Honest Review: Honda HRX217 VKA Self Propelled Lawn Mower

[@GrassDaddy]

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[@cengeb]

I've had my Honda since 1987, still starts one pull, cuts, mulches perfectly, basic maintenance, I did replace teh rings and clean valves some time ago, way way over due, it's way past it's rated life, and it just keeps pn mowing! $700 back in 1987, but avg across how many years, makes it the real value, no rust, the body is die cast it last forever..replaced the air deflector spark plugs, basic maintenance, blades, Honda makes the best generators, and mowers...the thing mulches perfectly

[@mansourramzey7711]

Great mower, i bought mine in may , from dealer, and done 9 cuts on 12 apartments and so far so good. Tks for the video

[@GrassDaddy]

Thanks for watching!

[@johncilyo3642]

Good review. I have the same mower and I love it. This thing will last forever. After 5 years or so, I find I need to replace the cord starter head. It takes awhile to go back in after you pull it. Make sure that you lubricate the mulch / bagger adjustment as well as the wheel adjustments. It's the only lawnmower that I have owned that has had no real issues - in fact, it's a non - issue.

[@GrassDaddy]

I pulled apart my starter head and it was dirty, sprayed some silicon spray and it works like a charm! I did have a real struggle starting it the other day, but when I plugged the spark plug back in it started up fine =P

[@rezanorouzian8198]

Interesting, I didn't know that HRX217VKA ever used to use the HRR216 VKA's handlebar as well as HRR216 VKA's smart drive system!

[@Jefferson196]

I needed a new mower that cut 4" for my St Augustine as I wanted a taller cut since starting a new lawn which had been Bermuda. Walked in to Home Depot and was looking and for some reason the HRX with Key Start was marked down the other HRX variants were not on sale. So with the store discount and my military discount was able to pick this up for $50 less than the base HRX. My wife likes to mow now and then and she always had a problem holding the pull back bar for mower start and pulling the cord, not an issue any longer. Thanks for the review, luvin it so far.

[@GrassDaddy]

I play a game with mine.. see how slow and weak can you pull it and it still starts up haha I've never had an easier to start mower!

[@thegreat_chaboskychabosky418]

I have one as well. Very nice and dependable lawn mower and delivers a great cut it never fails to crank on the first pull

[@lynheydt3304]

I have to agree with you buy stuff locally. I’m lucky there are quite a few small and large dealers close to me.

[@breeze787]

The low RPM's is not an issue. Hondas do run at a lower RPM even when throttle is set at faster but in idle without the blades engaged. Which is one of the reasons why a Honda engine lasts so long and also why they are a lot more quieter. However even at the lower spring setting (1st hole) say its at 2700 to 3000 rpm and with a sharp blade there is no reason why you wouldn't get a nice clean cut with 2 blades coming at you which is the primary purpose of a lawn mower to begin with. So how are we as homeowners suppose to manage the RPM"s? Well, you would move the spring to the 2nd hole for faster rpm's when you are cutting anything over 12" in height. You don't have to but if you wanted to beef up your Honda HRX217 so that long grass won't choke it and kill the engine whenever you get into the really thick stuff then raise the RPM by moving that spring to the 2nd hole. Easy peasy! And the little leaks from mulching that's a quality control issue? Well how much more are you willing to spend for a lawn mower that completely seals the mass volume of air to mulch? Honda gives you a super high quality mower that is extremely reliable with very low maintenance requirements that is easy to operate and store? I'm pretty okay with all of that.

[@loriwitkop1389]

Uninformitive, all I gained from this is that you like the machine. :)

[@zapthathattrick]

What is that screw adjustment to have it full mulch so clippings don't come through?

[@scotta9114]

Just bought this Mower for $100. Owner said it is 8 years old. Good shape. He just wanted it gone and I obliged. The lever for Bag/Mulch is stuck. Haven't looked at it yet. I don't know if this will replace my HR214SX Mower from 1986???

[@anthonyj.barton4032]

That is a Military grade engine with a timing chain that is the best lawn mower. Everyone else is years behind them. There snow blowers are awesome. Padula Brothers is the best place for sales and service.

[@GrassDaddy]

Thanks for watching!

[@tophgeld8440]

It's (GCV190) a fine engine but it's not 'military grade' nor does it have a timing chain. It has a timing belt.The GXV engine is their commercial grade engine. It is only available on Honda's commercial mowers that cost about twice as much as the HRX217VKA. It even has shaft drive instead of a belt.

[@treydrier3169]

My understanding is the commercial version has no belt, its a direct shaft. However, the this unit and all residential units have a belt drive to the hydrostatic transmission.

[@MichaelRei99]

AllI know is my Honda is tough as nails and keeps going without issue year after year!

