Honda mower deck warranty. Honda hrx217hya Review: A Powerful, Durable and Easy-to-Use Mower

Honda hrx217hya Review: A Powerful, Durable and Easy-to-Use Mower

The Honda hrx217hya is a deluxe self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower with lots to offer for keeping your yard in tip-top shape. In this review, you’ll learn all about the many exciting features included on this mower that make it a breeze to use.

You’ll come away informed about its engine specs, operator controls, 4-in-1 features and more, along with any downsides we discovered.

So read on and find out all there is to know about this high-powered, easy-to-use mowing machine.

• Honda Hydrostatic Mower Pros and Cons
• Main Product Highlights
• – Honda hrx217hya Review

• – Robust Power
• – Durable Deck
• – 4-in-1 Features
• – Bottom Line

• – Reliable Honda Engine
• – Reported Problems
• – Convenient Operator Controls
• – Durable, Rust-Proof Cutting Deck
• – Twin Cutting Blades
• – Size and Weight
• – Warranty

• How do I change the blades on my Honda hrx217hya mower?
• How many cc is Honda hrx217hya mower?
• Does the Honda hrx217hya mower use batteries?

Main Product Highlights

If you’re looking for a lawnmower that has it all, this model from Honda might be the end of your search. This mower is sturdy, quiet and super reliable, although it is considerably more expensive than many other walk-behind mowers.

• Gas-powered and self-propelled
• 187cc Honda GCV200 engine
• Rust-proof, 21-inch cutting deck with twin blades
• 4-in-1 feature bags, mulches, rear discharges, and shreds debris
• Operator-friendly controls

– Honda hrx217hya Review

Honda has a solid reputation for building some of the best lawn mowers available, and this model does not disappoint in that regard. It has practically every advanced feature a walk-behind mower can have, and it’s built to last season after season with low repair costs as long as you keep it maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

So if you are looking for the most reliable, solidly-built, easy-to-use walk-behind mower, this model is likely to be the one for you.

– Robust Power

This mower has a 4-stroke GCV200 Honda engine that runs on regular gasoline. This gas-powered equipment has robust power and an extended runtime than electric-powered mowers. In addition, the engine in this mower has overhead valves for smooth and efficient operation that reduces fuel costs, minimizes emissions, and keeps down the need for repairs.

The engine powers the wheels through a durable drive belt and then transfers the power to the four-ball bearing, 9-inch diameter wheels. The rugged plastic wheels are designed for smooth rolling and reduced friction.

In addition, this mower is self-propelled with a hydrostatic variable-speed transmission that glides effortlessly from low to high speed. In addition, the operator can control the self-propel speed to match their desired pace: a feature not available in many other models.

– Durable Deck

One of the most common problems with lawnmowers is rusting of the deck over time. On most mowers, unless you carefully clean under the deck after each use, wet grass clippings, mud and other debris quickly cause the metal deck to rust out after a season or two.

But you’ll never have that problem with this mower because the deck is made from a rock-solid composite material that can’t rust and is also highly resistant to denting and other damage. Honda is so confident in the quality of this deck, it offers a lifetime guarantee on this component.

– 4-in-1 Features

With this mower, the Versamow System with Clip Director® lever on the top rear side of the deck lets you readily convert from bagging to mulching the clippings. Additionally, unlike most mowers, you can choose from ten settings between bagging and mulching with this lever.

For example, by setting the lever at mid-point, half the cut grass is mulched under the machine, and the other half goes into the bag. This versatile feature gives you maximum control over how you want to process the cut grass, all with nothing more than the slight movement of a lever, no tools and no attachments to install.

When you remove the 2.5-bushel collection bag from the rear of the machine, the discharge chute automatically ejects the cut grass on the ground behind the mower. In addition, with the bag off, a door slips down to direct the cuttings towards the ground and not towards the back where they can get all over your legs and feet.

You can also run this mower in a stationary position to shred leaves, giving you the broadest possible options for cleaning up around your property and reducing the volume of debris and bags needed for the disposal of yard waste.

Another significant feature of this mower is the RotoStop™ blade clutch that lets you stop the blades from spinning but leaves the engine running while you walk away from the machine to empty the catchment bag or move a hose or object out of the way on the lawn.

This feature is a big plus for anyone with a large yard who doesn’t want to repeatedly start and stop their mower while on the job.

– Bottom Line

This model is an exceptionally rugged, reliable and durable walk-behind and self-propelled lawn mower for people with yards up to 1/2 acre or more. This machine can run smoothly for many seasons with minimal maintenance as long as proper care and storage is provided. Its only significant downside is the high initial purchase cost.

Product Features Breakdown

– Reliable Honda Engine

The engine is an 187cc overhead valve gas model made by Honda. It runs on regular gas that does not need mixing with oil because it is a 4-stroke and not a 2-stroke design. As a result, the GCV200 engine has ten percent more power and torque than Honda’s earlier GCV190 model lawnmower.

In addition, this engine has an automatic choke, so you don’t have to mess around with complicated adjustments to get the mower started. The engine starts up readily on the first or second pull of the recoil cord, and the throttle speed adjusts using a lever located on the left-hand side of the handlebar for easy access.

– Reported Problems

Some buyers have reported problems with the fuel line corroding in this machine after a short time or issues with the carburetor surging after storage. These problems are most likely caused by two factors: ethanol-containing fuel and not draining the carburetor before storage.

Therefore, it’s essential to use the correct fuel grade and avoid those with ethanol on small engines like this one. The owner’s manual provides complete details on the correct fuel type and how to store the machine.

