Honda HRN216 Lawnmower Revamps Entire Honda Engine Lineup

Honda Power Equipment celebrated their 35th anniversary with plenty of fanfare and with the launch of the all-new Honda HRN216 lawn mower series. This mower is built new from the ground up as a replacement for their most popular HRR216 line of consumer mowers.
To put that into perspective, it’s like Honda replacing the Civic with an all-new model. They sell 300,000 Civics and HRR216’s every year!
Get even more info: bit.ly/2lz5pCF

[@alonzorvca]

Just bought an HRN216VKA... This thing is a beast and has a really neat look!

[@mccullough976]

I agree. Just bought one myself.

[@rickjames6948]

Low end walmart mower.

[@andybub45]

@@rickjames6948 You wont find these at Walmart. And they arent low end either.

[@rickjames6948]

@@andybub45 Those are disposable toy mowers. The design is totally crap. The deck is made by Mattel.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

@@andybub45 Hundreds of Google reviewers give this model 5 stars. I know reviews are just one of many tools when making a purchasing decision ... but wow! Between the Google reviews and raving reviews by industry experts... I am picking mine up on Monday ... um not at Walmart. Glad you are enjoying your mower Andrew!

[@JS-cg3ir]

Due to pandemic shortages, this was very hard to find in Ohio, but I tracked one down. Fantastic piece of equipment. Blows my EGO electric mower out of the water- cleaner cuts, more power, and finer mulch.

[@justbroken44]

Luckily in Columbus home depot Still has them about to pick one up!

[@JS-cg3ir]

@@justbroken44 Good for you! I bought mine at Buckeye Power in Blacklick.

[@forresthoffman489]

👍

[@Darkwindowtint8389]

Bought one a couple weeks ago, let's just say, the company knows how to make an engine.

[@rickjames6948]

Too bad they don't know how to make a mower.

[@mitchtrubisky999]

They are great at small enginea

[@andybub45]

Im glad to hear about the 2 way rathet on the drive axle. Hopefully, this will remedy the dreaded rear wheel lockup!

[@jimmybuffet4970]

I got a brand new VKA yesterday. It's amazing! NO MORE LOCKUP!!!

[@reedlaww]

@@jimmybuffet4970 HRN216VKA?

[@Kuhlyedascope69]

I have one that locks up bad got it for 100$ last year runs mint but cant pull it back. imma buy one of these mama

[@empiresrikesfat]

@@reedlaww which mower did you end up buying?

[@reedlaww]

we iwork I went with the Toro SuperRecycler actually. Very happy with it!

[@tommcl386]

Just bought it and love this lawnmower. The freewheeling is huge compared to my old Toro. The mulching can't be compared. This model beats my old Toro hands down. Gas usage isn't that much different.

[@TripleAstyle1]

Got one... its amazing. Best $400 mower hands down. Can't believe theres not more hype on this thing but happy I got mine before they decide to raise the price a little!

[@ryanedwards3490]

For sure great mowers.

[@ftlaud911]

Love my Honda mower. First one lasted 9yrs. Wouldnt start and I broke it trying to fix it. Actually may fix it so I have two. In the meantime I got another one and it was not up to same spec. Cleaned carb three times already. There was grey paste in bowl and float was sticky. Actually had to make the hole under the big screw slightly larger and it finally starts now with one pull after sitting for a week. Hoping this fixes the issue. New gas with stabilizer using ethonal free rec 90. Never had this issue on older model. Not happy I had to do any of this on a brand new mower 1 month old.

[@jonyoung6405]

You can purchase a China made knock off carb for less the $20 off eBay or Amazon. No need to not get it running.

[@byronfriedrichsen]

Just bought my hrn216 today. Love it!!! Also love the dual blades as well. Very fine cut just like my Copenhagen.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Still loving it Byron? I pick mine up on Monday. Any tips? Many thanks.

[@byronfriedrichsen]

Stephen Lennartz no tips other than just remember to turn your gas nob on before you mow. Sometimes I forget and end up pulling three four times before I realize to turn it on. Now I just leave it on. Doesn’t hurt to. The bag is huge and it takes just two times for me to dump. My last mower I dumped bag 12 times or close to it. You’ll love it I promise.

