end I thought it over and while blade stop is nice it's not really needed when mulching. Considering how good the machine as at mulching i chose the Toro with the Honda engine.
Sorry to be so delayed in responding to your inquiry -- just seeing your comment now. Possibly you've already acquired a new unit; but, otherwise, both are top-of-the-line units -- it wouldn't, in that respect, really matter which you purchased. We've had no issues with the Briggs or Toro engines.
I love your reviews of this lawnmower. I've had one for about 3 weeks now best one I've ever owned. I love Hydro stat I'm never going back to a belt drive system again.
Thanks so much! People tell us regularly that it is the best mower they've ever had. It still has a belt; but, as you say, the hydro is a better drive system than a great driven design. Enjoy it.
Excellent overview of this Honda lawnmower Keith. You should license your video to Honda, as its so well done, both in its content and presentation style. Unfortunately, I’m from the Chicago area and just bought the same model, except without the blade, brake, clutch feature. Please tell me I didn’t make the biggest mistake of my life, as my wife wanted to save the $100. As I understand it, everything else is the same as the model you ‘demoed’, with the exception of the having to restart the engine whenever stopping the mower. Can you confirm? Anyway, Honda makes the best mower available. I just retired a John Deere push mower. It’s not that it was a bad mower, but it just wasn’t a ‘Honda’. Thanks again for the great video. Continued success with your business...Ed
Your wife is right. It's a safety feature for those that insist on sticking their fingers into running mowers. Some lessons come at a cost. Exercise common sense and you'll be fine. These things are so easy to start, I didn't see a need to get this option.
Sorry to be so delayed in responding to your inquiry -- just seeing your comment now. If you bought a unit without the blade-brake-clutch it would, of necessity, have a gear driven drive system; whereas, the unit we demoed has a hydrostatic trans (which is an upgrade). You should be fine with the mower although the trans likely won't last as long the model HYA with the hydro trans. Irrespective, just assure your wife that you are masterful in all that you say and do (that's what I do .... :-) ).
Mr. Keith, I purchased the HZA, do you also like that one? I just bought it and hope they don't replace this one soon as I just bought it couple weeks ago. I need to study the 5 year warranty as that is most likely on craftsmanship, not things such as carb.'s etc. They have suggested the fuel additive and I prefer the 93 Octane Shell gas, and try to always have fresh, thing is with that said not sure if I need to use the Fuel-Stabilizer as well as the additive. If-when blades ever have to be serviced, not sure how hard that is, but may be good for a while. I would prefer to have it professionally serviced as to not mess up anything in changing oil etc. I suppose that should be done each season.
Hi -- sure -- same unit but with electric start. You now own what is arguably the best lawnmower in the industry. Enjoy it -- you will love the way it cuts and handles.
What are your thoughts about upgrading from the 190cc to the 200cc? Would it be worth the upgrade? I can sell my 190cc hrx217hya for around 500.00 on Craig’s list.
The new 200 cc engine has a defective Auto Choke mechanism. My HRX NEVER started with one or two pulls since day one. One season old, it now requires 5 pulls. I have an older 190 cc on a power washer, one pull always. Don’t hurry to buy one until Honda understands and acknowledges this defect. And don’t buy the model with the thumb drive. 20 minutes mowing, my thumbs are hurting. They should have called it Dumb drive.
@@algorel4763 Does the hrx come with different drive options? I'm not aware of that. I was really thinking about buying this mower until I read your comment. My 16 year old her still runs good but I was just looking for a new toy!
Too bad it is hard to get one of these mowers right now. I have one on order, but Northern Tool keeps pushing the delivery date out. It was supposed to be at my local store for pickup last week. Now they say it could be more than a month from now.
I know, I really want this mower! I returned my new twin blade EGO electric mower to buy this, and it's out of stock everywhere. Only the VKA's are available and the HYA's are nowhere to be found.
I have this mower but mine has electric start too. You said there is a drain plug on the bottom but I cant find one..I remove the dipstick and turn on its side to drain. This is a great mower and it takes the work out of mowing and I walk 5.2 miles to mow the entire lawn..Great video..Thanks !
What would you pick between Honda HRN216VYA vs the Toro Super Recycler all black with Honda engine? Pros of Honda: new engine and stop start system. Pros of Toro with Honda engine: personal pace system and all black color. I would get the Toro but not having stop start seems like a deal breaker.
Hi -- good question. If it were me I would probably choose the Toro because the drive system on the Super Recycler is one of the best in the industry -- better than Honda's gear-drive trans on the mower series you mention. Also, the Toro Super Recycler deck is aluminum whereas the Honda deck on that series is stamped steel -- not nearly the deck quality. Last, the Super Recycler has a much better drive engagement design with the Personal Pace. The Super Recycler is a premium mower in every respect --we have a video on that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nSHrJ8U_Tjs.html (this was made just before the black deck came into stock).
@@keithpetersen8114 thank you for your help and your videos are fantastic. I appreciate your in depth knowledge. I purchased the Toro 21382 with the Honda motor.
Great video, glad to see quality salesman in action. I recently sold my super recycler as I got a smoking deal on a hrx217vka and am honestly regretting it. So far (3-4 mows) the Honda doesn't remotely match the Toro in mulching quality and the drive system on the Honda is very touchy. I don't know if that is part of the break in process but even with the little incline in my yard I have to change the speed every time I make a pass. Are both these issues common in your experience?
@@adwhitex Hi -- yes, we would qualify the Super Recycler as an arguably better unit than the Honda model that you bought. We discontinued carrying that model after our initial first year of stocking it due to complaints. We have had regular complaints as to the drive system design. Thanks for the compliment as to our video presentation!
Hi -- it is a current model -- I suspect you are thinking of a different model -- Honda has not changed the handle on the HRX217HYA even from the prior model.
OIC you're right, I'm thinking about the base models of this HRX217 line up with the paddle and dial handle. Which is a better feel the lower end paddle lever or the upper end bar handle activator? I actually have an old HRX217 that has the thumb lever throttle which is now on the HRN216, I am not very fond of that style lever because it's hard on the thumbs. Now reading more into the Upper level HRX's they have a different transmission as well, do those have a better feel than the lower transmissions?
