Considering a new Honda mower...Which drive system is the favorite and most reliable?

[Ruckus]

This will be my second Honda mower purchase. I bought a new 3 sp with bagger, mulch blade and side discharge back in 2000. The deck rusted out so I thought I would try the Toro Recycler. It is hard to start when cold and the front bumper came loose today. It feels cheap. Anyway, I am wondering which drive system is preferred, the Smart Drive or Hydrastatic Cruise Control? Also, Which model is the favorite and what do you think about the key start? Thank You so much!

 

[robert@honda]

This will be my second Honda mower purchase. I bought a new 3 sp with bagger, mulch blade and side discharge back in 2000. The deck rusted out so I thought I would try the Toro Recycler. It is hard to start when cold and the front bumper came loose today. It feels cheap. Anyway, I am wondering which drive system is preferred, the Smart Drive or Hydrastatic Cruise Control? Also, Which model is the favorite and what do you think about the key start? Thank You so much!

The HRX series Honda models have a NeXite (composite) mower deck with a lifetime warranty. No rust, fading, etc. to worry about.

SmartDrive is a simpler design, where the drive belt is loosened or tighten by moving the control. Reliable and ergonomic, less parts, less costly to manufacture. You can get a SmartDrive on either the steel deck HRR or Nexite deck HRX model. You can adjust the height of the SmartDrive control much like a tilt-wheel on a car (it has five positions).

Hydrostatic "Cruise Control" is pressurized fluid drive. It's a proven design, (in production almost 25 years) and takes a bit more training to get the feel for it. It has twin levers, one to set the maximum speed, the other to adjust the speed from 0 to maximum. Cruise Control is only available on select HRX models.

You really should try both for a few minutes and see what you prefer. Both have their fans and haters!

Key start is great. New models are self-charging (engine keeps the battery charged). That said, Honda mowers are easy to pull start. Figure about $75-$100 more for electric start. It's available on both select HRR and HRX models.

Find a local dealer with this link; call ahead and arrange for a test drive: Find A Honda Dealer

 

[Ruckus]

The HRX series Honda models have a NeXite (composite) mower deck with a lifetime warranty. No rust, fading, etc. to worry about.

SmartDrive is a simpler design, where the drive belt is loosened or tighten by moving the control. Reliable and ergonomic, less parts, less costly to manufacture. You can get a SmartDrive on either the steel deck HRR or Nexite deck HRX model. You can adjust the height of the SmartDrive control much like a tilt-wheel on a car (it has five positions).

Hydrostatic "Cruise Control" is pressurized fluid drive. It's a proven design, (in production almost 25 years) and takes a bit more training to get the feel for it. It has twin levers, one to set the maximum speed, the other to adjust the speed from 0 to maximum. Cruise Control is only available on select HRX models.

You really should try both for a few minutes and see what you prefer. Both have their fans and haters!

Key start is great. New models are self-charging (engine keeps the battery charged). That said, Honda mowers are easy to pull start. Figure about $75-$100 more for electric start. It's available on both select HRR and HRX models.

Find a local dealer with this link; call ahead and arrange for a test drive: Find A Honda Dealer

Thank You so much for the information, robert@honda. I know Honda starts easy but I think I would like the key start just because of our ages. I plan to keep this mower a long long time. There are two models that appeal to me. Model HRX217K4VLA and Model HRX217HZA. The VLA model is about $170 less than the HZA model. The VLA has Smart Drive and HZA has the Hydrostatic "Cruise Control". Without considering the price difference I am wondering which mower would be easiest to maintain and which one will be the most reliable in the long run for many years to come? Which model would you prefer or what is your opinion or recommendation????? Thank You So Much!!!

 

[robert@honda]

Thank You so much for the information, robert@honda. I know Honda starts easy but I think I would like the key start just because of our ages. I plan to keep this mower a long long time. There are two models that appeal to me. Model HRX217K4VLA and Model HRX217HZA. The VLA model is about $170 less than the HZA model. The VLA has Smart Drive and HZA has the Hydrostatic "Cruise Control". Without considering the price difference I am wondering which mower would be easiest to maintain and which one will be the most reliable in the long run for many years to come? Which model would you prefer or what is your opinion or recommendation????? Thank You So Much!!!

Both are fine machines. You are correct about the drive systems, and they do operate quite differently, but both allow you to vary the ground speed to any rate you wish. What it really boils down to is which one "fits" your hands and is the most effective and still comfortable to use.

The SmartDrive is dirt-simple, just grab, twist and it goes. You can adjust the height of the contorl, and use a whole-hand grip or press on the wings with you palm or thumbs. There was some considerable ergonomic engineering used when the SmartDrive was developed, and it's been a popular choice for a number of years now. Due to the central location, you can easily use your left or right hand to hold the blade lever and SmartDrive control.

The Cruise Control (hydrostatic) has two levers. A short orange one to set the maximum speed, then the wide black one on the upper handlebar to adjust the speed from 0-maximum. It can be a little confusing at first to get the hang of it, but after a few minutes, you'll become an expert. This design is well-developed and has been unchanged for over 20 years of use on Honda mowers. I usually hold the blade lever with my left hand, and use the right hand to adjust the speed.

I personally prefer the hydrostatic, but you should try and test each to see which works best for you. Shop around and find a dealer who can let you try both. Either way, the HRX is the top-of-the-line Honda, and I'm confident you'll be thrilled with the cut quality.

 

[Ruckus]

Both are fine machines. You are correct about the drive systems, and they do operate quite differently, but both allow you to vary the ground speed to any rate you wish. What it really boils down to is which one "fits" your hands and is the most effective and still comfortable to use.

The SmartDrive is dirt-simple, just grab, twist and it goes. You can adjust the height of the contorl, and use a whole-hand grip or press on the wings with you palm or thumbs. There was some considerable ergonomic engineering used when the SmartDrive was developed, and it's been a popular choice for a number of years now. Due to the central location, you can easily use your left or right hand to hold the blade lever and SmartDrive control.

The Cruise Control (hydrostatic) has two levers. A short orange one to set the maximum speed, then the wide black one on the upper handlebar to adjust the speed from 0-maximum. It can be a little confusing at first to get the hang of it, but after a few minutes, you'll become an expert. This design is well-developed and has been unchanged for over 20 years of use on Honda mowers. I usually hold the blade lever with my left hand, and use the right hand to adjust the speed.

I personally prefer the hydrostatic, but you should try and test each to see which works best for you. Shop around and find a dealer who can let you try both. Either way, the HRX is the top-of-the-line Honda, and I'm confident you'll be thrilled with the cut quality.

Robert@Honda,
Thank You So Very Much for all of your input. I appreciate it so much. I have two Honda dealers that I use. I also have an older 8hp 28" electric start Honda Snowblower. This machine is still just like new. I just recently replaced the scrape bar and I installed bigger better skid shoes. I also have a small HS520 that is a beast of a snowthrower. I just wish the HS520 was self propelled, even just a forward one speed would help. My driveway has a hard slope. I use this little guy when we just have a light snow and love the size of it.
Okay, I think I will start shopping this week for my new mower. Thanks Again!

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I moved your thread to the Honda Forum. :smile: