Lawn Mower Forums: Lawnmower Reviews, Repair, Pricing and Discussion Forum Content Wrapper Lawn Mower Forums: Lawnmower Reviews. I've decided on a Honda HRX model but not sure which one. I don't have a huge yard, have a few obstacles to mow around, lots of turning, etc and yard is fairly flat. Backyard had a 500 sq ft mulched in play. Jun 02, 2015 I'd like to invite you to share your thoughts on the official Honda site; even more people will be able to read it there, and it will help those considering a Honda. Here's the link to the HRX, page, and just click on your model, then 'Write a Review' to leave comments. (copy and paste your text here is just fi Honda HRX Mowers -.
I recently bought an HRX217 and thought I'd share what I think about it. Let me start by saying it's a keeper. No doubt about it. For me, at least. But I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. And I'll get to the reasons why after I tell you why I like it.
The biggest reason I like the 217 more than any other mower I've used is the GCV190 engine - it's strong and smooth. If you're an inherently lazy SOB like me - and try to slide by cutting your grass every 10 days or so - then the 190 has the power to let you do it. No slowing down in the thick stuff, no lifting the front end of the deck, no restarts when it stops...nothing. I can't say enough about how it powers through tall grass and leaves a velvet smooth finish in its wake. Really, it's something else.
I also like the plastic deck. I didn't think I would, but - so help me - I do. It's more rigid than a steel deck and I won't have to worry about ugly rust in a few years. It even has a lifetime guarantee on the deck itself - what more can I ask for? Since you asked, I'll tell you: it collects dust. Not terribly bad, mind you, but definitely more so than a painted steel deck. I'm not sure why, but it bugs me a bit.
About the cut - it's darn smooth. People have noticed, and that makes me happy. One thing I really like about it over the HRR216 (and I've had two) is that it doesn't leave a slime trail under the rear wheels like the smaller mower does. That's a real plus in my book.
Let me finish what I like about it by talking about select drive. I had read that it is really useful for people who do a lot of mowing on flat land at constant speed - just turn the dial, set the cruising speed, and be off. Personally, I don't see the real advantage of it over the smart drive mouse ears on other honda mowers for flat land. Anybody can set the smart drive to the speed of their liking when the going is smooth, so it's of no real benefit. It's when the going is hilly that select drive really comes into its own. When you're powering up a hill with smart drive and accidentally hit the mouse ears, the mower takes off, does a wheelie, and leaves a patch of grass uncut. But when you have select drive set at a low speed on a hill, you can't accidentally call up too much speed no matter how heavy handed you are. I like that feature. A lot.
Now that I've told you what I like about it, let me get to my biggest complaint - it's a bit unwieldy. Not terrible, I guess, but you can't whip it around like the smaller HRR216. It weighs more, too. And the plastic deck just seems wider to me, somehow. I guess what I'm saying is that it just seems like more work to cut with it. On flat land, at least. On hills and tall grass....no contest. The HRX is the champ.
So...here's my take on it. If you have a flat yard which you keep cut regularly, then I would recommend the HRR216. It's easier to maneuver, easier to clean, and costs less to boot. If you have steep hills or are less rigorous about mowing, then I would recommend the HRX217. Simple as that.
Donna of ** Verified Reviewer
Original review: April 17, 2019Purchased on July 7, 1983. Still going strong 34 years. I remember telling my husband that's a lot of money for a lawnmower. Best money ever spent. My husband passed away in 2017. When I had a few problems took it to Savoy Equipment Vernon B.C. Had a carborator job done. Now it's running better than ever. I love my Honda mower. Just hope when the time comes the quality is the same. Also own a Honda GX25 Rototiller and a 2003 Honda Accord. Thanks Honda. Life is easier with great products.
3 people found this review helpful
Original review: Aug. 19, 2018Purchased in 1997 and only tad to Replace the battery and the starter after 21 years of use. Kept up with the normal maintenance. After 21 years I thought I would have to purchase a new mower but I don't have to. Back in 1997 I paid $913.00 and I thought it was a lot of money but it was worth it. My next mower will be a Honda again but I will not purchase from a big box store but only from a local dealer because if it needs service they will take care of it quickly.
5 people found this review helpful
Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter!Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.
We value your privacy. Unsubscribe easily.David of Ocala, FL Verified Reviewer
Original review: July 27, 2018I have had my Honda for over 10 years and never had a problem with it. Only change the oil on schedule and replaced the spark plug every three years.
5 people found this review helpful
J of Potomac, MD Verified Reviewer
Original review: July 18, 2018HRB-215 lasted over 20 years until I ran it low on oil. Before that had to replace the trans after about 8 years. Other than that no problems. Hate to part with this machine. Also have a 15 year old HRX-217 with the hydrostatic drive. The biggest complaint about this is I used to have problems with the carb all the time. Clean fuel, drain fuel over winter and run dry and drain bowl. Did not matter. I was frequently having problems even during the season and pulling the carb to clean which is a pain. Finally got tired of this and added a generic in-line fuel filter in the hose.
That was 8-10 years ago and I have not had to pull the carb since and have not changed the filter. Not sure why the screen in the tank is not enough. Only recently started to use Mobil 1 synthetic changing the oil once a year. This mower is used to cut about 1/2 acre. Also have a 1990 Accord with almost 400k on it and runs like a champ. A lot of parts are being discontinued and not even available aftermarket.
View more 12 people found this review helpful
Original review: Oct. 9, 2018I would have been fairly happy with it overall, except the third time I used it (on my 0.4 acre lot) the aluminum housing broke while I was in the middle of mowing. I took it to the local Honda dealer who told me that the damage 'tells a story' that the mower was either shoved under a deck or hit with a car. However, there is not a single scratch out the outside of the red plastic housing, which would certainly be present if I had hit the lawn mower with enough force to break the metal engine casing like that.
I called the Honda warranty number, and Honda customer service, but they both told me that my only recourse was to go through the dealer who would then contact the tech line who make the decision over whether something will be covered by the warranty. I also spoke to a great small engine repairman who unfortunately (but not surprisingly) is not a Honda service dealer. His opinion was that the mower was likely damaged in transit before I ever got it, and that the retail and the manufacturer will both want to point to the other to take the blame, and I the customer will end up eating the bill. He further said that Honda essentially has no warranty at all because every decision on a warranty claim is ‘not a manufacturer’s defect.’ What a waste of 400 dollars.
View more 17 people found this review helpful
How do I know I can trust these reviews about Honda?
- 1,824,625 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our FAQ.
Rick of Covington, LA Verified Reviewer
Original review: Oct. 7, 2018I purchased this mower in March 2017. Within a few weeks the rear wheels begin to lock up when pulled backward. I took it back to the Honda dealer and they made a few adjustments. It worked okay for a few months and began the locking up business again. I've been using it this year and can get the mower to pull backwards without the rear wheels locking up by spraying lubricant in the gearbox, but that is not always successful. If you look on the internet this is obviously a common problem with the Honda self propelled. Why in the world, Honda hasn't corrected this I don't know. I'll try again with the local dealer. If he refuses to fix it at no cost, it goes to Habitat for Humanity and I'm buying another brand, never to consider Honda again.
26 people found this review helpful
Bruce of Fiskdale, MA Verified Reviewer
Original review: Sept. 23, 2018Pros of the Old Harmony 215 PXA vs the New HRC 216 PDA: (Both these mowers are walk behind push). Engine is quieter. The plastic handle is more comfortable to push against, I would switch handles if I could. With the HRC, you are pushing against the small, round, metal handle that engages the engine and I find it uncomfortable. Manual choke. There are many complaints about the poor operability of the auto choke now in use. That is why I went with the HRC as it also has the manual choke.
Blade brake clutch. Mower keeps running when you release the handle to move a fallen branch or pull a few weeds. There is no need to try and restart a hot engine as with the HRC. Both have a throttle control, but I can't see much use in idling the engine if you have to stand there and hold the handle to keep it running; unless your partner is trying to tell you something and you want to be able to hear. I couldn't find any walk behind push mower with both the blade brake clutch and the manual choke.
