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I am looking for opinions on what Honda mower I should be considering. I am looking at the HRX217HYA (Home Depot $699) or the HRR216K9VKA (home depot $429) I guess also in consideration is the HRX217VKA ($599 home depot)

Obviously there is a difference in price, but that is not what is driving my consideration. My delima is based on the hydostatic transmission in the 217HYA. All the marketing suggests that this is a better more durable upgrade, to the transmission that comes in the comercial modles. Along with that, if you spend the coin, you get the blade stop system, over the 217VKA for "only 100 bucks more."

The thing is, to me it seems the "paddle" lever systems in the HRR and 217VKA seem really nice interms of slowing down and speeding up without "Hunting" the transmission lever, but seems like your thumbs could tire from depressing the paddles the entire time while mowing. Which brings me to the question of if I decide to not pony of the cash for the hydrostatic transmission, and the blade brake system is not important to me, why would I not just save all the money and by the HRR? I don't believe that the more powerful motor is necessary for me as the mower I currently have in it's somewhat broken form, (a $250 dollar sears model) has not bogged down durring mowing.

I don't know the sq footage of my yard but It takes a little over an hour to cut, and no significant hills, and much of it requries manuverability.

Also, I do like the additional 4 in 1 system, but I don't think I would spend the extra cash just for that either. It seems if i were to spend the $699 it would be solely to get the hydrostatic trans and all the other "stuff" would be extra and nice but not features I consider a "must have."

Would love to hear from any have any experience with any of the three, or experience with both drive systems. As well as how well the leaf shreeding option works, as compared to just bagging them in the HRR mower.

I have owned a HRX217HYA since July 2012, and pretty much use it commercially. Not tons now but 25+ lawns a week in the summer. I have not had a single problem with the transmission, and the blade brake clutch is a good feature to have. You don't have to use the speed control lever to change speeds, you can just depress the bar less and it will slow down, also. I have never used a HRX217VKA out of the dealer, but for me I would think the paddles would get my hands tired. You don't need to use your thumbs, you can use your palms, so I guess that is a little better. If you don't need the extra features, more powerful engine, and are OK with the Smart Drive, then the HRR216VKA might be good enough. This year it does have a Clip Director, though it's different from the HRX's, so that is one good thing.

Ask if you have any more ?'s.

lawn mower fanatic said:

I have owned a HRX217HYA since July 2012, and pretty much use it commercially. Not tons now but 25+ lawns a week in the summer. I have not had a single problem with the transmission, and the blade brake clutch is a good feature to have. You don't have to use the speed control lever to change speeds, you can just depress the bar less and it will slow down, also. I have never used a HRX217VKA out of the dealer, but for me I would think the paddles would get my hands tired. You don't need to use your thumbs, you can use your palms, so I guess that is a little better. If you don't need the extra features, more powerful engine, and are OK with the Smart Drive, then the HRR216VKA might be good enough. This year it does have a Clip Director, though it's different from the HRX's, so that is one good thing.

Ask if you have any more ?'s.

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I'm really torn now because I found a brand new HRR Locally that was donated to a charity that did not get to the auction in time for bidding so they are selling it for 350, no tax and even tax deductible, which makes it about 100 buck less then the 429 HD price. that is 1/2 of the HRX, and probably more then adequate for my needs. Thanks on the info on being able to control speed with the bar. I'm still not 100 % decided but for cutting my lawn once a week 6 mo a year it's probably the right way to go.

jsta281 said:

I'm really torn now because I found a brand new HRR Locally that was donated to a charity that did not get to the auction in time for bidding so they are selling it for 350, no tax and even tax deductible, which makes it about 100 buck less then the 429 HD price. that is 1/2 of the HRX, and probably more then adequate for my needs. Thanks on the info on being able to control speed with the bar. I'm still not 100 % decided but for cutting my lawn once a week 6 mo a year it's probably the right way to go.

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I think an HRR would be good enough. :smile:

HRR sounds like a great buy for you.

What exact model is the HRR you can get for $350? Does it have the blade brake? That sound like the best buy for you IMO. I think the HRR is rated #2 by consumer reports. If you do not need the power or want the clip director I would go HRR. Also the 2013 (K?) models have upgraded blades....micro cut. For me I have a very thick Bermuda grass and needed the extra power. That was mostly my sole reason to sell my Lawn Boy Platinum for a Honda. The Lawn Boy cut great...especially on my cool season grass back in Wisconsin. The Lawn Boy 190cc B&S motor was rated the same as the 160cc Honda (TQ rated) BUT who really knows if it was as powerful as the 160cc (HRR) motor. There was actually a class action suit against B&S for over rating the engine. I got a $10 check and an extra year warranty on the Lawn Boy because of it.

Also I will say the smart drive (thumb) has not caused me any fatigue. In fact I dont even give it a thought. It took me about two times mowing to adjust from personal pace.

IMO if you have a cool season grass and not using it commercially you be just fine with the HRR. Use the extra savings for and extra blade and a couple 6 packs of good beer!:thumbsup: