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Has anyone tried to slow down the ground speed on one of these? First gear is too fast and second gear is just stupid fast. Gear change seems appropriate but I have no manuals/specs to start with. Am I trying to reinvent the wheel?

kgp said:

Has anyone tried to slow down the ground speed on one of these? First gear is too fast and second gear is just stupid fast. Gear change seems appropriate but I have no manuals/specs to start with. Am I trying to reinvent the wheel?

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You mean the HRC216HXA, correct? I think you made a typo. I will change the title if you confirm. It has the hydrostatic cruise control, can't you change the speeds anywhere from 2-4 mph?

No typo, HRC216SXA is correct. Its 2 speed, not hydro.

kgp said:

No typo, HRC216SXA is correct. Its 2 speed, not hydro.

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Oh I thought it was because of your post in the http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/honda-forum/874-honda-owner-check-read-first-8.html#post118485 :ashamed:

And in the title you said XSA, not SXA...now I gotcha.

Maybe the engine speed is too fast, which would cause the drive speed to be faster.

Err... us commercial users crave speed. My prescription is learn to walk faster

Sorry about the typo, SXA is correct so the header is wrong. I'm not much of a typist. I need to clarify my problem as well: The blade can't keep up with the wheel speed so it misses lots of grass. I could easily throttle back to slow it down but the blade would also slow proportionately. I have no idea who could EVER use second gear and actually cut grass. So its not the speed per se, but the blade to wheel speed ratio. Pushing that heavy SOB is no easy chore. My back is still sore from doing so nearly a week ago. If the blade could keep up, I'd gladly use second gear and jog my way around the yard and be done in a heartbeat. I've been told the design speeds are 2.66 and 3.68 MPH (3.9 and 5.4 feet/sec). This is not a new issue, I've been dealing with it since new. My back never hurt for a week though (I'm getting old!). The mower is otherwise fantastic. Extremely well made and reliable. Starts first pull every time except the first spring start which takes 3 or 4 pulls. Bottom line: I'd LOVE to change the drive ratio but I don't know what I'm getting into (whether or not it can be done). I should rephrase, anything can be done but at what cost/effort. Does anyone have a shop/service manual for this? I'm hoping simply changing 2 gears with appropriate diameters will yield the perfect mower.

kgp said:

...Does anyone have a shop/service manual for this? I'm hoping simply changing 2 gears with appropriate diameters will yield the perfect mower.

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Your dealer might be able to order one for a price. Honda Power Equipment - Find a dealer

kgp said:

I should rephrase, anything can be done but at what cost/effort. Does anyone have a shop/service manual for this? I'm hoping simply changing 2 gears with appropriate diameters will yield the perfect mower.

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Honda sells shop manuals on both eBay and Amazon. Search for HRC216SXA and you'll find 'em. Cost is the same at either location, and free shipping. FYI, here's a screen grab of the transmission.

FYI, Honda does not sell alternate ratio gears, just the stock ones. Not sure where you might find some, perhaps a good machine shop can look at the originals and see what might be done? Just a thought.

Thanks for the screenshot, Robert. Would you mind posting a shot of the legend for that blowup? If I decide to attempt a modification, I'm sure I'll need at least part #4 (gasket or O-ring?). I looked at Honda's Amazon and EBay sites and only saw HRC216K1 shop manuals, no HRC216SXA. My original invoice does indicate model# HRC216K1SX but the Owner's manual is HRC216SXA/HRC216HXA. Serial is MZAN6145221. Another option is to convert my SXA to an HXA, but I suspect it'd be cost-prohibitive to do so.

kgp said:

Thanks for the screenshot, Robert. Would you mind posting a shot of the legend for that blowup? If I decide to attempt a modification, I'm sure I'll need at least part #4 (gasket or O-ring?). I looked at Honda's Amazon and EBay sites and only saw HRC216K1 shop manuals, no HRC216SXA. My original invoice does indicate model# HRC216K1SX but the Owner's manual is HRC216SXA/HRC216HXA. Serial is MZAN6145221. Another option is to convert my SXA to an HXA, but I suspect it'd be cost-prohibitive to do so.

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The K1 is a version number, often not included in publications, brochures, etc. You will usually only see "K1" or sometimes only "1" on the full model name or in other service materials. Your mower is indeed and HRC216(K1)SXA so that HRC216K1 shop manual is correct.

To convert to an HX hydrostatic version would indeed be very costly. Just the transmission alone has a list price of $394.21, and you'd still need cables, controls, levers, etc. Far, far easier to sell your SX, and you'd probably find an eager commercial buyer quickly, then think about what other model with a variable speed transmission would fit your needs.

Note: Items in the list with Mod Code = X are discontinued.

Thank you again, Robert. It appears the mod would involve 6,7 &10. 6&7 are probably not a big deal to acquire different tooth counts, but 10 (final gear) appears to be a "two in one" set of gears side by side. I think this is the deal killer. This is not likely to be a stock item anywhere. Once again I much appreciate your help. I concur with your advice about selling versus modifying. Now, what's it worth? I know of no Kelley blue book for mowers but I'm hoping since its only been used residentially on a half acre lot, well maintained and has no issues $400? I really thought this mower would be the last I ever bought. Alas and alack mayhaps not.

I see its been nearly a year since my last post. I abandoned my thought of modifying the SXA as too troublesome/costly. I bought a new HXA and couldn't be happier with it. The costly part didn't go away, but now the speed is reasonable. My stellar salesman told me it didn't need a side discharge chute as the new models just "spit it out the back". Tried that. Pulled out the "mulching plug" thing and tried to mow. Hmmm. Not so good. Propped the "door" open a tad with a small piece of wood to mow the jungle. Mower worked fine, but my feet are inundated with clippings. Check owners manual after mowing. Side discharge chute is an option (I was gonna make one). Order chute. Chute is in today at the dealer and I plan to discuss its nonexistence with salesperson. This is obviously a local issue. Now I just need to sell my SXA.