Review: Honda HRC216 Commercial Lawn Mower - 1 Year In

If you're looking for the best walk-behind lawnmower of commercial quality, this HRC216 should be a top consideration. Slotted above the HRN216, HRS216, and HRX217, this is Honda's best walk behind mower. This mower features a GXV160 commercial engine that uses more durable materials than the lighter-duty residential engines. Competitors include Toro, Exmark, and Snapper. While heavy, this mower has features sure to make your neighbors jealous, but it's not perfect of course. This is my review. Enjoy the intro.

[@chrisw.3077]

Please like and and subscribe if you read this, I do appreciate it. Helps me out and lets you know when I post a new video. If you didn’t like this video, let me know what I can do better. Sorry if the 30 second goofy intro was a little too long and too loud!

[@peterantley]

alright. I did that. SO whats up at year 2 now? Still into it? how is it holding up?

[@chrisw.3077]

@@peterantley holding up fine, runs great, no discernible deterioration other than a bit of surface rust on the rear axle. Only complaint is the self-propulsion speed is still slow. Thanks for the comment, reminded me I should do an update video.

[@peterantley]

@@chrisw.3077 where did you get serivce manual? Im interested in how to evaluate a used one? Can you go over what the expected compression psi is? How would you evaluate a used one based on the quantative info you have in manual?

[@chrisw.3077]

Don’t buy a used one, it’s that simple. Very few people are going to be using this at home like I am but if you find someone selling it who is simply a homeowner, it’s likely fine. How clean the mower is kept is a good indicator of if it has been taken care of. I wouldn’t buy one if it was kept outside. Service manual can be bought directly from Honda. They have a website just for service manuals.

[@peterantley]

@@chrisw.3077 thanks. Yeah second hand market isnt great. Got my civic, grom, Ridgeline, odyssey, and accord new... Probably going new here as well. I love honda...

[@anthonyhilchey8215]

I’ve had my Honda HRC216 for 9 year’s now it’s wicked Pissah Cool. Best Mower around! I love the Fuel ⛽️ Shut off every time I get done cutting I let the fuel run out of the carburetor

[@amirdieselx64]

I own one of these and I love it, I purchased it in 2018 and it's been an excellent mower. It is a heavy mower but it's built heavy duty. Keep the deck clean they do rust, I clean mine regularly and spray rust converter on it.

[@zipzap4706]

I spray WD-40 after use. No rusty rusty

[@SANCHEZFLA863]

What did you pay for it in 2018?

[@amirdieselx64]

@@SANCHEZFLA863 1200

[@DanielCValot]

Great video you have here, my brother and I have a very large commercial landscape company here in Southern California and we’ve used these lawnmowers since 1991 when we started the company I’ve had my personal lawn more that I have now for about maybe 18 years and it still runs pretty strong I replaced the lower part of the deck because it got rotted out and I replaced the hydrostat drive about four years ago because it developed a leak and it was jerky when it was engage so I replaced the hydrostat drive unit along with the back axle because it comes in one piece like that you can order it to make work simpler it’s the best lawnmower you’ll ever buy and I just bought a brand new one last January and it came today and it’s exactly the one you were shown here on your video and I was so curious about my lawn more I’ll pick it up tomorrow in the excitement I was looking for a video on the one I purchased and I found your video, you are a great reviewer I know this more inside and out however not this particular 2022 version but they’re the same At the end of your video I saw you had made a comment about trying to adjust the hydrostatic drive and if your liquid is full then it’s a it’s a cable adjustment and you can adjust out up at the handle it takes a very little adjustment to go along way just be careful when you unlock the lock nut on the Collett turn the Collett maybe one turn or turn and a half and then put the lock nut back just finger tight and then try it again very small increments this will fix your problem We have to date I think we run 14 of these lawnmowers like I said it’s a big company and we don’t have a lot of problems with them and these guys run these hard all day long six days a week so congratulations on an awesome video thank you so much in my excitement I found your video now I’m more excited to go pick up my lawn more in the morning lol

[@estaldamasnl88]

I’ll buy this mower from you after a few yrs!! You keep that thing clean, heck the oil is cleaner than when your first poured it I think!

[@chrisw.3077]

Haha, thank you. I’ll keep you in mind.

[@charlesjacksoniii8787]

I bought one last season for my part-time lawn care business and I love my. It cuts great and stripes well.

[@chrisw.3077]

Agreed, I love the end result when I mow.

[@zipzap4706]

Just bought one. Best mower I've ever owned!

