THE REVIEW - Honda HRX217VKA 21" 186cc Select Drive™ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Very detailed video review of the Honda HRX217VKA 21" 186cc Select Drive™ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. Pro's and Con's explained and Pro-Tips to help you have a better grass cutting experience. This is a long video for a reason. You will have no doubt if this is the right mower for you. NOT ENDORSED or PAID in ANY way by Honda. #Charity Please donate to St Jude Children's Research Hospital: www.dansvlog.com
*Honda HRX217VKA DEMO VIDEO: • Honda HRX217VKA Full D...
*Honda HRX217 MAINT VIDEO: • Honda HRX217VKA Step b...
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TROY BILT / MTD MOWER PARTS
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TOOLS and SUPPLIES I USE
*To Sharpen Blades: 4 Inch Metal Grinder amzn.to/2aQuP3C
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*Chicago Electric 1/2 Drive Impact Wrench amzn.to/2cUvrbQ
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MANUALS
*Honda GXV 120 4 Stroke Engine cdn.powerequipm...
Had my Honda for 8 years.
Never a problem.
Great mowers
I have never been so patient to watch a video this long. I appreciate you doing this review explaining EVERYTHING..... I am buying it THANKS A LOT!!
I have Had a HRX2172HXA for 7-8 years and have had only 1 problem that needed service. ( a replacement of the cable for walking speed control ) When I purchased it I thought; "My God, I've just spent more for that mower than I spent on my first three cars.". It has proven to be one of the best investments I've ever made.
This video did cover a couple options I have never tried. I have never tried partial bagging / mulching, but will give it a try. Also, Raising the front wheels one notch when using for vacuuming will be tried when cleaning up the lawn in the spring...I DON"T rake, and WON"T rake........Great all around lawn mower. Honda powered is the BEST,
Dan this was one of the best and arguably THE best review video I have ever seen. So thorough and complete. I can't believe I spent an hour watching someone mow grass !! Thank you so much for taking your time and producing this video. I was on the fence for Toro or Honda as my cheapo box store mower just went down last Saturday. This video along with the comments has made that "which brand" decision for me a no brainer. Really an excellent review Dan. Way to go !!
david yurik Thank You David
Looking to purchase one and came across this video for the first time. I have to agree with your comments. Best video series I’ve seen as well even 3 a year later. Saw a lot of reviews elsewhere saying it left clippings and clumps, but you never know what exactly those reviewers were cutting, how high the grass was, how wet, type, mower setting, etc. this video series showed it as is, had excellent audio of the engine working through heavy load , and added visual context to the presence of clippings and clumps that may be left behind. The clippings and clumps left behind in these demos are some that I would consider bearable since I’d have no problem doing a quick second pass at a higher setting to ‘vacuum’ up so to speak. If I hadn’t seen it and heard it for myself with these videos I would have relied on the written ones and walked away. Thanks !
Did you ever thought about buying the Honda with the Roto-Stop blade control. That takes mowing to a whole new level. I got the HRX217K5VYA. The blade control will allow the engine to run with the blades not turning.
😢isisisassholeIcan't110008989l9l8😊😊7776uj8777😅theonlytime😢hunh😢0😊😅😮
I’m using a toro recycler for my business. My father in law who has had a Honda for 10 years! Cuts so good . It cuts so low almost as good as a reel mower. I need one for upcoming season.
Probably the best product review I've ever seen. Informative, entertaining and it definitely wiped away all hesitations of buying this mower. I'm pulling the trigger on mine today!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've just finished my first season of lawn care and am looking to upgrade my mower, this video was hands down the best review video I have ever seen! Thanks for taking so much time and for going into so much detail.
My pleasure
He Dan -- great video. I've had a honday Harmony HRB216TXA for 19years. Its showing it age but its been the absolute best.
I just had a heart-attack and am looking for a self propelled mower that will make my job doable. I'm going to buy another HONDA, because of your video and 19 years of experience. God bless you for the great review.
