hard to maneuver new HRC216

[ed2hess]

Originally Posted by HeartOfTexas

Roger - You mentioned doing a search on the HRX. I just did that and had forgotten some of the postings that I read when researching what model to buy. I reread your thread started in 2009 that has some great info. Seems that the greatest difference between the HRC and HRX is in the transmission. I think I made the right choice with the HRC.

We bought an HRX because of weight and that green knob control to change from bag to mulch etc etc. And the cheap price. And we were told that some of the big companies was using it and it was holding up fine. Over the weekend I had buyers remorse about buying a homeowner model and we went back and got the big dog commericial unit. You may have to be a man to use it but the one we bought 15 years ago is on one of the trailers and still doing just fine.

[joed]

I've owned the honda commercial mower but quickly sold it because of the issues the original posters stated. It's a very well built mower and an excellent machine but it's too awkward and slow to manuever with. The exmark metro 21"/toro 21" proline is much more productive and quicker.

[All_Toro_4ME]

It seems the guys on this site are never happy. One day you see posts that state they did 20-30 yards in one day claiming the "macho man tough guy" card and the next they're moaning and griping about the weight of a mower. Geeez... I've used the HRC for a few years and it does just fine. Sure, it's a little heavier but it's not that big of a deal. Lift weights and stay in shape and you hardly notice the difference.

[Paradise Yard Service]

I make sure I make at least one perimeter pass then that is where I make my turn arounds. I don't engage the drive while making big direction changes. I am able to keep the BBC engaged while making a turn around (all with only my right hand if I want).Give it time. My wife loves the HRC. I am an old guy (50s). I have tried/bought several brands....I still own an old school Lawnboy. You learn each mowers strengths/weakness and adjust.

Aloha
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[XYZLawnPros]

Sorry Roger, I definitely did leave out the age factor. Usually when I throw the
age factor in there I get a lot of guff about it so I tend to leave it out.

I'm 38 now so no spring chicken here either I guess. We used 3 HRC's this
morning as a matter of fact including me on one of them. Our turf is again
taking a beating by the intense hot weather we are having and not getting
any where near enough rain. There is a lot of crispyness taking hold again in
under a week since we had a nice rainfall.
All residential properties when it gets this bad we will only run the 21 HRC's.
Leave the heavy Scag pro-v's at home base.

For what it is worth for the gentlemen that have the hrx versions. I personally know the only 2 certified Honda small engine mechanics in my city. The biggest
issue they keep having with them is that knob and mechanism to open and
close the mulching door. Second biggest issue was the same as mine when we
tried them, the drive lever and it not operating correctly out of the box for the
speeds it is supposed to provide. Third issue is complaints about stragglers galore.

Anyways HeartOfTexas I am glad to see that you will stick it out with that unit
and I hope it finds its way into your heart.

[Catmann]

Yes, I have been using an HRX217 and it does not cut well when mulching at 3.5 inches or higher. Stragglers galore is correct. I have to overlap almost 50% to prevent them. The drive and engine are great, the handle bar and levers I find to be tiring on my hands. Then again my old Toro Proline Suzuki did not mulch all that great at the highest settings either, so there is only so much you can get out of a 21 mower.....

[HeartOfTexas]

Thanks everyone for your input on this. By day 3 (today) of using the HRC I'm starting to get to like it. I just did a good size lawn with few obstacles. Its perfect for that in that the power it has makes the job easier. As I'm getting more familar with it my techniques have improved and I'm using much less brute force.

I have still been using my residential Toro on very small lawns with many trees and other things to cut around.

My perception is that there is a little learning curve to getting good with the machine. Also, "it is what it is" to a degree also. Meaning that it is a heavy machine and will sometimes be more akward moving it around than a much lighter mower. But perhaps this is a small price to pay for its durability and nicer cut. I had been wearing the front tires smooth on my Toro every 3 months and have had to replace those mowers more times than I can count. I'm looking forward to not having to replace the HRC. It is very likely to last longer than I am.

[Roger]

Catmann, I am doubting you will find any mower to mulch well at 3.5" or higher. The air flow does not allow the blades to remain upright, hence the stragglers. I expect some mowers would work better than others. Have you tried different kinds of blades?