[@chrisw.3077]

Awesome to hear

[@carlloftin2850]

@@zipzap4706 not to heavy - a lot of steel - I am on the fence

[@markbrisec3972]

If you ever decide to sell this mower, I'm buying it. Putting a duck tape where the metal meets metal on a handle to prevent the paint from chipping away and therefore causing a potential rust spot.. I've met some people with OCD but this is above ad beyond.. You remind me of my dad who refused to drive the car whenever we had snow or sleek conditions on the roads that would necessitate the sale being spread over the streets. He rather used public transportation and walked for over 3 miles to get to work than to drive his car 10 feet on the salt covered streets. Of course when he sold his 25 year old VW, the bodywork was impecable and completely rust free. I never picked up these behavior patterns from him. I drive always and anywhere with a mantra "Did I buy the car or the car bought me?"... It seemed like a smart answer back then, now it feels kind of lame..

[@chrisw.3077]

Thank you for your comment and the cool story about your dad! Sometimes the OCD gets a bit out of control, but at least I don’t compulsively check my door locks or wash my hands until they’re raw like some people out there do haha

[@hixnada8278]

Great video! Thanks so much. What is the full model name of your HRC216? Is it HRC216HXA? Please let us know.

[@DanielCValot]

Sir, I don’t know your name so I just have to say sir, you made a fantastic video of this machine absolutely fantastic you left out no detail!! My brother and I owner very large commercial landscape company here in Southern California we have I think at this .14 of these lawnmowers, as I said it’s a big company We started using these back in 1991 and I have always had my machine with me because I used to do a lot of work myself without the crew and then we gave them to the crew as well even though the crew beat up everything we give them as much as we tell them to be careful these Hondas are virtually bulletproof! You’re absolutely right because I’m here by the beach in Southern California and the local guys did not have any and then I found one out the shop that does all our repair work and he had a used one that was one month old for $1600 and I told him I’ll come and look at it tomorrow afternoon and when I got there it was sold lol That was back in the beginning of January so I called around to different places and I was able to order one and pay the price and it was supposed to come in March well now it’s May 24, 2022 and it just came to the UPS store today so I have to pick it up in the morning I am so beyond excited because my personal lawn Moore is probably 18 years old and it still runs pretty good but the clutch is making a lot of noise of rattling and kind of scraping but the motor still runs pretty good sometimes it smokes when it starts but you will not go wrong with this lawnmower however the new ones are not as powerful as the one I have now because of carburetion and timing issues Like everything else California screws with everybody and Honda basically told California to P off and they will not send anything to California as I bought mine out of state I got a killer deal on this I think my price to my door was $1587 for the 216 hydrostat commercial the one you have on your review Like you I only use synthetic and you used to be able to buy Castrol and mobile one and straight 30 weight synthetic and I can’t find that anywhere so I’m going to have to go with 10-30 weight full synthetic You did very well explaining the hydrostatic drive adjustment and keeping that area clean when you’re checking the fluid it’s critical, absolutely critical not one thing gets in that hydrostat unit because if it does you’re looking about $350 to replace it, I know this for a fact because about four years ago my drive unit started getting really jerky and I saw that it developed a leak so I replaced the drive unit and the whole back axle assembly and it’s good to go like new, it’s a very expensive lawnmower but you will buy it once if you’re a homeowner you will never buy another lawn more ever our machines run six days a week and my personal mower when I was a few years back I ran my mower from probably 5:30 in the morning until about 4 o’clock in the afternoon The only thing I don’t like about this mower is the plastic wheels I know the tires are rubber but I really prefer the magnesium wheels because when the mower jumps around and the grass is wet and it runs against the curbs the metal wheels sometimes will chip where the plastic ones will just flat out break and I’m hoping to be able to buy parts for this once you have the mower will have to see about that But you did a fabulous job on this review I was so excited to get my lawn more notice today I had seen a couple videos because Honda made mini mini variations of this Lawnmower and I was starting to get nervous because the one I ordered was the one you were showing and when I looked at these reviews there’s like eight more that they make they’re all geared more to the homeowner The only thing I’m going to do is I will put synthetic oil and run it for maybe 4 to 5 hours and then drain the oil and replace it again but in all honesty to you I have probably change the oil in my lawn more in the 18 approximate years that I’ve had it I think I’ve change the oil maybe twice and this ran every day all day long Monday through Friday it’s a killer lawn more you will not be disappointed! The other change I’m going to make is I’m going to pull out the cord for the starter just a little bit use a clamp to hold the line and then re-tie the line shorter I don’t want the starting handle up on the main handle and then I’m going to rotate to the right the starter housing so you pull from the left side of Lawnmower come in rearward because I don’t want the cord hanging out there catching on low fruit trees and things like that Thank you so much again for posting this man this was great for me personally because like I said I know these machines inside and out along with all the commercial string trimmers, headers and commercial blowers from ECHO and I was very happy to see this video I was able to get a great view of the machine and you went over all the details superb congratulations to you you are the best!

[@chrisw.3077]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! I appreciate the feedback. Totally agree with you on the wheels, I've been wanting to replace mine.

[@25-8]

I have the same issue, I'm not sure what it is and mines is heavy use for work, I thought they didnt want us replacing the transmission fluid? I've never changed it nor know of anywhere to get the transmission fluid from.😮 Did you end up making it go faster?

[@tjshire]

I think the transmission oil level check could have been better explained. For example, when checking the engine oil, the dipstick is not screwed in to get the correct reading. Instead, the threaded portion of the dipstick should simply rest on top of the dipstick tube. Is it the same for the transmission or not? Also, many transmissions that are essentially hydraulic pumps have different expected fluid levels under cold and hot conditions. Does the owner's manual or service manual mention that about this transmission? Perhaps a transmission with a fairly small fluid capacity is not greatly affected by temperature swings. Anyway, a little more detail on the check procedure would have been appreciated.

[@ronhamwood3967]

What did you use for the protection strips on the side of the deck?

[@jonathonrossebo1783]

This is the best mower I've owned.

[@juanguerrero5727]

how do you change the transmission oil ?

[@bidalgarcia5100]

I have a question I have this exact lawnmower Honda HRC 216 hydrostatic I had it for 5 years never used it at all it's brand new ..so my question is has the oil expired on it should I change the oil in it before I do finally start using it ???

[@chrisw.3077]

Yes, change the oil. Manual has the instructions.

[@mc9304]

I have the same mower. I did the same thing with the oil. 1 hour, 5 and 10 hours. It wasn’t glitter free until after the third change. It will clear up completely. I used the amsoil 5w30 small engine oil as well.

[@chrisw.3077]

Awesome, good to know!

[@zipzap4706]

These have a break-in oil from factory to aid in ring seating. Should not change early.

[@danpiunno4757]

o have same mower....20 years...changed oil 4 times...runs perfect.....

[@garychambers9847]

Thinking of buying one. Do both wheels have power when moving forward?

[@chrisw.3077]

Yes, solid rear axle.

[@erichammond2466]

HRC Commercial is awesome. Love mine. Throw a CheckMate striper on it.

[@chrisw.3077]

That is badass.

[@ncvman]

Is it possible to cut backwards? Does self propel always need to be on or can you cut without it? Is this only a bag and multch option? No side shoot?

[@chrisw.3077]

Yes, it is possible to cut pulling the mower backward. You can also use the mower without the self-propulsion. However, there isn’t a side shoot.

[@mc9304]

You can purchase a side chute accessories. I bought one for when I don’t care (mowing easement)

[@southernlandscapedesigns8081]

@@chrisw.3077 I've seen side shoots, plastic several youtubers show them.

[@JohnMurrayOP]

I’ve had mine for over a year. I’m a homeowner but it may have been used commercially: It’s second hand. I’m in NW Houston and I went to Southwest Mower In Missouri City and the mechanic in the back made mine so I can go to max RPM with a small catch. I let mine idle for 2-3 minutes with the choke on driveway while I get things ready for mow. Then I take of choke and move the RPM about halfway for a couple of seconds then pop it into high speed. If I don’t do the extra step it will not go high RPM. I’m not sure why. I have been using Honda small engine oil and I’ll consider using the Amsoil. On the transmission overview there was a small bolt above the hydrostatic dipstick. What is that bolt for.

[@zipzap4706]

I put a tachometer on mine and adjusted max rpm as per shop manual. Cuts and bags like a BEAST!

[@67akhunter]

Probably loaded up from idling with the choke on

[@hixnada8278]

Hey John - where in Houston did you get your HRC216 from?

[@JohnMurrayOP]

@@hixnada8278 I found mine in Austin .

[@southernlandscapedesigns8081]

link for side discharge chute?

[@appleztooranges]

I got the HRX217HYA. Loving it

[@judejude2517]

2022 are super heavey >>> your arms will feel it

[@chrisw.3077]

You’ll get used to it

[@lazylearner967]

Prophetic! Honda announced they are not going to make or sell mowers after the 2023 season. Sad day.