In addition, when storing the machine for longer than a week or two, it’s crucial to drain the gas out of the carburetor to avoid corrosion of the fuel line and gaskets inside these components. Fortunately, getting gas out of the carburetor on this mower is exceptionally easy because this unit has a fuel shut-off valve.

To drain the carburetor for storage, start up the engine, close the gas shut-off valve, and let the engine run until it stalls when the carburetor is empty. Please be sure to open the valve and check the fuel level before starting the machine the next time you use it.

– Convenient Operator Controls

The handlebar has two simple and conveniently located control bars that make running this machine easy for almost anyone. The top bar engages the mowing blades or shuts them off with the blade brake that Honda calls a RotoStop.

When you pull down on this bar, the blades start spinning, and releasing it instantly stops the blades from moving. Likewise, pulling up on the lower bar engages the self-propel feature.

On the left side of the handlebar is a lever for adjusting the speed of the self-propel pace in seven increments from low to high. The top speed is 4 mph, and you’ll probably be jogging to keep up with this pace. The ability to control the rate of the self-propel motion is a significant advantage for people who have a variety of terrain to mow.

In addition, the convenient location of the controls benefits anyone who uses this lawnmower by making the job easier and less of a workout.

Next to the self-propel lever is another sliding switch that controls the engine speed. Low engine speed uses less gas and is ideal for cutting short grass. When the cutting gets challenging, moving the lever to the high setting provides maximum engine power for spinning the blades at top speed.

– Durable, Rust-Proof Cutting Deck

The deck on this mower cannot rust because it is made of a rugged polymer called NeXite. This is the same material used for making football helmets, and it’s a significant advantage on this mower because it can’t rust and it’s highly resistant to damage.

Deck damage and rust are the most common problems on small lawnmowers, and Honda has solved this problem with this tough and rust-proof deck material. The durable cutting deck on this unit is also an advantage for buyers who do not want to spend time turning over their lawnmower to clean under the deck.

– Twin Cutting Blades

Under the deck are two stacked cutting blades that comprise the Twin Blade Microcut® System. These blades produce a delicate and clean finished cut and extra-finely chopped trimmings for mulch or leaf shredding.

The twin blade system also cuts more efficiently than single-blade designs and uses less energy for a superior result. The 4-point height adjustment is controlled at each wheel and adjusts the deck to cut from.75 inches to 4 inches above the ground in seven settings.

– Size and Weight

The dry weight of this mower is 97 pounds, which is heavier than many other walk-behind mowers. However, the extra weight is due to the solid construction of the frame, deck and engine, so it’s a reasonable trade-off for many buyers.

Additionally, the compact footprint and fold-over handles make this mower easy to store in a small space.

– Warranty

A Honda lawn mowers warranty covers most components on this mower for five years for residential buyers and 90 days for commercial buyers. However, the deck has a separate lifetime coverage.

In addition, the warranty contract can be transferred to new owners during the warranty period, which is not common on yard equipment warranties and is a benefit to anyone who might be looking to sell this machine before the warranty expires.

FAQ

How do I change the blades on my Honda hrx217hya mower?

To change the blades on your Honda HRX217HYA mower, follow these steps: 1. Disconnect the spark plug wire. 2. Flip the mower on its side. 3. Remove the blade bolt and old blade. 4. Install the new blade, tightening the bolt securely. 5. Flip the mower back over and reconnect the spark plug wire.

How many cc is Honda hrx217hya mower?

The Honda HRX217HYA mower has an engine displacement of 200cc, providing ample power for efficient cutting and performance.

Does the Honda hrx217hya mower use batteries?

No, the Honda HRX217HYA mower does not use battery power. It is a gas-powered mower designed for reliable and consistent performance.

Conclusion

In this Honda hrx217hya review, you learned about the many advanced features of this remarkable walk-behind, self-propelled lawnmower with a variable-speed transmission.

This mower is ideal for anyone who has to do lots of mowing on flat or hilly terrain. With this mower, you get the ultimate operator comfort and convenience along with a machine that is reliable, durable and easy to use.

Honda HRX217K5VKA Mower Review – Possibly the Best Gas Mower Ever…

I hope you love the products that I recommend here! Just so you know, I work with Amazon and other affiliate partners and may be compensated from the links below.

Above: The speed control is fully adjustable

Setting up for this lawn mower for the first time is a pretty painless task. Simply attached the handlebar and adjust it to the height you want.

Add the oil (which is included) and assemble and clip on the grass bag. T he instructions are pretty good and visual and you should have it ready to go in a few minutes.

Above: The twin blades with four cutting edges pulverise grass!

The Good

First of all:

I am going to preface this section by saying it might last a while as I LOVE this mower and there is a lot that is good about it!

If you have read my guide looking at the top lawn mowers – you will probably already know this.

As soon as you have put this together you can tell it is top quality.

It is that simple.

It feels solid and is made of a composite material that won’t rust, you can tell no expense has been spared when this has been built.

It is really easy to maneuver around your lawn and there are a couple of factors that contribute to that.

So what is the magic formula?

Well, it has rear-wheel drive which is great as it means when the clipping bag starts to get full and heavier the mower doesn’t lose any traction, making it much easier to push through turns.

Above: The mowing deck is pretty much indestructible!

Also clippings are discharged from the bottom rear of the mower and this makes the HRX more balanced and easier to steer.

It has a wonderfully powerful 190CC Honda engine. The engine is a step up from the previous iteration of this model and it shows.