Cons: The Harmony has the plastic deck. In my experience, it eventually cracks and the front wheels fall off. I have wired them on, but they are pretty floppy. There is no extended warranty listed for this deck. While mowing, the cut grass clogs behind the rear wheels, making it harder to push and drops clumps of grass all over the newly mown lawn. So far the HRC doesn't seem to do this. The shape of the steel deck seems to leave more room around the rear wheels.
In summary, the pros of the new HRC are the cleaner cut and easier push of the ball bearing wheels without any clumping and dumping of the rear wheels. I expected the new mower to be my primary mower, but after using it, l find I like the old mower better and will continue using it. It is quieter, more comfortable, more relaxing, and it has the blade brake clutch. There doesn't seem to be any new mower available with all the features of the old one.
View more 8 people found this review helpful
john of Tampa, FL Verified Reviewer
Original review: July 19, 2018I purchased this Honda HRX217VKA after reading many reviews and doing a ton of research on lawn mowers. it was pretty expensive compared to the other brands but I figured you get what you pay for and this was the top rated lawn mower on many sites. I noticed that after mowing my yard it never looked right. It had a slight lean to the cut and there are always sprigs that somehow don't get cut causing me to mow it over again. This morning when I started to mow the yard I heard a click. When I turned the mower I noticed that the wheel adjustment dropped.
I've never noticed this before as I change the height to different settings for the backyard. I took it back to Northern tools where it was purchased and was told that they would look at it and get back to me when it might be fixed. He also said that I might have to borrow someone else's lawn mower to do yard until fixed. I paid 599.00 for a top rated lawn mower less than 2 months ago and now I have to figure out how to get yard mowed until fixed. I guess I just expected more from Honda. The old Sears mower that I replaced was under 200.00 and I only had to cut yard once to get all sprigs of grass.
View more 18 people found this review helpful
Eric of Trenton, MI Verified Reviewer
Original review: July 9, 2018Honda HRX217K5VKAA Auto Choke is the WORST design in Honda Mower history. DO NOT BUY THIS TYPE OF HONDA MOWER WITH THE AUTO CHOKE. I've had to replace my auto choke 3 times PER YEAR. Buyer beware. It's a $600 pile of dog turds. It's a simple fix. Just look it up on YouTube and save yourself service charges.
17 people found this review helpful
David of Bolingbrook, IL Verified Reviewer
Original review: May 5, 2018I purchased the “best” Honda lawnmower (HRX2175HZA) in their line for $850.00 in January. Kept it covered in my garage over the winter and tried to use it for the first time earlier this week. Filled it with gas, opened the fuel shut-off valve and gas immediately began spewing all over my garage. Was unable to use this new mower even once because of fuel leakage. I tried to post a negative review on the Honda website, but my review has not been published on their site. This is likely why Honda has such overwhelmingly positive reviews on their site - they simply don’t allow negative review to be posted. The selling dealer picked up the mower on 4/30/2018; they estimate it will take until 5/21/2018 to fix the unit. So I have shelled out a lot of money for the mower and will have to pay someone $50 each time to have my lawn mowed. This is the first - and last - Honda mower I will ever buy. It is absolute junk!!
31 people found this review helpful
Nick of Bensalem, PA Verified Reviewer
Original review: Nov. 11, 2017I bought this high end 2017 Honda 217 self propelled mower for over 700 dollars in the spring, ran it for 3 months this year. Maybe 5 to 6 times. Just changed the break-in oil. I always keep it clean and use car cleaner on it to keep it nice. I washed it the last time I cut the grass. I went to use it for leaves the following week, I could not get it to go backwards. The rear wheels were dragging from going backwards, but would go forward.
I called the Honda dealer. They said this is common problem with Honda mowers. It could be the gear in the wheels jammed up from grass or the bearing on the shaft seized to the shaft from getting wet. Well isn't that great. Honda lets the power wheels get dirt and water in there to cause problems, instead of sealing them, I will never buy another Honda mower. It's just so stupid to leave that cover off and cause mower repairs, of a new mower. Honda recall the mowers with the wheel problem. Put a cover on the wheels. I have to wait a week to use my new mower now.
