It was a successful mowing this Monday using my refurbished HR215K1HMA. :thumbsup: The weather was even cooler than I expected, at 34 degrees. It started up first pull, took about 10 or 20 seconds to warm up and run evenly and then I had no problems at all mowing my Dad's lawn. No surging, no excessive RPMs, no backfires. Looks like the clogged pilot jet was the culprit. It now runs just as good as my HR217HXA. I may still have the dealer check the rpms in the spring, but I am willing to bet that everything is good to go judging by the sound of it.
Comparison of machines:
HR217HXA is excellent at mulching, and good at bagging. The HR215K1HMA is excellent at bagging, and good at mulching.
The HR215K1HMA is a bit heavier than the HR217HXA. Since they are both self propelled, the little bit of extra weight is not a detriment IMO, except when you have to load it in your car, SUV, truck. So far no problem with grass sticking to the underside of either model. It has been very dry lately though, so I will have to test drive the HR215HMA in wetter conditions.
So far I like both of them about the same. It makes mowing a much more tolerable, and sometimes an enjoyable experience.