Keep reading and you’ll find out what a difference it makes

No matter how high or thick your grass is, whether it is wet or dry and what height you have the deck set to cut at it doesn’t bog down and the blades just chop through whatever is in front of them.

It is a really reliable starter – nearly always starting on the first pull and if it doesn’t it will certainly start on the second pull.

That makes a big difference.

Also Honda cars are known for being economical on fuel, well that also applies to their mowers it seems as this thing is incredibly thrifty on gas – I can’t say for certain but it seems a tank of gas will last you around 10000 square feet of gas.

And the real test?

Regardless of everything else you buy a mower for one main reason and this does a flawless job cutting your lawn.

Above: The fantastic 4-in-1 Versamow System

It has two blades which use four cutting surfaces and this, combined with the powerful engine mentioned above, will leave your grass looking like the David Beckham of yards (feel free to substitute for any other generically good looking person).

I read a comment from someone who said it looked like their lawn had been cut by a laser after using this and it is hard to disagree.

Even on its longest setting it returns an immaculate cut and it is always more difficult to get a good looking cut on longer grass

It really is that good.

The centerpiece of the HRX217K5VKA is the NeXite mowing deck. NeXite is the composite material use to make the deck – it is polymer based and won’t dent, rust or corrode, so it doesn’t matter if rocks or stones bounce off it.

Think I am exaggerating? I promise you I am not.

Also grass doesn’t stick to it, so if you are cutting wet grass, it can literally be wiped off making it quick and easy to clean. What is more this part of the mower has a lifetime warranty.

Actually you know what?

I think maybe I lied, maybe the mowing deck isn’t the centerpiece – maybe it is the 4-in-1 Versamow System!

This basically allows you to choose whether you mulch, bag, shred or discharge your clippings all by adjusting a single handle at the back of the mower.

The handle has ten different positions so you can even go for a combination of mulching and bagging.

Now consider it this way:

It gives you complete freedom to decide what you do with your grass clippings and is a wonderful and easy to use feature.

Above: There are seven cutting height adjustment levels

Talking of mulching, the mulching functionality is unbelievable. The twin blades pulverise any grass to the extent that there are no clumps of grass whatsoever, just the finest, smallest mulch possible!

The silver lining is:

The bag that comes with it is also very large – 2.5bushels – so the combination of the miniscule clippings and the large bag means you can cut much more before you need to empty it.

To top it all off:

The HRX has so many adjustable features too.

There are seven cutting heights from 0.75inches to 4 inches, the mower is self-propelled and the speed can be adjusted, by turning a dial, from 0 to 4 mph – particularly useful for going up steep inclines.

The handle has three positions it can be set at and as mentioned you can adjust the mulching/bagging ratio.

And the icing on the cake?

On top of everything else you get a fantastic five year residential warranty as well as the lifetime deck warranty.

Above: The handle can be adjusted to one of three settings

The Not So Good

It is very difficult to pick holes in such a fantastic piece of machinery, but there are a couple of minor glitches that could be improved on.

Adding and removing the bag takes three steps. You have to lift the plastic cover, lift the bag off and then pass it back to your other hand under the bars.

In other words:

If the lift handle was further back this could be done it two steps as it would not require being passed back under the bars.

Above: The engine is VERY powerful!

Whilst the option to manually adjust the speed is great the higher speeds might actually be a bit too much for you, especially if you are older.

When you cut at the top speed you are practically jogging!

As a final point the air filter has a tendency to pop off quite easily, but that is really me nitpicking.

At A Glance

Pros

• Top quality build
• Easy to maneuver
• Powerful engine cuts through everything
• Reliable starter
• Thrifty on gas
• Amazing cutting performance
• Fantastic mowing deck
• Bag, mulch, discharge or leaf shred your clippings
• Amazing mulcher
• Lots of adjustable features
• Five year warranty

✘ Cons

• Removing bag could be made easier
• At high speeds it is too fast maybe!
• Air filter comes off too easily

The Best Honda Lawn Mower – Tested and Reviewed

As you move up to the commercial models you gain more features and pay more money.

There are 2 entry level, 4 homeowner, 5 prosumer and 3 commercial Honda lawn mower models to choose from.

Before recommending the best Honda lawn mower let’s talk about Honda mowers in general – are they the best brand?

Quick Look: 2 Best Honda Lawn Mowers For Most People

Why Buy A Honda Lawn Mower

Lawn mower rental companies and lawn care professionals depend on Honda lawn mowers to make their money.

Because they are the most reliable and durable:

• A Honda can be trusted to start right away – even if you haven’t changed the oil in years
• A Honda will continue to mow your lawn with a high quality cut – even if you lend it to your neighbors and they treat it like dirt
• A Honda lawn mower is easy to service and repair – even if you’re not a mechanic.

This is why rental companies only buy Honda’s…

…Because the renters don’t care about what they are renting and beat it up day-in-day-out. The rental company doesn’t make money if the mower breaks down. They need the mower with the least breakdowns – Honda.

Landscape professionals can’t afford to have lawn mower downtime because they are depending on it to feed their family. When they purchase a push mower, they purchase Honda – every time.

Honda has proven over the years they know how to make the best lawn mower and so it’s up to you if you want to spend extra to buy it for life.

Did you know?

Honda is the 26th strongest brand in the world. People buy Honda products based on earned trust. We loved our Honda in the past and so choose Honda for the future. (By the way #1 is Apple.)

