Honda HRC216HXA Lawnmower Overview

Honda makes a superior commercial 21" self-propelled lawnmower model HRC216HXA. This video highlights the features of this rugged, capable mower -- including its automotive-type hydrostatic shaft drive system

[@jamescrum1898]

My dad bought one of these in 1991, it's still serving us today! Great machines.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Yes -- Honda makes most of their Outdoor Power Products to last a long time.

[@jamescrum1898]

@@keithpetersen8114 I ended up buying a new hrc216kxa shortly after watching your video. I've mowed twice with it so far! Thanks for posting!

[@markbrisec3972]

What a beautiful and professional overview. A true old school without a need for a comic relief or special effects. I recently bought their top of the line residential model HRX 216. I use it commercially and this is my second one. The old one is still performing well after 8 years of continued work. HRX 216 has few of the same technologies you've pointed out in this review. From the hydrostatic transmission to the blade brake clutch (Honda calls it BBC). Although the engine isn't commercial, my experience with it is so good that I don't need it to be. But the interesting thing is that the engine on my mower is more powerful than on this commercial mower. It's 200 cc vs 160 cc. There are few more reasons why I went with the HRX 216. First is the plastic mowing deck that is much lighter, tough as a nail, doesn't bend. Next is the Versamow system that allows you to change between bagging, mulching and discharging with a push of a lever. Oh yes, let's not forget the 500$ price difference.... I would appreciate you doing the same overview on HRX 216. Maybe I've missed something that you could tell me about my mower.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi Mark -- thanks so much for your accolades and review! We do have a video on the HRX217HYA -- you can find it on KZbin or on our website at www.etpetersen.com Thanks again.

[@marknelson801]

This mower and the Old Toro Proline with the Suzuki 2-stoke engine are the best mowers I have owned.

[@keithpetersen8114]

I agree -- two of the very best 21" commercial walk-behind mowers. I have often indicated to our customers that we regard them as "cousins".

[@nimai0108]

This is the best review for honda commercial mower. Thanks for sharing your wisdom

[@keithpetersen8114]

Thank you so much! Very kind of you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Moe395]

I just purchased the HRC216HXA after the shock at what it costs wore off. Your information explains this machine perfectly and why the cost is high. Thanks for your video.

[@keithpetersen8114]

It is a really good machine; but, certainly not inexpensive. However, it is pretty close to bullet proof -- especially for single property/home use.

[@WJCTechyman]

@Keith Petersen The average lifespan of a machine like this is roughly 30-35 years with few consumable costs. I try to look for that in machinery.

[@junesteezzjunesteezz9681]

Great video! I've had this machine for 11 years now, still runs great!

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to be so tardy in acknowledging your post -- yes, it is a very durable product.

[@bikes7777]

Excellent information, thank you for providing all these details.

[@keithpetersen8114]

You're welcome -- glad it was helpful -- thanks for your comment!

[@bikes7777]

@@keithpetersen8114 do any Honda dealers still have these, or can they be ordered?

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@bikes7777 Hi -- they cannot be ordered. You would have to try to find a Honda Dealer who might have remaining stock -- a bit doubtful at this point. An excellent alternative is the 21" Toro Commercial Mower: www.toro.com/en/product/21-inch-Commercial-Heavy-Duty-Walk-Behind-Lawn-Mower

[@SuperTalleyho]

Bought this mower yesterday. Love it but the mulch plug allows grass to be discharged from the rear. Not a tight fit. As a temp fix I stuffed a plastic contractor bag behind the mulch plug and it works well. It leaks a bit at the top while bagging. All in all I'm excited to use it. It does have a rock solid feel and throaty sound. Nice vid I learned a lot. Thanks

[@keithpetersen8114]

Yes - it is a solid piece of equipment and I am sure you will find it will work well for many years. I suspect the bit of leakage that you are seeing is due to the fact that the unit cuts so powerfully that a small bit of debris is being forced out any small apertures (I should say that this is the first time someone has indicated this to me).

[@mikeFPS1980]

I purchased this Honda Mower (HRC216K2HXA) ten years ago for my personal use and friends and neighbors said i was crazy for paying so much, i paid like 1200 at the time so basically it’s 120 a year and really that’s not much for a mower of this quality, and i know it will last another 10 years easily…. and i do the bare minimum just change the oil twice a year and the spark plug every year, and just lube it here and there and boom works like a charm…

[@keithpetersen8114]

Yes -- thanks for your input -- very durable product and, for residential use, close to bullet-proof.

[@mikeFPS1980]

@@keithpetersen8114 The one thing i can’t figure out on this model is do we have to change the transmission fluid? i took it for service about 4 years ago and they only topped it off but i was thinking about doing a fluid change this year, the service manual doesn’t mention changing the trans fluid at all.

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@mikeFPS1980 It's a sealed transmission -- it should be ok without attention.

[@mikeFPS1980]

@@keithpetersen8114 awesome! thanks Keith!

[@erichammond2466]

Honda mowers. Buy it once and your done. Outstanding craftsmanship and quality.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Thanks for your comment. Typically true; athough, Honda has some entry-level (read "Big Box store") models that do not have the same longevity.

[@amirdieselx64]

I own this machine and I love it, I use it for residential service only thing I would change is speed of engine and take a few lbs out of it other than that it's extremely well made piece of equipment.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to be so late in responding. Honda uses a bit of a lower speed engine but with enhanced torque -- and, yes, very well made!