The longest video on RUclips that I have ever watched totally. Looks like Honda has gone up to a GCV200 motor. Was planning on getting this mower. Your video clinches it. Thanks, Dan.
You're welcome
Well Dan I went and got one. Got the newer GCV200. Just finished mowing the lawn for the first time and I love this thing. Thanks for your great review.
That is awesome!
Thinking of buying the 2023 version of this mower, great 👍🏼 video. What I like the best is the St Jude charity reference. I’m from Memphis and St Jude saved my nephew’s life. At 2 years old had Neuroblastoma Stage 4. He is now 21 year old college student 👨🎓. St Jude is no joke and my sister never saw a bill 👍🏼👍🏼
Blessings to your sister and nephew my friend
@@DansVlog thanks for helping save a life 👍🏼
Hi Dan, I just subscribed to your Channel a couple of days ago. I love Honda Lawnmowers, yet I recently retired a John Deere self propelled mower which I never really liked. I’m back in the Honda family and purchased the mower you review in this video. First, I am extremely pleased with the mower and your review is the best review of a lawnmower I’ve ever seen on RUclips. Honda, should buy the rights to your video and pay you Royalty fees for you allowing Honda to use your video to demonstrate how to use the lawnmower. I learned more watching your video than I have reading/watching anything published by Honda. This includes anything Honda has put on RUclips. Kudos to you Dan for a great job! It is also such a nice thing to do when you donate the money you make in cutting lawns to St. Jude’s Hospital. You are to be highly commended for your generosity and good will. Best regards, Ed.
Ed F welcome to the channel and thank you very much
I am going to buy one of these. My Briggs & Stratton POS hasn't lasted 4 years. But no matter how old a Honda is, it starts. I've used mowers with Honda motors that were 15+ years old. And in 40 years I have come across one that didn't start. I cleaned the magnets and now I have a perfectly good pressure washer. I'm looking through Marketplace and find exactly this model for sale. So, I look into it and find myself here. I don't think I have seen a more thorough and practical review of anything. And he really didn't babble on too much. He shared as much technical information about mowing a lawn as he did the mower. It's around $620 at Lowes and I found it used (1 summer) online for $300. I'm getting it.
You will not be sorry
Dan, you helped me SO much. Thank you. I just had Lowe's deliver my HRX217VYA (a close cousin to the VKA you reviewed, and it's two years after your review) and I didn't understand how to use it. Well, now I do! Honestly, I thank you so much for the education, demonstration, information, and entertainment!
My pleasure Miss Beach
I have a HRX217HYA (hydrostatic transmission). I have owned Toro, Troy Bilt, Lawn Boy, Jacobsen, and maybe a few others in 52 years of home ownership, and the Honda is definitely the best mower when all aspects are considered. This review is by far the most complete, accurate assesment I have seen on RUclips. Thank you, appreciate it greatly!
Thank you
...but not a snapper. It seems like like everyone who hasn't tried a snapper thinks Honda is the best, and everyone who has owned a snapper won't have anything but a snapper. In pursuit of ultimate excellence I own a Snapper Ninja and now a Honda HRX 217, I'm pretty excited to see how it stacks up against my snapper and I really hope it does better!
Also, top notch review Dan!
Forgot the Snapper. Did have one. Liked it. It had a funny spinning disc involved in propelling the mower. Many years ago. Think the self propel was the weak point. Good mower though, gave it to my son, he used it. Still, not the mower the Honda is. Not as expensive, either
Yep, the friction discs. I actually think the self propel system is the strong suit of the snapper except for the flippy stick used to engage it, the system itself seems tough as nails and indestructible, while to the casual eye, Honda's system seems pretty average, but with a more intuitive ambidextrous thumb engagement via the Select Drive. I have super high expectations for this HRX, I'll probably fire it up this weekend!
I have the HYA Honda which has the hydrostatic transmission. EXPENSIVE, but really good for me. When you consider ease of starting, non rusting deck, everything a mower does...The Honda is great...For me, anyway. If Honda sold a 30 inch walk behind, there would be quite a market for one, I would think.