Today – in this article – we’ll take a look at:

• The best Honda mower at each price point: entry level, homeowner, prosumer and commercial
• Honda lawn mower features that matter
• Where the best place to buy one is: online, local mower shop or big box store.

The Best Honda Lawn Mower in Each Category

As you move up in price Honda mower features and benefits are added.

• The entry level ‘HRS’ series Honda lawn mowers have a GCV160 engine and no grass bagging option – only mulch and side discharge.
• When you move up to the homeowner ‘HRN’ mowers the engine is upgraded to a GCV170 and you get grass bagging.
• Moving up to prosumer ‘HRX’ mowers you get the GCV200 engine, leaf shredding, NeXite deck, more cutting height options and a longer warranty.
• Once you get to the commercial ‘HRC’ mowers you get the GXV engine, hydrostatic drive and everything else mentioned above.

Entry Level – HRS Series – GCV160 Engine, Mulch/Discharge Only

There are 2 Honda mowers in the entry level category: The PKA (push) and VKA (velocity/self propelled) models.

We recommended the self propelled model (VKA) because it is more convenient and only 30 more.

Our Pick: Honda HRS216-VKA Self Propelled

The best entry level Honda lawn mower is the HRS216-VKA.

It is the most affordable Honda and best suited to new homeowners who don’t want to bag their grass clippings.

The Honda HRS216-VKA is side discharge and mulch only. If you want to bag your brag you will need to jump up the HRN series lawnmower below.

Honda offers 2 models of ‘HRS’ entry level mowers. The difference between them is push vs. self propelled.

We recommend the self propelled. It is an obvious choice for only 30 more. Self propelled allows you to mow quicker and with less effort.

The HRS216-VKA has everything you expect in a Honda mower (except bagging) and is an obvious choice if you are looking for a first mower.

Homeowner – HRN Series – GCV170 Engine, Bagging

There are 4 mowers in the homeowner category: PKA (push), VKA (self propelled), VLA (electric start), VYA (Roto stop blade safety system).

We recommend the VKA because it is the best value for money. It is over 100 cheaper than the electric start and Roto stop blade safety system mowers and only 20 more than the push-only model.

Our Pick: Honda HRN216-VKA Self Propelled

The best Honda mower for most homeowners is the HRN216-VKA you see pictured above in our garage.

It is a mower we have owned for 10 years and currently have 3 in the shed.

It is only 100 more than the ‘HRS’ side discharge mower and has the bagging option as well as the upgraded GCV170 engine and is self propelled.

In addition, you are getting the upgraded twin blade system and extra cutting heights from 1″ – 4″.

If you want an affordable workhouse for your lawn then this is a great option to look at.

So You Own A Honda HRX 217 HYA Mower- The Best of the Best

Prosumer – HRX Series – GCV200 Engine, Leaf Shredding, NeXite Deck, Cutting Heights, Longer Warranty

There are 5 models within the prosumer HRX series.

Our pick – the HYA – is the 2nd most expensive within the prosumer category.

We believe the added cost is worth it long term.

Our Pick: Honda HRX217-HYA

All things considered the Honda HRX217-HYA is the best lawnmower on the market – even considering the price tag. It is that good.

If you want to invest in the most reliable and durable lawn mower then this is your best bet.

So what makes it worth the extra 500 over the HRN?

• GCV200 engine. The HRX has a larger 200cc engine for more power and torque to get you through tough/wet/long grass.
• Hydrostatic drive system. The self propelled mechanism on this mower is hydraulic instead of belt/pulley. This makes it much more versatile with infinite speed control and more precision.
• Roto-Stop blade safety. You can now easily stop the blades to grab and move a ball or toy without having to shutoff the mower engine.
• NeXite never rust deck. A never rust, never dent deck that is lighter and has a lifetime warranty is a huge upgrade.
• 5 year warranty. The HRS and HRN mower models have a 3 year warranty. The HRXs have 5 years under warranty.
• Larger grass bag. 30% more grass catching volume.
• Larger, better wheels. 1″ more diameter in the HRX wheels for better control and they also have ball bearings for a smoother experience.
• Easier storage with folding handle. Easily store your mower under your work bench with the quick release handle.
• Mow lower (0.75″). You can mow down to 0.75″ (19mm) with the HRX. This is great for a nearly golf green lawn look.

All you have to decide is if all those extra features and benefits are worth the extra money.

Both are Honda and both will last 15 years with proper care and maintenance.

Commercial – HRC Series – GXV Engine

Now we’re talking commercial mowers.

These are overkill for homeowners costing another 500 over HRX and 900 over HRN mower models.

Our Pick: Honda HRC216-HDA

The big upgrade on the commercial Honda mowers is the GXV commercial engine.

The GXV engine has a cast iron cylinder sleeve instead of aluminium. This allows daily professional use without greatly reducing the life of the engine.

The GX engine also has low oil protection to turn the engine off before any damage from low oil. Many components on the GC Honda engine will be plastic where on the GX they are steel for longer life and greater durability.

If you own a lawn care or landscape business and need a walk-behind mower then this is a great option.

If you have the money and want the best of the best for around your home then this is for you.

Honda Lawn Mower Features That Matter

Honda lawn mowers have a Honda small engine connected via vertical shaft to the mower blade. Turn the engine on and it spins the blade at a certain RPM. The blade is sharp and chops/cuts the grass as you move forward over your lawn.

Lawn mowers are pretty simple machines.

Here are the features to choose from to help decide if you want the entry level, prosumer or commercial model of Honda mower.

Engine Design, Type and Size

Honda designs their small engines to be reliable, durable and most important – repairable.

How do they make their lawn mower small engine repairable?

• From the top of the engine you have easy access to remove and replace the engine crankshaft
• The carburetor is easy to access and remove as it is attached via 2 stud bolts on the side of the engine
• The engine itself is designed to have less number of parts than previous models to make stocking replacement parts easier and less complicated.

What types and sizes of small engine do we see on Honda lawn mowers?

• GCV – All Honda mowers have vertical shaft engines.
• GXV – The ‘x’ stands for commercial grade Honda engine. The ‘HRC’ mowers have this engine type.
• 160, 170, 200 – These are the cc (cubic centimetres) of the engine or the volume of the combustion chamber. Bigger combustion chamber equals more power at the mower blade.
• OHV vs. OHC – Overhead valve vs. overhead cam. The gist: For a portable machine like a lawn mower the more power you need the more compact you need the engine. OHV engines are more compact for the power you get so the larger more premium mowers use a OHV style to keep the engine size down without sacrificing power. The GCV160 with the OHC is the same size as the GCV200 with the OHV despite being less powerful.

Let’s look at some more specs of each engine.

• GCV160. Peak 4.4 HP. Torque: 6.9 lb-ft (9.4 Nm) @ 2500 RPM. 0.93 liter fuel tank. 4-stroke OHC.
• GCV170. Peak 4.8 HP. Torque: 8.2 lb-ft (11.1 Nm) @ 2500 RPM. 1 liter fuel tank. 4-stroke OHV.
• GCV200. Peak 5.6 HP. Torque: 9.4 lb-ft (12.7 Nm) @ 2500 RPM. 1 liter fuel tank. 4-stroke OHV.

Mulch/Bag/Side Discharge/Leaf Shred

Most of you will want the option to bag your grass clippings. That means you need to get the prosumer or commercial mower. The entry level Honda mowers only side discharge and mulch the grass – no bagging. Commercial Honda mower have the added leaf shred feature.

• Entry level ‘HRS’ models. 2-in-1 Mulch/Side discharge of grass.
• Prosumer HRN models. 3-in-1 Mulch/Side discharge/Bagging of grass.
• Commercial HRX models. 4-in-1 Mulch/Side discharge/Bagging/Leaf shred of grass and leaves.

Transmission Control

Most Honda mowers are self propelled. Of the 11 models on offer, 2 are push only. At the entry level getting self propelled costs an extra 50.

• Push. You have to push the mower forward through thick grass and up hills.
• Self Propelled. The mower has an adjustable drive system (pulley and belt or gear components) you can engage to propel the mower forward and you walk behind it.
• Hydrostatic. A hydraulic system is used to propel the mower forward with infinite speed control and no external moving components.

Warranty

• 3 Years. Entry level HRS and prosumer HRN Honda mowers have a 3 year warranty. 3 months if you use in a commercial/rental setting.
• 5 Years. Only the commercial HRX mowers have a 5 year warranty on the mower and engine. A lifetime warranty on the deck material. Warranty goes to 3 months if used in commercial/rental setting.

Starter

Most people expect their mower to have a recoil pull starter and so this feature is down the bottom.

Some of the Honda mowers do have an electric starter for convenience.

• Recoil. Pull string starter like you’re used to.
• Electric Starter. On board battery helps you start the mower like a car. Some people dislike this because now you have to worry about replacing the battery down the line.

Deck Material

With proper care the 16 gauge steel deck Honda mowers use will last a lifetime. However, if you leave moist grass clippings stuck to the underside all winter long while in storage it will rust over time. The NeXite deck material will never rust.

• Steel. HRS and HRN mowers. Standard on most gas mowers. Tried and tested. Clean your mower decks before storing over winter and they will last a lifetime.
• NeXite. Comes standard on HRX mowers. Honda patented material will never rust. Lifetime warranty.

How Much Do Honda Lawn Mowers Cost and Where Should You Buy?

Cost

Here are the ranges of the manufacturer suggested retail (MSRPs) of the different Honda series lawn mowers:

Honda distributors sell Honda mowers in bulk to dealers, big box stores and e-commerce mower websites for a set amount per unit. The sellers decide how much above or below MSRP they want to sell based on how much profit they need to generate. Online mower stores can often offer lower because they have less overhead (no storefront).

Where To Buy a Honda Mower

The best Honda mower deals are usually online at speciality tool and mower e-commerce stores.

But sometimes it is more convenient for you to buy at your local big box store or small local mower dealer.

Returning it and claiming warranty will certainly be less hassle if you buy from your local mower dealer as they are authorized to do the repair and make the warranty claim for you.

Big Box Stores

• The Home Depot. There are 1,993 Home Depot locations in the USA. You should have no problem finding one close by to take a look at their Honda lawn mower selection. Home Depot has a great return policy should you need it.
• Lowe’s. There are 1,738 Lowe’s locations in the USA. Lowe’s has a selection of Honda mowers to choose from.

Local Mower Dealers

There are 1,000s of Honda dealers across the USA. Most towns over 5,000 people will have at least 1 local Honda dealer.

This is a great option to buy your Honda mower because they will act as your warranty holder and repair shop.

They will also be able to offer comprehensive buying help if you can’t decide which Honda is best for you.

Online

There are 100s of online e-commerce mower stores to choose from.

Warranty and Repair Considerations

If you buy online or from a big box store you will likely need to go to your local Honda dealer for warranty and repairs. They have all the parts and experts to do the repair and it will all be approved under the Honda warranty.

