Bought the base model one that you show in this video and it cranks on even the most half hearted pull. The cut in mulch is awesome, and it handles uneven terrain very well. I'm good with the smart drive system, you learn to feather it and it works great.
Just tried my new one today. First start was 2nd pull. Much quieter than my old Honda GCV160 engine (troy bilt meh) and "seems" to get better gas mileage (lots of gas left when done) but that may be because the gas tank looks a lot higher capacity on the GCV170. I hope this is easier to service the carb than on the gcv160 but it feels so nice to be done with my old problem child mower. I'm officially old (excited about a lawn mower purchase).
One thing I'll mention I like about the HRN is the easy gas shutoff valve. After my last pass I turn the knob and run the mower up to the shed. By the time I get there it's run the gas out of the line and carb so it reduces carbon buildup.
Just did a carburettor-clean and magneto-coil replacement on my brothers 2001 HRH536HXE. Started on first pull, started to sputter after 5 seconds with choke, took it down to idle and run fine after that. One heavy lump of mower with the aluminium-casted deck. No issues with it until now with carburettor and coil.
Great coverage of the models - you made it all make sense. I have been looking for a while and this helped me make up my mind between this and the Recycler. I headed over to my local dealer today here in Calgary and picked up the HRN216VYC. Can’t wait to use it! This video (along with your others) gave me the background info I needed to avoid being overwhelmed by features and models when I got to the dealer. It allowed me to have a great conversation there on other items specific to the models I was most interested in. Thanks so much for the work you put into these.
I just replaced a HRR2169VKA with a HRN216VYA. Honda has stopped making gas lawnmowers but my original lawnmower served me for 15 years and it still works it’s just the handle bars stopped working and I have to be manually pushing it. This one should serve me even longer because I have a battery powered mower which is my primary mower. This one will be used primarily when I want to bag clippings like when I am doing reseeding or over seeding. I will be using it a lot in the fall to mulch the leaves. I have a lot of trees on my property.
I bought one. Got it at Lowe's. With the inflation up so high in the US, I had to pay $507.00 total. I am praying it doesn't malfunction. I have not bought the insurance on it, yet. You explained all the features perfectly. My lawn mower arrived with the oil can without a top on it. The instruction booklet was soaked in oil so I required clear instructions. Thanks so much. The other videos did not show how to use the Speed Drive. Good job.
That's a really good question. I honestly don't know. I do know that the machines built in the US will usually have an extra "A" at the end of the model number. I'm not sure about anything built overseas though 🤔
Should’ve gone to HD and bought it for $460 lol.. thar said the auto choke is a known issue so go ahead and buy a couple now so when it goes out you have the part to replace it.. Love my old toros but that new auto pace seems like a pia I’d rather have a plain bar that said.. I’d also rather fwd vs red as it’s more appropriate for a push mower where you simply life the wheels vs disengaging the drive
Excellent honest review. I have the same exact one and everything you said it spot on. I have bought several MTDs and they are literally a throwaway mowers despite all maintenance I did. Not well built. This Honda mower is far better in every way. Thank you.
Great vid, my daughter is in the market for a self-propelled mower for a yard size of approx. 1/2 acre. She doesn't really have the space for a rider, but not completely off the table. And she lives 2 hours away, I can't just drive over to check things out. I like the fact you address the negative comments. Many times, I like to look over all the bad comments first just to see a pattern or maybe it's those one-offs or sometimes it's just nonsensical complaining...such as: "worst mower ever." and that's it. That could be one failed to put oil in and tried to start it. Anywho, thanks for the thorough review.
Just bought the HRN216VKA to replace a 15 year old Craftsman with B&S engine (made by Husqvarna for them). Parts peculiar to the mower model are getting harder to find such as wheels and drive components (vs the common B&S engine). Did half my lawn today and very pleased with it. Mowing other half tomorrow. Grass was getting tall but it still mulched well. One pull start. The blade stop and electric start weren't worth the extra $100 for me. Keeping the old Craftsman for a while - have new carb for it in box but will probably put it out at end of driveway for the scavengers in a couple months. Thus far I'm impressed with it for a 170cc engine. Trick to the drive paddles is tweaking them to the right height for how you use them.
I just bought a honda from a big box store,,, Love it,, had to get used to the smart drive, but love it now,, the only complaint I have is I wish it had the option of a side discharge, If the grass is a bit on the wet side and tall,, it plugs the rear discharge, I didn't need the electric start or the clutch, I had 2 mowers with honda motors on them,, never had a problem with either, one of the reasons I went with the honda, and they have very little plastic that I can see, Just an all around good mower. Thanks for the info on them.
Awesome!! Thanks so Much! Like many things in my life I did it backwards! I have wanted this mower for awhile, so I just bought it, and then I watched reviews hoping I'd made a good choice... I mean Honda is a pretty safe choice, but I was scared to hear what you were going to say so THANK YOU
My Craftsman M230 definitely feels like a throwaway. Today I bought that Honda with the motor clutch you showed. I love that feature! The mower feels SOLID compared to the Craftsman. I’m still getting used to the drive controls, but overall I’m happy. It is amazing at mulching!
What wasn't mentioned in this review was that the oddity in the drive. The older Honda HRN's drive would not release when you wanted to pull the mower backwards while mowing. I sold a Personal Pace mower, cheap, for this reason. The newer model Honda HRN 216 has a drive that will release and allow the mower to roll backwards. Something to think about if you plan to purchase a used Honda mower.
There wasn't enough of an "oddity" for any kind of a recall or service bulletin. That's exactly why I always suggest buying from a servicing dealer, though.
@@kennethpullen6889 I suggest looking at this mower somewhere you can roll it forward and backward. If it rolls both ways, and doesn't resist pulling it backwards you should be OK.
@@kenbenson6589 Thanks. They are getting hard to find so I doubt I'll find one other than HD. Would be nice to get a feel for it. I was hoping to find one without the blade clutch because just looking at it it seems like holding the bar back while manipulating the pace levers might take some getting use to. I'm 53 and the only mower I've ever own is a Lawnboy from 2004. It still runs good but it never mulched very well. Anyways, regardless of what mower I get I'm sure it will take some getting use to.
@@kennethpullen6889 Don't buy a Personal Pace, you won't like it. The Honda that I cited has 1) A key start, 2)a bail you hold back while starting and mowing that lays flat against the handle--you won't even know you're holding it, and 3) a paddle that you activate with your thumbs to make the mower go forward. This paddle is designed so that the farther you push it, the faster the mower goes. And, it adjusts to your choice of hand position for comfortable mowing. You will not find an easier walk behind mower to operate. And you have a choice or bag or recycle by moving an easy moving lever on the side of the machine 5 or six inches. Go to a dealer and check it out before you buy anything.
Thank you for an informative, straight forward review of this machine. I used this mower last summer and can attest to the mower's quality-especially the engine performance. I am not a big fan of lawns which are water wasteful but I suppose they are a necessary evil. It is still unclear to me that the grass is being properly cut but then I refuse to use chemicals on the lawn. That may account for the uneven? cut but the machine was new and in spite of this I still give it high marks.
The only time I've seen new Hondas cut uneven is when they're not running at the correct speed/rpm. We usually have to bump them up right out of the box. Otherwise the blades aren't spinning fast enough to create enough suction.
I bought an HRN about a year ago, great mower overall with great cutting and mulching. The drive system works well, might like to see something different with the control. Gets a little fatiguing on the hand towards the end of my cutting.
I bought an HRN 216 VKA after returning a Toro 60V Recycler. I have a small yard(maybe 2500 sq ft) and really wanted to go electric. My Toro had battery issues straight out of the box. The only certified Toro repair center in my town said they didn’t work on battery powered mowers. That was a deal breaker for me. I had been using my sisters Honda HRR until I was ready to buy a new mower. The HRR was the best mower I ever used. I mulch 99% of the time. It mulches wonderfully and has plenty of power. My HRN also mulches equally as well and feels like it has the same amount of power. I can’t feel any difference. It pulls backward as easily as it pushes forward. The HRR has some resistance when pulling backwards. My HRN started on the first pull straight out of the box and the first time every time I’ve used it. I love the fuel shut off and use it to run the fuel out of the carburetor every time I finish mowing. I’m very happy with the HRN so far.