[@byronfriedrichsen]

Stephen Lennartz the mulching is insane I’ll say that much

[@stephenlennartz3466]

@@byronfriedrichsen Thanks so much, Byron. Great information! Honestly ... kinda strange that I'm so excited about a lawnmower... but that's where I'm at. Thanks again!

[@byronfriedrichsen]

Stephen Lennartz who would’ve thought right? Your very welcome.

[@TryRickPayton]

I bought one at Home Depot man this machine is very powerful.

[@rickjames6948]

uh huh. What about the nice design of the rear discharge? You have to walk to the side of the mower. Nice idea Honda. Look at all the mower forums and all the problems with Honda mowers. Things like my new HRX217 won't pull backwards. Bearings and wheels are shot on a NEW mower. Numerous carburetor issues NOT covered under warranty. Plastic deck issues with rocks and yard debris punching right through that plastic toy deck. And the power you speak of. Honda FINALLY has an engine with NEARLY the same torque as a 190cc Briggs or an Kawasaki FJ180V. The latter two being the Briggs and the Kawasaki are much smaller engines. So NOTHING to brag on there either.

[@empiresrikesfat]

@@rickjames6948 what other mower would you have brought? im looking to buy and don't no what to get

[@rickjames6948]

@@empiresrikesfat Snapper Commercial

[@TripleAstyle1]

@@rickjames6948 the rear wheel thing is fixed on this new HRN.... no need to discharge when you mulch or bag, and if your lawn is nice mulching is the way to go 99% of the time. Also- I looked dat the torque specs.... its almost as much as the timemaster.....

[@rickjames6948]

@@TripleAstyle1 Rear wheel thing is NOT fixed on any Honda disposable mower. Pawn shops are FULL of them. No commercial mowing crews use them either. I would buy a Craftsman over any Honda mower.

[@tonym6920]

Had mine since April 2020, ran flawlessly all summer. I find it much easier to maneuver than the HRR216, which I also own. it feels lighter and the drive system seems more responsive. It goes through taller grass with no issues, I use it on mulch exclusively. I went with the VKA version, I didn’t want the roto-stop. I have the roto-stop on the HRR216 and quite frankly I didn’t use the feature as much as I thought, Plus, changing the drive belt on the VKA is a lot simpler, no roto-stop components to fool with.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

Is this coming weekend new year’s 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@migocctx]

Answered my question on the model differences within the line up. Thanks!

[@johnbailey9682]

What I really do not like is the self propelled way they have it . I liked the old way they had there older mowers.

[@lawnmowerdude]

Grizzy Bear lol just going through trolling comments? Everyone’s got a hobby lol.

[@colemanadamson5943]

@Grizzy Bear Yeah? Your turn is coming and even when you're correct, you will be denigrated. Think and enjoy that when it happens....and it will. EDIT: and if you are older or old enough to know better but don't....shame on you.

[@kaiokendo]

So civics can cut grass??

[@mohanliyanage6297]

Money well spent. Works great and is affordable. Ready to over seed and fill bald spots.

[@Protoolreviews]

That's great feedback, thank you!

[@mannycarrasquillo6910]

I'm dumping my 4yr old Troy Bilt junk for a new one of these!

[@gunsmoke6230]

Manuel Carrasquillo Lol my troybilt was five years old and the vka makes mowing almost enjoyable here in Houston

[@TripleAstyle1]

did the same thing.... a 2 year old Troy built.... best move ever.

[@gregandersen4084]

My 15 yr old Troy-Bilt has seen better days as well. Eventually I’ll replace it.

[@577buttfan]

No side discharge on this worthless for me in high wet NE grass here.

[@mateo85tx]

I just bought one last week HRN216 VLA electric start. Mine locks up on left hand turns but not right hand turns. Extremely annoying but love this machine !! This a easy fix anyone else had this issue ??

[@jonyoung6405]

Just overhauled my 1997 Snapper 21 inch with a new Briggs&Stratton Quantum short block. I challenge Honda to a mower shoot out.

