You can never go wrong with a honda mower, they are absolutely fantastic. None of the other home owner brands hold up nearly as well.
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I had one of the composite deck models and went back to cheaper steel deckb units. I think the HRR. It cuts well and bags great. I'm not a fan of the rear discharge.
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I had one of the composite deck models and went back to cheaper steel deckb units. I think the HRR. It cuts well and bags great. I'm not a fan of the rear discharge.
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Did you go back to the HRR just because of the rear discharge or for another reason? One of the main reasons i decided on the HRX was for the bigger 190cc engine. I do want to mulch as much as i can and use discharge when either its too wet or the grass was to tall. I was hoping the bigger 190cc engine would help me out in that vain. Do you find a huge difference in power between the 190cc and 160cc engine? Going with the cheaper would definitely help me out because i would really love to get a echo edger too.

 

i'm the opposite. i love the rear discharge. this comes in really handy when mowing places near sidewalks and such. it keeps the clippings on the grass rather than blowing them out the side all over the sidewalk.

also the hrx mowers can mulch pretty tall grass too. i love the option that you can discharge and mulch some of the grass at the same time.

say you are getting too many clumps then just adjust it to where it's mulching more of the grass and bye bye clumps. i think they are the perfect mower. hrx217vka is the one i want to buy next.

i would stay away from the models that have the hydraulic transmission in them. those wear out after awhile. the vka model is belt driven. much cheaper to replace. it's the one with the smart drive system.

i still have a craftsman with a honda engine that is belt driven. i've been using it for 12 years now still with the original belt.

 

If you check out "Consumer Reports" their tests show that Honda and Toro residential push mowers are tied for 1st Place. Otherwise, check to see if you have a Masport dealer in your area, www.masport.com

 

I just got rid of my hr216 that was a 1999 model I believe. It was the hydro model. I'm still kicking myself for trading it. I still have a hrr215 aluminum deck model that's pretty good. Im ooking for a steal on a used Commercial Toro with Suzuki engine. Those r sweet.
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i'm the opposite. i love the rear discharge. this comes in really handy when mowing places near sidewalks and such. it keeps the clippings on the grass rather than blowing them out the side all over the sidewalk.

also the hrx mowers can mulch pretty tall grass too. i love the option that you can discharge and mulch some of the grass at the same time.

say you are getting too many clumps then just adjust it to where it's mulching more of the grass and bye bye clumps. i think they are the perfect mower. hrx217vka is the one i want to buy next.

i would stay away from the models that have the hydraulic transmission in them. those wear out after awhile. the vka model is belt driven. much cheaper to replace. it's the one with the smart drive system.

i still have a craftsman with a honda engine that is belt driven. i've been using it for 12 years now still with the original belt.

Ever had any issues with the rear discharge clogging? Wet Grass?

 

If you check out "Consumer Reports" their tests show that Honda and Toro residential push mowers are tied for 1st Place. Otherwise, check to see if you have a Masport dealer in your area, www.masport.com

Yep i read that. Consumer reports is definitely the first place i always hit for reviews unfortunately most of the reviews aren't long term though. So if a unit falls apart after 2 years that have no way of knowing.

 

Did you go back to the HRR just because of the rear discharge or for another reason? One of the main reasons i decided on the HRX was for the bigger 190cc engine. I do want to mulch as much as i can and use discharge when either its too wet or the grass was to tall. I was hoping the bigger 190cc engine would help me out in that vain. Do you find a huge difference in power between the 190cc and 160cc engine? Going with the cheaper would definitely help me out because i would really love to get a echo edger too.

Honestly didn't notice the difference, the properties this mower is used on are mowed weekly April through December so its not seeing heavy growth. I normally bag spring and late fall and mulch the rest. Rear discharge sucks, all the clippings go into your boots. Drive system on the HRR is much faster as well.

 

I'll only comment because I own two Toro Super Recyclers - one with the Honda engine.

I have never used a Honda mower. I looked at them when I was ready to get a second mower because I thought "maybe" it would be better than the Toro.
The reasons I stuck with the Toro that I already knew worked well:

(a) It was easier to move when not running. I can just push the Toro around as I please, but the Honda wouldn't move freely - I think I needed to do something to the handle or something just to get it to move - I forget, but it wasn't easy like the Toro.