I'll adjust the throttle lower when my old man is using it, that way he can still palm drive it, but it won't drag him to an early death since it won't easily depress all the way. He wasn't used to such a fast, powerful self propelled -- so that's a good safety alternative since there's no limiter.
Speed control with the Honda is more precise. Especially if you’re mulching and need to go pretty slowly in some longer grass. If you are bagging most of the time, the personal pace is a little more convenient.
I am looking at the HRN vs the HRX with hydro transmission. It's just for personal use on a modest sized lot. Do you think there is any benefit in the HRX for me? I like the fact that the HRN is significantly lighter...
@steve8803 If you're mowing for an hour, I'd buy an HRX. It really just boils down to time. How many hours you're putting on it and how many years it's going to last for you.
The bag-mulch lever is a bigger convenience than I expected. You can leave the bag on while mulching, and then if you come up on an area with some debris to clean up, it's quite easy to switch over to bag for a little bit. The blade clutch and electric start options seem like they would be kind of useless on this unit, it's so easy to start. You can change your mind halfway through the first pull and it still starts....Finally, the smart drive is weird at first but works very well once you get used to it. I've discovered that for a decent portion of my lawn, I don't really benefit from the self-propel, which was surprising. I probably press the lever less than half the time, which I expect will make it take longer for the self-propel system to wear out. That was the one weak spot on the mid-1990s Honda that this unit replaced. (That thing still runs, by the way, but I got irritated with the weak self-propel, since I've got an inclined section). This unit is also much easier to change the oil without spilling gasoline.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Yes, I was trying to buy the HRX model and none were available anywhere at the time - but I'm really quite satisfied with this one. How common is the thermowax auto-choke problem? It's a cheap part, you think it's worth keeping a spare available? Also, have manufacturers generally solved the ethanol fuel gasket and o-ring deterioration issues? Here in NJ, non-ethanol fuel is not available anywhere far as I can tell.
@@njmikeche5575 We MAYBE warranty 2 out of 100 thermowaxes. The alcohol in ethanol will always dry out seals. There's some additives out there you can get. They're designed to help with ethanol fuels in small engines.
Well you hit the nail on the head!!! Honda will stop making mowers this year! Just bought the HRN216 last year and love it. I might buy all the OEM parts I might need in the future while they are still available.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Well I doubt they will continue to make part's for mowers they no longer produce. So I ordered a few parts. You wouldn't know if any ball bearing wheels from their other mowers will fit the HRN216 would you. That's the only thing I don't like about the mower.
@kansasgardener5844 Honda already confirmed they'll continue with parts for a set number of years. Every company does it when they discontinue models like with the HRR. I don't believe any of the other wheels fit the HRN.
I had the HRN216 for 2 years now. And only 2 problems I see are front wheel assembly sticks out to far when maneuvering it around the yard. It doesn’t have good Vacuuming, it seems to kick everything out the other side . It leaves a lot behind and I have to go over the same areas to clean up what was left behind. But with all that said, I still like it!
Do you recommend buying HRN216 after using for 2 years. I need to replace my mower and not sure if the HRN16 is better over Toro. I mulch most of the time.
Both of them are good lawn mowers. The toro is a 22” and Honda is 21”. The Toro is heavier and the personal pace is okay! But the Honda is easier to use. Lowes and Home Depot have good return policies. You can try them both out and one at a time and keep the one fits you better!
Thanks for the great review. My 17 year old Troybuilt is needing replaced and I have been looking at these. I don't have a local mower dealer that sells Honda nearby so I'm going to go directly to Honda East Cincinnati (instead of Home Depot) so that if it need repairs it's right from the source. And hopefully be able to talk with a knowledgeable sales person.
I own a 2020 model HRN216 and prefer it over my 2021 Toro Super Recycler model 21386 with the aluminum deck and B&S 163 cc engine. Even for an entry level machine, the build quality on the Honda is superior (my Honda was not subject to the recent recall). With Honda having left the market, I am seriously considering buying a second one and giving a family member the Toro because they want a side discharge.
Thank you for making this video it was really informative! I am buying a new mower this year and I have it narrowed down the the Honda HRN and the Toro 22 recycler. I like everything about the Honda better except I seen another video where he said you have to overlap so much with the Honda that it makes it more like a 19" deck where the Toro is a true 22 inch cut. Do you think he is right on that? I would much prefer to buy the Honda but I dont want to have a 3 inch difference i the cut path either
Something most likely needs to be tweaked. Many of these need the RPMs bumped up, right out of the box. A lot of the videos you see are guys that bought them at a box store and assembled it themselves. So, usually, if they're not cutting quite right and it's that new, it's probably not spinning the blades at the right speed. That's why we assemble and run every machine we sell.
Was debating today between the Super Recycler (model 21565) and this HRN216 and went with HRN. I like the simplicity of the Honda, stronger engine (170cc vs 163cc) and seems better built to me plus i wasn't sure i would like the Personal Pace system. Im sure both are very good, just a preference thing. If the Toro had a Honda engine, would have been a tougher decision. Hope i made the right choice.
@rocket thanks for the video, Ours was running great. Used it only few times over 3 years, made oil maintenance, changed spark plugged, cleaned the filter, change the fuel with recommended one... all parts sold at Homedepot. Still ain't running... is it that dead and good for trash or something else we could look into it?
@@SatellaPower I'm not sure then. Whatever it is will be relatively simple, so I'd say it's definitely worth fixing. It's just a matter of figuring out the cause. Are you certain it has spark?
@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks for your time. Greatly appreciated. That's a great question. We assume yes because we changed the spark plug and made sure the tip was at the right distance. Inserted it has instructed in manual.... but I don't know how to tell if it had spark. When we pull on the coil, the engine spins for a brief moment but does not start. We're searching the internet on how to diagnose the cause and fix it. So far, we attempted to apply general tips without success.
Love my 8 year old HRX and always recommend Honda. Just suggested an HRN to someone over a craftsman. He bought the HRN and hates it because of the cut quality and says it leaves stragglers. Never had an issue with mine. Any ideas if there is a problem or the nature of the new HRN.
The HRN should cut virtually the same. It may not be running at a high enough RPM though. We adjust them out of the box and most are too low. It's probably not spinning the blades fast enough.
My hrn does leave leafs a few leaves uncut. I checked the blades and they are not dull. My father says it could be due to summer leaves are hard and not tender as in the fall. We also checked the speed inside the carb ranit on high same thjng
I have a 20 year old push craftsman that I've never had a problem with. I do perform regular maintenance on it. I also purchased the HONDA HRN a couple of years ago and kept the old one. I've read some negative comments concerning the new hrn but I haven't experienced any problems with this model yet. But with any product you can have problems with it despite performing regular maintenance on it. Time will tell if it's a good mower but as of right now it's good.
Exactly right! Nothing has a 0% fail rate. The majority of "major" issues you hear about are 1 in 100 and that's with any brand. That's also why you buy from a servicing dealer 😉. Thanks for watching!
I bought this mower early this Spring...and have not been impressed. Lot of favorable reviews and neighbor recommendations. Mower cuts unevenly, with lots of high spots even with a 1/3 overlap. Going one direction, then coming back - the path height of one is higher than the other. Last it leaves massive wheel ruts, even when mowing a different pattern each time. I will probably be replacing in next season...for the price and the "Honda" name I expected so much more!! Would really like it if anyone has a suggestion(s) for fixing these issues.
