Which Honda?

[feehan]

I finally decided to replace my Toro Recycler with the broken front drive which has also had other issues. Tired of putting money into a troublesome mower.

I have looked at several brands and have decided on a Honda. The models I am deciding between are the HRX216VKA and the HRX217VKA. The question I have deals with the transmissions. The 216 has a "variable speed fixed gear belt clutch" while the 217 has a "cone clutch variable speed transmission". Can anyone please tell me if there is a significant difference between the two types of transmisions?

I would prefer not to spend the extra $'s on the 217 but if the transmission is significantly better I will. My lot is between 1/3 and 1/2 an acre and about a half of that is a slight hill.

Thanks

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Welcome to LawnMowerForum! Just to clarify, you said you are looking at the Honda HRX216VKA or the HRX217VKA. Instead of the first mower you said, I think you mean the HRR216VKA, because there is no HRX216. Tell me if that is what you meant or if I made a mistake. If that is what you meant, I would strongly suggest the HRX217VKA over the HRR. It has many upgraded features, like a NeXite deck that repels grass and a stronger GCV190 engine. :thumbsup: Honda Power Equipment: Honda Generators, Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers, Tillers

And I can't answer your question about the different transmissions, but Robert@Honda will be able to. Give him time, he might not respond until Monday, and some new members never log back on to see their responses.
Good luck and let us know what you decide! :smile:

 

[feehan]

i think you mean the HRR216VKA, because there is no HRX216. Tell me if that is what you meant or if I made a mistake.


Yes, you are correct on the model. Honda has too many models!
I know the 217 has a lot more features than the 216VKA but my
main concern is the transmission as this has always been a problem for me in the past with lesser brands.

Thanks

 

[Briana]

Welcome to LawnMowerForum!

I moved your thread to the Honda forum. :smile:

 

[robert@honda]

There are three types of transmissions used on current, residential Honda mowers (as of March, 2013).

Single-Speed HRS; this is a simple belt-drive transmission with 1-forward speed (2.5 mph). A simple, single lever on the handlebar engages/releases the drive control.
Available on this model:
HRS216SDA

SmartDRIVE[SUP]TM[/SUP], an infinitely-variable drive with a robust slip belt design to engage, increase, and decrease the self-propelled speed (0-4.0 mph). The single control is adjustable for operator preference, and can be easily controlled with one hand.
Available on these models:

HRR (steel deck) series:
HRR216VKA
HRR216VYA
HRR216VLA

HRX (NeXite[SUP](R)[/SUP]/composite deck) series:
HRX217VKA
HRX217VLA

Cruise Control[SUP](R)[/SUP], Honda's premium self-propelled drive, with infinitely-variable speed (0-4.0 mph). It uses a constant tension belt to drive a small hydraulic pump and motor. Very smooth and refined, with individual controls to set the maximum speed and hold/adjust the variable speed. Cruise Control is available on select HRX models only.
HRX217HYA
HRX217HZA

 

[feehan]

Thanks Robert. I found the Honda site a little confusing when it came to reading the specifications on the individual models as the transmissions were described differently. Based on your reply, I probably will buy a HRR216VKA model as it has the same transmission as the HRX line.

 

[feehan]

Finally went back to the dealer with the intention of ordering a Honda HRR216VKA. Of course I had to check out all the models that were on display. Exmark, Ariens, Gravely, Toro and Husqvarna with all kind of engine combinations. Toro, Kohler, Kawaski, Briggs and Honda. After inspecting all of them and talking with a salesman, I ended up with a Honda HRX217HYA. Will pick it up next week. I really liked the deck, the Hydrostatic transmission, blade stop system, leaf mulch setting and a six year warranty. I did not like the Smart Drive controls on the HRR216VKA.

So when the leaves come I should be in good shape with the new Honda and my Echo backpack blower!

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Finally went back to the dealer with the intention of ordering a Honda HRR216VKA. Of course I had to check out all the models that were on display. Exmark, Ariens, Gravely, Toro and Husqvarna with all kind of engine combinations. Toro, Kohler, Kawaski, Briggs and Honda. After inspecting all of them and talking with a salesman, I ended up with a Honda HRX217HYA. Will pick it up next week. I really liked the deck, the Hydrostatic transmission, blade stop system, leaf mulch setting and a six year warranty. I did not like the Smart Drive controls on the HRR216VKA.

So when the leaves come I should be in good shape with the new Honda and my Echo backpack blower!

It seems like that is what a lot of people do: plan on getting an HRR but end up getting an HRX! I think you will be VERY happy with your mower choice!! :thumbsup:

 

[rewom]

I just got the same mower as you a couple weeks ago and have used it once. Love it! Hold the blade bar on the left and it is easy to release the drive (or adjust the speed a small amount) with your right.

Like you, I had front wheel drive. First time I came to a turn, I lifted the front wheels off the ground and about drove right into the landscaping! Now holding the blade bar on the far left, it is easy to release the drive and then re-engage it while turning.

A good dealer makes all the difference in explaining things.

 

[feehan]

Went back to the dealer and picked up my mower today. The dealer had about 20 new push mowers ready for pickup and most were HRX Hondas and this dealer sells numerous popular brands.

The dealer was great. The mower was prepped and ready to go. He spent some time with me going over all the features and started it up for a quick trial run. Rear drive is definitely different than my old front drive Toro and will take some getting used to. I had read how quiet the Honda engines were compared to other brands but I was really surprised at how quiet they are.

The only thing the dealer suggested that I had not read was that 89 octane fuel is recommended. He said I could get away with 87 but said I should really use 89. I have always used 87 in my 190cc Briggs on my Toro and in the Tecumseh on my even older Toro before that and never had a problem. Has anyone heard this about Honda engines? It is not a problem for me to use 89 octane but I just want to make sure it is proper to do so.

Thanks