Honda HRX217VKA rough movement going backwards

[NATO]

Hello. I just purchased a Honda HRX217VKA mower. I got it home and followed the directions for setting it up. Before putting in oil or gas I pushed the mower forward and pulled it back. When pulling it back I noticed there was a lot of resistance and what I can only think to describe as a grinding sound. But it was definitely significantly more difficult to pull the mower backwards than it was to push it forwards. I have not had to mow a yard in a few years, however this is not something that I expected. A family member purchased this same mower a year ago and said that theirs rolled backwards pretty much as easily as forwards. I took it back to the store and was going to exchange it, but I had them take the new one out of the box before leaving and the new one acted pretty much the same way if not a little bit worse. Does anyone have any experience with this mower or have any idea if this is normal operation for it?

Thanks,
Nate

 

[javjacob]

I would contact the dealer and have them check it out.

 

[loco-diablo]

Hello. I just purchased a Honda HRX217VKA mower. I got it home and followed the directions for setting it up. Before putting in oil or gas I pushed the mower forward and pulled it back. When pulling it back I noticed there was a lot of resistance and what I can only think to describe as a grinding sound. But it was definitely significantly more difficult to pull the mower backwards than it was to push it forwards. I have not had to mow a yard in a few years, however this is not something that I expected. A family member purchased this same mower a year ago and said that theirs rolled backwards pretty much as easily as forwards. I took it back to the store and was going to exchange it, but I had them take the new one out of the box before leaving and the new one acted pretty much the same way if not a little bit worse. Does anyone have any experience with this mower or have any idea if this is normal operation for it?

Thanks,
Nate

By the way you describe it, setup, etc.. I'm assuming you purchased it at a big box store. I would return it and go to a Honda dealer. The price is the same as big box, but they set it up and make any adjustments prior to putting it on the sales floor. You'll also get a knowledgeable sales person who can describe all the features in detail and answer any questions you may have.

 

[robert@honda]

Hello. I just purchased a Honda HRX217VKA mower. I got it home and followed the directions for setting it up. Before putting in oil or gas When pulling it back I noticed there was a lot of resistance and what I can only think to describe as a grinding sound.

Most Honda mowers are shipped with the wheels set to the lowest position, and this will cause the protective flap on the bottom rear of the deck to drag. Once you get the deck set to the best mowing height, and pull the mower backwards over grass (vs. concrete, gravel, carpet, etc.) you should notice less effort.

Honda does publish a service specification for the pull-back effort:

A new mower should be at or below this spec; a used mower may have higher effort if the rear height adjusters and bushing are not clean, free of debris, and lack lubrication. Either a new or used one may also be out of spec if the drive cable is not correctly adjusted. This procedure varies, depending on the exact VKA model. An improperly-adjusted cable on a new mower is pretty much going to be a valid warranty item, and any Honda dealer can do that job. Find your local Honda dealer using this link:

Find A Honda Dealer