Good video , I have used toro super recyclers for about 7 years in my business but I’m thinking of trying a Honda . Wondering if this would b a good option for me . Thanks
I think they're a great option, if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive mower. The HRX would probably hold up longer, but costs more. Thank you so much for the watch and comment! Hope business is going well for you! 👍
I’m here for similar reason.. but not professionally.. more so the lazy man who cuts once every other cut cycle and looking to see if the 2 blade and more power makes up for not having the side discharge needed for taller wet grass. And also to logic says the rear discharge would be better then cleaning out a clogged side discharge port lol
From what I’ve seen you’ll be making a lot larger overlap passes to get grass even with this two blade vs the toros and single blades.. also these newer models have major issues with the auto choke actuator.. cheap part easy to replace but that’s for the homeowner.. As a business that’s frustrating and time is money.. if you do this for a profession I think it comes down to the two different self drive methods and tbh idk why Honda is about the only one left still trying to go rwd on a push mower.. but at same time that auto pace on the new toros is head scratching for a fwd mower especially.. if I was in your shoes I’d go toro hands down. I’m only here as a home owner looking for something that has more power in same price range cause I don’t cut my grass weekly and when I do it’s usually wet and I’m curious if that rear discharge might prevent the clogging that you get from a side discharge under those conditions plus the Honda has a lot more torque and little more hp.. as a lazy homeowner I think the Honda might be the better option.. as a business owner and understanding business needs although not mowing grass.. to me the toros seem the better option.. if no other reason the they are fwd vs rwd.. much easier to keep drive engaged and just pick up the front end and pivot vs having to learn to mow in a different fashion then normal
It's not super common. I think we replaced 2 belts last year and sold 152 of that mower. If they fix it right, you shouldn't see a repeat. Hopefully it works out 👍
After 5 years the self propel function crapped out. Local repair shop wanted $530 to repair. I just had them disable the sel-propel now it is strictly a push mower
Well, if it's 5 years old, you got the very first HRN. I'm not sure what your local shop thinks is the price of the entire mower to fix, but $530 is very steep for anything in that drivetrain. Sorry to hear about it, though.
Something else to note about the VYA version(and possibly the VLA version?): it has a throttle. The VKA does not. The nice thing about being able to control the speed of the engine is the ability to let the high-priced Honda to warm up a bit before you put it to work ...and let it cool down a bit before you put it away. As a bit of a gearhead, I never could understand how it's in any way good for an engine, of any type, to go from dead cold to running full tilt (or close to it) in a matter of seconds. And allowing an engine to cool down for a couple of minutes before shutting it down is equally as good for it's longevity ...neither of which is possible on any mower without a throttle. Give me a throttle on my push mower! And since this video was made, the VLA is running about $700, on sale(!), at my local Lawn Equipment dealer here in GA.
The VYA is the only HRN with a throttle. It doubles as the stop switch, so Honda only puts a throttle on their mowers that have a blade clutch. They only run at just over 3000 rpms, so it really isn't hurting anything for them to shut off with a typical bale lever. That's how the majority of mowers at lower price points work, anyway. $700 is a little high for a VLA, but Honda is stopping production this year. So, if you really want one, buy it.
Hola, buen dia. He visto por ahi que Honda saco o suspendio la venta de estos modelos de mercado, porque venian con un problemas en un conjunto de levas, creo, que hacia que en el arranque no dejaba salir la admision de gases, y eso requeria mucha fuerza al tirar de la cuerda de arranque, ud sabe algo de eso? gracias, saludos
Hey thanks for the vid. What I can't tell is if the blade is on "RotoStop" mode - is it still self propellerable. I want to drive it over paths and areas I don't want the blade to be running over. I don't want to have to push it.
What is your opinion on FWD vs RWD? I think when the grass catching bag gets heavy the front wheel drive does not get as good traction. Also it seems going up a hill RWD is better. Just wondered what your opinion would be.
How do you like the rear discharge vs side discharge? I discharge 99% of the time. My old toro needs to be replaced but having a hard time accepting the idea of rear discharge… Also, how durable is the rear deflector? Can I still run over small sticks like I do with my Toro?
The rear deflector is durable. As far as the rear discharge goes, it works ok if the grass isn't tall and/or wet. Mine will continually clog in those situations. I keep mine set at three inches and mulch most of the time.
Thank you for this video on the mower i want for 2023 March.I want to get one now but i have to buy from a box store. I used to have my grass cut buy contractor, but i retired in Sept and i want to cut my grass now for the work out.…….. Now that Honda will be shutting down next year do you think it is still the mower to buy? It is in my price range. I can't find a retailer around me zip 22193.
I picked one up and the 2nd time I used it I started getting a loud tapping. It goes away not sure what it is. Used the oil they sent. Less than 2 hours on it. Any thoughts?
Great review. I have had four Hondas in all the variants that you have mentioned. Love the extra 10cc’s on the new model. The only negative comment I have about the new group of Hondas is cheaper wheels. When you are replacing wheels is there a rubber wheel replacement that has better traction / lasts longer that you know of? Thanks for the video.
Very informative video. I recently bought the HRN216VKA/B. Though it has a larger engine than the HRR216 it replaced, it doesn't seem to have as much pulling power. Has anyone had this problem, or could I have caused this positioning the Smart Drive paddles?
In my experience in the UK with Hayter's, the electric start is a waste of money! The blade break is great though. I have it on my KAAZ! Very envious of 🇺🇸 prices, 🇬🇧 prices for a decent Honda mower start at around £1300+!. Should have bought one last year, instead of the peice of crap I bought!
We actually sell a ton of electric starts to older people or some with shoulder problems. Otherwise it is fairly unnecessary. Thanks for checking this out 👍
so you didn't say- Which new mower do you recommend for bagging? I bag 100% of the time and my old Ariens is worn out. what to buy? and please don't say mulch Then I will just move on.
Nothing is going to bag like the old Ariens. The Hondas still bag fine. Mulching is always the hardest to not make a mess and that's where Honda does the best. But everyone is getting away from primarily bagging mowers, because mulching is better for the lawn and less hassle.
I deal with a lot of leaves each fall. Based on how you describe the HRN's, I'm thinking I could first do the rear discharge, then go over them with the bag...does that sound realistic?
I have a Hrx217 hydro I’ve had this mower for 6 years I use it 2 or 3 times a week in my lawn business but last year the tranny went out rear tires started locking up and to my surprise I had one month left of warranty and Honda replaced my tranny a $250 tranny plus labor cost all covered so I should be good another 5 years great mower wouldn’t change it for nothing else.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Yes they are.I bought a Toro Timemaster 30 worst mistake I ever made I’ve had it for a year and it’s already breaking down 3 times and that Briggs motor histates in tall grass where my Honda has never bogged down on me in any tall grass and the engine is way more smooth running then that Briggs engine I’m selling that Toro Timemaster and buying another HRX217
I stay away from hydro riding mowers due to problems towing trailers or hilly terrain. Do these hydro Honda mowers have problems? I don’t mind just replacing a belt when it breaks but if tranny goes out it’s not a quick fix
@@notsofast5495 My Honda HRX 217 the hydro tranny went out at 4 years and 11 months I was lucky I still had 1 month left of warranty cause it would have cost me a little over $300 to fix its a $1000 mower so if the tranny goes out at almost 5 years its worth fixing I use mine like in 6 properties a week
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Exactly right Sir! I keep SeaFoam in my 5 gallon gas can year round. All my engines have SeaFoam all the time. At the end of the season I just shut it off and park it. Next season, 6-8 primes of fuel and first pull start for all my equipment. Never have to rebuild my Jeep carb anymore now that I run SeaFoam in the last tank of gas before storage.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 2 bushel bag size(2.5 better) and no belt protection just seem like sloppy work. This is the only thing holding me back from purchasing this mower, looking at the HRX line but don't like the 4 point deck adjustment. But, it does have a 2.5 bushel bag. Also heavy and doesn't pull backwards without some effort from what I've seen. There is no perfect mower. Probably will but one or the other leaning HRN with Blade Stop.
2 bushel bag size(2.5 better) and no belt protection just seem like sloppy work. This is the only thing holding me back from purchasing this mower, looking at the HRX line but don't like the 4 point deck adjustment. But, it does have a 2.5 bushel bag. Also heavy and doesn't pull backwards without some effort from what I've seen. There is no perfect mower. Probably will but one or the other, leaning HRN with Blade Stop for bagging leaves.
That would depend on one's definition of "common". Some may say jet holes are too small. Others would say sediment in the gas isn't a carb issue. It's all relative.
You nailed it. I bought one, regret it. I use ethanol free gas, water removing filter and only take the gas cap off when there's no chance of dust. My last Honda for sure.
It just depends on everyone's definition of "issue". It's the most likely part of the choke to be replaced, but it's not like they all go bad. It's a simple/cheap fix anyway.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks for touching base. I'm 72 - retired. Live north of Toronto. Is the choke activator readily available in this hard to order anything world we live in! I really did love my old Honda mower. I did shop at my Honda Powerhouse store. I haven't bought anything yet. Why wouldn't Honda warranty the part.
