Honda self-propelled hard to pull backwards

[VegetiveSteam]

Hopefully someone has a solution for this issue. I inherited a Honda self-propelled walk behind mower, model HRR216K10VKAA. serial MZCG-1342918. The self-propelled works fine. The issue is, in the grass, the drive wheels simply slide on the grass when you pull the mower backward. They won't roll backward. They will roll on concrete but with some difficulty. If it matters, it makes no difference whether or not the engine is running. It seems to be a nice mower overall, but I can't believe Honda would build a mower that would end up being so hard to use. Do any of you know of a fix for this issue? I appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Sounds like self-propel cable adjustment issue. The cable is possibly a little too tight. Another possibility is the drive belt has been replaced, and it does have enough slack when not in drive mode.

 

[nbpt100]

This is a common problem on Some Honda's of that model number. I have seen some so bad it will tear up your grass. You have to remove the rear axle and clean and lubricate all of the bushings and bearings. You may have to replace some of them if they are worn. Sorry this is not the answer you expected, but it will solve your issue. If you do some searches you should find some write ups about it.

 

[nhmaina]

I have a similar story, so I thought I'd add it to this thread. I just purchased a excellent condition HRX2176HYAA, and it starts and runs well, including the drive. However, with the power off, (and not pulling back on any levers on the handle), pushing the mower forward has a slight clicking sound and pulling the mower backwards for the most part is smooth and has a super faint clicking sound. HOWEVER, if I lift the rear wheels and try to spin the wheels backwards there is a fair amount of resistance. They don't spin freely by any means. I can feel definite resistance. When the mower is running, the drive engages when the handle bar is about vertical, which I think is desired. So there is definitely some play before the drive engages. I tried adjusting the cable and that didn't seem to make a difference. So I really just want to know if this is normal, to have the resistance when trying to spin the wheels backwards. As for the original poster's comments, if the grass is really slick and wet, I think my mower's rear wheels may slide a little when being pulled backwards. But most of the time they do turn. Also, for mine, if you spin one of the rear wheels by hand, the other one doesn't spin, I assume that's normal. The is true for forward or backward.

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[civic]

Here is the solution read this thread it is long there are many options and best on is the brass oilite bushing retrofit. You still have to tear it apart every year or two to lube it. I finally gave up and bought an HRN since I knew Honda will not be saleing gas mowers anymore. Here is the link.

Can't Pull Mower Backwards - HRR216VLA to bearing conversion

Edit: 2 Year update 10/18/2021 - the needle bearings worked great for 2 years. I disassembled for re-greasing and found that they HAVE caused some minor damage and mushrooming to the drive shaft especially on the left side where the transmission sits and pulls against the shaft to tension the...

www.lawnmowerforum.com

 

[nhmaina]

Thanks for the reply! What happened when you pulled it backwards? Mine doesn't freeze up, it's just very hard to turn the wheels. And when I pull it backwards it does have resistance that I can feel. Much more than forwards. Mine has no junk it it, it's basically new.

 

[nhmaina]

If I bring it to a certified honda dealer, do you think they will diagnose it properly?

 

[civic]

This is a common issue with the HRR. If you are not mechanically incline then take it to a Honda mower repair shop.