Honda makes a great product. My 21" self propelled has been going hard for over 15 years. I mow my own yard and a few others from early March through November and estimate the mower has over 1000 hrs. I've had no issues whatsoever but do yearly maintenance (oil, plug, and air filter). Always run 93 octane
So its best to run 93 octane compared to no ethanol gas?
@@randyman8984 my Honda Powersport dealer (service side) says to run 100% gasoline, never run even 10% ethanol blend. We can only get 87 octane real gas in my market, but up to 91 octane in ethanol blend. He said the 87 octane 100% gas is preferable to the 90/10 blend at 91 octane. I wish we had better choices here.
Your modesty makes you awesome.
Jeez, very thorough review man thanks. For a second I thought we were going to dinner with you and the family at Pizza Hut.
I got the Honda HRX217HYA with the all new GCV200 (201CC) Engine. I must say, it’s such a great mower. I love how powerful it is! I also took some of your advice in this video. I am very satisfied with it and do not regret the purchase at all. Also, I really enjoyed your in depth review! It was fun to watch, and very helpful.
Kirby Vacuum Collector & Fixer what’s the difference between HYA and HXA
I also got this mower at the beginning of the season. I've found that with the "variable speed" drive system, I prefer to have it set faster than I'd use it. I originally had it set at the minimum but the resistance of pushing the handle up against the bar was a little much and fatigued my hands. I found that the system is indeed variable in that you can set it higher than you need in order to set the drive handle farther back, and that the speed of the mower increases depending on how far you push it in towards the handle. It also takes less grip strength to push it in the farther out it is, and increases in resistance and speed the closer to the bar you get. In a way similarly to analogue sticks on a video game game controller or the accelerator in a car.
Cool
That’s what i do. I like the HRR paddle better, but the HRX style is getting better for me.
Just replaced my 30 year old Honda. Pulled out my old one today and it started right up.
Can’t wait to use my new one this year.
Woo-Hoo
Just purchased a HRX217HYA Honda Mower with the newer more powerful 200cc engine with Hydrostatic Trans. I currently still have a working Honda HRM215HXA that is from 1997 - 22 years old and still going strong except for the much weaker engine and a slight oil leak from the main shaft seal. These things are built like no other mower and worth every penny!
Brilliant review, I’m in the UK and these retail for £1200 for the biggest model , I just bought one in an auction for £380 so I’m happy 😊
Hell ya! Great deal
OUTSTANDING Review!!! I have no regrets purchasing mine.
Me either and thank you
I've been eyeballing this bad boy for....3 years now? Think it may be time to pull the plug after this video. Thanks Dan!
I hope you mean “Pull the trigger”. Pull the plug means down the drain lmao!!! Happy I helped ya out, you won’t be sorry
Dan's Vlog haha yes! Sorry! Brain dead today apparently.
Dan's Vlog drove 2 hours to grab one today. Got a good mow in with it. This thing is a beast. Compared to the Husqvarna 725ex I’ve been using the last 10 years I don’t even know where to begin. Thanks once again!
I bought one about two years ago and still love it. Well worth the money.
I agree
I just watched an hour long review of a mower I can't afford and could probably not even get here in France and enjoyed every darn minute of it. Very well done dude. You covered so much information it was great. If I win the lottery I'll certainly be buying one of these beasties for mine and my customers mowing needs. I just have one question for you, what ear defenders are you using and any chance of a quick vid on diefferent types out there ? Well 2 questions really then
Thank you very much. I wear LG Ear Buds. I do t use approved hearing protection
Don't try to be humble Frenchman! I don't believe it but your humor appreciated.
I have to admit I was impressed at how easily you handle that 90 pound mower taking it out of the truck. You even held onto it for a little while to show off 💪🏻
Great review for this honda machine, this was the mower i decided was the best of the lot, so as i needed a new mower, i went to price up the honda mower, and to my surprise, it cost 1000 euro for the one with the same features as yours, one model up was 1299 euro. This is in Ireland, so instead of taking out a mortgage on the house, i got a mc cullough m53 150wrp for 449 euro down from 559 euro. it only has a 150cc engine, i wish now i had got the mc cullough m56 190 for 150 euro more, a bigger engine and a 56cm blade. it probably will last a bit longer. That was the best review i have seen on youtube for this mower, well done. I wish we had your prices over here.
Vote Conservative and reduce your tax’s and you will!
Thanks for your video. I barely bought a mower just like yours and I like it very much. Good job 👍
The value of "Rear Discharge" is you direct the clippings directly behind the mower path and eliminate the possibility of misdirected grass you have to then blow.
I have a neighbor who has a side discharge mower and every week spews clipping out into the street and driveway and elsewhere like flower beds when turning etc.
(Why they don't Mulch I'll never know.)
Just picked the same model up 20 minutes ago, ready for Spring 💵
Awesome!
Mines the same HRX217VKA, but it’s a 201cc
Just came across this video while researching the new Honda HRX217VKA. It has all the same features but with a 200cc GCV engine.
I was still on the fence between the Honda vs a Toro. Your review sealed the deal for me. Picking up the Honda tomorrow. Great review. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you
@@DansVlog
Picked up my mower the day after seeing your review. Unboxed and used it for the first time today. Full bag mode, cutting bermuda grass (that has not turned on yet), on cutting level 2, the mower performed great. Started 1st time, every time. It filled the 2.5 bushel bag with ease without any engine strain. Five 55 gallon bags later I was finished and was not worn out. Clean up was a breeze as well. Thanks again!!
This is an old video of yours that I'm watching in 2021, but wanted to thank you for all the information you provided. I just bought the newer one of this model past weekend, and will try it out when time and weather permits. Thank you again.
1 hour review! I’ll have to get a beer!
And pop corn
I don’t know if other people do this but if I’m cutting really tall grass down and I need to do a double cut I cut a notch higher than I want the grass to be and on the second pass I put the mower one notch lower. By doing this it chops up the previous clippings and makes the cut a lot easier and cleaner!
Thanks Dan
I just bought one second hand for $160.00 I will find a manual on it and take proper care of it
Central California watching
Now I know how I'll be using that Versamow feature. Best review on the web.
Thank you
Dan's Vlog I'm really looking forward to the upcoming videos when you get to the more advanced maintenance, post 100 hours of use. My Honda is the HYA, so a lot won't apply, but much will.
Hope you hit 100 this year, and thanks for all the effort.
Since 2016 I've had the Honda (HRR216VLA) just below this one with the metal deck and 160cc engine and even it has been a workhorse. But the deck has rusted out in one tiny place where the left front wheel is. In a few weeks I will get this one (HRX217VKA) with the 190cc and Nexite deck. It has better wheel assemblies over the one I have too. Home Depot has em for $599...worth every penny. Great review.
Oscar-level review and demo. Honda will owe you a commission when I will now buy one.
Me personally I prefer the Honda 216 because it weights less and surprisingly its a beast with power . It flyes uphills
👍
Best review of HRX217 on youtube! Thank you! I have two: a 2005 with the old 3 speed and manual choke/throttle setup, that I got from a customer in 2017; and a VKA like yours that I bought new at the end of last season (Oct '18). The 2005 had carb issues from sitting with gas in it when I got it. I kept pulling and cleaning the carb. It would mow 3-30 yards before corking up and starving for fuel again. I bought a new Honda carb from the dealer (
I just bought my 2nd Honda Thanks to your great review
Great to hear!
Great video Dan. I’ve had a 217 for 4 years while doing my side hustle and it’s a beast of a 21 inch machine. Keep up the good work.
Thank you
Thanks Dan, great review. I've been thinking of upgrading my Toro 22" Recycler (not super) for a couple seasons now. It always gave me trouble trying to mulch. Watching you get through some of that heavy stuff convinced me and I've got one of these Honda's with the GCV 200 engine on order. Much appreciate the time you put into this.
Hello, I’m just looking into Toro22 and not sure now between Honda or toro22 what to get. I needed it for semi commercial cut. I would appreciate your feedback here. Thanks 🙏
@@MNEmania I definitely prefer the toro personal pace drive system over the Honda select drive.I have both mowers.