I've never seen one do that, so I couldn't tell you exactly. It's a pretty simple design, though. Most likely, that little hook on the bag frame isn't bent correctly.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Hi hearing that Honda is pulling these of shelves in stores due to a problem with the pull cord being really aggressive. Some have injuries, so far mine works great and I just much this time of year going forward.
@royhobbs785 there's a decompression valve problem on some. It's only seemed to be on a few HRXs for us. It's a pretty simple fix, but they have quite a few machines out there with this failing part.
I have a new one and it has been a nightmare to own. It’s hard to start and the engine surges nonstop. Carb cleaned, no ethanol gas, wax assembly replaced, oil changed, spark plug changed. Nothing.
I can’t not remember my model could be the HRR I will have to look. But I do love my Honda mower very dependable and easy starting. I think the 2 wheel adjustment is perfect. I do love the handle bar release also and the mulch lever which I also have on mine I did not think I would like the thumb control but I actually really love it. If you don’t like it right away give it time, you will lol I do not have the option to keep my mower running between bag changes though - good video New friend here - check me out
Wish I could say these are as great, as the other Honda pushers. Mine has been babied, and regularly serviced. After one season, mine was surging, bogging, and the propel drive went out. I'll be honest, if my local dealer will not make repairs (as I have heard, they won't) ...I will be replacing, with a different machine. Best of luck to you, if you have this model. Honda can do better than this, and they should.
There's a problem with your dealer if they're not taking care of it. This obviously isn't the norm for Honda either. They wouldn't sell any if it were.
Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower th-cam.com/users/postUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.
There are alot of problems...wheels hubs are plastic and no bearing .The drive belt system does not have a guard ..it clogs and brakes the belt. The drive cable has a plastic drive holder and cracks. The handle knobs are plastic and will snap off. The carb clogs easy and will not start well. The mower deck will not mow the grass evenly.
They're stopping production of all the gas walk mowers due to bans in certain states. It's not because they "all" have some problem. They wouldn't outsell everyone else if they did.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Not really the state of California sued Honda about there emissions and won a huge settlement in court.That was the last straw for Honda and they left the US market will still be made for European market.The mowers were made cheaper to offset the cost of the new regulations but did not pass California .I have a friend who works there confirm this .
My Husqvarna 553se mulches better than the Honda. It is dedicated to mulching. I have a Honda HRU216 as well. 99% of my lawns are mowed with my Husqvarna. I'm a mowing contractor.
I appreciate the input, but the HRU is designed for bagging. Not quite what we're talking about here. The HRU is a pretty old mower, too. Thanks for watching 👍
Good video but the comment at the end about box store reviewers vs your store review.. but disgraceful imop.. yes there are some of those weekend warrior reviews by people who really don’t know what they are talking about.. that said.. 99% of people whom will find this video are going to buy a mower at a box store.. also a majority of the box store reviews are people who do this for a living.. not selling mowers as a salesmen but actually using these and other mowers to run a business.. those reviews hold a lot more credit to the average person then a sales person trying to upsale a product that is really only $40 or so more expensive then the competition.. sales points do matter but they are secondary to real world experience.. discrediting that as my read the brochure and this is better attitude honestly doesn’t hold weight to the average person especially those wou would actually come across this video whom most are looking to compare this to the cheaper toro 22” recycler both of which are the two main options at every local box store Don’t discredit others reviews stand on your own merit
I'm not selling anything here. As someone who works at a service center, I see more of the "real world experience" than almost anyone. My point is simply buy from a servicing dealer and buy local. Nobody was discredited here. If some is seeking help on Honda mowers, a guy that deals with them every day probably has more insight than someone that just bought one. And most professionals do not buy from box stores. They also do not usually buy residential mowers. That's the point.
The problem with big box stores is that most employees (not all) are pretty much clueless of what they sell. Plus if something goes wrong with my mower, id rather deal with my local Honda dealer than a big box store, im sure i will get a better service.
For Honda's lineup, that would be the HRS. Overall, take your pick from MTD (Poulan, Troy-Bilt, Yard Man, etc.). The HRN is nowhere near the "cheapest ever made."
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
Bought the base model one that you show in this video and it cranks on even the most half hearted pull. The cut in mulch is awesome, and it handles uneven terrain very well. I'm good with the smart drive system, you learn to feather it and it works great.
I'm glad you're liking it!
I like how you explained all the models. You did the best out of all the other reviews
I really appreciate it and thanks for the watch!
Just tried my new one today. First start was 2nd pull. Much quieter than my old Honda GCV160 engine (troy bilt meh) and "seems" to get better gas mileage (lots of gas left when done) but that may be because the gas tank looks a lot higher capacity on the GCV170. I hope this is easier to service the carb than on the gcv160 but it feels so nice to be done with my old problem child mower. I'm officially old (excited about a lawn mower purchase).
One thing I'll mention I like about the HRN is the easy gas shutoff valve. After my last pass I turn the knob and run the mower up to the shed. By the time I get there it's run the gas out of the line and carb so it reduces carbon buildup.
Thanks for sharing that, going to start doing the same with mine.
that's a good habit especially if you run e10 gas.
Mine starts first pull every single time. I absolutely love it. Honda is by far the best mower out there
Just did a carburettor-clean and magneto-coil replacement on my brothers 2001 HRH536HXE. Started on first pull, started to sputter after 5 seconds with choke, took it down to idle and run fine after that. One heavy lump of mower with the aluminium-casted deck. No issues with it until now with carburettor and coil.
Great coverage of the models - you made it all make sense. I have been looking for a while and this helped me make up my mind between this and the Recycler. I headed over to my local dealer today here in Calgary and picked up the HRN216VYC. Can’t wait to use it! This video (along with your others) gave me the background info I needed to avoid being overwhelmed by features and models when I got to the dealer. It allowed me to have a great conversation there on other items specific to the models I was most interested in. Thanks so much for the work you put into these.
Absolutely! I really appreciate it!
I just replaced a HRR2169VKA with a HRN216VYA. Honda has stopped making gas lawnmowers but my original lawnmower served me for 15 years and it still works it’s just the handle bars stopped working and I have to be manually pushing it. This one should serve me even longer because I have a battery powered mower which is my primary mower. This one will be used primarily when I want to bag clippings like when I am doing reseeding or over seeding. I will be using it a lot in the fall to mulch the leaves. I have a lot of trees on my property.
I bought one. Got it at Lowe's. With the inflation up so high in the US, I had to pay $507.00 total. I am praying it doesn't malfunction. I have not bought the insurance on it, yet. You explained all the features perfectly. My lawn mower arrived with the oil can without a top on it. The instruction booklet was soaked in oil so I required clear instructions. Thanks so much. The other videos did not show how to use the Speed Drive. Good job.
Genuinely glad I could help. That's exactly why I'm doing this. I hope you love it.
Is there any difference between the US and EU model? The price for a HRN in germany/austria is over 1000 $
That's a really good question. I honestly don't know. I do know that the machines built in the US will usually have an extra "A" at the end of the model number. I'm not sure about anything built overseas though 🤔
Should’ve gone to HD and bought it for $460 lol.. thar said the auto choke is a known issue so go ahead and buy a couple now so when it goes out you have the part to replace it..
Love my old toros but that new auto pace seems like a pia I’d rather have a plain bar that said.. I’d also rather fwd vs red as it’s more appropriate for a push mower where you simply life the wheels vs disengaging the drive
Instruction manual is available online.
Excellent honest review. I have the same exact one and everything you said it spot on. I have bought several MTDs and they are literally a throwaway mowers despite all maintenance I did. Not well built. This Honda mower is far better in every way. Thank you.
Absolutely! Thanks for checking this out!
Great vid, my daughter is in the market for a self-propelled mower for a yard size of approx. 1/2 acre. She doesn't really have the space for a rider, but not completely off the table. And she lives 2 hours away, I can't just drive over to check things out. I like the fact you address the negative comments. Many times, I like to look over all the bad comments first just to see a pattern or maybe it's those one-offs or sometimes it's just nonsensical complaining...such as: "worst mower ever." and that's it. That could be one failed to put oil in and tried to start it. Anywho, thanks for the thorough review.
