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Hello everyone,

I own a Honda HRX217K6VKA self-propelled mower that was purchased new in 2021. In July, the mower stopped pulling and the transmission locked up while my son was mowing. I figured the mower is four years old so I ordered a replacement OE transmission and belt assembly.

After the new assembly arrived, I removed the rear wheels, gears, height adjusters, inner shield, blade, etc. off the mower. Upon removing the transmission I discovered a 3/8" x 1" long twig had jammed between the pulley and belt guard on top of the transmission. I decided to swap in the new transmission anyway and keep the old one for a spare. I put everything back together and expected success, but I was disappointed. The self-propel would not pull the weight of the mower and the wheels would barely spin with the rear lifted off the ground. I thought the clutch cable might be stretched, so I adjusted it all the way out, yet there was no change in self-propel function. Next, I bought a new clutch cable and transmission tension spring. Again, no change after installation and clutch cable adjustment; the mower will not pull. Finally, I replaced the drive pulley on the output shaft as a last resort and mower still will not pull. In desperation, I swapped the old transmission back into the mower, and the same result, no pull!

Replaced parts to date (all OE):

- TRANSMISSION, ASSY.
- CABLE, CLUTCH
- SPRING, TENSION
- PULLEY, DRIVE

The drive line is basically 100% new. What the crap am I missing?

Thanks in advance for input!

Were the drive keys (Part #3 in the diagram put back in place?

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I swapped over the woodruff keys and springs during each change out. Mower "clicks" as expected when pulled backwards.

Hello riptide25,

Not to be a bother, but are you sure both wheels are ratcheting when pulled backwards? These things will trick a person during reassembly.

Did the new transmission come complete with the top pulley already installed and tightened down?

If so, that leaves the belt tension to be verified, the belt could have been overheated quickly and softened it, so it stretched beyond its normal length.

Hi Doc,

Good call on the belt length, it had stretched. I bought an extra when I got the transmission and just swapped it out. Mower is pulling just fine now.

Thanks for the help!