View more 66 people found this review helpful
Dean of Frankenmuth, MI
Original review: July 13, 2017Honda HRX217HYA - This mower started hard from beginning. When I would engage blades sometimes it would stall engine, I would restart then seemed fine. After 2 1/2 years into a 5 year warranty motor stopped and I could not pull cord. I live in Michigan. I believe the mower was used 30-40 hrs. at the most. When I was troubleshooting the motor problems I took out the spark plug and pulled the cord and it pulled fine. I drained all the oil out of the machine, put in new oil put plug in and tried to pull cord. The motor would not allow cord to be pulled. I took the motor to a certified Honda repair shop. Honda talked directly to the repairman working on my machine and told him I did not buy the machine at his dealership and did not fill out my warranty card??
The repairman took apart the motor and said it got hot, the oil was all black and full of metal chips. I found this odd because I had put new oil in the motor before I took it to the repair shop. The repairman sent pictures into Honda and Honda told the repairman over the telephone they would not honor the 5 year warranty because I did not follow the maintenance correctly. I tried having it reopened and it was only turned down once again. I believe I was mistreated and will never buy a Honda product or buy anything from that service center ever again. I will also tell everyone I know about my experience.
View more 88 people found this review helpful
Original review: July 9, 2017I bought a Honda Self Propelled Lawn mower at Home depot in Ada, Oklahoma. I used it on my 40 foot x 50 foot front lawn 4 times. It began smoking and running terrible. I took it to the authorized Honda repair Dealer (Honda-Polaris of Shawnee, Oklahoma) on 3 separate occasions to have it fixed. It's a 120 mile round trip each way. On the last trip yesterday- Saturday, July 8th, 2017. They had previously said it was the automatic choke- which they replaced... Which had no effect. I told them they could have my mower as I couldn't continue making 120 mile round trips.
I bought another 650.00 upgraded new Honda mower. After arriving home I started mowing. For some reason the blade disengagement began to take place without any reason. I called the dealer and they said it was a factory defect... This is a brand new one hour old mower. I'm giving it away as I can't take the stress. I am also selling my Honda motorcycle as I want to cut all ties with this company.
View more 76 people found this review helpful
Tom of Walker, MN Verified Reviewer
Original review: May 11, 2017Purchased Honda lawn mower HRR21 Smart Drive at Home Depot in 6/15. Have owned 2 previous Honda mowers which have been flawless over past 20 years. Honda new mower is a piece of junk, pure and simple. Bolts came off front drive tire and tire fell off in first 6 months. Self fixed but has happened a couple of times since. I am now on the 3rd recoil starter assembly for this mower which has now broken again. I have owned brands of lawnmowers, multiple chainsaws, log splitters, leaf vacuum, etc. and NEVER had issues such as this with one piece of equipment... Avoid this product!
80 people found this review helpful
John of Oakland Gardens, NY Verified Reviewer
Original review: May 2, 2017I own a Honda HRX2172HMA lawnmower. I bought it on the recommendation of Consumer Reports Magazine. What a tragic mistake this was! I paid a premium price for this piece of junk. Here are some of the problems I've encountered: The bolt that holds the handlebar fell off and is impossible to attach back. The electric starter died so I must start the mower by hand now. Opening up the oil cap mysteriously starts oil flowing through the air filter now. I have trashed several air filters already due to this strange problem. Like others here, I was conned into thinking Honda is a reputable name. Please save your money and get a cheaper lawnmower. Honda is the worst!
82 people found this review helpful
Lee of Powder Springs, GA Verified Reviewer
Original review: April 25, 2017I bought this HRR216VKA Honda mower in April 18, 2013, with my Discover Card at Home Depot. I have used it to cut my Bermuda grass lawn (this grass is dormant for 6 months of the year) until 2016 when it began to start only after more than 9 or 10 tries per use. It stopped entirely September of 2016. I replaced the filter and spark plug and even purchased a new carburetor and still could not get it started. I took it to a repair shop and it was diagnosed as having engine compression of only 60. I called the Honda office in Alpharetta Georgia and the phone system directions were to seek a dealer for repairs (could not get a live person).
I then went shopping for a new mower and I saw plenty of Honda Mowers but I now avoid them because the repair shop told me that Honda no longer manufacture the engines which gave the Honda such a good name. The engine's new design are cheaply produced and will not last. The repairman refuses to work on Honda mower engines. I lost out on the $470.54 dollars that I paid for this mower. No more Hondas for me. Unable to locate receipt but I can probably get proof of the charge from Discover.