FAQs

What is the best oil to put in a Honda mower?

Honda takes normal engine oil depending on your local climate.

Synthetic oil is better than traditional oil but also more expensive.

What is the best type of gas to use in a Honda mower?

Your Honda user manual will tell you what type of unleaded gasoline to use in your mower. Honda advises not to use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol.

What brands use Honda small engines in their lawn mowers?

Many lawn mower brands choose to buy Honda engines for use in their push and riding mowers.

Toro, Swisher, Bad Boy Mowers, Snapper and Ferris all choose Honda.

• Best Global Brands. Rankingthebrands.com.
• Honda GCV200. Engines.Honda.com.
• Honda GCV160/190. Engines.Honda.com.
• Move Up with Honda Chart. PowerEquipment.Honda.com.
• OHV vs. OHC Engines: What is The Difference and Which is Better? LethalPerformance.com.
• Dealer Locator. PowerEquipment.Honda.com.

About your guide: Jamey Kramar is a certified Lawn Care Manager (NALP) and a Mechanical Engineer by trade. He has been writing about outdoor power equipment for 11 years and has been quoted in NYTimes, Popular Mechanics, HowStuffWorks, iFixit, Realtor.com, and more. He spends his spare time disassembling things and also building an off-grid cabin at his 200-acre property.

Toro vs Honda Mower – The one I prefer

I might as well tell you upfront, I’ve owned a Honda for years, and it’s fair to say it’s worked flawlessly. I know Toro builds great mowers and so I expect it will challenge my biased view.

Toro vs Honda, which is best? The Honda is the best mower, strong, reliable, durable, and has a long warranty, nobody regrets buying a Honda.

Hi, I’m John, qualified mower mechanic, and unqualified head groundskeeper. I repair and test lots of mowers, I know what I want in a mower, and I know what makes a good mower. If you need a great mower on hills checks out this post “Best mower on hills”.

Toro 20334

Blue – Toro is a company that loves to innovate. The features they’re most proud of are the color code blue. The Toro Recycler (22″) 20334 is a self-propelled rear-wheel drive and features some of Toro’s smartest innovations.

Features like:

• Electric Start
• Personal Pace self propel system
• 3 in 1 Bag on Demand grass handling
• Briggs Stratton Just Check and Add
• Washout Port
• Recycler Deck

Toro has been making mowers since 1919 and has a solid reputation.

Top Features:

The Toro 20334 – It seems much more imposing than the Honda and looks like a really solid build. Toro has been making mowers since 1919. They’re global leaders in the innovation of turf maintenance equipment. And you won’t be surprised to learn that the Toro is bursting with features.

Some of the pictures on this page link to Amazon.com where you can check the price and delivery of products. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Handling

Personal Pace – Sounds complex, but it’s not. Basically the more you push on the handlebars, the faster the mower goes, quite clever really. When I tried it I wasn’t sure I’d like it, I thought pushing on the handlebars would compromise control, but I quickly warmed to it.

The really Smart thing about the personal pace – it adjusts to each individual’s stride. I frequently hear customers say they can’t find the sweet spot when it comes to speed, the Personal pace solves the problem.

I have steep hills and rough ground in areas of my lawn, the Toro had no problems. The top speed is almost five miles per hour. Toro is fitted with eight-inch wheels and good-looking tire threads. It felt solid and you felt in control.

The rear-wheel-drive is the best choice for hilly rough terrain as the center of gravity is closer to the rear axle. As a mechanic I really liked the greasing points on the rear axle, it’s a nice touch.

Bail Lever

The Toro has a bail lever and when pulled molds into a recess in the textured handlebars, you barely notice you’re holding it. This bail lever is used to start and stop the engine, simply pull the bail lever and press the big blue electric start button, that’s it, it’s running. No choke or throttle levers to manage. To kill the engine, simply let go of the lever.

This mower comes with a battery charger, which is plugged in at the top of the handlebars, beside the start button. The charger will rarely need to be used as the battery charges from the engine.

Self Drive

Self Drive – Personal Pace drive is simple and before long you’ll be an expert. The bail lever pulls neatly into the handlebar recess.

Handle Bars

Handle Bars – The length of the handlebars while adjustable took a little longer to come to grips with, I found them a little cumbersome in tight spaces.

When reversing the mower, for the first time it felt like 89 lbs. So if you have a lot of shrubs or trees to negotiate, the Toro may not be the best choice for you.

Cut

Toro Recycler has a 22 inch 3 in 1 Deck, it bags, mulches, side discharges, and conversion require no tools, just the flip of a lever. The mulching quality is good no clumping or trails when the grass is dry, when damp it’s not as good. The bag on-demand lever is simple, the bag could be a little bigger though.

3 in 1 Blade – The blade is designed to collect, mulch, and side discharge, it’s a sort of a hybrid blade.

Deck

Adjusting the deck height is done at each wheel, which for some might be labor-intensive, especially if you need to change the deck height regularly.

The deck adjusts in half-inch increments from the lowest setting of one inch to a high of four, more than enough range for most greens. Toro has fitted a deck wash-out port, on most mowers, it’s a bit hit and miss, no substitute for turning it up and cleaning it with a wire brush.

When I used it, I found it did a reasonable job. It’s easy to use, just connect your garden hose and run the blade, but be warned it leaves a mess on the ground.

Adjusters

Wheels – Both Toro and Honda wheels must be individually adjusted.

