Bought new HRX opened box and has GCV160?

[stygz]

No that did not happen. Anyway picked up a HRX217VKA today. I drove to a HD alittle further away (15 miles) to ket the K4 model. Didnt want to chance an old K3 that HD had sitting around that may have carb issues. I filled out warranty online and should have gotten the 6 year. Plus a bonus HD had going on with 2 ATL Braves tickets for the first 5500 people who mail in a receipt ($100 or more) and rebate form. That was sponsored by Scotts and HD. I got my 10%off military discount. It would be great to get the Braves tickets as a bonus.

I unpacked the mower set it all up and it fired up in one pull. Very nice. When I was checking the oil I was wondering if I am supposed to screw in the dip stick or just dip it. No mention in the manual but there was a trusty dummy sticker there to help me out. I have seen it recomended both ways. Only bad news is my lawn does not need to be cut. I sure hope the extra torque 8.4 vs my old 6.75 will handle my thick Bermuda grass. I think I will get along fine with the smart drive. It feels really solid. I will post more when I actually get to use it.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

To check the oil level you stick the cap in WITHOUT screwing it in (see page 12 of the following manual; it is for the HYA but shouldn't make a difference).
http://powerequipment.honda.com/pdf/manuals/00X31VH7H510.pdf

 

[stygz]

I thought the title would get Roberts attention.

Anyway the HRX finshed up my wishlist I started last year. I got my Echo trimmer/edger/blower and now the Honda. That should make a nice kit for around my house.:thumbsup:

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I thought the title would get Roberts attention.

Anyway the HRX finshed up my wishlist I started last year. I got my Echo trimmer/edger/blower and now the Honda. That should make a nice kit for around my house.:thumbsup:

Yeah the title got MY attention! :biggrin: You have some really nice equipment!! :thumbsup:

 

[robert@honda]

I thought the title would get Roberts attention.

You were right. :smile:

I have been escorted through the deep inner workshops at a certain research and development facility and seen some Franken-Mowers no man should ever see. :tongue:

My HRX does great on Bermuda in my front yard [Johns Creek, GA] and I usually keep the Green Knob[SUP]TM[/SUP] on full mulch.

 

[allhifi]

No that did not happen. Anyway picked up a HRX217VKA today. I drove to a HD alittle further away (15 miles) to ket the K4 model. Didnt want to chance an old K3 that HD had sitting around that may have carb issues. I filled out warranty online and should have gotten the 6 year. Plus a bonus HD had going on with 2 ATL Braves tickets for the first 5500 people who mail in a receipt ($100 or more) and rebate form. That was sponsored by Scotts and HD. I got my 10%off military discount. It would be great to get the Braves tickets as a bonus.

I unpacked the mower set it all up and it fired up in one pull. Very nice. When I was checking the oil I was wondering if I am supposed to screw in the dip stick or just dip it. No mention in the manual but there was a trusty dummy sticker there to help me out. I have seen it recommended both ways. Only bad news is my lawn does not need to be cut. I sure hope the extra torque 8.4 vs my old 6.75 will handle my thick Bermuda grass. I think I will get along fine with the smart drive. It feels really solid. I will post more when I actually get to use it.

Hmmm. That would be disappointing. Advertising 190 cc, to discover a 160 cc. The 160 cc is a capable and excellent work-horse. The 190 cc likely more so. But, to my mind, if the 190 cc is quieter (Honda engines are loud), it may be worth investigating further.
That manufacturer's are not expected (in fact instructed --as in lawfully) to reduce noise levels by 10-20-db. (from the current, average 90. db + is inexcusable. And difficult to comprehend.

Is minimizing (better yet eliminating machine-induced) hearing loss not a priority, or important ?

In 2017, such indifference is really difficult to comprehend. Particularly when a cheap "cap" stuffed with (non-flammable) insulation is both NOT rocket science, nor expensive. Simply incomprehensible.

peter jasz

 

[bertsmobile1]

Quietening costs power in 2017 just the same way as it did in 1917 technology can not override physics.
So the only alternative is to fit a bigger engine with a better muffler to get exactly the same power to the blades as the older noisy engine.
The net result is use use more fuel to do exactly the same mowing.

Up to you what is more important.
Victa made a quiet mower back in 1986
It was called the Vortex.
The USA government banned it because being so quiet they deemed it to dangerious for use by the general public.
In order to sell it they had to fit a flashing light, dead mans ignition cut out and cut out on the rear flap.

Down here Hondas are of the quieter mowers but they run at 3200 to get there not 3600 as most of yours do.

When the research for the vortex was being done the CSIRO found the actual blades were making most of the noise, not the engine.
It is just the engine noise is a higher pitch that we hear really well and the blades were a lower pitch but had a lot more energy.
Noise is energy.
Down here mowers are limited to 75 Dba.