View more 72 people found this review helpful
Joseph of Fairmont, WV
Original review: April 5, 2017We bought our Honda HR215K1HMA mower in '99, for about a thousand bucks, but knowing Honda's reputation, I felt comfortable with our decision. It has been a flawless machine. The hydrostatic drive is amazing, enabling me to slow down for patches of high grass with fingertip control. The blade and chute design allows me to cut and bag grass even in the rain. After all this time, the only thing we've replaced, aside from routine maintenance items, is the front wheel bearings.
And today, I discovered a broken tooth on the starter drive motor. After only 18 years. Geez, it's about time something broke. I've used only Honda engines on all the power equipment we've owned over the years, and all have given us amazing service and reliability. I wouldn't buy another brand of small engine. Our Honda snow blower is a local legend, especially after the 32' snow we had last year. Keep in mind that no matter what brand you buy, regular (and I don't mean every five years) maintenance is critical. If it moves, lubricate it. If it squeaks, you're too late.
View more 37 people found this review helpful
Elizabeth of San Ramon, CA Verified Reviewer
Original review: March 10, 2017Bought this Honda HRR216VKA lawn mower from Home Depot in mid November 2016. Used it 4 times at most and then because of rainy winter it went into shed with fuel stabilizer. Mid March took it out and it won't run. Put in new fuel and new spark plug. Still won't run. I spent $432 on a lawn mower that lasted less than 3 months. Honda says I need to take it to the Honda repair shop and that they might cover the repair if it is a manufacturing defect. The shop tells me if it is the carburetor having fuel in it over winter that might cause the problem and it won't be covered under warranty. It will be another $40 for the carburetor plus cost for repair hours. I think this is an engineering defect not a manufacturing defect. No product should be this easily damaged by 3 months storage.
60 people found this review helpful
Mike of Dayton, OH Verified Reviewer
Original review: Nov. 16, 2016Bought this mower based on Consumer Reports reviews and other reviews on the web. The actual model# is hrr216k9pda, but all of the double blade models are basically the same. It always starts on the first pull, the engine seems to be the only part of this mower that is excellent. The rest of the mower seems to have been designed by a bunch of monkeys. First off, in mulch mode the mower will randomly leave strips of unmowed grass throughout the lawn. I doubled checked multiple times to see if it was user error and it was not. It's funny because one of the reasons I bought this mower was because it had two blades, figuring it would definitely give me a nice clean cut, but no!
Then there is no side discharge chute. If you take the mower out of mulch mode into bag mode it discharges out the back, right on your feet and legs and leaves large clumps of grass clippings as if you were looking at a field of freshly mowed hay ready to be baked. It did cut more evenly in bag mode, but I had to get my blower out to disperse the lumps of grass cuttings (the lawn was not high) which just added more time and annoyance to the job. The wheels wore down very quickly and the cool adjustment knob to make the handle bars fold for storage fell apart after the second yr. Also after 2 yrs the deck split underneath where the blade is and then again by the front wheel. I was surprised to see the deck get compromised like that, usually the deck is the last thing to go.
This has never happen to me on any of my other (cheaper) mowers that I had for a much longer time period. I paid $400 for this mower and it is definitely not a quality mower. Also, there is no support from Honda, you cannot call them and speak to a tech about your issues or parts or anything. You have to take it to a authorized Honda dealer and deal with them, and as noted in other posts this is not always a pleasant experience. They seem to think their mower is flawless and look at you like you're from Mars when you bring up legitimate issues with the mower. In short, I can't speak for all their mowers, but this mower was a piece of crap wrapped up in the illusion of quality. Don't get fooled!
View more 80 people found this review helpful
Elizabeth of Round Rock, TX Verified Reviewer
Original review: Oct. 29, 2016We purchased our Honda 186cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower at the end of May '16 and less than 6 months in and all of a sudden stopped working. We've put in gas, filled the oil and were even recommended to check the spark plugs - which it will now run for about 1-2 minutes and then stop. After multiple calls to customer service we were directed to the nearest repair shop who is 5 days behind and won't even be able to give a diagnoses for another week. Customer service also said that depending on what the issue is this repair may not be covered under Honda's warranty.