Thanks for the watch! She'll get her exercise if she's going to walk mower all of that! Lol
Just bought the HRN216VKA to replace a 15 year old Craftsman with B&S engine (made by Husqvarna for them). Parts peculiar to the mower model are getting harder to find such as wheels and drive components (vs the common B&S engine). Did half my lawn today and very pleased with it. Mowing other half tomorrow. Grass was getting tall but it still mulched well. One pull start. The blade stop and electric start weren't worth the extra $100 for me. Keeping the old Craftsman for a while - have new carb for it in box but will probably put it out at end of driveway for the scavengers in a couple months. Thus far I'm impressed with it for a 170cc engine. Trick to the drive paddles is tweaking them to the right height for how you use them.
I'm glad you're liking it and thanks for checking this out 👍
I had an old Honda and it still runs good so I decided to buy the new Honda before my old one decides to give up the ghost and I love it
I absolutely love my Honda mower, best mower money can buy
I'm glad you love it!
I just bought a honda from a big box store,,, Love it,, had to get used to the smart drive, but love it now,, the only complaint I have is I wish it had the option of a side discharge, If the grass is a bit on the wet side and tall,, it plugs the rear discharge, I didn't need the electric start or the clutch, I had 2 mowers with honda motors on them,, never had a problem with either, one of the reasons I went with the honda, and they have very little plastic that I can see, Just an all around good mower. Thanks for the info on them.
Absolutely. Thanks for watching.
Thank you, the most genuine review and takes on mowers. Thanks!!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome!! Thanks so Much! Like many things in my life I did it backwards! I have wanted this mower for awhile, so I just bought it, and then I watched reviews hoping I'd made a good choice... I mean Honda is a pretty safe choice, but I was scared to hear what you were going to say so THANK YOU
Absolutely, and I hope you love it!
My Craftsman M230 definitely feels like a throwaway. Today I bought that Honda with the motor clutch you showed. I love that feature! The mower feels SOLID compared to the Craftsman. I’m still getting used to the drive controls, but overall I’m happy. It is amazing at mulching!
Big upgrade! I'm glad you're liking it!
How does it mulch and/or bag leaves?
Bought the HRN VKA two days ago. Mowed once so far, and loved it. Had to buy from a big box because all the local dealers only sell toro😤.
I'm glad you're loving it!
What wasn't mentioned in this review was that the oddity in the drive. The older Honda HRN's drive would not release when you wanted to pull the mower backwards while mowing. I sold a Personal Pace mower, cheap, for this reason. The newer model Honda HRN 216 has a drive that will release and allow the mower to roll backwards. Something to think about if you plan to purchase a used Honda mower.
There wasn't enough of an "oddity" for any kind of a recall or service bulletin. That's exactly why I always suggest buying from a servicing dealer, though.
That is the reason keeping me from buying this mower right now. Are you saying the remaining ones at Home Depot won’t have this issue?
@@kennethpullen6889 I suggest looking at this mower somewhere you can roll it forward and backward. If it rolls both ways, and doesn't resist pulling it backwards you should be OK.
@@kenbenson6589 Thanks. They are getting hard to find so I doubt I'll find one other than HD. Would be nice to get a feel for it. I was hoping to find one without the blade clutch because just looking at it it seems like holding the bar back while manipulating the pace levers might take some getting use to. I'm 53 and the only mower I've ever own is a Lawnboy from 2004. It still runs good but it never mulched very well. Anyways, regardless of what mower I get I'm sure it will take some getting use to.
@@kennethpullen6889 Don't buy a Personal Pace, you won't like it. The Honda that I cited has 1) A key start, 2)a bail you hold back while starting and mowing that lays flat against the handle--you won't even know you're holding it, and 3) a paddle that you activate with your thumbs to make the mower go forward. This paddle is designed so that the farther you push it, the faster the mower goes. And, it adjusts to your choice of hand position for comfortable mowing. You will not find an easier walk behind mower to operate. And you have a choice or bag or recycle by moving an easy moving lever on the side of the machine 5 or six inches. Go to a dealer and check it out before you buy anything.
Thank you for an informative, straight forward review of this machine. I used this mower last summer and can attest to the mower's quality-especially the engine performance. I am not a big fan of lawns which are water wasteful but I suppose they are a necessary evil. It is still unclear to me that the grass is being properly cut but then I refuse to use chemicals on the lawn. That may account for the uneven? cut but the machine was new and in spite of this I still give it high marks.
The only time I've seen new Hondas cut uneven is when they're not running at the correct speed/rpm. We usually have to bump them up right out of the box. Otherwise the blades aren't spinning fast enough to create enough suction.
You get what you pay for...always wanted a Honda and now i have one 9/24
I bought an HRN about a year ago, great mower overall with great cutting and mulching. The drive system works well, might like to see something different with the control. Gets a little fatiguing on the hand towards the end of my cutting.
I'm glad you're liking it! There won't be any changes coming to the controls. Honda is going to be done making them next year, unfortunately.
I bought an HRN 216 VKA after returning a Toro 60V Recycler. I have a small yard(maybe 2500 sq ft) and really wanted to go electric. My Toro had battery issues straight out of the box. The only certified Toro repair center in my town said they didn’t work on battery powered mowers. That was a deal breaker for me. I had been using my sisters Honda HRR until I was ready to buy a new mower. The HRR was the best mower I ever used. I mulch 99% of the time. It mulches wonderfully and has plenty of power. My HRN also mulches equally as well and feels like it has the same amount of power. I can’t feel any difference. It pulls backward as easily as it pushes forward. The HRR has some resistance when pulling backwards. My HRN started on the first pull straight out of the box and the first time every time I’ve used it. I love the fuel shut off and use it to run the fuel out of the carburetor every time I finish mowing. I’m very happy with the HRN so far.
I'll adjust the throttle lower when my old man is using it, that way he can still palm drive it, but it won't drag him to an early death since it won't easily depress all the way. He wasn't used to such a fast, powerful self propelled -- so that's a good safety alternative since there's no limiter.
Speed control with the Honda is more precise. Especially if you’re mulching and need to go pretty slowly in some longer grass. If you are bagging most of the time, the personal pace is a little more convenient.
It just depends on individual preference. I prefer my Honda, but my grandfather prefers his Toro.
I am looking at the HRN vs the HRX with hydro transmission. It's just for personal use on a modest sized lot. Do you think there is any benefit in the HRX for me? I like the fact that the HRN is significantly lighter...
@steve8803 If you're mowing for an hour, I'd buy an HRX. It really just boils down to time. How many hours you're putting on it and how many years it's going to last for you.
The bag-mulch lever is a bigger convenience than I expected. You can leave the bag on while mulching, and then if you come up on an area with some debris to clean up, it's quite easy to switch over to bag for a little bit. The blade clutch and electric start options seem like they would be kind of useless on this unit, it's so easy to start. You can change your mind halfway through the first pull and it still starts....Finally, the smart drive is weird at first but works very well once you get used to it. I've discovered that for a decent portion of my lawn, I don't really benefit from the self-propel, which was surprising. I probably press the lever less than half the time, which I expect will make it take longer for the self-propel system to wear out. That was the one weak spot on the mid-1990s Honda that this unit replaced. (That thing still runs, by the way, but I got irritated with the weak self-propel, since I've got an inclined section). This unit is also much easier to change the oil without spilling gasoline.
Great insight and I'm glad you're liking it 👍
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Yes, I was trying to buy the HRX model and none were available anywhere at the time - but I'm really quite satisfied with this one. How common is the thermowax auto-choke problem? It's a cheap part, you think it's worth keeping a spare available? Also, have manufacturers generally solved the ethanol fuel gasket and o-ring deterioration issues? Here in NJ, non-ethanol fuel is not available anywhere far as I can tell.
@@njmikeche5575 We MAYBE warranty 2 out of 100 thermowaxes. The alcohol in ethanol will always dry out seals. There's some additives out there you can get. They're designed to help with ethanol fuels in small engines.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thank you for that information!
@@njmikeche5575 Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
Well you hit the nail on the head!!! Honda will stop making mowers this year! Just bought the HRN216 last year and love it. I might buy all the OEM parts I might need in the future while they are still available.
I'm glad you're loving it! Parts will be available longer than that mower will probably last. Honda isn't closing their doors.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Well I doubt they will continue to make part's for mowers they no longer produce. So I ordered a few parts. You wouldn't know if any ball bearing wheels from their other mowers will fit the HRN216 would you. That's the only thing I don't like about the mower.
@kansasgardener5844 Honda already confirmed they'll continue with parts for a set number of years. Every company does it when they discontinue models like with the HRR. I don't believe any of the other wheels fit the HRN.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 well that's good as long as Honda and home Depot make good on my warranties. Not good about the wheels. Oh well....
I had the HRN216 for 2 years now. And only 2 problems I see are front wheel assembly sticks out to far when maneuvering it around the yard. It doesn’t have good Vacuuming, it seems to kick everything out the other side . It leaves a lot behind and I have to go over the same areas to clean up what was left behind. But with all that said, I still like it!
Do you recommend buying HRN216 after using for 2 years. I need to replace my mower and not sure if the HRN16 is better over Toro. I mulch most of the time.
Both of them are good lawn mowers. The toro is a 22” and Honda is 21”. The Toro is heavier and the personal pace is okay! But the Honda is easier to use. Lowes and Home Depot have good return policies. You can try them both out and one at a time and keep the one fits you better!
I am looking for one now.
I have the bladestop version…it’s a really good mower…if you bag much the roto stop is well worth the extra $100
Absolutely agree. The blade clutch is my favorite feature.
Thanks for the great review. My 17 year old Troybuilt is needing replaced and I have been looking at these. I don't have a local mower dealer that sells Honda nearby so I'm going to go directly to Honda East Cincinnati (instead of Home Depot) so that if it need repairs it's right from the source. And hopefully be able to talk with a knowledgeable sales person.
I really appreciate it. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I own a 2020 model HRN216 and prefer it over my 2021 Toro Super Recycler model 21386 with the aluminum deck and B&S 163 cc engine. Even for an entry level machine, the build quality on the Honda is superior (my Honda was not subject to the recent recall). With Honda having left the market, I am seriously considering buying a second one and giving a family member the Toro because they want a side discharge.
Snag one while you can! We're already out, unfortunately.
I would have liked to have bought a Honda at a local lawn shop, but the only ones that sell them locally are Lowes or HD....
Thank you for making this video it was really informative! I am buying a new mower this year and I have it narrowed down the the Honda HRN and the Toro 22 recycler. I like everything about the Honda better except I seen another video where he said you have to overlap so much with the Honda that it makes it more like a 19" deck where the Toro is a true 22 inch cut. Do you think he is right on that? I would much prefer to buy the Honda but I dont want to have a 3 inch difference i the cut path either
Something most likely needs to be tweaked. Many of these need the RPMs bumped up, right out of the box. A lot of the videos you see are guys that bought them at a box store and assembled it themselves. So, usually, if they're not cutting quite right and it's that new, it's probably not spinning the blades at the right speed. That's why we assemble and run every machine we sell.
Was debating today between the Super Recycler (model 21565) and this HRN216 and went with HRN. I like the simplicity of the Honda, stronger engine (170cc vs 163cc) and seems better built to me plus i wasn't sure i would like the Personal Pace system. Im sure both are very good, just a preference thing. If the Toro had a Honda engine, would have been a tougher decision. Hope i made the right choice.
I hope you love it 👍
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks, hope so too. Good mowers are pretty expensive here in Canada.
@rocket thanks for the video, Ours was running great. Used it only few times over 3 years, made oil maintenance, changed spark plugged, cleaned the filter, change the fuel with recommended one... all parts sold at Homedepot. Still ain't running... is it that dead and good for trash or something else we could look into it?
@@SatellaPower If it's been used that little over that many years, I'd guess it needs a carb.
@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks for the reply. We took apart the carb, it was pristine clean inside. We still cleaned it, but there is no start-up yet
@@SatellaPower I'm not sure then. Whatever it is will be relatively simple, so I'd say it's definitely worth fixing. It's just a matter of figuring out the cause. Are you certain it has spark?
@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks for your time. Greatly appreciated.
That's a great question. We assume yes because we changed the spark plug and made sure the tip was at the right distance. Inserted it has instructed in manual.... but I don't know how to tell if it had spark.
When we pull on the coil, the engine spins for a brief moment but does not start.
We're searching the internet on how to diagnose the cause and fix it. So far, we attempted to apply general tips without success.
@SatellaPower No problem at all. That would be my next guess. You swapped everything else air and fuel related.
Love my 8 year old HRX and always recommend Honda. Just suggested an HRN to someone over a craftsman. He bought the HRN and hates it because of the cut quality and says it leaves stragglers. Never had an issue with mine. Any ideas if there is a problem or the nature of the new HRN.
The HRN should cut virtually the same. It may not be running at a high enough RPM though. We adjust them out of the box and most are too low. It's probably not spinning the blades fast enough.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 how do you adjust the engine speed?
My hrn does leave leafs a few leaves uncut. I checked the blades and they are not dull. My father says it could be due to summer leaves are hard and not tender as in the fall. We also checked the speed inside the carb ranit on high same thjng
@@dannymartinez8522 It could be a number of things (RPM issue, blade issue, etc). Something is causing it. It's just a matter of figuring it out.
We call this the hrn536vk,in the UK.I nearly bought this,until I found out it had crappy plastic bearings.Couldnt find any bearings online,to fit it.
Not sure what exactly uses plastic "bearings", but hope you found something you like. 👍
@Rocket's Outdoor Power
Sorry
Plastic wheel bearings.(bushings)
@Ian Cadwallender Oooooh! I suppose if there were major problems with them, they'd replace them.
I have a 20 year old push craftsman that I've never had a problem with. I do perform regular maintenance on it. I also purchased the HONDA HRN a couple of years ago and kept the old one. I've read some negative comments concerning the new hrn but I haven't experienced any problems with this model yet. But with any product you can have problems with it despite performing regular maintenance on it. Time will tell if it's a good mower but as of right now it's good.
Exactly right! Nothing has a 0% fail rate. The majority of "major" issues you hear about are 1 in 100 and that's with any brand. That's also why you buy from a servicing dealer 😉. Thanks for watching!
I bought this mower early this Spring...and have not been impressed. Lot of favorable reviews and neighbor recommendations. Mower cuts unevenly, with lots of high spots even with a 1/3 overlap. Going one direction, then coming back - the path height of one is higher than the other. Last it leaves massive wheel ruts, even when mowing a different pattern each time. I will probably be replacing in next season...for the price and the "Honda" name I expected so much more!! Would really like it if anyone has a suggestion(s) for fixing these issues.
Good video , I have used toro super recyclers for about 7 years in my business but I’m thinking of trying a Honda . Wondering if this would b a good option for me . Thanks
I think they're a great option, if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive mower. The HRX would probably hold up longer, but costs more. Thank you so much for the watch and comment! Hope business is going well for you! 👍
I’m here for similar reason.. but not professionally.. more so the lazy man who cuts once every other cut cycle and looking to see if the 2 blade and more power makes up for not having the side discharge needed for taller wet grass. And also to logic says the rear discharge would be better then cleaning out a clogged side discharge port lol
From what I’ve seen you’ll be making a lot larger overlap passes to get grass even with this two blade vs the toros and single blades.. also these newer models have major issues with the auto choke actuator.. cheap part easy to replace but that’s for the homeowner..
As a business that’s frustrating and time is money.. if you do this for a profession I think it comes down to the two different self drive methods and tbh idk why Honda is about the only one left still trying to go rwd on a push mower.. but at same time that auto pace on the new toros is head scratching for a fwd mower especially.. if I was in your shoes I’d go toro hands down. I’m only here as a home owner looking for something that has more power in same price range cause I don’t cut my grass weekly and when I do it’s usually wet and I’m curious if that rear discharge might prevent the clogging that you get from a side discharge under those conditions plus the Honda has a lot more torque and little more hp.. as a lazy homeowner I think the Honda might be the better option.. as a business owner and understanding business needs although not mowing grass.. to me the toros seem the better option.. if no other reason the they are fwd vs rwd.. much easier to keep drive engaged and just pick up the front end and pivot vs having to learn to mow in a different fashion then normal
Can't keep the belt on mine. Dealer told me it's a problem on the VKA.
