Export thread

Hi new to this but I would appreciate your help. I have a Honda HR 1950 made in France with a GVX 140 engine, cast alloy cutting deck and 3 speed hydro drive, year of manufacture 1991, yes it痴 very very old but it still operates faultlessly, all credit to Honda. Serial number MZAK 8014276

My concern is the hydro drive which appears as a sealed unit and after 23 years of service I should be perhaps be looking at some sort of servicing i.e changing the oil.
I have looked endlessly on the internet for information but nothing seems available, perhaps the machine is just to old? for support.

Can anybody out there help

mike hughes said:

Hi new to this but I would appreciate your help. I have a Honda HR 195...

My concern is the hydro drive which appears as a sealed unit and after 23 years of service I should be perhaps be looking at some sort of servicing i.e changing the oil.

Click to expand...

Welcome Mike; I work for American Honda, and can tell you a few things:

1. Here in the USA, Honda's HR195 was never made with a hydrostatic transmission. That said, you probably have a European-spec model, so not sure which style/type of hydrostatic transmission.

2. The hydrostatic transmissions fitted to all Honda mowers do not require any service, other than checking the level of the hydrostatic fluid. Unless you have a leak, or there is some drive/performance problem, there is no need to drain/fill the fluid.

I understand your concern, but there is no reason to worry. The original HST fluid in the transmission is good for the life of the mower.

You may be familiar with the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That applies to this situation perfectly .

Thanks Robert for your very quick reply and your confidence in the hydrostatic drive, no oil leaks are evident so hand on heart and just leave well alone. The drive unit looks like a small can of beans, I have looked for a dip stick but there is nothing, just the drive shaft connecting from the engine. Just how would I check the oil level? I understand that the rear axle assembly has to be removed to do this, do you have any info?

I have had numerous mowers over the years Lawn chief, Mountfield, Sovereign and Champion, all have suffered the same problem rusting/rotting of the cutting deck and required replacement or a lot of welding repairs. The Honda mower has always been the major backup and always starts without problem. I have always treated this mower as an old lady and it has never failed to do the job, hence my concern. Just want to keep her going.

I have a large garden/yard and my equipment is:
Toro Leaf Vac
MTD 653 ride on
Castle Garden EL653 ride on
Camon C150 shredder
Champion TDL 534 mower
Soverign NG 464 mower
MTD 53 snow blower
Lawn Chief now scrapped due to corrosion

I would welcome any help out there

regards
mike hughes

mike hughes said:

Just how would I check the oil level? I understand that the rear axle assembly has to be removed to do this, do you have any info?

Click to expand...

Sorry, I do not have any specifics for this model. You may wish to contact a Honda dealer in the UK for advice. They may be able to tell you how to check the level and top-off if needed. Here's a link to help find a Honda dealer in your area:

Find a Honda Dealer (Honda UK website)

Your list of equipment sounds interesting. You should post a few photos and details...