(b) The Toro just felt lighter even with the aluminum deck. Is it lighter? I dunno, but it felt that way.

(c) You gotta scrape the deck. I flipped the Honda on it's side to look and what I saw was nightmare. Nooks and crannies as opposed to a relatively smooth underside on a Toro and those BLADES... TWO sets of blades getting in the way of scraping.

(c) One blade to sharpen on the Toro as opposed to two on the Honda.

(d) The upright storage handle position on the Toro. It's a huge plus for me.

Here's my condensed review of the Super Recycler:
Super-easy to operate. Personal Pace is great even if it has some flaws to it. (easily repairable at home)
Mulches really well. Bags well when grass is not tall or wet. Side discharges OK I guess - I only use it if knocking down super-tall grass that doesn't need to look good afterward.
It SUCKS for bagging tall grass or wet grass - the rear chute clogs often.
I use it 95% of the time as a mulcher and it works great for my purposes.

You mentioned the Toro has a B&S engine. I wish that were still true.
My first one has the B&S and is 5 years old and has given me no problems.
A year or to ago Toro dropped the Briggs and now offers a (made in China) "Toro" engine (the one w red plastic cover), or the Honda GVC 160cc.
Naturally I chose the Honda since... well, it's a Honda. Part of me wonders if teh Chinese engine would have been better. I know it wouldn't be "better", but I really hate the Honda engine compared to my Briggs.

The Honda drips gas like mad out the air filter crossing the slightest slope. MUCH more than the Briggs and on much less extreme slopes.
The Honda engine also doesn't like to start when it's cold in the morning. Very annoying. It also became very hard to start after a season of use while the Briggs is still starting and running strong.
Maybe I got a lemon, but I found no benefit to the Honda engine over the Briggs even if I had none of the problems I mentioned.

As for the Recycler vs Super Recycler, I know the deck designs are different as well as the wheel/axle assemblies are heavier with grease fittings on the Super Recycler. I wouldn't bother with the Recycler personally.

I know that doesn't help with your Honda questions but thought I'd toss out my observations to add to the info you are sorting through in case it may be of some use.

 

I'll only comment because I own two Toro Super Recyclers - one with the Honda engine.

I have never used a Honda mower. I looked at them when I was ready to get a second mower because I thought "maybe" it would be better than the Toro.
The reasons I stuck with the Toro that I already knew worked well:

(a) It was easier to move when not running. I can just push the Toro around as I please, but the Honda wouldn't move freely - I think I needed to do something to the handle or something just to get it to move - I forget, but it wasn't easy like the Toro.

(b) The Toro just felt lighter even with the aluminum deck. Is it lighter? I dunno, but it felt that way.

(c) You gotta scrape the deck. I flipped the Honda on it's side to look and what I saw was nightmare. Nooks and crannies as opposed to a relatively smooth underside on a Toro and those BLADES... TWO sets of blades getting in the way of scraping.

(c) One blade to sharpen on the Toro as opposed to two on the Honda.

(d) The upright storage handle position on the Toro. It's a huge plus for me.

Here's my condensed review of the Super Recycler:
Super-easy to operate. Personal Pace is great even if it has some flaws to it. (easily repairable at home)
Mulches really well. Bags well when grass is not tall or wet. Side discharges OK I guess - I only use it if knocking down super-tall grass that doesn't need to look good afterward.
It SUCKS for bagging tall grass or wet grass - the rear chute clogs often.
I use it 95% of the time as a mulcher and it works great for my purposes.

You mentioned the Toro has a B&S engine. I wish that were still true.
My first one has the B&S and is 5 years old and has given me no problems.
A year or to ago Toro dropped the Briggs and now offers a (made in China) "Toro" engine (the one w red plastic cover), or the Honda GVC 160cc.
Naturally I chose the Honda since... well, it's a Honda. Part of me wonders if teh Chinese engine would have been better. I know it wouldn't be "better", but I really hate the Honda engine compared to my Briggs.

The Honda drips gas like mad out the air filter crossing the slightest slope. MUCH more than the Briggs and on much less extreme slopes.
The Honda engine also doesn't like to start when it's cold in the morning. Very annoying. It also became very hard to start after a season of use while the Briggs is still starting and running strong.
Maybe I got a lemon, but I found no benefit to the Honda engine over the Briggs even if I had none of the problems I mentioned.