[@popup1959]

Great review! Been hearing a lot of good things about these mowers. Honda has always been known for it's quality & dependability. 2 blades must really mulch it up! Was doing a video on buying local & why & I see you already made mention. I'll show you my reason in my video. I think I'll be getting a Honda walk behind next year. Thanks!!

[@GrassDaddy]

Nice! Yeah it really does great. My previous one would bog down all the time on the thick grass but this one powers through it!

[@popup1959]

Nice! The dual blade system must really cut it up!

[@appleztooranges]

Just grabbed the more expensive version. The HRX217HYA with the hydrostatic.

[@raybates5059]

Got won 3 weeks ago when I started it made a big clatter noise a part the goes above the blades had no screws in it, still at the repair shop been there over a week, not happy

[@GrassDaddy]

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[@raincadeify]

I understand that sometimes background noise happens, but you seem to be far from a mic AND you've added mood music over the top...?

[@Vutran-ri5gn]

I have one this not filling good for me because this run by back wheel and bag .but on the front light weight when grass in bag and run little bit high speed the front wheel go up you can’t movers lawns

[@cengeb]

All teh service manuals are available, as is the parts diagrams, easy PZ

[@danielgrandon2701]

Thanks for sharing! I'm trying to figure out if I'm getting a Honda, Toro or Snapper next spring.

[@cengeb]

HONDA, get the Honda

[@dknj2164]

Honda 100%. And I’m a Honda fan since my first car. But I still keep my honesty of what’s best or better than Honda if there is something. Don’t know about snapper, but every toro(which I was so close to getting even already having Honda) ive seen needs more maintanence than I’ve see in anything in my life

[@DelsLawnCare]

Great info. I have seen you use it on that tall grass. The wax is first time i found about that today.

[@GrassDaddy]

Yeah it's a great idea but I had no clue it existed so I didn't think to check it. So far no issues with it after they replaced it!

[@rosemarylootens1196]

When you recommend moving the spring to the 2nd hole, is it the 2nd from the top or 2nd from the bottom?

[@davidangers7909]

What mower height do you use?

[@NorceCodine]

After 3 years is the Nexite deck still like it was when new, or getting warped, nicked, etc? I don't know if the steel deck would hold up better?

[@inperspective]

Now that you've had the mower for a year - do you find the drive control erratic - or does it maintain a constant speed? Do you wish you had purchased the HYA with the blade stop? Hoping to decide on VKA or HYA today. :)

[@GrassDaddy]

No problems so far I've had it for a few years only needed to replace the thermowax

[@inperspective]

Cool. Thx.

[@sandyrury6382]

@@GrassDaddy what was it doing that made you check the Thermowax? My HRX217 VKA revs up and down when i first start it for about 20 to 30 seconds. Then it hums and runs normal

[@stashbob]

Grass Daddy, can you post a couple of links to the videos that show how to adjust the clip director door. I have this mower and the one thing that drives me crazy is that in full mulch mode, I have to leave the bag on to catch the excess clippings. I would love to solve that problem and not have to empty my bag after mulching my lawn!!! Thanks for the great review!!!

[@GrassDaddy]

You probably have to adjust the knob. There is a screw you can loosen it and then close the chute all the way, then retighten and then it should work as expected

[@DeliciousBass01]

Nice review. I've heard several reports that the HRX will leave uncut grass stragglers almost like in a pattern when mulching. Do you find this to be true? Please report on its mulching and evenness to the cut when mulching, thanks so much

[@GrassDaddy]

I haven't had any issues but I've heard the same thing. There are people adamant that it does it and same with those that say it doesn't. I've wondered if there was a batch that had some defect..

[@mikedr1549]

How do you like it now? Any long term issues? Thanks!

[@GrassDaddy]

I loved using it. I gave it to a friend whose mower broke. Since I moved to a larger property I didn't need it anymore. Thing still runs like a champ!

[@DeeDee-be1mo]

Like and sub just because you are one of the “mulching Only” fellows.

[@user-lp4bl7gq7g]

Something must be really wrong with mine because I fill the bag three times mowing my lawn with it on the mulching setting what is the issue?

[@GrassDaddy]

You might have to adjust the clip deflector. If you set it to mulch and there is a gap it'll still fill the bag up.

[@Melonheadinbed]

i have a 4 year old hrr217vka. i like the thumb drive. problem is my mower leaves strips of uncut grass. the deck is different than the resin hrx series. has anyone had this issue of uncut strips on their hrx? and before you ask my mower is completely set up sharp and level. it's not user error.

[@GrassDaddy]

Melonheadinbed i wonder if there was a change at some point because most people don't have that issue but ive seen a dozen people post just like you and have gone through it all and even had the dealer look at it and not find anything wrong.