Noise from exhausts happens because it is at a higher pressure and higher temperature than the surrounding air.
To reduce the noise you have to both slow the gasses and to cool them down as well as breaking up the pressure pulses.
You can make your mower dead quiet but the double walled stainless steel 4' long muffler will cost about 1/2 what you paid for the mower again an be a little awkward in use.

 

[allhifi]

Quietening costs power in 2017 just the same way as it did in 1917 technology can not override physics.
So the only alternative is to fit a bigger engine with a better muffler to get exactly the same power to the blades as the older noisy engine.
The net result is use use more fuel to do exactly the same mowing.

Up to you what is more important.
Victa made a quiet mower back in 1986
It was called the Vortex.
The USA government banned it because being so quiet they deemed it to dangerious for use by the general public.
In order to sell it they had to fit a flashing light, dead mans ignition cut out and cut out on the rear flap.

Down here Hondas are of the quieter mowers but they run at 3200 to get there not 3600 as most of yours do.

When the research for the vortex was being done the CSIRO found the actual blades were making most of the noise, not the engine.
It is just the engine noise is a higher pitch that we hear really well and the blades were a lower pitch but had a lot more energy.
Noise is energy.
Down here mowers are limited to 75 Dba.

Noise from exhausts happens because it is at a higher pressure and higher temperature than the surrounding air.
To reduce the noise you have to both slow the gasses and to cool them down as well as breaking up the pressure pulses.
You can make your mower dead quiet but the double walled stainless steel 4' long muffler will cost about 1/2 what you paid for the mower again an be a little awkward in use.

Incredible historic perspective (particularly on the Victa "Vortex") !

If we had the same "limited to 75-dba" mandate, I would not be bringing up the issue. It's the 90-95 db.+ levels at very ear-sensitive and damaging levels that is very concerning --particularly with prolonged exposure. The engine and exhaust noise is by far the most concerning.

The sound from blades spinning (at any speed) would be at a frequency (spectra) benign to our hearing. It would be/is far too low in frequency to be of concern. I must say, the "Vortex" example you provided is most bizarre; are battery operated mowers also dangerous/hazardous as a result of their 60-70-db. noise (humming) levels ? I've yet to see a strobe light version, but of course this isn't 1986.

The (combustion) engine/exhaust frequency spectra at 90-100 db. levels (at operator distances) is very concerning.

There is no reason why a simple "hat" cannot be fitted to reduce noise levels by 10-20 db., while simultaneously designed for the required air flow. This user-installed/removable "hat" (engine cover) could be both economical, practical and safe.

In any event, for anyone using powered equipment for extended periods of time, ear-plugs are highly advisable.

If not practical or in itself too dangerous, other methods must be employed to ensure those 75-dba. noise levels (that are indeed quite commendable) are maintained.

peter jasz

 

[allhifi]

No that did not happen. Anyway picked up a HRX217VKA today. I drove to a HD alittle further away (15 miles) to ket the K4 model. Didnt want to chance an old K3 that HD had sitting around that may have carb issues. I filled out warranty online and should have gotten the 6 year. Plus a bonus HD had going on with 2 ATL Braves tickets for the first 5500 people who mail in a receipt ($100 or more) and rebate form. That was sponsored by Scotts and HD. I got my 10%off military discount. It would be great to get the Braves tickets as a bonus.

I unpacked the mower set it all up and it fired up in one pull. Very nice. When I was checking the oil I was wondering if I am supposed to screw in the dip stick or just dip it. No mention in the manual but there was a trusty dummy sticker there to help me out. I have seen it recomended both ways. Only bad news is my lawn does not need to be cut. I sure hope the extra torque 8.4 vs my old 6.75 will handle my thick Bermuda grass. I think I will get along fine with the smart drive. It feels really solid. I will post more when I actually get to use it.

Honda HR"X"'s are beautifully built mowers. I wish I could say the same about my recently purchased (HRR 2179-VKC). It's fine for our needs, but noting that the front Right wheel does not rest FLAT (is not positioned level with the Left wheel (or vice versa?) is not an isolated incident/finding, it raises concerns for me: basically, for $700. (Canadian dollars) I get to enjoy a "warped" chassis, tat the wheels are inexplicably bolted to --as opposed to a round metal "drive-shaft", along with a spring-loaded type leveling device (should the wheels drift out of alignment) that ensures a level tracking mower, I'm left with an unbalanced front tire, after one cut ! No doubt it was there when brand new but simply over-looked.

Other than that, a nice, powerful, compact and "clean" cutting mower that's also easily maneuverable (and to back-up).

peter jasz

 

[deckeda]

"recently bought" = warranty issue


Interesting discussion re: sound levels and sound quality.

I always thought if "they" would only put a little bigger muffler on ... guess it's not so simple. That said, it's a wonder that any 1-cyl engine doesn't just rattle itself to death.

Re: bigger engine, quieter engine
Yep, and my father-in-law's zero turn is noticeably quieter than any push mower I've heard.