Absolutely ridiculous that after spending this much money on what we thought was a trusted product and only having used it a total of maybe 10 times, we now come to find out that they really don't value their customers based on the service they've provided as well as stand behind their equipment. I will never recommend this or any other of Honda's products moving forward and unfortunately wished I would've seen the previous reviews sooner as it looks like everyone on here is having the SAME exact problems.
View more ![Honda Hrx Review Forum Honda Hrx Review Forum](/uploads/1/2/3/9/123951122/665079575.jpg)
47 people found this review helpful
Don of St. Paul, AB Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
Original review: Sept. 19, 2016This past April 2016 we purchased a Honda Self Propelled Lawn Mower. Nothing but problems. Worst of it all once you purchased a Honda product the business you bought it from no longer can assist you. Have to deal with Honda Customer Relations. I must agree with one other affairs review where Honda USED TO make a good lawnmower. Worked OK first few times then the warranty fiasco began. Lawnmower spent more time getting warranty work I was forced to go buy another mower to cut grass.
All I want is my money back and cut ties with Honda. Customer Relations department 'Nope we do not give refunds for used mowers.' Unreal that's what the Honda Canada employee told me. Bought a new lawnmower doesn't work, cant use it, cannot get money back because I used it, had to buy another mower, and now that season is over they think they fixed the problem. Customers save yourself the aggravation and buy yourselves anything other than a Honda product.
View more 60 people found this review helpful
Charles of Coral Springs, FL Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
Original review: July 29, 2016I purchase my Honda mower at the Home Depot 7 months ago. First I have not used ethanol gas. I've only been using Rec 90 gas with marvel mystery oil and so far so good. Starting has been on one or two pulls. The problem that I have in South Florida is that there is an accumulation of sand and grass that gets into the dust covers of the rear wheels and gets into the pinion gears. I have had to strip clean out and regrease these four times since the purchase of this mower as the wheels will lock up when you're trying to back up the mower. This can be annoying and it puts strain on the lower back. I find it ridiculous that I have to put this kind of effort into maintenance on a mower. I am going to sell this mower and move on to a better non Honda product.
60 people found this review helpful
Paul of Olney, MD
Original review: July 9, 2016Had my HRR216TDA mower since 2004. Purchased at Home Depot. After setting up, filling the crankcase with oil and pulling the mower over a few times, I filled the tank and it started on the second pull. Other than the transmission dying two years ago (I had it replaced), it has started on first or second pull at any temperature.
Tips: The carburetor has VERY small jets. At the end of mowing, turn off the fuel valve and let mower run until it quits of its own accord when the carb runs out of fuel. The carburetor and the parts inside are easily plugged with varnish residue from fuel left in it even for short periods. I put a small dose of fuel injector cleaner in the tank once a year to help fight contamination. You can tell if the jets are getting clogged up if the mower surges at anything other than full power. It is cheaper to buy a whole new carb on eBay than to spend the time to clean the old one. I'm still running on the original carb.
I still have the original belt on the mower, so the auto tensioner seems to be just about right. Removal of the metal covers under the deck to get at the transmission and belt requires care when putting them back, as the bolt holes are difficult to line up and then get the bolt threads started without cross threading the bolts. They should all be started with just your fingers before putting a wrench on them to tighten.
The plastic air cleaner cover would pop off after hitting just about anything. I drilled two small holes down from the top at the middle of top brackets where the self latching prongs go in and inserted small headed short nails in the holes. Never had a cover pop off again. All in all, other than the transmission losing the 2nd gear, it has been reasonably reliable.
View more 36 people found this review helpful
Ed of Goldsboro, NC Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 24, 2016PROS: Smooth engine, usually starts 1st or 2nd pull; fast cutting; good mulching; adequate power; mulching plug easy to insert and remove. Although mower arrived with a front wheel assy damaged, Home Depot quickly replace the bent part.
