Proper dual blade installation on this Honda mower, and a few other questions.

[MowerMark]

Generally, the staggered (offset) placement of the MicroCut blades provides an overall superior finish on most lawns. It's more about their position, as the MicroCut and QuadraCut blades are essentially the same shape/size.



Suppliers, manufacturing, inventory levels, tooling, raw material cost, etc. all figure into cost of a blade.



QuadraCut blades were phased out with the most recent updates to the HRR series.

Phased out meaning they soon will be unavailable ?

 

[robert@honda]

There were TWO different packages of Microcuts @ Home Depot
08720-VLOPS00
Replacement Blade Set for Honda HRR Models with Clip Director
HRR2169PKA
HRR2169VKA
HRR2169VLA
HRR2169VYA
Are these the proper set ?

Look on the serial number plate (rear of the mower deck) on your mower. The full model name will be there. If you see the "9" in the name, you got the right blades. If not, you should return them and get the factory-recommended blades that match the ones that came with your mower. Look for part number 08720-VE2-001.

What is a Clip Director ?

A small door/shutter that lets you choose to mulch or bag. It's a green lever on the rear of the mower deck. If you do not have one, you for sure do not have have a K9 mower, and need the different blades.

Does one need to use a NEW washer every time ?

No. The washer is curved and has some spring built-in. Compare an old one to a new one. If they are the same shape, you can use the old one. Eventually, the old one will start to get flat (no spring) and should be replaced.

Why remove the spark plug cap ? The engine can't start by itself.

When working around the blades, you just don't want to take any chances. Disconnecting the spark plug cap is 100% effective against any possible accidental engine start.

What happens if the center bolt is removed but the tightened back on ?

Provided nothing else fell or or came apart (varies with models) just tighten it back securely. Not usually an issue.

The box directions could be improved: "The smaller blade goes on top? The "on top" is not defined and seems to contrast with "the smaller blade against the engine". Against the engine ? Huh ? Does Honda mean "closest" to the engine ?

Typically, you'd tip the mower over on its right side wheels to service the blades:

"smaller blade" = thinner blade = upper blade = "blade against the engine"
The upper blade sits 'on top' of the lower blade.

 

[MowerMark]

Look on the serial number plate (rear of the mower deck) on your mower. The full model name will be there. If you see the "9" in the name, you got the right blades. If not, you should return them and get the factory-recommended blades that match the ones that came with your mower. Look for part number 08720-VE2-001.

A small door/shutter that lets you choose to mulch or bag. It's a green lever on the rear of the mower deck. If you do not have one, you for sure do not have have a K9 mower, and need the different blades.

No. The washer is curved and has some spring built-in. Compare an old one to a new one. If they are the same shape, you can use the old one. Eventually, the old one will start to get flat (no spring) and should be replaced.


When working around the blades, you just don't want to take any chances. Disconnecting the spark plug cap is 100% effective against any possible accidental engine start.


Provided nothing else fell or or came apart (varies with models) just tighten it back securely. Not usually an issue.

So the wording on the box could be better.

Robert, as per my signature my model is the HRR2167VKA, but I want to try the Microcut blades which will fit but as you said "not tested by Honda". Does Honda NOT make any Microcuts which will fit the HRR2167VKA ? In another post we had this discussion where it was admitted that Microcuts would fit in my model mower. The factory-recommended ones have always been only the Quads, but I want to try Micros if they won't damage my mower. Several people have indicated the Micros cut better. Does Honda have Microcuts safe to use in my HRR2167VKA, even if "not tested or not recommended" ? If so, what are the part numbers ?

My model does NOT have a green door. Should I buy a new mower ? What will happen if I use Micros and don't have a green door ? I never use mulching.

RE: "Spring". Do you mean it has a separate coiled "spring". Never have seen a spring. Perhaps you mean resiliency. Why is this "spring" important ?

Now that you know my model number, why the warning now to remove the central nut ? I did remove it once then screwed it back it. Didn't seem to do anything.

 

[robert@honda]

Does Honda have Microcuts safe to use in my HRR2167VKA, even if "not tested or not recommended" ? If so, what are the part numbers ?

The MicroCut blades you bought will technically fit your mower, they are just not officially recommended by Honda for that model.

My model does NOT have a green door. Should I buy a new mower ? What will happen if I use Micros and don't have a green door ? I never use mulching.