[@GrassDaddy]

Melonheadinbed my only advice is to check the rpm.. mine came set lower than manual spec, there is speculation that its done to make it quieter

[@Melonheadinbed]

Grass Daddy yeah i put it into the higher rpm hole long ago. it has no bearing unfortunately on the strips. i've also set the cutting height lower and higher and i've taken the bag off and blown clippings out the back. i love the engine but i think it's poor deck design- mine is the silver aluminum deck. i'm looking to buy a used HRX because the deck is different and the engine is more powerful. if you haven't had any issues with the grass strips you may have confirmed my suspicions.

[@Todd_Monson]

Good review. Can you link the vid on adjusting the mulcher? No luck finding one.

[@GrassDaddy]

In the video I do adjust it. It's not anything fancy, it just slides a piece of plastic over the chute. Think of it like a window you slide open/closed, you can have it open all the way, some of the way, closed. So conceptually it's not anything crazy but it's the only push mower I know of that has that option.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Grass Daddy I like the slider compared to a plug that you have to store.

[@aarondavis9044]

How many hp is the motor

[@jimdavidson5208]

Wait till it's out of warranty, and the drive system goes out. LOL

[@algorel4763]

2019 models have a 6 yr. warranty

[@dalesworld1308]

I have rough hilly terrain and buying a Honda was a mistake for me. Variable drive speed is a pain in the butt and the wheels are too small for rough ground. I went back to my old Snapper where I can just pick one speed and not have to run behind the mower, plus it has large back wheels. Also, why is the discharge on a Honda out the back - ALL OVER YOUR FEET?

[@GrassDaddy]

dalesworld yeah I did think it was odd during leaf mulching season but I always mulch mow so I normally don't have that issue.

[@dalesworld1308]

UPDATE - I picked up a non running HRX217 at an auction for SEVEN DOLLARS. The front of the machine was all scratched up from a careless user and the valve cover was dented to the point that the valves wouldn't close. I hammered the dent out, adjusted the valves and cleaned the carb and it started on the first pull. This machine is SO much better than the HHR mower - it mulches better and doesn't leave that little grass windrow behind the left wheel. The bigger engine is quieter too and the larger wheels and selectable speed are nice. I had to spend another $20 at Boats.net for some parts (MUCH CHEAPER than amazon) but I am happy as heck now. Didn't get a bag with it, but again I only paid 7 bucks!

[@MrSlowcyclist]

Have 4 yr old HRR216KVA Honda mower. While mowing this summer a loud bang occurred. Assumed the engine blew and immediately bought a new one. Question: Is it worth repairing the old one? Any organization that might take the old mower? Best mower I ever owned and hate to send it to the dump. I live in Madison, MS.

[@GrassDaddy]

+Rick Mills does it not start? Could be a lot of things, even as simple as it backfiring, I would bring it to a dealer to have it looked at

[@MrSlowcyclist]

Thanks for responding. Don't feel any resistance from the starter rope. Will make a compression test.

[@GrassDaddy]

+Rick Mills pull the starter rope apart, mine got dirty one time so the plastic clip didn't engage

[@michaelmcist]

If anyone wants to try an equally well built mower as a honda, weibang have a professional drive shaft version, that is so well built, and has a commercial loncin engine 196cc. The professional reviewers and contractors are raving about these mowers in europe, some have kawasaki engines and aluminium decks, either way they are a fantastic lawnmower. Hondas are a way more expensive here than they are in america.

[@GrassDaddy]

That reminds me, they were going to send me a Weibang before my lyme came back. Thanks! I'm gonna see if I can reconnect with them.

[@AntLive29]

most of these comments is negative. BUY AMERICAN!!

[@philchristmas6818]

Can you show the tach location on mower? What brand of tach did you go with? Is it a tach/hour meter combo unit? Thx, great video sir!

[@GrassDaddy]

I have a video on the governor and tachometor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6nWen5mZbOBbKc The tach I used is here: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0049IFX56/ in this video its actually not on the mower. I zip tied it to the mower handle last year and took it off when I got the mower serviced and just haven't gotten around to putting it back on yet.

[@philchristmas6818]

Sounds good, I'll check it out GD...THX!

[@superior3384]

how does the transmission work for you. do you feel like you have to push or does it engage right away?

[@GrassDaddy]

I've never noticed any problems with it. I have a slope out the front and never had any problems going up that either.

[@leonardoruiz6705]

Is this a commercial grade

[@GrassDaddy]

No I have the residential one

[@steelman46]

i have one and i cant get the stupid knob for the clip director to move otherwise not bad

[@GrassDaddy]

It might be too tight. I know you can loosen the bolt to re-adjust the clip director, might want to try that and see if it loosens up!

[@boblafountaine9560]

Grass Daddy make sure you pull downward then turn the knob. Turn toward you then across.

[@gregbrooks9546]

Do any of these models have a manual choke. So which model is the best for the price without all the bells and whistles.