Safety

The deck is made from 14 gauge pressed steel. The plastics guards, grass bag are of good quality and are well up to the task of protecting the user from flying debris.

As you know stepping away from the mower and releasing the bail lever, shuts down the engine. This protects the user from accidentally getting close to the business end of the mower.

Some mowers are fitted with a feature called spin stop, which basically keeps the blade stationary while the engines running. This means you can still self-drive, which is very useful if like me you need to move uphill across a graveled yard from one lawn to another. Sadly the spin stop isn’t fitted to this mower but it is available on other Toro models.

Engine

Toro has fitted the 163 cc Briggs Stratton® 675 EXi OHV engine. It’s a new engine and complies with CA (CARB). Overhead valve (OHV) engines are more efficient, cleaner, and quieter too.

The auto choke system is perfect for those that find choke levers or priming bulbs a bit hit and miss. This engine is known as a ready start – No choke or throttle levers to fiddle around with here.

When tested from cold, two pulls max and it started every time. When cutting I found the engine had plenty of power, it’s a fixed throttle, set at 3100 rpm. The fuel cap is tethered, oil dipstick and air filter are easy to use.

Briggs Engine – Briggs makes great engines, not as smooth as the Honda unit but very dependable.

It produces 7.25 ft. lbs. of torque from its 163 cc, and is the lightest in its class. BS offers a starting promise – Starts in 2 attempts – or we’ll fix it for free.

The electric start is a lovely feature, it’s simple and you don’t have choke or throttle levers to concern yourself with.

Toro Maintenance Tips

A little care goes a long way, show your love by checking the oil at every refuel, clean the air filter every 50 hours. Remember e85 gas is bad for small engines and will void your Toro warranty. Put a gas stabilizer in your mower before winterizing. Check out “How to winterize your mower”.

Keeping your blade sharp is good for your lawn and your mower, light sharpening can be done with the blade on the mower, however, if it requires heavy filing – you’ll need to remove it and balance after sharpening.

This is a mower you could easily DIY service, especially as BS claims the oil never needs to be changed. BS call it – Just check and add. Personally, I’d just change the oil to be on the safe side.

This is a four-stroke engine and Briggs and Stratton engines like 10W30 oil. I like to change the oil on a new mower engine after just 5 hours of use, and then every fifty hours of operation or once before the new season starts.

Check and clean the air filter every twenty-five hours. Replace the spark plug once per season or every one hundred hours.

If you need to turn your mower over, turn off the fuel at the fuel tap and always with the carburetor side up. Check out “Lawn mower maintenance”.

Guarantee

Toro offers a 3-Year Guaranteed to start warranty (GTS), and a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Toro Briggs

Briggs offers a 3-year guarantee to start and Toro offers a 2-year defect guarantee. Briggs won’t cover stale gas in the carburetor, so use a gas stabilizer over the winter months.

Good Bad

I liked the Toro Recycler but I didn’t love it. The best bit for me is the Personal Pace, I got comfortable with it pretty quickly – I never felt like it was going too fast or slow. It does a good job mulching and collecting, the controls are simple and clear. The individual adjusters work just fine, I wish they’d use a single adjuster, I change the cut height often.

The Briggs engine is plenty strong and didn’t feel lacking, but the mower felt a little heavy backing up. The choke less easy start system does its job well, and if you use a gas stabilizer, it’ll be as reliable as corduroy trousers.

Toro build innovative products and this Recycler won’t disappoint on that front, it’s best for yards up to 3/4 acre and without too many obstacles. Design and build quality are not up to the Honda standard, but I think it deserves consideration, it’s not a Honda, but then it isn’t Honda money either.

Honda HRX217VLA

Catchy! Honda has a name for quality design and build.

Features on the mower include – Roto stop, 4 in 1 grass handling, variable speed control, twin blade micro-cut, Nexite deck, and electric start.

The Honda is intelligent, thoughtful, and built to last. Honda thinks so too, they offer a 5-year warranty and a deck lifetime guarantee.

Top Features:

Honda HRX217VLA – Looks sleek and ultra-modern. Honda has a name for quality design and build. They have been making mowers since 1953, leaders in the development of low-emission, fuel-efficient, eco-friendly 4-stroke engines.

Although the Deck is made from a lightweight strong polymer material, the mower weighs in at 90lbs, that’s 5lbs heavier than the Toro. Honda has packed a lot into this machine.

Handling

Honda’s Select Drive® self propel – I really wanted to like this Select Drive system. When I used it, I found the dial a little fiddly, and not very responsive, I liked it more after using it for a while. The molded handle is a nice touch and feels comfortable in the hands.

Drive – The Toro drive system for me was more user-friendly. With a top speed of four miles per hour, it really does travel beautifully. Reversing, felt a little heavy.

Both mowers are closely matched in weight, the Honda just 1 lb. heavier. I had no issue with hills, rough terrain, or obstacles around my garden.

The nine-inch wheels have extra deep rubber thread and ball bearings in the axles, certainly noticed its smoothness – just glides along.

HONDA HRX217VKA VS TORO SUPER RECYCLER 21564. WHICH MOWER IS BEST?

Handle Bars

The length of the handlebars while adjustable took a little longer to come to grips with, I found them a little cumbersome in tight spaces. When reversing the mower, for the first time it felt like 89 lbs. So if you have a lot of shrubs or trees to negotiate, the Toro may not be the best choice for you.

Easy Folding

Fold – Honda has quick-release tool-less folding handlebars.