[@E150GT]

Last year when I was trying to get my hands on an HRX I should have been trying to get an HRC instead

[@jgallegos8727]

Just found one of these

[@charlesjacksoniii8787]

I will be buying one of these to start cutting yards.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi Charles -- sorry to be so delayed in responding to your post -- this machine will serve you well in your business.

[@charlesjacksoniii8787]

@@keithpetersen8114 It has I have about 12 accounts.

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@charlesjacksoniii8787 That's great! If you have larger yards or add more accounts you might like to consider a Toro 30" Turfmaster -- we have a review on the Timemaster (residential model) and, I believe, the Turfmaster (commercial model).

[@charlesjacksoniii8787]

@@keithpetersen8114 OK I ended up getting a Exmark Lazer Z 48" for bigger properties.

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@charlesjacksoniii8787 That'll work!

[@gregorysampson8759]

I like this guy a lot. I'd buy the Brooklyn Bridge off him. Most lawnmower salesmen don't know jack about what they're selling.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sounds great -- I still .... ummm .... have a decent-sized section of the bridge remaining for sale ... :-) (thanks so much for the accolade).

[@jaywin126]

Where do I go to replace the pulley string system

[@donaldroth8746]

How good does it work with the optional rear discharge chute? Does the chute clear the ground ok?

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to just be responding now. Yes, the discharge chute works fine.

[@k9millie1]

Can you adjust the speed , looks like mine goes to slow when cutting a normal size lawn .

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry for the delay in responding -- just seeing your post now. Yes, it uses a hydrostatic drive and is fully adjustable.

[@markschommer7407]

Still like the Toro Super Recycler or their commercial for one thing. The deck is aluminum and will not rust.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Yes -- true enough -- we sell that unit, also, and I equate it to be the overall equal of the Honda HRC mower.

[@markschommer7407]

I got a new Toro Super Recycler on order. The one with electric start(Got a few people who struggle with pulling the rope. The John Deere 14SE was going to cost too much to fix. It was from 1996. My 1986 Lawn-Boy 8480 is running perfectlly. And the aluminum deck on that is perfect as well.

[@got2getit204]

Aluminum will rust!

[@pdiddy823]

Watched a few of your videos, appreciate the knowledge you share. Just curious, if I purchased an HRX model, would I be able to swap out the GXV160 for the GVC 200 ?

[@keithpetersen8114]

Thanks so much. I don't know the answer to that (sitting in my kitchen ... :-) ); but, I feel that the best answer is "no". If you contact me during the business week at 908-232-5723 I could likely get you a quick answer. You being P Diddy, of course, I would need you to rap somepin' out for me .....

[@southernlandscapedesigns8081]

where can I get a discharge kit for the HRC 216?

[@keithpetersen8114]

Presuming it is still available (which it should be -- I'm home and not at work -- can't verify) you should be able to obtain it through your local Honda Outdoor Power Equipt Dealer.

[@adilrahman1204]

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.

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- sorry to be so delayed in responding to you -- we've been totally busy and I missed the posts on this video. I would pick the Toro -- better deck and much better/more durable drive system.

[@pagodad8079]

Too bad Honda is discontinuing their mower lineup. I’ll be buying one of these before it’s too late. Even at the 1499 price tag it’s worth every penny.

[@keithpetersen8114]

`Tis true -- it's a terrific lawnmower.

[@DaddyoftheMack]

I agree. I have a perfectly running commercial, but I just bought a new one, just because they're going bye bye. Mine was $1599

[@k9millie1]

What is the cc on this mower. Deff better than toro but toro has a 180 cc wonder what Honda makes on commercials mowers

[@keithpetersen8114]

Hi -- 163 cc but keep in mind that Honda is conservative and typically underrates all their engine sizes/horsepower.

[@k9millie1]

Keith Petersen deff getting one my comercial toro has giving me nothing but trouble .

[@GamerGee]

Has anyone tried to swap the gxv160 with a gxv390?

[@keithpetersen8114]

I cannot say.

[@chilidog73]

Man, maybe you can help me out. I have an older HXA that needs new wheels. The rear propelled wheels have an axel with 1 single pin thru the center that fits into the center of the wheel and the cross pin fits into 2 notches in the wheel. I cannot find a replacement anywhere. If I lookup wheels for the HRC 216 HXA they look completely different. Can you help??

[@keithpetersen8114]

Sorry to be so delayed in responding to your inquiry -- just seeing your comment now. If you still need wheels they are available -- you could contact us here at 908-232-5723.

[@jburello2588]

Do you have any of these mowers in stock?

[@keithpetersen8114]

I'm sorry -- no we do not.

[@jburello2588]

Are you able to get anymore of these? It’s my understanding that Honda has decided to get out of the mower business. Very disappointing to hear they are ceasing production of mowers

[@keithpetersen8114]

@@jburello2588 Yes -- it is true -- Honda is discontinuing production of lawnmowers. I think even the Honda corporate staff are a bit dumfounded.

[@jburello2588]

Any chance of getting anymore of these mowers HRC’s before they discontinue production?

[@jburello2588]

I have a 2008 HRX217 with the GCV190 but no BBC …still runs but we recently moved onto a bigger property with more hills and I was hoping to get one of the HRC216’s. If I can’t get one I’ll have to consider a new HRX217….but would prefer something from the commercial line