As for the Recycler vs Super Recycler, I know the deck designs are different as well as the wheel/axle assemblies are heavier with grease fittings on the Super Recycler. I wouldn't bother with the Recycler personally.

I know that doesn't help with your Honda questions but thought I'd toss out my observations to add to the info you are sorting through in case it may be of some use.

I appreciate the review. You would think with the price of the super recycler they provide a descent engine (they have cheap mowers with B&S engines)

 

I have the perfect solution for you!

Hire a lawn company! Support the industry!!!

 

Buy the Honda. Great machines. For a 1/3 acre, it'll most likely be the last mower you'll need to buy.
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I always mulch or bag using the Honda HRC216 self propelled mower. I don't have any experience with the other models, but its safe to say I actually enjoy mowing with the Honda HRC! It bags well, and mulches great too, unless the grass is really wet and thick. In the really thick and wet stuff, it will start taking "grass dumps" in the yard and on the driveway.

But to be honest, its my favorite mower to use when on a small job, and it a pleasure to walk behind. The drive system is fantastic, and the mower has been reliable. When my equipment got stolen last year (see signature block below), the very first mower I bought was another Honda HRC! I did that because it was the most reliable new "commercial grade" mower that I could afford and keep my business going. To me....they are THAT good.

Good luck in your decision.

I haven't experienced the problems that Oaknut described above. Ours has always started fairly easily. The only time its been a problem is when I forgot to turn the fuel on, or immediately after washing the mower. I always turn the fuel off after mowing, and let the engine run until it stalls out. Oaknut, did you turn fuel off before traveling from place to place? Im wondering if maybe you had a needle problem in the carb, and it was flooding out causing the hard starting in the am? Just guessing, because I had the same type of problem with my Exmark 30 and the kawi engine...just a thought.

 

I always mulch or bag using the Honda HRC216 self propelled mower. I don't have any experience with the other models, but its safe to say I actually enjoy mowing with the Honda HRC! It bags well, and mulches great too, unless the grass is really wet and thick. In the really thick and wet stuff, it will start taking "grass dumps" in the yard and on the driveway.

But to be honest, its my favorite mower to use when on a small job, and it a pleasure to walk behind. The drive system is fantastic, and the mower has been reliable. When my equipment got stolen last year (see signature block below), the very first mower I bought was another Honda HRC! I did that because it was the most reliable new "commercial grade" mower that I could afford and keep my business going. To me....they are THAT good.

Good luck in your decision.

I haven't experienced the problems that Oaknut described above. Ours has always started fairly easily. The only time its been a problem is when I forgot to turn the fuel on, or immediately after washing the mower. I always turn the fuel off after mowing, and let the engine run until it stalls out. Oaknut, did you turn fuel off before traveling from place to place? Im wondering if maybe you had a needle problem in the carb, and it was flooding out causing the hard starting in the am? Just guessing, because I had the same type of problem with my Exmark 30 and the kawi engine...just a thought.

No, I never use the fuel shutoff.
If that in some way caused my starting issues then I take back all the bad words I've shouted at it out in the field.


Oh, the other issue I have with it is if you shut it down within a minute or so of starting it, it's a bugger to get started again. Was that way from day one.
I have a job where I mow a strip until I get to an obstacle and have to shut down to go over a landscape timber to get into the yard. When I try to restart it takes about 10 pulls before it will start again. The rest of the day it's fine.

 

1. Light Weight
2. Grass doesn't stick to composite deck
3. Dual Blade Cutting System.
4. Being able to disengage the blade and not shut off the mower.
5. Fuel shutoff valve.
5. 5 year warranty (now 6 for a limited time).

1. No, Honda mowers are actually particularly heavy, though you don't really feel it while mowing because they're self propelled. My HRX217HXA weighs in at over 110lbs with a full tank.

2. Yes, grass does still stick to the plastic. It doesn't corrode the deck though. Still, I don't regularly clean underneath, and have not had buildup issues.

3. I don't know if dual blades are better or not. All I can say is Honda's got an amazing mulching system. I've mulched 16+" tall grass without clumping (it was dry though), and 6" tall wet grass with good results. If it's the dual blades that make it work, I can't say for sure, but I can say that as a whole, IT WORKS.

4. Yeah, the blade brake clutch is one of my favorite features. For safety, it stops the blade faster than any other system, and for convenience, it's great. Oh, and it makes starting the engine easier, because you don't have the load of the blade.