[@GrassDaddy]

No they use an auto choke which is a piece of wax that moves when warmed up. I have the most basic Honda HRX217 and love it!

[@allgaming4045]

You should look at the hrs mowers

[@YourTransmissionRepair]

Is it front wheel drive?

[@GrassDaddy]

No it's rear

[@wisconsin49er]

Did you move the governor spring to the hole on the right?

[@GrassDaddy]

+wisconsin49er I will have to look, it increased the tension though, I think it was the lower hole

[@GrassDaddy]

in case you didnt see or someone reads this comment later, I did a video on the governor adjustment kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6nWen5mZbOBbKc

[@superior3384]

grass daddy. how is your honda hrx 217vka working for you. an update

[@GrassDaddy]

+Superior Lawn Care oh that reminds me I gotta edit that video, I got it working fine

[@superior3384]

my local dealer put a mower aside for me to pick up on Saturday. it's the honda hrx217vla price $469.

[@GrassDaddy]

Superior Lawn Care nice!

[@superior3384]

Yeah just hope it's a good decision. I have a small lawn care business hopefully it last

[@daflea66]

How do the adjustment tabs hold up over time?

[@GrassDaddy]

Michael Amurgis they have been fine. I thought the metal on plastic would wear it but the plastic body is super durable!

[@daflea66]

Right on, good to know. i've considered these for a while. We mow about 20 a day but need replacement trim mowers. Adjusters seem to be the weakest link on all newer mowers. Gets tiring stocking them and changing them monthly. On these though it seems that if they wear out you need a whole new deck.

[@GrassDaddy]

Michael Amurgis you might want to check out their commercial version if you are using it that often

[@daflea66]

Too heavy. 120lbs plus for a trim mower is unbearable in western PA. Hills everywhere

[@GrassDaddy]

+Michael Amurgis ah yeah the hrx217 is light

[@johnbailey2034]

Where did you buy it at?

[@GrassDaddy]

+John Bailey I bought it at a local dealer. You can get them at some box stores but if you ever need service you will be better off buying local. The warranty is great and dealers fix things faster when they know you got it there.

[@davidpost6164]

I bought this lawn mower and I got it with all the Bells and whistles including the Hydro Drive system and immediately had to get rid of it. Honda would not let me return it and I wound up selling it for $150 less than I paid for it. The serious problem was the mower was constantly getting grass stuck under the deck and I had to clean it out after every cut. $750 for the lawn mower and after using it one time I went back to my old lawn mower. I hates this Honda Mower, I felt lucky to sell it for $600 and when I tried getting ahold of Honda about the mower instead of helping me return it they tried taking away the residential warranty because I mentioned how their is no way you could cut more than one lawn and the mower is considered a semi pro mower which is bull crap. I love my old Honda Harmony 215 but I hated this piece of crap.

[@GrassDaddy]

That's odd. I haven't had any problems with it sticking :-/

[@jbw9999]

David Post Did you have any other problems besides stuck grass? Honda power equipment customer service is atrocious. Another good reason to buy from a dealer I guess.

[@tonymontana3742]

I've heard valve clearance has to be checked every 100 hours, that is a con, imo.

[@GrassDaddy]

I've never checked

[@cengeb]

I pulled my engine apart after 20 years + and cleaned vales etc, certainly way way way way way past 100 hours, mine is running way past it's rated life, Honda makes the best mowers

[@SCraig-Handsome]

I’ve seen 150 hours, for me I’m guessing that would be every 4-6 years, my current mower should have been replaced 2 years ago and this is year 5 and I’m replacing it so… much better to have a mower with an engine you can get 10 years out of for regular maintenance and service every 5 years

[@lambert1702]

This is why I prefer a manual choke. Wax? wtf!

[@drumermp]

lambert1702 there's probably wax in your shower balance valve too

[@turk59]

You do realize that all automobile thermostats work using wax don’t you? They have been doing this for years and it works pretty well wouldn’t you agree?

[@drholt2]

Good video but DUMP THE ANNOYING WHISTLE TRACK, no value added

[@prun8893]

Honda HRX's are way, way better than Toro.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Dumbass quality control. That's all I came to say :) Watching some of your old videos.

[@GrassDaddy]

haha some of my old ones are pretty bad, I used to use my phone to record =P

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Grass Daddy I hope you didn't think I was saying your old videos were bad quality. I was referring to the Honda mower issues you mentioned.

[@vkhiev]

Autochoke sucks

[@stevebolo634]

chinese engine, plastic junk... support america buy a snapper

[@GrassDaddy]

+steve bolo the plastic is actually a great idea, no rusting deck ;)

[@Tmankali]

Chinese? Isn't honda japanese 🙄

[@johnjoe699]

I hate reviews like this one.... all blah blah and no action...