Just one of the wheels is powered by the transmission. Is this normal?

[polarisflyer]

Hello. I "inherited" a Honda HRZ216TDA self-propelled lawn mower with caster wheels in the front. While I was quite hopeful that the casters would help with the agility of the mower, I am finding that the left rear wheel is the only one that is connected to the transmission. As such, I find it cumbersome to get it to maneuver at times (especially on hills). I also need to get grippier tires because the one driven tire often spins freely on the grass.

Is this normal for Honda? I see other brands like Husqvarna beginning to make an AWD mower and I just can't believe that Honda missed the mark with offering just a single-driven wheel mower. Any thoughts?

 

[robert@honda]

Hello. I "inherited" a Honda HRZ216TDA self-propelled lawn mower with caster wheels in the front. While I was quite hopeful that the casters would help with the agility of the mower, I am finding that the left rear wheel is the only one that is connected to the transmission. As such, I find it cumbersome to get it to maneuver at times (especially on hills). I also need to get grippier tires because the one driven tire often spins freely on the grass.

Is this normal for Honda? I see other brands like Husqvarna beginning to make an AWD mower and I just can't believe that Honda missed the mark with offering just a single-driven wheel mower. Any thoughts?

The rear axle is solid, and normally turns both rear wheels. There are ratchets in each wheel that are engaged when the axle is powered, and sounds like one side may have worn out or be missing. Here are a few pages from the shop manual that show all the parts; double-check to make sure the wheel washer and pinion gear are in the correct position. Confirm each side has all the bits, including the ratchet key and spring...

 

[polarisflyer]

The rear axle is solid, and normally turns both rear wheels. There are ratchets in each wheel that are engaged when the axle is powered, and sounds like one side may have worn out or be missing. Here are a few pages from the shop manual that show all the parts; double-check to make sure the wheel washer and pinion gear are in the correct position. Confirm each side has all the bits, including the ratchet key and spring...

Robert, thank you for clarifying that this unit SHOULD drive both wheels! I'll print out the instructions that you provided when I put the mower on my bench to review (and hopefully repair!)

Cheers!