5. I would not consider owning any non-handheld gasoline powered machine that does not have a fuel shutoff. If it didn't come with one, I'd cut the fuel line, and put in an inline one. Fuel shutoff is a MUST! Even if you don't need it. I guess a built-in one is a selling point though.

This fall, I saw my neighbor getting his snowblower ready for the winter. He started it up, and it was smoking excessively. I walked over, and pointed out that he should release the choke. Shortly after that I noticed fuel spilling from the top of the carb headed towards the hot exhaust. I killed the engine, and ran back with hose clamp pliers to stop the flow. I returned a few minutes later with an inline fuel valve, explaining that the next time the carb float gets stuck after you just filled the tank, a shutoff valve is the best way to prevent a fire...

I cannot speak to the warranty. Mine was 7 years old last year when I first had to clean the carb. At the same time, I replaced the blade, and needed a replacement for some of the wheel bearings, though I replaced them all then.
I bought a replacement carb from Jacks Small Engine Repair online for $17 (they were by FAR the cheapest source for the wheel bearings too, and had a fair price for the blade), but have not needed it yet.

Stick to OEM parts for Honda small engines. The quality of non-OEM aftermarket is hit or miss. OEM is always good.

Can I say that Honda makes the "best" mower. No, because I have not compared it against everything out there. But I am seriously happy with mine.
They're -really good-, though I don't think anything could be as good as the mythical reputation these mowers have garnered.

 

I don't like the Hondas, they used to be better.
I wish scag made a push mower...maybe they should just buy out Ybravo, after the giant Vac acquisition all they need is a push mower and a 2 cycle line, then they can start selling popcorn too!

for homeowner use there is the one that's circa... 700-800 bucks, has the green handle that selects between mulch and bag? That one is pretty neat...I wouldn't buy it for commercial because it will get busted up, but I see a few commercial guys that do use them and they hold up ok there... so should be bullet proof for a HO.

 

Thanks guys for all the advice. In the end i think i'm going to end up going with a HRX217HYA (along with a echo pe-225). I actually found a HRX on craigslist that seemed to be in VERY good condition (HRX21HXA) so i emailed him. Asking price was $250 firm. Unfortunately i found out its 10 years old (bought in 2005). If it would have been newer i would have pounced but being that old i think id be better off with a new unit (warranty). Too bad it would have saved me a bunch of money.

Anyways i went searching to see if i could find a 10% coupon on ebay for home depot and i could not (unless you want to try to get them to accept a lowes coupon). I ended up calling my local honda dealer and suprisenly they were cheaper. On top of that every month they have a day where they give veterans 10% off (my brother) and senior citizens 10% off (my father). The only slight issue is it wouldn't be delivered to my door but thats not that big of issue...

 

Ever had any issues with the rear discharge clogging? Wet Grass?

no but i dont' mow grass that is a foot tall and wet with it either. there is a limit to what any mower can handle especially push mowers. :laugh:

it will handle 6" or less grass easily with no problems.

 

I have two Honda walk behinds and I have never had a mechanical issue with either machine. They are very solidly built and seem to withstand the abuse of my yards I currently mow.

 

I have owned a HRX217VKA for four years. That mower is awesome, its had only one major repair. One of the arms (axles) to the transmission had to be replaced. We use the 21 inch mowers on many residential properties (and commercial ones too). I needed more mowers so I went the cheaper route and bought three of the Hrr Honda's. While they are awesome mowers, they have not held up nearly as well as the HRX model. The Hrr has a slip and clutch tranny/belt while the HRX has a constant tension belt/tranny. Believe me the constant tension of the HRX is much better!!

 

Hey guys i've been researching push mowers for about a week. I'm in the market for a new self propelled push mower.That being said this mower will be used for my 1/3 acre lot and thats it. I don't ever play to get in the lawn care buisness. My current push mower isn't broken but i just hate it to be honest. It doesn't have a side discharge (only mulch and bagging). To be honest neither is optimal. The mulching features gets bogged down when either the grass is a little tall or a little damp. Then when i bag where the grass seems to stick makes bag fall off and i have to resnap it in every 10 minutes or so. Total pain to be totally honest but at i guess at least the mower starts usually in the 1 or 2nd pull.

