I just picked up a seldom seen HR173 for 90.00. This mower didn't require any repairs, just a good cleaning and an oil change.
I also picked up a HR215 Masters mower about 2 weeks ago. The transmission didn't work, but I only paid 80.00 for it, so I took a chance, knowing a replacement tranny is > 500.00. Come to find out, the hydro unit just needed a few ounces of Honda Hydro fluid (The cap/dipstick on top of the transmission was loose allowing the fluid to escape, got real lucky). Total repair cost 7.50 for the hydrostatic fluid. The quad blade does a beautiful job cutting grass, leaving my weeds the best they ever looked,,,lol.
Also is a pic of my HR17 I bought several years ago for 35.00. I just replaced the carb bowl gasket, gasket for the bowl bolt. I love these lilliputian Honda's just for their cute factor and you seldom see them on Craigslist.
Looked the other day for the trans cap/dipstick on my HR215HXA Masters, and didn't see it. I'll keep looking. Maybe it doesn't have one?
Pulled the plastic trans cover and saw a bolt on top of the trans and removed it; the tip of a zip-tie indicted about an inch or so of fluid but that may mean nothing.
My HR215 Masters looks like a model HR215HJ. Here is a pic of the tranny showing the fill plug/dipstick. I think two different hydro trans went into this model, according to parts tree.com.
I took another look on both of my '215's and easily found the cap/dipstick once I looked further back in the shadow of the deck frame.
Each one had fluid on the end but I'll be damned if I can tell exactly how much. So I'll go with "full." Black dipsticks/clear fluid = "curious" design choice.