[@GregSmith-fh6xh]

My Briggs & Stratton 725ex (Husqvarna mower) oil sump/ engine mount cracked within 2 years then the replacement cracked within 3 years Briggs & Stratton are not what they used to be made in China now I won't buy a Briggs & Stratton engine anymore I've learned my lesson good luck with yours

[@AR-cw4he]

Need to cover full warranty on the whole product. I paid full warranty on my Honda lawnmower & you guys don’t cover carburetor. It was a lemon. What do I do with the lawnmower now & remaining warranty, sucks.

[@Micko350]

Where's the price update?!

[@rusty358]

What about maneuverability in tight spaces, and weight?

[@TripleAstyle1]

Whens the 30" with the GCV200 coming out????

[@pagodad2036]

Should have introduced a 30” model..

[@johnk696]

We would need a larger engine like Toro's 30" timemaster that is always needing repairs and carry a hefty yearly maintenance cost. I owned one I sold it after a few years of taking hits with it. My trusty Honda hasn't let me down.

[@GeorgeGates]

After 1 year I've had it with my timemaster with all of its problems and looking at the honda.

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

Ah...No...

[@TripleAstyle1]

would be nice, they could use the GCV200 and power it no problem.

[@maryselessard385]

jai acheté une husqvarna 4 roue motrice il ya 2 ans une poubelle qui prenait 8 a 10 coup pour la partir a froid puis jai changé pour une 216 de honda une merveille part toujours du premier coup et les 2 lames merveilleux

[@stevec.8095]

The bag on my brand new HRN216VKA does not stay on. No matter how it is inserted into the frame slot, the right side falls off in 20-30. Feet. The original bag frame was replaced by my authorized dealer, and the second bag/frame is no better. This design needs to be fixed by Honda.

[@saigonboi26]

Steve C. I’ve had this problem on my hrn 216 vya. I notice the bag sits on there only a certain way. You have to be careful and make sure both side hook in. Otherwise one side will only hook and before you know it the bag will fall off after mowing a short distance. Hope this helps

[@stevec.8095]

@@saigonboi26 Thanks, Jon. Yes, I have made sure the catcher sits properly and the hook points are clear of debris. I am on my second catcher frame, and another is on order. I’m hoping Honda quality control can be accurate at least one out of three times. If not, we will try a fourth. I really like the mower otherwise, but I will not settle for a catcher that falls off.

[@gunsmoke6230]

Steve C. How did Honda F this up? It was a pain in the ass to put on so I just left it off. I just mulch it but it should still work not good......

[@stevec.8095]

@@gunsmoke6230 The issue was finally resolved when my dealer went back to Honda for a third time. Honda agreed to send out another catcher with a slightly different design. I can’t see a difference, but my dealer can. This catcher is rock-solid. It stays in place and does the job it is supposed to do. If you have the same problem, I would not give up. Go back to your dealer and insist!

[@rickjames6948]

Here's ANOTHER reported FAILURE of Honda mowers. Where are all the Honda lovers at? Are you kidding? I would buy a Craftsman before any Honda.

[@newwavepressure6478]

No its not good in wet grass i think the side shoot would habe bin better other then that cuts good

[@pikavargas4442]

Any one know where I can get a bag for this exact model? Can’t seem to find it on the Honda website

[@jasonkreienheder2893]

The clip director has a bag or a mulch setting. Is it possible to run it mid-way where I can set how much of the clippings get directed to the bag? It doesn’t seem to have detents so I’m afraid it would vibrate to one end. Has anyone tried running with the setting mid-way with good results?

[@BixbyConsequence]

I've seen reviews that say you can; I mulch exclusively so can't say for sure.

[@profuse007]

Commercial Honda has the GX160 engine. All residential has the GCV160, much cheaper build and feature. And this is probably a cheaper watered down GCV160 or GCV190 version

[@JUAN120484]

What about hrx217

[@kenp4464]

Checking here in Canada and the model numbers are not the same. HRN216VKC on the Honda Canada site. Can you tell me why the difference and not the VKA?

[@CheaperJeeperTV]

VK"C" for Canada? VK"A" for America?

[@tomhiers9025]

Does this lawn mower have ball bearing Wheels

[@algorel4763]

Is it 4-5 pull starting like the new 200 cc sister engine?

[@davidbach8091]

Mine starts first pull every time

[@fernandomeza6198]

Mine started on the first pull out the box! And every time after.