Had problem with self propel not working well and locking up at times. Took shaft out and sanded down grooves(watched you tube video) and it has worked fine since cuz yep I still got that cutting on about 15 lawns a week.
Nice work!
This is a lot of great thought by Honda. I used the rear discharge mowing mostly for leaves on the old mowers using a bungie cord to hold the rear door open before they had that as a built in option. Sold on my next 20 year mower.
It’s a darn good mower
Now that's what you call a review
Cool video I do landscaping myself and I just bought the most recent Honda lawn mower came out to 911 dollars ..was 709 plus 130 for a warranty plus tax in long Island NY almost 1000 dollars crazy..it also has the blade brake and stop thing where it can start up without the blades spinning and if u want to empty the bag the blades could stop and the mower stays running ...pretty impressive lawn mower ..I havnt even used it yet just bought it tonight may 8th 2020 nice video I watched the whole show
Good luck with your new mower. You will love it!
Thanks for your in-depth review I am going to get the mower in the weekend. I was debating between Honda and Toro but so far have seen so many good things on this mower that I am sold on her.
Thanks for the video. Great job. I just purchased this mower before the mowing season and you confirmed to me that I made a good purchase. Looking forward to using it.
I have a toro super recycler from 2004 and it's still doing it's thing. Tempting to replace it with this because it's the last year for honda mowers. But these are $800 and up now. Mine mulches really well and honestly I love the personal pace. By the time it dies there may not be any new gas mowers available. Battery powered is fine now except for battery life.
Best of luck my friend. Choose wisely, take your time
My 216 HHR has been a very good mower. Over time the drive pinion gears to wheel gear mesh area will wear and become noisy and need replacement. After many hours of use. Very easy replacement procedure has it operating as new.
Overall a superior unit that is incredibly easy to start and does a nice job of micro mulching the clippings.
I keep two sets of blades super sharp ready to change at a moment and then sharpen replacement set at leisure.
Belt and transmission seems bullet proof the only problem being the inner seals of drive shaft to wheel support area became detached but doesn’t really seem to have any effect.
These Honda mowers are worth every penny and maybe a few extra on the side!!
@@DansVlog yes and very concise and complete coverage on your model.
I find the steel deck satisfactory for my use. After an occasional power wash I can spray a primer paint on bottom of deck. I also like the paddle thumb drive system.
An occasional adjustment to allow for cable belt stretch. Mine has been a top flight mower for my yard with many obstacles.
My wife now insists on mowing as it makes it fun and easy.
I swapped the carb jet on mine for the next size up so it doesn’t run so lean. It’s awesome.
That’s interesting 🧐
🤨
I like the independent wheel adjustment. I adjust the right side of the machine lower than the left to cut even with the cement patio.
That’s a great idea!
Excellent review Dan. I just bought a newer version of this (HRX217VKAA) at Home Depot with the GCV200 engine for $629.00. Thanks for going over all the options this mower can do.
I've always been impressed with the way Honda mowers cut and stripe the grass. I think I am gonna upgrade from my Toro Recycler to a Honda mower here in the near future. And the fact that the engine uses 10W-30 oil makes it easier for me, as I have a Champion generator that requires 10W-30 oil. Wouldn't need to keep straight 30 weight around.
You will be much happier with the Honda
Excellent review! Thanks for explaining that Select Drive transmission. My 20+ year old commercial hydrostatic Honda finally needed to be replaced, so actually I bought this mower yesterday. I mowed a few passes just to try it out and was confused (and angered) on why the self-propel was changing speeds (jumping/slowing). I will mow the full yard this weekend. I sure hope I get used to it. I'd hate to regret this $500+ purchase. Again, thanks for the thorough review! Cheers.
I’m glad I was able to help, I’m not gonna lie though, it will take you a good while to get used to this transmission with like I said the way it may drag on tall grass but soon you will find yourself anticipating what it’s going to do and it will be like greased lightning smooth
You should be on the Honda payroll. I bought my HRX217VKA based upon all your previous videos. I love mine. Thanks for this in depth review, it is excellent.