[@chrisw.3077]

Wow, I hadn’t heard yet. Had to look it up myself. Sad day indeed.

[@gmoneycash7456]

After hearing the news, I just put a HRC on my credit card. Ive got a 7 year old HRX that still runs, but leaks oil after I had John Deere replace the Nexite deck. Im looking at not opening the box until my HRX dies.

[@rocksrisa]

@@gmoneycash7456 I just hope we can continue to get parts for the next half century. I had an HRM from 2001 until 2019. Great mowers and I am saddened this will be their final year.

[@gerardomedina9405]

Why is that there banning these all of a sudden or any gas powered tools overall ? That’s bs .. anyways I have a toro commercial with the Honda engine I love it ..

[@chrisw.3077]

It’s all politics. They say it’s pollution, but there’s no real proof of their (CARB’s) claims.

[@samuelsanchez2010]

Best mower ever, double blade makes everything into dust

[@juantwo322]

Price & where is the best place to purchase one? Is it the best bang for the money?

[@chrisw.3077]

Your local Honda dealer. Check the Honda website for the name/location of your local dealer, the prices will all likely be the same anywhere you go. All of the mowers of this quality are around the same price. Do your research.

[@dietmdew845]

Good oil choice. Amsoil is the best by a mile.

[@jonathonrossebo1783]

If internal combustion equipment is going to be phased out, what is Honda going to make for generators and other equipment? Last I heard they're not going to stop making cars entirely. Synthetic fuels for existing internal combustion products would make more sense. You can't always wait around for batteries to charge.

[@biggusbestus551]

Honda sets the rpm. on that mower low at the factory. After so many hours (I do not recall how many) the rpm can be bumped up. I have mine running at 3,100 rpm with the throttle at max position. I would hesitate to go any higher. The last one I had for 15 years until the deck rusted through. I welded a plate over the rust and sold it at auction ...

[@jonathonrossebo1783]

You might be able to buy an original equipment deck if they're still available and do an actual, proper repair. Unless they are no longer made. In which case, you have no choice.

[@biggusbestus551]

@@jonathonrossebo1783 thank you Jon for the reply ...that would have been ideal. The cost of the deck was too high, however. Labor not a problem I am a servant doing my wife's bidding ...😃

[@jonathonrossebo1783]

@@biggusbestus551 more than a new mower?

[@richardjeun]

Amsoil sucks. You want to try Shell Rotella T6. I’ve seen real testing and comparisons. The speed can be adjusted by the lever; look underneath the throttle lever and you can move the cable termination away by first unlocking the two small nuts that holds the termination in place, then turn one of them to put more tension on the cable. Also, Archoil AR6200 fuel treatment is a must. To avoid any future problems with your fuel cap, take it apart and drill a 3/16” hole in the middle where there’s already an existing hole that is smaller (everyone has this issue down the road).

[@tl4633]

I have had mine for 28 years and I believe that it has died. I am looking for another Commercial model but they are hard to find right now.

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Volume is so very low. Thank you

[@parkerk7018]

I don’t like how the handle bar can’t be adjustable or make it higher!

[@chrisw.3077]

Yes, that’s kind of limiting, but in return you get an incredibly rigid bar.

[@mc9304]

You can adjust it. There are only 2 positions though

[@parkerk7018]

@@mc9304 you can’t adjust it as high as the HRX217

[@parkerk7018]

@@chrisw.3077 and the extra weight factor of the hrc 216 is another big consideration compared to the hrx217

[@DanielCValot]

ALWAYS USE SYNTHITIC OIL!

[@samuelsanchez2010]

For a homeowner this mower will probably last 30 yrs, if mowing 100 houses, a week will last 15 yrs. I imagine a home owner mowing one time a week!!!!!

[@maydanlex]

A wheel fell off after the 5th cut.

[@chrisw.3077]

Did you put it back on? Clearly a loose nut.

[@maydanlex]

@@chrisw.3077 Yes, put it back on and was cutting again in no time. It's actually the machine I purchased for my daughter and son in law. They have a bumpy acre of grass. I also bought my parents an HRX Hydrostatic Electric-Start back in June. Took it back today as it was leaking oil badly. Hoping it's something simple and not a part that's on back order. Great channel. Subscribed.

[@chrisw.3077]

@@maydanlex thank you. seems like some QC issues due to opioid addicted factory workers.

[@maydanlex]

@@chrisw.3077 Whoops. Either way your channel has some great material that's explained in a detailed manner. Appreciated.

[@chrisw.3077]

@@maydanlex appreciate it!