[@algorel4763]

Fernando Meza I changed the spark plug that it came with, now it’s one pull!

[@rickjames6948]

@@algorel4763 10 pulls here.

[@algorel4763]

rick james return it

[@577buttfan]

Does the 170 have a timing belt like the older 160 or not?

[@TripleAstyle1]

chain I THINK

[@577buttfan]

@@TripleAstyle1 that would be cool

[@boriss.861]

And a solid rear roller for great stripes?

[@GregsMowing]

Uk spec only probably

[@TexasStormChaser]

Checkmate sells it for $100

[@theweightlifterknownasbobw7707]

that was a commercial not a review

[@tedschmitt178]

The Honda mowers are great except no side discharge. For that reason, I’m leaning toward a Toro.

[@dfgdfg_]

You can 3D print a side discharge part nowadays. Modify your own!

[@jmabs5096]

They failed to mention it's actually rear discharge, take the bag out and flip it to bag. Kinda crappy way to discharge but discharging on a push mower meant for mulching is a minor drawback. I'm sure they have adapters aftermarket but the new toros are the same way, a bulky stupid looking thing that you only get if you register your toro and request it....

[@colemanadamson5943]

@2:40 + = Translation: Mower does not bag well when level. One must raise the front wheels to help bagger work to satisfaction.

[@fatlittleparasite]

Thought this was just common knowledge for bagging operations, been doing it for years... or just mulch and have a healthier lawn 🐓

[@577buttfan]

Honda still forgot to add the governor seal in this one too common Honda really???

[@thejonesfamily2479]

I have a 216hrn honda push mower and do anyone know the torque power of this mower

[@mitchtrubisky999]

It's pretty torquey lol

[@rickjames6948]

@@mitchtrubisky999 No it's not. Try out a Briggs 8.75 torque or a Kawasaki FJ180V if you want torque.

[@TripleAstyle1]

@@rickjames6948 ya bud... the honda GCV is rated at 12.7 torque... look it up. Thats why this mower is a beast.

[@bryancoats5328]

I’ve been a die-hard Snapper man my entire life, that is before they sold out to go overseas. I’m a fan of the old Honda’s from the 90s, the old HRM215 SX to be exact, this one has way too much plastic on it. What the hell ever happened to real lawnmowers

[@billporter4697]

The HRM has a plastic deck... Just saying.

[@rickjames6948]

@@billporter4697 And IT sucks too. Snapper mowers from a mower dealer reign supreme. Not the walmart junk with the Snapper name.

[@andybub45]

@@rickjames6948 Snapper mowers use all Briggs engines now. Junk.

[@rickjames6948]

@@andybub45 Snapper has a gutless Honda GXV160. I would pass on that one. Get the Briggs Professional 8.75 torque.

[@GregsMowing]

To bag better you want the rear wheels higher than the front

[@GregsMowing]

TheOneAndDroney well ALL gardeners I know do it and it works!

[@GregsMowing]

Grizzy Bear what are you?

[@dadsworkshopbykipplabrie7982]

I know this is going to come off the wrong way, that being said I was not impressed with my 2017 HRX Honda mower. Don't get me wrong it worked great and had plenty of power hell it even cut wet grass like butter, I ended up selling it to a co-worker and here's why. For $600 its a little over engineered and like most people when I'm done mowing I like to make sure my neighbors notice my crisp flawless "ballpark" lines, I COULD NOT get this thing to leave lines for the life of me! It chopped up the grass so well my wife even said "did you mow today?" that's when I knew it had to go. I'm willing to give the new HRN a shot but I'm still on the fence plus I'm not a fan of the plastic I see on the back of the new HRN deck but Honda plastic is in a class of its own in a good way. I recommend Toro and CRAFTSMAN (not the new Craftsman) lawn mowers and even LAWN-BOY, all are great durable mowers without breaking the bank and if you come across an old John Deere "silver deck" you better buy it. PRO TIP: Todays lawn mowers are made of plastic with a side of plastic, when choosing a lawn mower really look and get a feel of the deck and handle, if you get a chance to test drive it and it feels like a slinky or the deck flexes like a rubber band stay away from it.