If you are happy with the performance of your mower, keep it, of course. The Clip Director feature just makes it simple to switch between mulching and bagging. Does not sound like that's necessary for you. You may notice some change in the finish of your lawn when using MicroCut blades, or you may not. It can be very subtle, and often depends on the type of grass, moisture content, and many other factors. If you don't like the change, just go back to the stock QuadraCut blades (FYI, they can be sharpened by an lawn mower shop).

RE: "Spring". Do you mean it has a separate coiled "spring". Never have seen a spring. Perhaps you mean resiliency. Why is this "spring" important ?

No actual spring, but the washer is slightly curved/cone-shaped (often called a "spring washer"), and is designed to bend/spring when the bolts are tightened, applying pressure against the bolt face and help retain the bolt. Just a bit more security for holding on the blades.

Now that you know my model number, why the warning now to remove the central nut ? I did remove it once then screwed it back it. Didn't seem to do anything.

Provided nothing else came off or loose when you had it out, there should be no problem.

 

[MowerMark]

Bit confusing here. On one hand you were telling me "you should return them and get the factory-recommended blades that match the ones that came with your mower. Look for part number 08720-VE2-001." But on the other hand you indicated that the Micros will fit and work on my model. If the Micros will fit AND work on my model why "should: I return these Micros and get the old Quads back ?

One of the reasons I want to try Micros is that I'm still getting lines of grass not cut short/even, which I've called "Mohawking". I've tried cleaning the mower, collection bag, and blade sharpening with no help in solving the Mohawking.

Since Quads are being phased out, would you kindly ask Honda to test the Micros to see if they will approve them for these older machines ?

 

[Carscw]

After reading all this. OMG the same thing was asked and answered 6 different ways.

The best answer is the micro blades will fit and work on your mower.
Put the smaller blade on first then the bigger blade. Cut the grass if you like how they cut then keep them if you don't then try some other blade.

 

[robert@honda]

If the Micros will fit AND work on my model why "should: I return these Micros and get the old Quads back ?

I said the QuadraCuts are the Honda-approved blade, but you mentioned you wanted to try the MicroCuts anyway. The MicroCut blades will indeed mechanically fit, but I can't say for a fact they will change the finish or quality of cut on your lawn. Since you already bought them, I'd suggest you try them and see if they make an improvement.

Since Quads are being phased out, would you kindly ask Honda to test the Micros to see if they will approve them for these older machines ?

Absolutely. Honda has a number of customers ask about using new-style MicroCut blades with an older HRR model normally fitted with QuadraCut blades. When I have a formal answer, I'll share it here.

 

[MowerMark]

Good HONDA working phone number with a good phone tree ?

Absolutely. Honda has a number of customers ask about using new-style MicroCut blades with an older HRR model normally fitted with QuadraCut blades. When I have a formal answer, I'll share it here.

Fantastic. Thank you.

BTW, today I called Honda and it was not a good experience. One presses a number to buy parts, and finally one gets an announcement that you cannot buy parts. You press another button to talk to someone and it announces you should go to a dealer. Another button ---> dead end. Finally you can press another key and you get to someone who knows very little. Is there a good HONDA telephone number which actually gets one through to a knowledgeable person, or does Honda push all customers to dealers ?

 

[robert@honda]

Re: Good HONDA working phone number with a good phone tree ?

Fantastic. Thank you.

BTW, today I called Honda and it was not a good experience.

Is there a good HONDA telephone number which actually gets one through to a knowledgeable person, or does Honda push all customers to dealers ?

Sorry to hear of the poor experience, Mark. The 770-497-6400 number is the only one for Honda Customer Relations (Power Equipment, Engines, Marine).

Dealers have significant years with the products, and are typically quite knowledgeable about local conditions, turf-types, environment, etc. Honda does indeed rely on them to be the first-line of support, but understands some people want to talk to the manufacturer, or may need to, if the dealer is not available. Still, there is no substitute for first-hand experience and I'm confident your local Honda dealer can help in the future. It can usually be a positive relationship, and if you become part of their business, they will remember and support you first in the future. You can find a local dealer using this link; be sure to check off LAWN MOWERS and enter your ZIP code:

Find A Honda Dealer

 

[MowerMark]

Re: Good HONDA working phone number with a good phone tree ?

Sorry to hear of the poor experience, Mark. The 770-497-6400 number is the only one for Honda Customer Relations (Power Equipment, Engines, Marine).

Yes ! That was the number I called today. Recorded announcement tree needs changing. The first announcement should indicate that no parts be ordered and that no customer assistance can be obtained, and that you must obtain assistance from only your local dealer. It's silly to be offered choices which are not available.