Buying a used Honda HRX217 & motor issues

[Hermes Ambassador]

Hi, need a sanity check for buying a used Honda HRX217. I checked out a HYA recently (GCV 190 engine) and it took several pulls to start with the throttle on max. The motor sounded strong but cut out a couple of times when first activating the blade. Once it warmed up it still sounded rough at idle without the blades or drive engaged. I know from motorcycles that single-cylinder engines have a distinct sound, but this mower sounded like it was surging quite a lot. Is this normal for Honda HRX engines? The seller serviced the mower annually regularly until three years ago when he started using a lawn service, but said it had been serviced a couple of months ago and no issues were reported at the time. Appreciate any help, since I don't know what a Honda mower should sound like.

 

[Bertrrr]

I've found there are a lot o small gas engines that will " humt "with no load - it will usually settle down with the load applied.