Brand new Honda HRR216VKA - Backward Resitance

[Don123160]

Hello - I recently bought a Honda HRR216VKA self propelled push mower. This is my first Honda. I noticed a little bit of resistance when pulling it backwards. The belt is not tensioned. It seems like it's geared this way but I wasn't sure. You can hear a gearing type sound when pulling it backwards. Most other mowers I've used are free rolling forwards and backwards but this one is just slightly harder/resistance to pull back. Is this normal? Is this a Honda thing?

thanks,
Don

 

[mechanic mark]

http://www.northerntool.com/images/downloads/manuals/170728.pdf inspect rear axle area & clean if necessary, also underside of deck, then use a spray lubricating oil on moving parts, let us know how it goes, thanks.