My new mower!

[Bczapl]

Could not resist the 18mos financing Honda was offering and picked up a HRC2163HXA. This thing is impressive! I wish they still made them with the aluminum decks. Does anyone know if this is a 2013 model as I see on Honda's website they have a k3 version as well.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Could not resist the 18mos financing Honda was offering and picked up a HRC2163HXA. This thing is impressive! I wish they still made them with the aluminum decks. Does anyone know if this is a 2013 model as I see on Honda's website they have a k3 version as well.
View attachment 13255

That looks really nice....I would LOVE to purchase a Honda HRC! If you provide us with the model/serial number there are some people on here that should be able to determine if it is the 2013 model. :smile:

 

[robert@honda]

Could not resist the 18mos financing Honda was offering and picked up a HRC2163HXA. This thing is impressive! I wish they still made them with the aluminum decks. Does anyone know if this is a 2013 model as I see on Honda's website they have a k3 version as well.
View attachment 13255

The "3" in HRC2163HXA means it is a K3 model (the most current version of that model). FYI, Honda mowers (and other small gas engine product) don't use model years. The K-code is used to indicate changes to a model, like a version number in software. Consider your HRC to be version "3.0" of the series. :smile:

The aluminum decks where phased out for a number of reasons; more expensive than steel, wears faster in sandy soil, tooling used to cast the decks was wearing out, etc.

Going with a steel deck meant the design engineers could apply all they'd leaned in deck design since creating the aluminum decks, and make a vastly higher-performing mower. With the twin blades, the new HRC is a monster, and outperforms the old HRC in almost all measured testing.

 

[Bczapl]

The "3" in HRC2163HXA means it is a K3 model (the most current version of that model). FYI, Honda mowers (and other small gas engine product) don't use model years. The K-code is used to indicate changes to a model, like a version number in software. Consider your HRC to be version "3.0" of the series. :smile:

The aluminum decks where phased out for a number of reasons; more expensive than steel, wears faster in sandy soil, tooling used to cast the decks was wearing out, etc.

Going with a steel deck meant the design engineers could apply all they'd leaned in deck design since creating the aluminum decks, and make a vastly higher-performing mower. With the twin blades, the new HRC is a monster, and outperforms the old HRC in almost all measured testing.

Thanks Robert for the very thorough reply. I can't wait to start using it! The snow refuses to letup in the northeast.

 

[Bczapl]

So after using the mower a couple of times, I noticed a couple of things. The mower seems to have the most power when it is in choke position. Secondly, when engaging the blade in the fast position, the engine seems like it wants to stall. Also I detect a noise when blade is engaged and transmission is engaged as well. It seems like it is coming from the transmission a low kind of hum sound. Is all of this normal with the hrc216hxa?

 

[robert@honda]

So after using the mower a couple of times, I noticed a couple of things. The mower seems to have the most power when it is in choke position. Secondly, when engaging the blade in the fast position, the engine seems like it wants to stall. Also I detect a noise when blade is engaged and transmission is engaged as well. It seems like it is coming from the transmission a low kind of hum sound. Is all of this normal with the hrc216hxa?

Smoother running or higher RPM when the choke is on usually means the air/fuel mixture is incorrect. The engine should run strong and smooth when the choke OFF and the throttle in FAST. There are two reasons it runs "Better" when the choke on: (a) not enough fuel is getting through [partially blocked main jet or emulsion tube, dirt/debris in carburetor) or (b) vacuum leak (bad carb gasket/seal).

Since it is a new mower, a dealer should have a look. If it is determined to be a factory defect, Honda will cover the costs of repairs. But, if it's dirt/gunk in the carburetor, it's not a factory defect, and you'd be responsible for repair costs. The good news even a brand new carb is generally < $30. You can find a Honda dealer here:

[url]http://powerequipment.honda.com/dealer-locator[/URL]

 

[Bczapl]

Smoother running or higher RPM when the choke is on usually means the air/fuel mixture is incorrect. The engine should run strong and smooth when the choke OFF and the throttle in FAST. There are two reasons it runs "Better" when the choke on: (a) not enough fuel is getting through [partially blocked main jet or emulsion tube, dirt/debris in carburetor) or (b) vacuum leak (bad carb gasket/seal).

Since it is a new mower, a dealer should have a look. If it is determined to be a factory defect, Honda will cover the costs of repairs. But, if it's dirt/gunk in the carburetor, it's not a factory defect, and you'd be responsible for repair costs. The good news even a brand new carb is generally < $30. You can find a Honda dealer here:

[url]http://powerequipment.honda.com/dealer-locator[/URL]

Robert, I should clarify the mower runs smooth even in low idle. However, I seem to notice that the rpm's are much higher in choke position than in fast position.