Unfortunately after MTD bought out most of the companies quite a few years ago the choices anymore aren't great. I've been looking at Honda residential mowers a lot but my biggest question is are they worth the price premium or are you just paying for the name? Are Hondas really that much better. I think i might have talked myself into the HRX series. In my research what i've found that i like is the following:

1. Light Weight
2. Grass doesn't stick to composite deck
3. Dual Blade Cutting System.
4. Being able to disengage the blade and not shut off the mower.
5. Fuel shutoff valve.
5. 5 year warranty (now 6 for a limited time).

One question i have is how well does the rear discharge of the hondas work. I don't plan to bag that much so its important to me that the discharge system works well.

What i've heard about the hondas that i dont' like:
1. I've heard they can be a pain for warranty processing.
2. I've heard you have to be more careful with the composite decks for spilled liquids (like gas).

If i don't end up getting that honda i don't know what i will end up getting. I was looking at the toro personal pace and the toro super recycler. The super recycler is quite expensive to the point that why not just get the honda (about $100 more). The personal pace was recommended by consumer reports but it does have a b&s engine.

Any help would be appreciated.

thanks...

I own a Honda hrx217vka. I fertilize my lawn regularly. My lot is 1/3 acre with 12,000 sq ft of mowable space. In the spring, it's the worst with clumping. I mow weekly using the mulch setting. It takes forever to mow because I have to constantly stop and clear all the grass out from the underside of the deck. Also, the deck got a big gouge when I ran into my sewer clean out by accident. maybe I should try to bag instead. It's a huge pain to mulch though. I am in the market for a new mower that's more productive. Mowing is so slow with this mower. Really I need to mow more than once weekly, but don't have the time. I'm honestly considering a scag freedom z 48" or exmark Pioneer e series 48". According to my neighbors lawn service, I'm wasting my life with it. The service mows his lawn awesome. Def worth the $600/yr. I've considered using him too, but I'm 32 yrs old and feel weird about not doing it myself.
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I own a Honda hrx217vka. I fertilize my lawn regularly. My lot is 1/3 acre with 12,000 sq ft of mowable space. In the spring, it's the worst with clumping. I mow weekly using the mulch setting. It takes forever to mow because I have to constantly stop and clear all the grass out from the underside of the deck. Also, the deck got a big gouge when I ran into my sewer clean out by accident. maybe I should try to bag instead. It's a huge pain to mulch though. I am in the market for a new mower that's more productive. Mowing is so slow with this mower. Really I need to mow more than once weekly, but don't have the time. I'm honestly considering a scag freedom z 48" or exmark Pioneer e series 48". According to my neighbors lawn service, I'm wasting my life with it. The service mows his lawn awesome. Def worth the $600/yr. I've considered using him too, but I'm 32 yrs old and feel weird about not doing it myself.
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I would pay the $600/ year and sell the mower. I cut grass for a living and would pay that to come home and not have to do mine.
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Yep i read that. Consumer reports is definitely the first place i always hit for reviews unfortunately most of the reviews aren't long term though. So if a unit falls apart after 2 years that have no way of knowing.

The Toro SuperRecyclers have a 5 year full coverage warranty.

Personally, I would get the Toro over the Honda because the Personal Pace on the Toro is better than anyone else's self propelled offerings.

 

I own a Honda hrx217vka. I fertilize my lawn regularly. My lot is 1/3 acre with 12,000 sq ft of mowable space. In the spring, it's the worst with clumping. I mow weekly using the mulch setting. It takes forever to mow because I have to constantly stop and clear all the grass out from the underside of the deck. Also, the deck got a big gouge when I ran into my sewer clean out by accident. maybe I should try to bag instead. It's a huge pain to mulch though. I am in the market for a new mower that's more productive. Mowing is so slow with this mower. Really I need to mow more than once weekly, but don't have the time. I'm honestly considering a scag freedom z 48" or exmark Pioneer e series 48". According to my neighbors lawn service, I'm wasting my life with it. The service mows his lawn awesome. Def worth the $600/yr. I've considered using him too, but I'm 32 yrs old and feel weird about not doing it myself.
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why don't you try discharging or even discharging some of it? you can discharge and mulch at the same time. maybe the grass you are trying to mulch is too tall or too wet? try not mowing early in the morning and mow in the evening when the grass is dried out.

or you can always fertilize less. try using half as much fertilizer each application.