Deck

The 21″ NeXite deck is lightweight, dent-resistant, rust-resistant, durable, and cleverly engineered to increase grass flow back to the blades for smaller clippings. The grass won’t stick to it as easily as a metal deck and it’s easier to clean. The best bit, it’s covered by a lifetime warranty.

The NeXite deck is made from polymer and shares its DNA with football helmets, it’s tough stuff. The pictures don’t do it justice, you see plastic and you think how strong can it be. In Honda’s promo material they drive a car over it. The guards are made from tough durable rubber which does their job very well and the bag is as you expect – top-shelf.

Lifetime Warranty – Deck is tough stuff, won’t dent, crack or corrode.

Deck Height

Adjusting the deck height like the Toro is done at each wheel. The seven-position levers are easy to move and well defined. Adjustments from three-quarters of an inch all the way up to four inches. As with the Toro, if you do a lot of height changes, it could get old pretty quickly.

Adjusters – Levers feel solid, but do get stiff if neglected, a quick spray of wd40 does the job.

Twin Blade Cut

Honda employs the twin blade micro-cut set up to great effect. The stacked, offset pair of blades have four cutting surfaces. Each blade of grass gets cut twice on the first pass, the leading blade cuts higher up and the offset trailing blade makes a second cut. The blades recirculate the clippings and repeat the process, leaving a very fine mulch.

Twin Cut – The best blades in the business.

Roto-Stop

This is a fantastic feature, especially as this is a manual start engine. Roto stop for those that don’t know, simply means you can have the engine running without having the blade spin. I found this useful when I wanted to self-propel across a graveled area.

But its most useful feature is when you need to step away from the mower, say to empty the bag, releasing the bail lever stops the blade but the engine is still running. The Honda engine is not hard to start, but starting it over and over is such a waste of your energy.

Clip Director

4-in-1 Versamow System™ with Clip Director. This system mulches, bags, discharges, and leaf shreds. The technology is exclusive to Honda and requires no tools or attachments.

The Clip Director, a lever at the rear of the engine has ten possible combinations, this allows you to choose how many clippings you want to collect and how much to mulch. To collect leaves, set the lever two positions back from the full mulch position. You won’t miss raking leaves.

Bagging

When bagging, it really stuffed it to capacity thanks to the four cutting surfaces of the twin blade. Finer clippings equal less work and a cleaner cut lawn.

Bag or Mulch – The clip director is very effective, you can even set the ratio of bagging to mulching, great at leaf shredding or collecting – no more raking.

Engine

The engine fitted is the 190 GCV, it’s a 4 stroke overhead cam set up with an electric start, Nice! Overhead cam engines are more efficient and powerful. The engine produces 5.1HP (3.8 kW) @3600 rpm and 8.3 lb-ft (11.3 Nm) @ 2500 rpm. It’s super smooth, just purrs when idling.

I’m a big fan, I know they care by the way they designed the engine. Little details like the fuel tap, and the little slot in the air filter housing, to restrain the plug wire when removed – do you feel the love?

When tested, it never missed a beat, the auto choke feature makes starting a breeze. The extra power of the 190 GCV is nice, but it will use more gas than the Briggs unit fitted to the Toro.

Smooth Powerful

Engine – I’m a big fan of the GCV engines, they are nicely designed and built.

Maintenance Tips

Love to DIY? This is the mower for you, with a large accessible dipstick, easy-clean air filter, accessible plug, and on/off fuel tap. From a mechanics point of view – Nice!

To dip the oil on a Honda, remove the dipstick clean it but don’t screw it back in to check. This is a four-stroke engine and Honda engines like 10W30 oil, change once per season or every fifty hours of operation. When the engine is new I like to change it after the first 5 hours of operation.

Check and clean the air filter every twenty-five hours. Replace the spark plug once per season or every one hundred hours.

If you need to turn your mower over, turn off the fuel at the fuel tap and always with the carburetor side up. Sharpen blades once per season or more often if dull, tighten blade bolt to 43 ft. lb. (59Nm). Check out “Lawn mower maintenance”.

Warranty

Warranty – Comes with a manufacturer 5-year warranty, You’ll hardly need it.

The Good and Bad

This is the best of the best, I work on lots of Honda GCV 160 and 190s. They’re close to bulletproof, they just keep going. It’s rare that I have a Honda in my shop that needs anything more than routine maintenance.

They aren’t immune to dirty gas or carburetor gumming, but we can’t blame the mower for a lack of winterizing. Also, I’ve replaced a few crankshafts – all caused by operator error.

The crankshafts tend to bend when the blade hits a curb or tree stump. This won’t happen on mowers with the Roto-stop function. Yes, they are expensive but if you’re playing the long game it’s most definitely the smartest choice. I love lots about the Honda, speaking as a mechanic and a customer.

Would I buy one? Yes, I’ve owned one for years, and I’m very attached to it.

About the Reviewer

Hi, I’m John, I run my own repair workshop and I service a lot of lawn care equipment of all kinds – two strokes, four-stroke, gas, diesel and electric. I see a wide variety of makes and models, young and old. I think by now I’ve met them all – good and bad.

I like kit that last and kit you can get parts for easily is an important consideration before investing in equipment. I use my knowledge and experience to only review equipment that will go the distance, I promise I won’t waste your time or money reviewing a cheap throwaway kit.

Throughout this site you’ll find links to products, I do earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, but it doesn’t cost you an extra cent.

Check out the Amazon link below for lawnmowers conveniently delivered to your door.

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.

And the best part. it’s free!