hard to maneuver new HRC216

[HeartOfTexas]

Hey I need some help. Just bought a new HRC216 (Honda commercial mower) with self propel. Since its the #1 best seller I know a lot of you guys have one.

I love the way it cuts, its powerful and its built like a tank. But the trouble that I am having on the first day of using it is that since it is powerful and heavy as a tank I'm having a tougher time that I figured with maneuvering it. The primary problem is that after completing a row I want to turn it in the opposite direction to mow the next row but it is pretty laborous. What I have been doing is releasing the self propel at the end of a row so that I can make a sharp turn. But to turn it in the opposite direction I have to really man-handle it. Seems like it is a little easier if I raise it up on its rear wheels when turning it in the opposite direction but it still seems to be a lot harder than I think it should be.

I was using a residential Toro mower. This is probably a third of the weight as the Honda. It doesn't have the power and sure isn't built as well but its easy to mow around trees and change directions.

I think I must be making this harder than it should be (at least I hope so). Perhaps with experience it will get easier but I'd like to learn from anyone if I'm missing something or is this just the way it is?

Thanks

[lawnboy dan]

this is why i stopped using honda

[greenerman]

Cut most of the day with a Bravo 25, or metro then try the Honda, it will feel as light as your Grandpas mower. The Hondas are heavy at 130 lbs ish. As mentioned pivot with the front wheels up, that's as good as it gets.

[GMLC]

Give yourself some time to get use to it. Thats an awesome mower that will give you years of trouble free service. I still have a 1996 HRC216 that I bought new!
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[HeartOfTexas]

GMLC - That's kind of what I'm thinking. Years ago I had an Exmark Metro and it took a little while to get good with it. From what I've read and heard these mowers are built to last. Thanks.

[zechstoker]

I've been running the HRC216 (K1HXA) for over 10 years. Before that was another Honda commercial mower with the manual transmission. You'll get use to it fairly quickly, and shouldn't have a problem once it breaks you in. From what you've said, you seem to be maneuvering it right, but you're still in the transitional period. Keep running it, and you'll get the hang of it.
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[jbell36]

no, it will not get better, and this is the #1 reason we stopped using that mower...they are by far the worst 21" mower to maneuver, i still can't believe they haven't done something about that...absolute waste of $1200, probably the worst business decision i've made on equipment

the main problem is how long it is...most other commercial grade mower decks are almost perfect squares, the honda is a rectangle...not only that but the handle sticks out way too far

[lawnkingforever]

Originally Posted by lawnboy dan

this is why i stopped using honda

Yep. I would never buy another Honda again. I suffered for a couple years with one. Much too heavy for my application as a trim mower. My Toro super recycler will not last as long the Honda. But I do not care. The Toro handles much better and is pretty quick. It also weighs alot less.
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[zechstoker]

Originally Posted by jbell36

no, it will not get better, and this is the #1 reason we stopped using that mower...they are by far the worst 21" mower to maneuver, i still can't believe they haven't done something about that...absolute waste of $1200, probably the worst business decision i've made on equipment

the main problem is how long it is...most other commercial grade mower decks are almost perfect squares, the honda is a rectangle...not only that but the handle sticks out way too far

I've never encountered a problem with its shape and size. How do you approach the task of mowing a yard? That probably has a lot to do with the problems you had. We always make 2 passes around the perimeter of the lawn (to create a buffer zone), and then make our passes back and forth with the given week's cutting direction.
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[jbell36]

Originally Posted by zechstoker

I've never encountered a problem with its shape and size. How do you approach the task of mowing a yard? That probably has a lot to do with the problems you had. We always make 2 passes around the perimeter of the lawn (to create a buffer zone), and then make our passes back and forth with the given week's cutting direction.
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all i have to say is mow with a JX85 or an exmark metro 21 and you will see what i'm talking about...