Can you tell me if a Honda hydrostatic transmission mower might have far less issues than a Honda mower with a standard transmission in the long run?

[HusqyDriver]

I haven't had much luck with my last 2 mowers having the regular transmission. I went through a total of 5 trannies between the last 2 mowers in a 8 years time. (Self propelled walk behind mowers.)

My yard is around 1/2 acre, very bumpy, and a slight incline in the backyard. I pretty much go at a slower pace since I'm never in a hurry to finish mowing and because of the bumpy ground. Mowing here in Wisconsin is only 5 months.

There's a dealer near me that sells the Honda HRX217HYA (hydrostatic) that I have been considering, this one is only $80 more than the HRX217VYA mower having the select drive standard transmission.

 

[mechanic mark]

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[Rivets]

What brand of mowers have you been using to burn out trannies that fast. I’ve been using two Toros for the last 30 years and have yet to burn out one. The first one bought in 1992 and I needed to replace it in 2017, due to health reasons. Neighbor is still using it, as I service it each year. Both units were residential cast decks.

 

[olgeezershonda]

I haven't had much luck with my last 2 mowers having the regular transmission. I went through a total of 5 trannies between the last 2 mowers in a 8 years time. (Self propelled walk behind mowers.)

My yard is around 1/2 acre, very bumpy, and a slight incline in the backyard. I pretty much go at a slower pace since I'm never in a hurry to finish mowing and because of the bumpy ground. Mowing here in Wisconsin is only 5 months.

There's a dealer near me that sells the Honda HRX217HYA (hydrostatic) that I have been considering, this one is only $80 more than the HRX217VYA mower having the select drive standard transmission.

My 27 year old HRA215SX has a 3 speed tranny that has never had any issues. My next door neighbor has the same the same vintage mower but the hydrostatic version and he hasn't had any issues either. Both have been good mowers. Not that that proves anything but an interesting comparison nonetheless.

That said, last year I wanted a mulching mower so I bought a new HRX217HY and it does a good job doing that. I suspect it bags well too but other than seeing how the bag fits I've never used it.

Hope that helps.

 

[HusqyDriver]

What brand of mowers have you been using to burn out trannies that fast. I’ve been using two Toros for the last 30 years and have yet to burn out one. The first one bought in 1992 and I needed to replace it in 2017, due to health reasons. Neighbor is still using it, as I service it each year. Both units were residential cast decks.

My current one which will be replaced with the Honda HRX217HYA mower, is a Ariens Razor with blade brake and one lever deck adjustment purchased 5 or 6 years ago, damn good mower when the drive works properly. I'm on my 3rd tranny with this one which once again showing classic symptoms, (slippage & difficult to pull backwards).

My previous mower was a four cycle Lawnboy which went through 2 trannys in 4 years.

I sometimes wonder if having an extremely uneven terrain (extremely bumpy) might have something to do with it. I honestly don't recall my other half dozen or so self propelled mowers (all new) I've owned having this same issue in the 30+ years living here. Never have loaned out any of the mowers.

 

[golfergordy]

I've owned a Honda HR214SX for 32 years with never a hint of trouble with the 2-speed standard transmission.
In the reading I've done on the subject of Honda trannies, my general feeling is that the hydrostatic's give more trouble than the manual ones.

 

[HusqyDriver]

I've owned a Honda HR214SX for 32 years with never a hint of trouble with the 2-speed standard transmission.
In the reading I've done on the subject of Honda trannies, my general feeling is that the hydrostatic's give more trouble than the manual ones.

Thanks. I have another month to decide whether a hydrostatic transmission is the way to go or not. Currently, I'm still leaning towards the hydrostatic, I realize the repairs are quite a bit higher but if I get a few years without any issues in this drive train, it may be worth it.

Getting pretty frustrated with the standard transmissions going out year after year after year on the last 2 mowers and only enjoying mowing my lawn for only a few months right after each tranny replacement.

Below is my current mower that will be replaced. Like I said, damn good mower that I like but only when the tranny is working.