Thank you Donald. Wish you well with your new Honda
Thanks Dan I just grabbed one from someone who only used it once or twice. The grass catcher was brand new. But I was wondering why it was clicking when pushing freewheel. I see now that’s that’s normal and that’s a relief. Thanks, very through review. BTW. I only paid $400 with the box etc
Dan:
My wife and I cut our and our neighbor's contiguous yards; .5 acres total. I have the HRX217HYA (hydrostatic drive + blade brake) and my wife chose the VYA (Variable Speed belt drive + blade brake). She liked the rabbit-ears thumb control over the bale that parallels the handlebar. I would have preferred that she had gotten the hydrostatic drive to eliminate the belt system. She used to have a Toro "Personal Pace" system which was fine until it came to mowing up hill. Since you have to push the handlebar to engage the drive and the harder you push the faster the wheels turn, she'd always be spinning the wheels and wearing ruts in the turf. I tried to get her to cut parallel to the slope, but ... Everyone knows not to try to teach your wife to drive a stick shift car. Don't critique lawnmower technique either. Just replace the worn belts and gears and shut up.
Anyway, we LOVE the Hondas!!
Plastic Deck: No more rusting decks. Quieter. Cleans easier. Lifetime warranty. No-brainer decision.
Weight: The significant weight helps keep the deck level as you move across the lawn and front wheels planted as the rear bag loads -- which tends to lighten the front.
Twin Blades: Magnificent even cut. Very fine mulch. Good lift.
Clip Director: Fantastic feature. Enables you easily to handle nearly any lawn situation in the most appropriate way: tall grass, wet grass, leaves, full or partial mulch ... anything.
Blade Brake: My neighbor has the HRX217VLA (electric start). It was in borrowing THAT mower when our Toro failed that convinced us to go with Honda. Now, you'd think that electric start would be wonderful but, in actuality, it wasn't. Since we had taken up cutting their yard, they had not even used their VLA in over a year. So, when I borrowed it the battery was dead (having also left stale gas in the tank and carb). Fortunately, you can still pull-start the VLA but it turns out that the starter/charging system creates a lot of additional drag and makes pulling the cord really hard. I had to replace the battery because leaving it discharged so long killed it. In use, having to restart the engine every time you drop the bale to empty the clipping bag gets to be a really annoying delay. The blade-brake means you only stop the engine at the end of the job; far better and cheaper, too!! The HYA/VYA cold start requires just one easy pull. And, my wife agreed with me. Gave us something to celebrate!
Just FYI.
BTW: I enjoy the videos. I often joke that I enjoy work -- can watch it all day :-). I am retired and doing the CoVid isolation. Yard work has become a welcome diversion.
Be safe my friend
Awesome real review, definitely buying one
I got a similar model with the blade disengage feature. Love it, when the mowers cold and the auto choke isn’t off yet I can let it idle without a care since the blades off. Not a fan of the select drive, wish I spent the little bit more and got the top of the line hrx without the key start. I love the independent wheel adjustment. First outside pass on my lawn I raise the one side up that’s off the lawn, gives me a great clean cut since my yard is surrounded by dirt. Wish I had some hard concrete edges!
Best part is replacement parts so cheap. And I love the deck. Solid mower.
Dan - Great honest review. It's all about the finished product and that's what Honda delivers. I have an earlier version of your mower (about 7 years old) and aside from normal maintenance, I have had to replace the pull cord assembly ($ 20.00) and blades. You get what you pay for!
Thank you John and hope you have many more years with that Honda of yours
i got Kentucky grass; i do 3.5 inches. My lawn is one of the most beautiful in the neighborhood.
That’s awesome! Pride is contagious!!
Just bought this Honda machine, this review was very helpful in making my decision for my yard. Thanks.
Great Mower!!
7/2/2024 - bought the very last one my HD will ever have. I hope this cures my disdain for mowing the lawn lol.
