Thanks for the video. The torque specs on the blade bolts is 36-43 ft lbs.

I also have one of these mowers...it's been great. I bought it ~10 yrs ago when on end of the season clearance at Home Depot. Paid roughly $500 for it new. As others have pointed out, you don't screw the dipstick in when checking oil level..you just "dip" it in until the threads hit the top of the tube and then remove to check oil level. Mine has the 190 engine and it takes 12 ounces of oil, not 20. I wouldn't recommend using gear oil in the crankcase either...if it were needed, the engine manufacturer would recommend it. I use a dedicated synthetic 10w-30 small engine oil that's specifically formulated for small, air cooled engines...it contains more anti-wear additives than current generation automotive oils, and it can withstand higher operating temperatures. Blade torque is 36-43 ft lbs, and I'm careful about using anti-seize on anything as it can result in over-torquing. I'm a little disappointed about the recent recall of the 170 and 200 engines for the decompression cam mechanism...the camshaft on these engines is plastic. I guess it works, as it does on my 190, but it seems cheesy. My other mower, worthy of mention, is a John Deere 14SB...it's a beast. The thing has been used in quasi-commercial use, doing up to 10 yards per week. I've had it for 30 years now and it still runs great. Kawasaki engine with pressurized lubrication (oil pump), and I added a spin-on filter. Engine is all original and doesn't use a drop of oil during a season of use...same engine oil as I use in the Honda. Repairs over the decades: New wheels, one new transmission, couple cables, one new carb, one blade-brake clutch. Not bad considering the age and use it's had.

Do not screw the dip stick in when checking the oil on a HRX 217.

I’m in Australia and I bought one probably 6 - 8 years ago. I got it brand new and cheap. I use it a lot as I mow lawns including my own. Great mower.

I agree. I got my HRX217HXA about 20 years ago. Best mower I have ever had. Hands down! 👍👍 I would make a few recommendations: (1) Use ethanol-free fuel, unless you really enjoy cleaning or replacing the carburetor -- not to mention the drama of dealing with the gaskets as you do so. (2) Use engineered fuel for long-term storage. I have used TruFuel for 5 years and have never had trouble starting the mower in the Spring. The same for my snowblower. (3) Change the oil at the end of each mowing season. Minimum. (4) Carefully check and replace the fuel lines and fuel line filter as needed. (5) Keep the mower deck clean and lubed. (6) Lubricate the carb control panel and lube the throttle and speed control cables, as well. Love my Honda mower! Thanks for a great video!

Arch you made some great videos, I took apart my carbutetor and cleaned it up wirh gum out, engine starter fluid and compressed air, it started on the 1st pull start. Great advice, tanx meng!

I have had this mower for 20+ years and it is the Best Dam Mower on the PLANET! 🤩

Have this 11 years now goood product.

I have the same mower. I bought it from one owner, 1 year old. (No electric start). I payed $500. I have an older one I bought in 2012. Still using it. Great mowers.

l Arch , love the old lawn boys excellent cut and also fogs the backyard not a mosquito alive Lol

Great Teacher.

Great video! Thank you!

Best dam mower review and maintenance video on the planet! Excellent work and thank you for sharing!

This is the best video ever. I love the detail and the great knowledge. im waiting for my new honda lawnmower to come off back order. im on a waiting list. I can't wait yo get it.

I love them . I just bought 2 brand new still in the boxes HRX217HYAs . I dont know when ill use them as i have a gardner now 😂. Next year im moving i plan on doing my own thing I just want to make sure i have one .

Love my hrx217hza

Just got mine in great shape $200! Score!

I greased the front axles. I also greased the rear axles and cleaned and regreased the rear wheel gears for the transmission

I use a Dremel tool with a tungsten carbide rotor bit to gently sharpen my blades on my lawnmower. It removes very little of the steel while doing a back and forth motion and can sharpen the blade like a razor. Also I only use premium gas with a stabilizer in my lawnmower and Mobil One 10-30 oil. The premium fuel has more detergent in it and keeps the carb clean. I have a John Deere JX75 that is 24 years old. Have worn out four sets of wheels on it and three blade clutches. Hope this Honda HRX with a hydrostatic drive last as long. The John Deere is still running, too bad they quit making them!

Arch is meticulous as me ! ❤

Arch almost positive most Honda engines require dip only to check oil do not thread in. Normally they have a decal that shows that on the dipstick side but maybe this model is different. At Eliminator we had a Honda HR214 that we purchased in 1988 used for $300 Cdn. basically what you have but with aluminium deck. All we did was keep under deck clean, blades sharpened and oil change ever year it was our personal mower. Even when the recoil rope broke and only had 1.5 feet of pull it always started first pull. Sold it fully serviced in 2020 for $250 Cdn so it cost us basically $50 to use it all those years. Only problem with these units is the cost of replacement parts if you need them but maintained rare that anything happens to them. Other than the limited edition MTD Stainless Steel Pro mower i rate this as numero uno!

I agree best 21 inch on market been mowing commercially with one since mid nighties never had any problems

Honda says do not thread dipstick when checking oil level. Just stick it in and pull it out.

Curious which super clean product or alternative product you recommend to help keep the plastic under deck area clean?

I bought the HRX2176HZA for this season, haven't gotten to use it yet .

My only 2 complaints: 1- I’m only 5’10-11 ish. And the handle feel too low even at the highest of 3 settings. 2- I thought it could be stored vertically (sales person) - nope.

Arch i will put my 2008 Toro Super Recycler with a Briggs & Stratton engine against any mower. His name is Mordecai & has started on the first or second pull for 14 years. Because i keep it maintained above and beyond the most stringent maintenance standards/schedules & blades sharpened monthly while cutting every 3 days during the growing season my lawn benefits as much as possible from the mowing process. I understand all the hype surrounding the Honda engines & the reason the market places premium prices on them. They are great engines. But Mordecai has something for them....

On a scale of 1-10, the HRX 217 is an 11 !!!

I have one of these I bought second hand 7 or 8 years ago. It was actually built in 2008 and still runs and drives perfectly. A 537, which is the European model no, 21"=53cm. But built in the US. A great mower, but on this side of the Atlantic the new equivalent is €1300.

I have my old Honda HRX 217 VYA model still running strong by changing the oil filter spark plug and running ethanol free gas only. Curious since I used to modify motorcycle carburetors... have you found a main jet or carb kit upgrade, governor upgrade adjustment to give it a little extra power?

I just bought my first single family home with a yard (currently in a town house with an HOA that mows the lawns) and now I need to get a mower. I’m looking at the Honda HRX217VKA, which a a bit of a step down from yours. Do you think it’s worth spending the couple hundred extra on the model you have? My yard is just over a 1/4 acre.

I have a Honda XHRT 217. Itsbeen dormant for about 6yrs. Added gas opened up fuel shut off valve to the run posion. I tried to start it, no light off. I pulled out the air cleaner, it was fairly clean. I bought a spray can of engune starter spray it started but when the starter fluided ran out the motor shut off it ran good for about 4seconds. This is about 10yrs old there is only a pull rope and a foldable cable and spring loaded handle and the self propelled handle. Can you help me?

Went to get a mower yesterday and was surprised how many were electric, and only a small few that were gas. With such short runtimes and being inherently weak I just don't see why theyre so popular. Do have a electric trimmer though, but you only used that for places you cant mow so its use is shorter thus battery less of a hinderance. Anyways I ended up getting a Honda HRN216 and ended up returning it today. One of the bolts on the mower blade either was torqued wrong or got sheared off and ended up jamming bending the spindle/crankshaft. Put new blades in and now it vibrates like a fancy hotel bed. Luckily was able to return it for a full refund at home depot. Sucks though since I really liked the style of self propulsion and linked wheel adjustments. Debating atm on what to try next, even trying a hrn again, but man been hearing bad news on it. Was surprised how exposed the belt is when I changed the blades. Easily could get stuff in there and just knock the belt off. Atm thinking of a HRX, or going Toro. But honestly I'm not to keen on toro's propulsion system. I do like their sealed design unlike the HRN/HRX that has the belt exposed in some respect. Also Toro is a bit weaker, and the HRN to me was weaker than I'd like to. Likely going to give the HRX a try. Its alot to spend 1k on a mower for me, and being SOL if it goes down especially out of home depots 30day defect no hassle return policy is a bit of a worry point.