It's not super common. I think we replaced 2 belts last year and sold 152 of that mower. If they fix it right, you shouldn't see a repeat. Hopefully it works out 👍
Which model of HRN would you recommend buying basic VKA or VYA is it worth the extra money .
That's all up to you. They're the same lawn mower. You just have to decide if you want the blade clutch.
After 5 years the self propel function crapped out. Local repair shop wanted $530 to repair. I just had them disable the sel-propel now it is strictly a push mower
Well, if it's 5 years old, you got the very first HRN. I'm not sure what your local shop thinks is the price of the entire mower to fix, but $530 is very steep for anything in that drivetrain. Sorry to hear about it, though.
Something else to note about the VYA version(and possibly the VLA version?): it has a throttle. The VKA does not. The nice thing about being able to control the speed of the engine is the ability to let the high-priced Honda to warm up a bit before you put it to work ...and let it cool down a bit before you put it away. As a bit of a gearhead, I never could understand how it's in any way good for an engine, of any type, to go from dead cold to running full tilt (or close to it) in a matter of seconds. And allowing an engine to cool down for a couple of minutes before shutting it down is equally as good for it's longevity ...neither of which is possible on any mower without a throttle. Give me a throttle on my push mower! And since this video was made, the VLA is running about $700, on sale(!), at my local Lawn Equipment dealer here in GA.
The VYA is the only HRN with a throttle. It doubles as the stop switch, so Honda only puts a throttle on their mowers that have a blade clutch. They only run at just over 3000 rpms, so it really isn't hurting anything for them to shut off with a typical bale lever. That's how the majority of mowers at lower price points work, anyway. $700 is a little high for a VLA, but Honda is stopping production this year. So, if you really want one, buy it.
Hola, buen dia. He visto por ahi que Honda saco o suspendio la venta de estos modelos de mercado, porque venian con un problemas en un conjunto de levas, creo, que hacia que en el arranque no dejaba salir la admision de gases, y eso requeria mucha fuerza al tirar de la cuerda de arranque, ud sabe algo de eso? gracias, saludos
Hey thanks for the vid. What I can't tell is if the blade is on "RotoStop" mode - is it still self propellerable. I want to drive it over paths and areas I don't want the blade to be running over. I don't want to have to push it.
If you don't push the yellow button first, the blades are not turning. You can still use the self propell to drive it.
What is your opinion on FWD vs RWD? I think when the grass catching bag gets heavy the front wheel drive does not get as good traction. Also it seems going up a hill RWD is better. Just wondered what your opinion would be.
RWD definitely gets more traction. That's why most nicer mowers are RWD. Thanks for the question.
How do you like the rear discharge vs side discharge? I discharge 99% of the time. My old toro needs to be replaced but having a hard time accepting the idea of rear discharge…
Also, how durable is the rear deflector? Can I still run over small sticks like I do with my Toro?
The rear deflector is durable. As far as the rear discharge goes, it works ok if the grass isn't tall and/or wet. Mine will continually clog in those situations. I keep mine set at three inches and mulch most of the time.
Thank you for the video
Thank you for this video on the mower i want for 2023 March.I want to get one now but i have to buy from a box store. I used to have my grass cut buy contractor, but i retired in Sept and i want to cut my grass now for the work out.…….. Now that Honda will be shutting down next year do you think it is still the mower to buy? It is in my price range. I can't find a retailer around me zip 22193.
I picked one up and the 2nd time I used it I started getting a loud tapping. It goes away not sure what it is. Used the oil they sent. Less than 2 hours on it. Any thoughts?
Take it to your dealer. It could be valve noise or something, but it should be covered.
Great review. I have had four Hondas in all the variants that you have mentioned. Love the extra 10cc’s on the new model. The only negative comment I have about the new group of Hondas is cheaper wheels. When you are replacing wheels is there a rubber wheel replacement that has better traction / lasts longer that you know of? Thanks for the video.
Thanks! You may find something aftermarket, but we only sell the OEM replacements.
Great video , is this the model you just reviewed ? Model: HRN216VKAA 664060
Correct. The additional A at the end is just where they were built I believe. I'm pretty sure the A models come from Georgia.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 got my mower today thanks!! I was wondering if you know? What’s the horse power??
@@kauaireed9006 Those are around 5.5hp
I appreciate the review.
Thanks for watching.
Very informative video. I recently bought the HRN216VKA/B. Though it has a larger engine than the HRR216 it replaced, it doesn't seem to have as much pulling power. Has anyone had this problem, or could I have caused this positioning the Smart Drive paddles?
In my experience in the UK with Hayter's, the electric start is a waste of money! The blade break is great though. I have it on my KAAZ! Very envious of 🇺🇸 prices, 🇬🇧 prices for a decent Honda mower start at around £1300+!. Should have bought one last year, instead of the peice of crap I bought!
We actually sell a ton of electric starts to older people or some with shoulder problems. Otherwise it is fairly unnecessary. Thanks for checking this out 👍
i like my Honda mower hrn mower it did good i had tall grass mowed it down
so you didn't say- Which new mower do you recommend for bagging? I bag 100% of the time and my old Ariens is worn out. what to buy? and please don't say mulch Then I will just move on.
Nothing is going to bag like the old Ariens. The Hondas still bag fine. Mulching is always the hardest to not make a mess and that's where Honda does the best. But everyone is getting away from primarily bagging mowers, because mulching is better for the lawn and less hassle.
I deal with a lot of leaves each fall. Based on how you describe the HRN's, I'm thinking I could first do the rear discharge, then go over them with the bag...does that sound realistic?
I just straight up mulch about 90% of my leaves. Even my old HRR does outstanding.
Good to know...thank you.
Makes good sense to me.....good idea for any mower. Gonna try that with my leaves this fall.
I have a Hrx217 hydro I’ve had this mower for 6 years I use it 2 or 3 times a week in my lawn business but last year the tranny went out rear tires started locking up and to my surprise I had one month left of warranty and Honda replaced my tranny a $250 tranny plus labor cost all covered so I should be good another 5 years great mower wouldn’t change it for nothing else.
The hydrostatic ones are the best. Pretty rarely do we replace any transmissions. I'm glad you're liking it.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Yes they are.I bought a Toro Timemaster 30 worst mistake I ever made I’ve had it for a year and it’s already breaking down 3 times and that Briggs motor histates in tall grass where my Honda has never bogged down on me in any tall grass and the engine is way more smooth running then that Briggs engine I’m selling that Toro Timemaster and buying another HRX217
I stay away from hydro riding mowers due to problems towing trailers or hilly terrain.
Do these hydro Honda mowers have problems? I don’t mind just replacing a belt when it breaks but if tranny goes out it’s not a quick fix
@@notsofast5495 basically all riders are hydrostatic anymore and the HRNs are not hydrostatic. That is only offered on the HRXs.
@@notsofast5495 My Honda HRX 217 the hydro tranny went out at 4 years and 11 months I was lucky I still had 1 month left of warranty cause it would have cost me a little over $300 to fix its a $1000 mower so if the tranny goes out at almost 5 years its worth fixing I use mine like in 6 properties a week
On this mower what gas should I run and any additives? Looking to make it last. Just purchased it. Thanks!
Use a premium/non-ethanol. I always use Sea Foam to keep the gas from breaking down over time.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971
Exactly right Sir! I keep SeaFoam in my 5 gallon gas can year round. All my engines have SeaFoam all the time. At the end of the season I just shut it off and park it. Next season, 6-8 primes of fuel and first pull start for all my equipment.
Never have to rebuild my Jeep carb anymore now that I run SeaFoam in the last tank of gas before storage.
Mine started 1st pull out the box . That scared me 😂
Do these require regular engine adjustments like valve clearance?
Should valves be adjusted? Yes. Does anyone do it if there's no problem? No.
What about oil changes, oil plug on bottom?
Nope. Just tip them over.
The draw back with that mower is there is no cover underneath to protect the belt area sticks and leaves get up underneath ,not good ,jimmy Aust
I've seen 4 of these come through our shop with that happening. We've sold somewhere around 500. Not exactly a major problem.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 2 bushel bag size(2.5 better) and no belt protection just seem like sloppy work.
