HONDA HRX217HYA Review
GCV200 Hydrostatic Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
71
3.1 / 5 from 12 users
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We spent 5.4 hours reading reviews from customers and experts. In summary, here's what users think:
8 reasons to buy
The Honda HRX217HYA has a non-metallic deck which is resistant to rust and has a lifetime warranty. (3 reviews)
“I bought this mower because it has a non-metallic deck”
“Plastic deck has a lifetime warranty and does not rust.”
“I like the power, the cut and love the deck.”
Features a blade brake mechanism that allows the engine to continue running even when the blade is disengaged. (2 reviews)
“There is a blade clutch, the engine does not die when you release all the controls.”
It starts easily, often with one pull, even after being stored for the winter. This shows the mower's ignition system is reliable. (2 reviews)
“After 2 years of operation it still starts on one pull, even after winter storage”
“Auto choke system - should guarantee an easy start every time.”
Equipped with rear-wheel drive to enhance traction and control while mowing. (1 review)
“rear wheel drive”
Has a shift lever and a drive clutch lever (bar) for varying ground speed, offering more control and ease when mowing around obstacles. (1 review)
“To adjust ground speed, you use the shift lever but you can also use the drive clutch lever (bar) to vary ground speed”
Changing from mulching to bagging is easy with a clip director knob. (1 review)
“Switching from mulching to bagging and vice versa using the clip director knob is easy”
The quality of mulching is reported as very good, indicating efficient operation. (1 review)
“Quality of mulching is very good.”
The mower is noted for its strong and reliable engine, which helps make it last a long time. (1 review)
“The mower is very powerful, dependable and durable”
5 reasons not to buy
A customer found the mower to be very big and heavy, making it difficult to maneuver around the yard. (2 reviews)
“Very big and heavy, difficult to maneuver.”
“I did find the regulation of exact speed using the transmission bar a little awkward, as I have to do a lot of speed adjustment due to a yard full of obstacles and turns”
The mower was noted to be sensitive to fuel quality, leading to carburetor issues that are not covered by the warranty. (2 reviews)
“Sensitive to fuel quality. Carburator issues are not covered by the warranty.”
“Apparently these carburetors have such small passageways that leaving fuel set for even two weeks will clog them up.”
Some users are worried about how long the plastic gears on the drive wheels will last. (2 reviews)
“The drive wheels have plastic gears and it seems unlikely they are going to last.”
“Three rear wheels have needed to be replaced 3 times in the 6 months since I bought the mower. They are made of plastic and shred easily.”
Adjusting the mowing height at each wheel individually was seen as inconvenient compared to a single-lever system. (1 review)
“Mowing height must be adjusted at each wheel individually. I am missing a single lever at my Yardman.”
Pulling the mower backwards was reported to be not very easy by a user. (1 review)
“Pulling the mower backwards is not very easy.”
Bottom Line
Get the HONDA HRX217HYA for a powerful mowing experience. It's got a rust-proof deck with a lifetime guarantee and starts with a single pull, even after winter. The blade brake lets the engine run while you stop the blade. Enjoy easy control with rear-wheel drive and speed levers. The switch between mulching and bagging is a breeze, ensuring a top-notch cut. However, it's heavy and may struggle with fuel quality, plus the plastic gears and individual wheel height adjustments could be a hassle.
Facts
| Brand | Honda |
|---|---|
| Cutting Width (in) | 21 inch |
| Features | Mulching, Bagging, Side Discharge |
| Max Cutting Height | 4" |
| Min Cutting Height | 3/4" |
| Power Source | Gas |
| Category | Self Propelled Mowers |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Weight | 97 lbs |
| Additional Info | Honda GCV200 Engine, Roto-Stop® Blade Stop System, Leaf Shred Feature, MicroCut® Twin Blades, NeXite Mowing Deck |
Video Reviews
Tips for Honda HRX217HYA
- It is highly recommended to use Ethanol-free gas as Ethanol can damage small engines. A handful of reviewers have noted that Ethanol treatment will not be adequate in protecting your engine long term.
- It is advisable to run the mower out of gas or use a gas stabilizer before storing it.
- To keep it in the best condition, clean the mower after each use.
Special Features
- Full Manufacturer Warranty: You're covered if anything goes wrong because it's guaranteed by the company that made it.
- 21-Inch Mowing Deck: It cuts a wide strip of grass so you can finish mowing your lawn quicker.
- 4-in-1 Versamow System: You can chop up the grass, collect it in a bag, spit it out the side, or shred leaves without needing extra tools.
- Self-Propelled with Hydrostatic Cruise Control: The mower moves by itself; you just guide it, and you can set the speed just like cruise control in a car.
- Roto-Stop Blade Stop System: You can stop the blades but keep the engine running so you can move stuff out of the way without having to restart the mower.
- MicroCut Twin Blades: Cuts the grass super fine so it looks nicer, is better for your lawn, and you can fit more in the bag.
- Durable NeXite Deck: The part that covers the blades won't rust, dent, or break easy, which means it lasts a long time.
- Adjustable Speed Control: You can change how fast the mower goes to match how fast you want to walk.
- 7 Position Cutting Height Adjustment: Lets you change how short you cut the grass for different types of grass or when it's wet or dry.
- Ball Bearing Wheels: The wheels roll smooth and are built tough so they last longer and make pushing easier.
- Large Capacity Grass Bag: You don't have to stop and empty the bag of grass clippings as often, so you can keep on mowing.
- Ergonomic Handle Design: The handle feels good in your hands and you can fold it down to save space when you're not mowing.
- Easy Start GCV200 Engine: The engine starts up quick and easy and has enough power to cut through thick grass without trouble.
FAQ
- Q:
Can the handle fold over to save on storage space?
- A:
The mower’s handle is easy to adjust flat or vertically for storage.
- Q:
Is the mower’s rear-wheel-drive belt driven?
- A:
Yes, this mower is belt-driven. Its belt will also last for years before it requires changing.
- Q:
Is the mower capable of rear or side discharge?
- A:
Once the mower’s bagger is removed from the rear, a discharge guard swings down to allow clippings to be discharged from the mower’s rear deck.
- Q:
What is the Honda HRX217HYA’s non-metal deck made of?
- A:
The mower’s deck is made out of an extremely durable polymer material called NeXite.
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| Name | Honda HRX217K5VKA | PowerSmart DB2321 | Yard Force Lawn Mower | YARDMAX 201cc | Senix LSSG-H1 |
| Final Score | 97 Superb! | 85 Good! | 90 Great! | 83 Good! | 79 |
| Category | Self Propelled Mowers | Self Propelled Mowers | Self Propelled Mowers | Self Propelled Mowers | Self Propelled Mowers |
| Power Source | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Cutting Width | 21 inch | 21 inch | 22 inch | 22 inch | 22 inch |