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!