This is the only thing holding me back from purchasing this mower, looking at the HRX line but don't like the 4 point deck adjustment.
But, it does have a 2.5 bushel bag. Also heavy and doesn't pull backwards without some effort from what I've seen.
There is no perfect mower. Probably will but one or the other leaning HRN with Blade Stop.
@@Maverick4841 Decide fast. You have 2 years until they're done.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Yes sir, I'm on it.
Solid review
Thanks man!! You helped me out.
Yeah man! Glad I could help! Thanks for watching 👍
They still don't pull backwards worth a hoot!
Then something is causing it and should be fixed. I would take it to your dealer.
2 bushel bag size(2.5 better) and no belt protection just seem like sloppy work.
This is the only thing holding me back from purchasing this mower, looking at the HRX line but don't like the 4 point deck adjustment.
But, it does have a 2.5 bushel bag. Also heavy and doesn't pull backwards without some effort from what I've seen.
There is no perfect mower. Probably will but one or the other, leaning HRN with Blade Stop for bagging leaves.
Surging issues are common in these new Hondas. Emulation jet holes are to small. Hondas attempt at addressing emissions primarly for California.
That would depend on one's definition of "common". Some may say jet holes are too small. Others would say sediment in the gas isn't a carb issue. It's all relative.
You nailed it.
I bought one, regret it. I use ethanol free gas, water removing filter and only take the gas cap off when there's no chance of dust. My last Honda for sure.
Good luck to you 👍
Do these come with blades that are ready for use? Any need to sharpen over time?
You will have to sharpen them when they wear down.
Great review...dead on
Thank you!
My Honda mower with a manual choke perished in a garage fire. Is the Thermalwax Choke Activator still an issue? Thanks. Chris
It just depends on everyone's definition of "issue". It's the most likely part of the choke to be replaced, but it's not like they all go bad. It's a simple/cheap fix anyway.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks for touching base. I'm 72 - retired. Live north of Toronto. Is the choke activator readily available in this hard to order anything world we live in!
I really did love my old Honda mower. I did shop at my Honda Powerhouse store. I haven't bought anything yet. Why wouldn't Honda warranty the part.
@@chrissorlie5291 Honda will cover them within the warranty period. We only have to replace a very small percentage of them under warranty.
@@chrissorlie5291 and they are readily available still lol
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thank you very much for taking the time. Problem solved!!!
It will always be a market for 21 inches!
Do these engines have a priming bulb?
Nope. No priming and automatic choke.
great video thank you
Absolutely! Thanks for the watch👍
Thanks for the info
My bag keeps falling off on the right side while walking behind, what's up with that?
I've never seen one do that, so I couldn't tell you exactly. It's a pretty simple design, though. Most likely, that little hook on the bag frame isn't bent correctly.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Hi hearing that Honda is pulling these of shelves in stores due to a problem with the pull cord being really aggressive. Some have injuries, so far mine works great and I just much this time of year going forward.
@royhobbs785 there's a decompression valve problem on some. It's only seemed to be on a few HRXs for us. It's a pretty simple fix, but they have quite a few machines out there with this failing part.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks
I have a new one and it has been a nightmare to own. It’s hard to start and the engine surges nonstop. Carb cleaned, no ethanol gas, wax assembly replaced, oil changed, spark plug changed. Nothing.
Take it to your dealer. Whatever is causing it is fixable, and that's why they have warranties.
Sounds like my vkaa . My old ass tda runs like a champ
Looks like you'd get quite a bit of thumb pain with that drive system.
Then, you can adjust it to where it's comfortable or buy any HRX. I haven't heard any complaints and there's other options.
I can’t not remember my model could be the HRR I will have to look. But I do love my Honda mower very dependable and easy starting. I think the 2 wheel adjustment is perfect. I do love the handle bar release also and the mulch lever which I also have on mine
I did not think I would like the thumb control but I actually really love it. If you don’t like it right away give it time, you will lol
I do not have the option to keep my mower running between bag changes though - good video
New friend here - check me out
Wish I could say these are as great, as the other Honda pushers. Mine has been babied, and regularly serviced. After one season, mine was surging, bogging, and the propel drive went out. I'll be honest, if my local dealer will not make repairs (as I have heard, they won't) ...I will be replacing, with a different machine. Best of luck to you, if you have this model. Honda can do better than this, and they should.
There's a problem with your dealer if they're not taking care of it. This obviously isn't the norm for Honda either. They wouldn't sell any if it were.
Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower th-cam.com/users/postUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.
I'm not sure what that means.
Welp, your fears have come true. 2023 will be the final year Honda makes lawn mowers.
That's correct. The other big brands won't be far behind, either.
ugggggg why did they stop production in North America?😭
They haven't yet. Buy one while you can.
The Biggs motor on the Toro has a plastic carb and is crap.
There are alot of problems...wheels hubs are plastic and no bearing .The drive belt system does not have a guard ..it clogs and brakes the belt. The drive cable has a plastic drive holder and cracks. The handle knobs are plastic and will snap off. The carb clogs easy and will not start well. The mower deck will not mow the grass evenly.
And somehow, they keep selling them. lol
Not after Sept the plant in Burlington NC near me is closing. Just as well if they are going to build crap now $ 150 more
than the last good mowers.
They're stopping production of all the gas walk mowers due to bans in certain states. It's not because they "all" have some problem. They wouldn't outsell everyone else if they did.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Not really the state of California sued Honda about there emissions and won a huge settlement in court.That was the last straw for Honda and they left the US market will still be made for European market.The mowers were made cheaper to offset the cost of the new regulations but did not pass California .I have a friend who works there confirm this .
It's all been made public and the other companies will follow suit.
My Husqvarna 553se mulches better than the Honda. It is dedicated to mulching. I have a Honda HRU216 as well. 99% of my lawns are mowed with my Husqvarna. I'm a mowing contractor.
I appreciate the input, but the HRU is designed for bagging. Not quite what we're talking about here. The HRU is a pretty old mower, too. Thanks for watching 👍
The belt breaks after 2 years of use
That's extremely uncommon. Sorry you had an issue though.
Yeah Honda bailed out of the push mower market.
Yep. 2 years left. Everyone else will in the next 3-5.
Thomas Betty Harris Amy Garcia Daniel
Easy answer. Definitely do not buy a Honda mower.
🤣 Thanks for the insight
Honda won’t be making lawnmowers any more
That is accurate lol
Good video but the comment at the end about box store reviewers vs your store review.. but disgraceful imop.. yes there are some of those weekend warrior reviews by people who really don’t know what they are talking about.. that said.. 99% of people whom will find this video are going to buy a mower at a box store.. also a majority of the box store reviews are people who do this for a living.. not selling mowers as a salesmen but actually using these and other mowers to run a business.. those reviews hold a lot more credit to the average person then a sales person trying to upsale a product that is really only $40 or so more expensive then the competition.. sales points do matter but they are secondary to real world experience.. discrediting that as my read the brochure and this is better attitude honestly doesn’t hold weight to the average person especially those wou would actually come across this video whom most are looking to compare this to the cheaper toro 22” recycler both of which are the two main options at every local box store
Don’t discredit others reviews stand on your own merit
I'm not selling anything here. As someone who works at a service center, I see more of the "real world experience" than almost anyone. My point is simply buy from a servicing dealer and buy local. Nobody was discredited here. If some is seeking help on Honda mowers, a guy that deals with them every day probably has more insight than someone that just bought one. And most professionals do not buy from box stores. They also do not usually buy residential mowers. That's the point.
The problem with big box stores is that most employees (not all) are pretty much clueless of what they sell. Plus if something goes wrong with my mower, id rather deal with my local Honda dealer than a big box store, im sure i will get a better service.
@@G.G.001 Exactly! My newest video will be up in a few minutes and it's about exactly that.
HRN model is the cheapest ever made
For Honda's lineup, that would be the HRS. Overall, take your pick from MTD (Poulan, Troy-Bilt, Yard Man, etc.). The HRN is nowhere near the "cheapest ever made."
IS THERE A EASON YOU HAVE RIVETS IN YOUR EARS? ARE YOU REE TAR DITTT?