Yeah I almost didn't buy it because people said you had to always adjust the knob to change speeds. Not true. The lever is like a gas pedal and the knob is just like a throttle depression regulator. I put it at about mid slow and I can adjust speeds uphill and downhill without normally touching the knob. Even when I do it's not that hard.
Good explanation. The Roto-Stop feature that allows one to stop the blade without stopping the engine is a great feature. I have a Honda HRM 215 SXA that is old (about 30 years I believe??) and it’s STILL going strong. It has the same feature, and I love it. I have to use a Snapper self-propelled mower (P2167517B) lacking this feature on another property and what a pain to not be able to stop the blade without stopping the engine. BTW, the only major repairs on my Honda over three decades of service 😮have been a transmission replacement a year in, a crankcase gasket, lower crank seal, a new exhaust valve and some plastic welding on the deck. Oh, also replaced the rear wheels because the treads wore out. (I suspect that the early transmission failure was an anomaly, since the replacement has worked flawlessly since. Buy well-engineered products and maintain them properly and you’ll usually be rewarded.
I have the VKA model and love my mower. Maybe next time I will spend for the convenience of this model with the option of allowing mower to keep running and not blades.
I have this mower and love it with one exception. The select drive works great on flat surfaces. When I get it set to a comfortable pace, it’s good. However, once I get to a small incline or decline, it is either too slow or too fast. If the incline is even moderately steep, it will stop moving on its own and does not hold pace. Maybe I am just doing something wrong? For the price, I expected more of a Honda.
Honda allowed dealerships to place an order for some of these just this week so hopefully they’ll be hitting the show room floors around the 20th of May.
Hi carl My favorite hrx series is the hrx 217 hya. Mine is the gcv 190 it works great but I really can't tell the difference between the hrx 217 vya vs the mower I own.
It sounds to me that the Min-Max has nothing to do with the speed of the drive system and only affects the travel of the lever required to go from stopped to max speed. What they need is Personal Pace like on the Toro, then it would be perfect. The Toro has only one bail to deal with, blade engage, and it will go from zero to jogging speed with pinky amount of pressure on the handle, and the system gives no trouble even after 20+ years of use. (The engine and wheels wear out first) It automatically adjusts to your walking speed as long as there is pinky amount of pressure, which I demonstrate to the neighbors. To change the bag, you simply let go of the blade engage, empty the bag or pick up a stick, and engage the blade and resume walking. Without the pinky amount of pressure against the handle, it stops. If Honda had that, it would be perfect, and there would be nothing to train, explain, or apologize for. A throttle on a lawnmower is also useless. Before anyone says you can buy the Toro with the Honda engine, it is the small 160cc Honda engine AND it doesn't have blade stop, which is a deal killer. I need to buy a mower for a relative and it needs to be electric start. The Toro electric start models do NOT have blade stop NOR do they have a charging system. You have to plug it in. That's why I will probably get them a Honda HRX217HZA.
Your are right on the Roto-Stop is a blade brake that stops just the blades and the engine brake or flywheel brake kills the engine. Thanks for the clarification
Are the Honda HRX217 mowers hard to pull backwards like if you have to mow around a few obstacles? Looking to buy one and i know i cant try it so If someone can please let me know.
The model this video covers is the HRX217VYA serial number would start with MAMA- check with your local dealer and check their stock. Currently that mower is hard to come by around the US. They should retail for just over $700. For sure buy local from a place that will be there to service your equipment.
I just unboxed mine today, filled it up with oil and gas. Just wow, the power to cut 8" grass and higher without power loss is amazing. This is my 1st lawnmower that doesn't have to shut of to empty the bag. Got it for 749.00, 75.00 off for using my Home depot credit and I used my 50 dollar birthday gift card. For anyone looking for a very good tool for your lawn care, give it a try. Worth it
I have this mower and the hand position is very comfortable.
I love the select drive on my old Honda. I don't understand all the confusion people have with it. It's very simple and comfortable to use.
Yeah I almost didn't buy it because people said you had to always adjust the knob to change speeds. Not true. The lever is like a gas pedal and the knob is just like a throttle depression regulator. I put it at about mid slow and I can adjust speeds uphill and downhill without normally touching the knob. Even when I do it's not that hard.
Good explanation. The Roto-Stop feature that allows one to stop the blade without stopping the engine is a great feature. I have a Honda HRM 215 SXA that is old (about 30 years I believe??) and it’s STILL going strong. It has the same feature, and I love it. I have to use a Snapper self-propelled mower (P2167517B) lacking this feature on another property and what a pain to not be able to stop the blade without stopping the engine. BTW, the only major repairs on my Honda over three decades of service 😮have been a transmission replacement a year in, a crankcase gasket, lower crank seal, a new exhaust valve and some plastic welding on the deck. Oh, also replaced the rear wheels because the treads wore out. (I suspect that the early transmission failure was an anomaly, since the replacement has worked flawlessly since. Buy well-engineered products and maintain them properly and you’ll usually be rewarded.
good explanation, what I wanted to see from the Honda HRX is the way it starts self propell, so now i know.
I have the VKA model and love my mower. Maybe next time I will spend for the convenience of this model with the option of allowing mower to keep running and not blades.
I have this mower and love it with one exception. The select drive works great on flat surfaces. When I get it set to a comfortable pace, it’s good. However, once I get to a small incline or decline, it is either too slow or too fast. If the incline is even moderately steep, it will stop moving on its own and does not hold pace. Maybe I am just doing something wrong? For the price, I expected more of a Honda.
I LIKE THE PLASTIC DECK NO RUST ISSUES LIKE TROYBUILT JUNK!
I ordered this model yesterday, very excited!
Honda allowed dealerships to place an order for some of these just this week so hopefully they’ll be hitting the show room floors around the 20th of May.
Nice safety Crocs. 👏
Just bought an HRX today. Literally, my only disappointment is that it does not have the roto stop feature. Otherwise, great mower.
Next time 😉
Hi carl My favorite hrx series is the hrx 217 hya. Mine is the gcv 190 it works great but I really can't tell the difference between the hrx 217 vya vs the mower I own.
I just got one $ 749 .00 from EBay I like it. . Only one in stock .
At least you found one. Price paid is what they will run next year. Enjoy!
How are these Honda's ar bagging pine needles? Thanks
It sounds to me that the Min-Max has nothing to do with the speed of the drive system and only affects the travel of the lever required to go from stopped to max speed.
What they need is Personal Pace like on the Toro, then it would be perfect. The Toro has only one bail to deal with, blade engage, and it will go from zero to jogging speed with pinky amount of pressure on the handle, and the system gives no trouble even after 20+ years of use. (The engine and wheels wear out first) It automatically adjusts to your walking speed as long as there is pinky amount of pressure, which I demonstrate to the neighbors. To change the bag, you simply let go of the blade engage, empty the bag or pick up a stick, and engage the blade and resume walking. Without the pinky amount of pressure against the handle, it stops. If Honda had that, it would be perfect, and there would be nothing to train, explain, or apologize for. A throttle on a lawnmower is also useless. Before anyone says you can buy the Toro with the Honda engine, it is the small 160cc Honda engine AND it doesn't have blade stop, which is a deal killer. I need to buy a mower for a relative and it needs to be electric start. The Toro electric start models do NOT have blade stop NOR do they have a charging system. You have to plug it in. That's why I will probably get them a Honda HRX217HZA.
Or HYA if you don’t need the E.S.
Which model as less chances of breaking down? HYA or VYA?
The transmission on the HYA should have a longer life. That said we don’t see major differences.
@@Carlsmower awesome thank you for fast response. HYA here I come!
Would you say the select drive is Honda’s answer to Personal Pace by Toro?
You could say that. I actually find it more enjoyable to use personally but everybody has their own opinion.
Just scored a brand new one still in the box for $400. 😂 lady said she paid $720+ tax at Home Depot.
Wow, that's a steal!
Scored one for $460, claimed used lightly for one year
any idea when the HONDA HRX217K6HZA will be available? (comes with electric start and Roto-Stop)
They are producing a few here and there. We can only hope for normal supply chain soon.
I have the HRX217VYAA
I'm not sure the difference between the VYA and the VYAA.
Same unit.
What country is this?
Have you got a dealer in south Auckland New Zealand?
We are an OPE dealership in the United States.
It's called engine brakes or blade brake
Your are right on the Roto-Stop is a blade brake that stops just the blades and the engine brake or flywheel brake kills the engine. Thanks for the clarification
Are the Honda HRX217 mowers hard to pull backwards like if you have to mow around a few obstacles? Looking to buy one and i know i cant try it so If someone can please let me know.
There is resistance. The HRN units roll easier
I need one like your , I need to order can you get me Serial #. and Model. # ?
The model this video covers is the HRX217VYA serial number would start with MAMA- check with your local dealer and check their stock. Currently that mower is hard to come by around the US. They should retail for just over $700. For sure buy local from a place that will be there to service your equipment.
the roto stop feature doesn't seem like it's worth $150
Power windows. Until you've had them you don't realize you need them. :)
@@Carlsmower ha yeah 😀
I cannot find this mower any where by me
You are not alone. There are some serious supply chain issues currently. Sorry
Lowes online
Try mowersatjacks
I just unboxed mine today, filled it up with oil and gas. Just wow, the power to cut 8" grass and higher without power loss is amazing. This is my 1st lawnmower that doesn't have to shut of to empty the bag. Got it for 749.00, 75.00 off for using my Home depot credit and I used my 50 dollar birthday gift card. For anyone looking for a very good tool for your lawn care, give it a try. Worth it
@@scottrose5922 it’s a great Mower for $729.99. Enjoy it.
WHY NOT JUST SAY min = RABBIT (fast) and MAX = TURTLE(slow)
Tortoise and Hare?
How much does this retail for at a dealer?
shrek sexy $709.95
shrek sexy $1040 CAD