I just got the HRX217 and it is insanely impressive. How tough do you think the nexite deck is in terms to long-term abuse? Should I return it and get the hrn216 and sacrifice 30cc to get a steel deck?

✔️💪🏽👏🏽

Sadly. The greatest mower on the planet is no longer made. October 2023 the last one rolled off the production line. I was lucky enough to have just bought a new one here in Canada this week. It was the last at the dealer in my area. Here in Canada they are called HRX2176HYC. I think the C is for Canada. I don't know what the 6 is for. Anyway, Americans get three more variations than us. Lucky!

On my mower, the blades stay engaged. Nothing wrong with cable and springs. Any suggestion?

A lot of maintenance to consider. Maybe it’s time to buy a battery-powered model? Great video for proper lawnmower maintenance though.

Damn it’s over a thousand pounds here in 🇬🇧

Mine won't stay running. New carb, air cleaner, and spark plug. Just got a new cap, then will try the coil, then pull the valve cover. Very aggravating.

Y

My HRX217 Really good parts, cut is probably the best, but self-propel sucks. Drive shaft at wheels uses a bushing instead of a bearing and wears on the shaft and can lock it up. Honda could have designed this better.

Its a Honda!

25:54! Is it possible that you don't know how to properly check the amount of oil on this type of oil level gauge??? Well, it's logical that if something ends up, then you'll just touch the gauge, otherwise you have it in the picture on the engine itself. The oil level gauge just fits, and it should not be screwed in!

IF you hit a rock or any objects the deck will crack. The deck gets dry brittle and crack

Actually these mowers have become Maintenance nightmare! I have one that leaks oil and the compression piston is faulty. You can find tons of people on KZfaq talking about these continuous issues! Must be why Honda is getting out of the mower business. I’ve always loved Honda mowers, but I just wasted 700 dollars on a mower that I work on more than I mow with!

I'm reading that Honda will be discontinuing their US manufacturing of gas-powered lawnmowers? Hard to believe they have the best mowers? They state the following: The decision to end lawn mower production is driven by market forces such as stricter environmental regulations, shifting customer preferences, and our focus on growing profitable products in our portfolio." SAD, I was just getting ready to buy a new Honda mower. No battery-powered mower for me. It's still about those damm batteries charging.

Honda has now stopped manufacturing lawnmowers for good.

Ya don’t even need the power start, it’s an easy one pull start mower

Can't save your video 😞

Planet he says! Show me the curvature (you can't it doesn't exist)! We live on a plane not a planet or a pear! Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: Circle (מעגל) not a ball (כַּדוּר)!

ERRF IS NOT A PLANET….🗣️📢 ERRRF DOESNT BEND🤔🥴

20 oz of oil…….its only 12 oz. You completely over filled it!!!! Know your specs, people depend on your details

Honda is useless to me as it doesn't have side discharge. I live in Florida and cut grass all year long. In Florida bearings are too much trouble to service. Metal bushings are better in Florida.

Also has quit making mowers.

Worst mower I have ever owned! Broke down 4 time in 10 months the first year I owned it ! Good luck with Honda warranty, they don't care !!!! There is a reason they quit selling mowers

This guy has no clue what he’s talking about and just makes stuff up. He’s a tinkerer and makes things a bit too complex. You don’t need to mix different oils together. No one sandblasts their spark plugs. The motor is not ‘partially oil cooled’. What does he mean by ‘you can’t go by torque when doing up the bolts for the blade’.

Arch, I’ve been thinking about mounting a spare vice I have outside so I’m not covering everything in my garage workshop with steel and rust particulate. What do you use to prevent that vice from rusting? Probably old motor oil, if I know you by now! 😉😂👍🧰🔧

TOO MUCH FANBOI BS. ABSOLUTELY NO SCIENCE. JUST CONJECTURE AND PERSONAL OPINION/GOT SOLD ON SOME ADVERTISEMENT