[@lawnmowerdude]

I assume you tried a roller?

[@dadsworkshopbykipplabrie7982]

Yes I have the toro stripper kit

[@pagodad2036]

Toro has been in the business for a long time. They know how to mow. Definitely worth looking at a super recycler or timemaster

[@dadsworkshopbykipplabrie7982]

I couldn’t agree more, I also own a newer model 22” Toro walk behind Recycler and hands down is my toughest mower! It blows my CRAFTSMAN out the water.

[@johnk696]

@@pagodad2036 Timemaster is a tank and has costly yearly maintenance to keep it running like new. Also after a year, it won't self propel like it did the first year but at least the new transmission for it is only $115 when you decide it's time. Also, it is super heavy and you feel that around corners and reversing. Plus it cost over 1k. Look at the reviews for one and you'll see what I'm talking about with the Toro Timemaster. Selling one now used for $250. Fires up first pull like day one but as said the trans isn't like it used to be but still works well. Just isn't what I would expect out of a mower that cost me over $1000.00. This new Honda even with it's plastics is better IMO. If only Toro knew how to make a batter transmission. Check this video out and you'll see what I'm saying. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIHQfHmsjLZqnZY

[@NorceCodine]

So the PKA will be a regular push-mower (no self propel)?

[@jamesorsby7553]

Some folks don't need the self propelled feature... smaller lawns. The funny thing is that it's only about $20 less than the basic self propelled model... what's up with that?

[@davids8449]

How can a bloody lawnmower be sexy, it cuts grass that's all, ether that or I am missing out on something

[@jmadd1000]

My wife just said the same thing - who the hell thinks a mower is sexy?

[@michaelwarnas7007]

Made where all scab cars are!

[@LeonardoMigot]

If someone tell you honda recall is a fake news only put inside the honda engine gcvx camshaft in plastic pvc and with the heat gets deformed and broken 😡 the engine and the cost is more of 1300 of dollars

[@les2997]

The mower needs to be a lot less noisy

[@revit4909]

Grizzy Bear just got one and its noisier than the one I had(common lawn mower) but I’m not complaining

[@rickjames6948]

What?

[@andybub45]

Its a gas mower...

[@rickjames6948]

@@andybub45 What?

[@cgreenfield6655]

I'd hate to say this but I was never a fan of the gcv160 engines.

[@KenyonPayne]

If only got rid of that awful auto choke!

[@rickjames6948]

Brah ha-ha-ha. What a crap mower design. Briggs had a manual cable choke DECADES ago that works every time.

[@andybub45]

@@rickjames6948 Briggs and Stratton no longer has manual choke.

[@GregsMowing]

The old one is better built and better commercial engine

[@I5ZQ8]

Dammit i just bought the old one a month ago

[@Daluke61]

I was so close to pulling the trigger myself a few weeks ago. Can't recall where I first heard of a replacement to be available in the not too distant future but after checking it out, turns out it was true. The redesigned HRN series sounds like it is might be worth waiting for, at least for me. I'm only interested in the push model, not one that's self propelled. I say it "might" be worth waiting for because its initial price has yet to be disclosed not to mention a release date. If it's significantly more than the HRR series was than I'll likely wish I'd gone ahead at got one of the now older HRR series mowers as they've proven to be super performers and very dependable for the most part. In other words, I wouldn't feel too bad if I were you.

[@jamesorsby7553]

🤣😂🤣😂😅😭😭😭

[@mikerue2423]

Good for you , I don't like the new models at all, IMHO a lot of plastic, aggressive cost cutting you might as well buy an MTD Troy Built with the old Honda engine.

[@johnk696]

@@Daluke61 The engine redesign is pretty nice being only thirty-some parts now. I've owned the older model and this new one. I mow a ton of yards too and this one is my favorite over any Snapper Commercial or Toro Commercial line I've owned and used in the past to present. Currently, the best version (VYA) is only $509.00 at Lowes.