CONS: non-adjustable, throttle too fast for most mowing, thus a gas hog. I installed a manual throttle which greatly decreases gas use. Oil fill tube very narrow; must fill slowly; grass clogs up above transmission and difficult to wash out. Fake rubber (hard plastic) tires pass shock on up to your hands. The tread wears off quickly and mower slides off a moderate bank. Wheel gear and mating pinion gear became worn and slipping (within the warranty period) but the dealer (as directed by Honda) would only replace the pinion gear, though I carried the mower twice to the dealer (loaded/unloaded eight times). Honda refused to replace the wheel gear. Had the gall to tell me to take the mower to the dealer a third time! I refused and purchased new pinion and wheel gears at my expense. Shabby warranty response!
View more 32 people found this review helpful
Wayne of St. Augustine, FL Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 23, 2016Top recommended by CR plus I've owned at least 10 Honda mowers. Almost always start on first pull even though 10-15 years old. Either takes 4 pulls to start or won't start at all. Autochoke. Today, it wouldn't shut off. Had to stall it. Bag won't stay on. Using new non-ethanol gas, checked the oil, air filter clean. I'd trade for a 10 year old 215 today or an older Toro.
34 people found this review helpful
Frank of Corning, CA
Original review: June 23, 2016Have had this Troy-Bilt mower with a Honda motor 13 years. Never a bit of trouble but once cord broke fixed it myself, no parts needed, just used the same cord. But one thing I did noticed was the cord wiring was out of time to start the motor. After I put it back together started a lot better. That makes me think the motor timing and starter cord need to be placed properly starting timing.
11 people found this review helpful
GEORGE of Council Bluffs, IA Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 8, 2016I bought my first Honda mower used in 1986. I had it 5 years and upgraded to the best Honda mower offered in 1991. It had shift drive, hydrostatic drive, self-propelled and an aluminum deck. What a mower! It served me until last year, 2015 when it finally had transmission problems. It cost me $679.00 in 1991, but it was worth every penny. Mowed 25 summers! In 2015 I replaced it with my third Honda. This one is a good mower, but even the dealer admitted that with a plastic deck and belt drive it was not the mower my old one was. You can still get shift drive and other heavy duty items but you have to get the commercial model and it is about $1,200. So far my new mower is a good mower. Starts easy and really does a better job of mulching than previous Hondas. Time will tell if this is as good as previous products. Hopefully they still build the best mower.
27 people found this review helpful
Joshua of San Antonio, TX
Original review: April 29, 2016I bought the 3-in-1 lawnmower for $400.00. Opened it up the next day, poured oil as required and gas as required per the manual. The lawnmower worked for 10 seconds before the auto-choke kicked back and stopped working. After 30 minutes of trying to pull back the rope, with the choke continuing to prevent that, we got it to get pulled out all the way. We started the mower on the already mowed portion, walked it a couple feet, and it stopped.
This mower was completely brand new! My dad always had great experience with Honda, but after reading all of these reviews, they have really gone downhill and only sell the worst product nowadays. Do not buy Honda! You'll be spending more time troubleshooting your mower than you will be mowing. From all of these reviews, I'm happy this happened to me the first day and not after a month where Home Depot wouldn't take it back, because Honda's customer service is obviously really crummy.
View more 50 people found this review helpful
Jeff of San Antonio, TX Verified Reviewer
Original review: Feb. 28, 2016I purchased a Troy-Bilt 130 mower with a Honda engine at the very end of last fall. I've used it a total of 6 times on my 1/2 acre property. It is already backfiring and dying under minimal load. The mower constantly clogs at the side chute as there is a lip under the body for some reason which forces the cut grass to gather and clog. I took it to a repair shop and they told me that the mower wouldn't run correctly due to the auto choke system and that it was one of the worst designs they have ever seen. Honda used to be the go to engine in the 80s and 90s. These days seem to be over now that they are having their products (as most other companies) made in China with inferior materials and assembly work. It was a good run while it lasted Honda but you've dropped the ball on quality over quantity.
40 people found this review helpful
Jon of Columbus, MT Verified Reviewer
Original review: Nov. 22, 2015The only way to start this thing is to: 1 First thing in the morning drain the carburetor, clean the spark plug. 2 wait till it hits about 70 degrees out. 3 Quickly turn on the gas and pull the rope. 4 When the tiny gas tank runs out of gas, let it cool completely. 5 repeat 1-4.
33 people found this review helpful