Thanks Don! Great video! I think I found my machine!
The best Honda HRX review I´ve seen. Great job, Dan :-) I completely agree with you, as I´m very satisfied with my 2016 Honda HRX537HYEA (European version of the HRX217HYA, but made at the same factory in Swepsonville, NC).
Thank you
I love my Honda the way it built the it handles and mows on key future it dose need a side discharge
Honda does need a side discharge
Dan... never mind about my previous comment. I rewatched the last portion of your review and the confusion is gone, thanks to your great review. I will be getting the HRX217VKA.
Cool
Im very dissapointed with my HRR216. The engine is perfect, but everything adround it is having issues. First of all, the rear wheels lock up when the mower is pulled backward. Yes... I have done the TSB replacing the rear height adjusters and removing any rust from the shaft. It just goes back to the same thing a week later. And the front wheels for some reason are toed outward. I believe its due to worn down height adjuster arms. Also, the blade clutch is starting to go out and it hasnt been more than 5 years. Thats it, im buying a Toro with a Honda engine. I hear that the new HRN is better, and the HRX is also better, but im not convinced they wont have issues.
Aggravating
I’ve been on the fence about replacing my old Toro. Not anymore, I’m sold on a Honda👍
How much for this machine
Watch the vid
Hey Dan, Very informative. Thanks for all the great info and real hands on interaction. Lol .. long video but I watched every damn minute of it. I'm sold!
Thank you
My Hrx217vka is 13 years old now… still runs great!! Not a fan of that select drive variable speed control… mine has the older paddle control which is better imo
Just picked up a used one (HXA model with Hydrostatic tranny) for $160. I'm coming from my 20 year old HRM215 that still runs and looks like new. I watched Dan's videos with him using the HRX in high grass and how easily it went right through it. That convinced me it was time to get a newer one with the larger engine as during leaf season my old HRM215 with the 135cc engine struggles, especially up here at this altitude.
Only problem with my "new" HRX is it's running rich, mostly due to running a low altitude jet here at 6,800' above sea level. It sputters but when I pull the air filter it suddenly runs fine. Ordered a new filter but I may have to rejet. Other than that the engine sounds like new. I like the larger 9" wheels and love the mulch/bag handle. My old one just had a mulch plug.
20 years? Awesome
Thank you. I just purchased one. I’ll be checking out your videos on maintenance.👍🏼
Great mower!!
thank you for your hard work enjoy the video very helpful ,
Thank you
Excellent detailed review. Better than Road & Track.
Hey Dan thanks for the review I've had mine for over two years we use it like three times a week in small lawns where we do use it a lot is in a shopping center that we do in between cars where we can't fit our big mowers it's been an extremely reliable machine for us I will by another when this one burns out but not in anytime soon ours is the hydro model which sometimes I regret I don't think I should have spent the extra money the gear drive would have been fine and less things to break but over all great machine no need to spend over $1000 on a machine that you don't use as much as your big mowers.
Just bought this today..its a beast
It sure is
I just used this mower for the first time. Good so far I think. I mowed my entire front lawn (in full Bag mode) and I barely have a 1/5 bag of grass. My old mower would have had at least a bag and a half (though that bag was def smaller). Possibly because of the mulching blade - even though I was in full Bag mode?)
Yes, the clippings are finer going into the bag
@@DansVlog That's what I thought and makes sense. Just wanted an expert to confirm. Thanks!
I have a hrn, I'm thinking of upgrading to this mower, i always bag, i like the idea of the versamow select for multch and bag
Brian D. The versamow really is kick butt!
I have had my HRX 217 for over 2 years it is the best mulching mower I have purchased, the NeXite deck is awesome on nice lawn but you can't use it over the ruff stuff the deck brakes down and can't be repaired. No lifetime warranty in Australia . Will buy a new one at the start of next season
Nice review. Like your channel a lot. Huge fan of Honda mowers, pressure washer and Honda snowblowers! I just grabbed a Honda HRX217HYA which cost nearly $1,000. I won’t regret it if this machine last me 15-25 years. We shall see.