[@johnk696]

@@mikerue2423 A few have said that but it's a great improvement, however. Also, fewer things to rust after washing it up. Plastics have come a long way. Even newer vehicles have more plastics than they have before and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

[@TheJttv]

How to ruin your thumb 101

[@jayhut2262]

😄🤭

[@rickjames6948]

What about the nice design of the rear discharge? You have to walk to the side of the mower. Nice idea Honda. Look at all the mower forums and all the problems with Honda mowers. Things like my new HRX217 won't pull backwards. Bearings and wheels are shot on a NEW mower. Numerous carburetor issues NOT covered under warranty. Plastic deck issues with rocks and yard debris punching right through that plastic toy deck. And the power you speak of. Honda FINALLY has an engine with NEARLY the same torque as a 190cc Briggs or an Kawasaki FJ180V. The latter two being the Briggs and the Kawasaki are much smaller engines. So NOTHING to brag on there either. Pawn shops are FULL of Honda mowers.

[@daxbeal8275]

@rick james Your first two sentences discredit the entirety of the remainder of your post. The Honda only discharges to the rear when you're bagging the grass. If you're claiming to have to walk to the side of the mower, then you must be using a bungee cord to hold the rear deflector in the "up" position, but without the bag in place. I've been using the same Honda mower for 20 years. Starts on the first pull every time, and I've never had so much as a hiccup of a problem with it. I see no reason to ever switch brands with that kind of record.

[@rickjames6948]

@@daxbeal8275 So you've never seen a rear discharge Honda mower? Sorry for you.

[@johnwoodworth7725]

:

[@jonienglish3231]

HONDA GCV 160 BEING HAMMERED by CHINESE CLONE 173cc Engines !!!: ie Harbour Freight Predator , Cub Cadet 173cc , Loncin 173cc .and LCT - aka Liquid Combustion Technology ( Tecumseh ) as a Note the Honda GCV Does not have a Ball Bearing Crank and Cylinder is COOL WALL Part of the Block NO STEEL LINER !!!- also Plastic Cam gear and Rubber Timing Belt the CHINESE ENGINES are very well Made : Ball Bearing Crank and Steel Liner Cylinder .

[@andybub45]

Troll. You have obviously never worked on a small engine.

[@theheaterguyryan5052]

New honda mowers are expensive balls of crap. Old mowers where great new mowers give problems

[@rickjames6948]

Engine nearly dies just engaging the blade. Deck has zero vacuuming power. As usual, Honda's are a swing and a miss mower. They are a "good" mower, not a great one. Thank the lord we have Snapper Commercials.

[@TripleAstyle1]

Bring it back.. That's what anyone with that actual problem would have done but you dont have the mower to begin with.

[@rickjames6948]

@@TripleAstyle1 True, I don't have a Honda mower. I would honestly buy a Craftsman before any Honda.

[@TripleAstyle1]

@@rickjames6948 so your comment was completely false as I assumed? Odd....

[@rickjames6948]

@@TripleAstyle1 Craftsman is better by far.

[@andybub45]

@@rickjames6948 No its not. The thin steel on the crapsman rots and breaks quickly, the front plastic pieces fall apart, and if you get a new Briggs and Stratton, you will have many issues. Best bet is to get a Toro with a Honda engine.

[@rickjames6948]

Engine nearly dies just engaging the blade. Deck has zero vacuuming power. As usual, Honda's are a swing and a miss mower. They are a "good" mower, not a great one. Thank the lord we have Snapper Commercials.

[@johnk696]

Yeah maybe if you slapped it hard into gear rather than smoothly engaging it like you're supposed to. This is one of the flagship models that has recently had the engine redesigned from the ground up. I own one and it's excellent. Owned the model before this one was made off it and it ran better than anything I've used including a Snapper which carries more yearly maintenance cost to keep it running. This one like the last should rarely need anything besides oil changes and a new air filter for many years to come.

[@slow99gsr]

I have a lawn service and have owned many honda mowers, they literally outlast all the other non commercial brands and cut better.. they’re typically “home runs” in the mower world.. I think you got a bad one or something or user error

[@rickjames6948]

@@slow99gsr Around here, NO pro lawn crews use any Honda mowers. I was told Hondas are Home Depot junk mowers.

[@slow99gsr]

rick james I live in Texas and the ONLY mowers you see lawn crews with are honda or toro. Snapper is a Walmart brand here

[@rickjames6948]

@@slow99gsr Go to a Snapper dealer and stop buying your mowers at walmart.