Great purchase my friend! Good lu k with it
@@DansVlog I clean it after every usage. Do you? Hopefully it’s good to do so.
I agree with you Dan,I don’t care for the Honda select drive system either.I’m used to the toro personal pace system,just start the mower and go,no knob to adjust,or levers to push.
Ya!
Awesome video, extremely thorough and entertaining too. Buying mine today from the local dealership. I really struggled choosing between Honda and Toro. This review sealed the deal as you are unbiased and not a paid promoter. Thanks so much!
Good choice!
then it happened... 1:02:00 - 1:05:00
a big salute from the lawn gods when the clouds formed the word "ACE."
Good job, Ace
If you got the VYAA, then you would have gotten the Roto-Stop blade control system. Engine on blades stationary. Then activate the blade engagement, you are off to the races!
Awesome review! My old poulan just gave up the ghost, and I definitely want to go honda. Was very much considering this model, and I think I've made up my mind! Especially now that they have the GCV200 engine.
I just bought that 200 cc mower with the blade break..cant wait to try it tomorrow hopefully there's no rain in the forecast
i just got this mower and the rear wheels are hard to move without lifting up machine with one hand and adjusting with the other the front was alot easier. cutting with this mower felt easy and it was pulling me through 8 to 10 inch grass
Enjoy!!
I've got a neighbor and I cut their grass along with mine and I bought a $260 lawn mower a few weeks back and its not bagging grass vary well it's keeps clogging up every pass I make. My question is since you have experience with a Honda and tall grass does it bag better then most lawn mowers or do you think I'll have a problem with that one too?
@@jerryhanson3903 mine eats thru the tall grass and has no problem bagging. mine is brand new so im guessing thats y but this 200 cc motor just eats for me im very happy with mower. i cant compare to other mowers because i had lawn service before lockdown but had to take care of my grass because i live in michigan and companies were not deemed necessary
@@jerryhanson3903 i would check air filter sometimes they get clogged
@@smokedya420 could be part of the problem thanks for the advice
Front of mine got a chunk broke off deck somehow but I am hard on my equipment and mower is a beast for sure. Sounds bad when you hit sumthin compared to metal deck but over all best mower and cut quality of any push mower I’ve used
I agree.
Ur so right Honda has one of the best cuts to me for the price I see so commercial mowers don't cut as good
Thanks, i finaly found what select drive is all about
Cool!!
Thanks for your hard work.
That was the best review I have ever seen hands down
Glad you liked it. It’s a great mower!
This Has to be the best video I ever watched . Very informative on a self-propelled walk behind Mower. In our great state of New York they’re asking anywhere from $1500-$2000 for a walk behind mower
For something decent
Someone had a HRX217VKA sitting by the road yesterday to be given away. I picked it up and brought it home. It wasn’t in bad shape, but you could tell it was stored outdoors at some point. Wouldn’t start. Began troubleshooting; had no fuel, spark, or compression. The findings so far: blade handle safety switch that provides a ground to the ignition stator had surface corrosion where it contacts the motor frame. Cleaned that, got spark. On to the fuel issue. Fuel cap was off when I picked it up, tank was full of debris and smelled of varnish. Cleaned the tank, outlet screen, lines, shutoff valve & carb- got fuel going again. Starts then shuts down. Checked compression- zero. Suspect intake valve is stuck open, which is common for mowers left sitting for a good while. Will investigate that next. Hoping to get my free mower running soon and buy a bag kit for it. 🤞🏼 let you know. Thanks for the in-depth video. Very informative. Great job!
Good luck Mike! Seems like you have this under control!!
@@DansVlog Thanks Dan. I have to admit, this one’s got me stumped. Valves aren’t stuck open and I reset clearance, still no compression. I will pick up a leak-down tester today and see if I can find the problem. I may have to open this engine up. Stay tuned.
Thanks, Dan!! I have a huge front and rear yard, and I have been eyeing this beast for a while and hesitant to pull the trigger. But, after this video, I will buy it in May!!
DJ Mc You won’t be sorry