I thought your bangs in this video were sexy AF!

I've owned the hrx217hya for 3 years, paid 729, and it is hands down best mower I've used. Tons of power, excellent cut, and it mulches like a maniac.

The sticker that pulled up was just the engine model name. Synchronicity. I just purchased​ this exact mower earlier today at Home Depot and got it set up no problem. Ate through a tall lawn no problem. Really pleased. The dual blade system mulches better than anything I've used before.

Just bought the toro recycler rwd stow away Saturday. We had snow in Cincinnati Friday night as well, but not much and it was pretty much gone by Saturday afternoon. So, I got to break it in. I'm very happy with it.

I have the Honda that’s a step up from yours. No paddle to get mower to go. Has kind of a set it and forget it speed selector. Also has the blade stop. Absolutely love it. I originally bought the same mower you have but took it back and upgraded to the one I have now because I didn’t like the paddle to make it go. I couldn’t agree more on the cut quality. Glad your a fan of the Honda 👍🏼

Glad to see you got your hands on one of these. I love my Honda HRX, it's an awesome mower. I think stepping up to the next model with the blade clutch and the hydrostatic transmission is worth it if you've got a larger lawn. I do agree that the Honda price point is too high, but they are proven to be some of the best mowers out there and they last a very long time. The engines alone are virtually bullet proof.

I bought one of the electric-start versions of these last spring, and absolutely love it. A couple comments: I am 69 years old, and found the "active" propulsion a little different as you did, when I first got it. After using it for a while, however, I got used to how it works, and now I enjoy a "leisurely" mow. It just takes a little while to get used to how to set the control. Also, up north where I live, I have found that what is most likely to end a mower's life is not a worn out engine, but a rusted-out mower deck. That was reason #1 that I got the "plastic" deck model. Annndddd.... once an old geezer like me gets used to the electric start... you can guess the rest.

I absolutely love my HRX217. I have had it for 6 years now and it does not have the same controls at that one does but mine does have blade stop. it still starts on the first pull and mows amazing strips.

Just bought the hrx 217 today used it on some small commercial propertys . It's such a beast with that 200cc engine . I cut through 2 foot of grass moving pretty fast and no double cutting it was great, tomorrows Sunday, I could use a day off but I'll probably just go cut grass lol 😁

Last summer while visiting my parents I did the lawn. My father's aluminum Honda is over 30 years old and it started on its first pull.

I've had my HRX for over 4 years used commercially we use it twice a week in properties that our 36 Wright doesn't fit and its been extremely reliable not one issue.

I’m still using my dad’s old key operated, battery start up, aluminum deck Honda he had me use to mow the lawn as part of my chores when I was younger! I took it in to a Honda dealer and all the guys fawned over it. Told me never to get rid of it. It’s an integral part of my lawn domination arsenal!

I just want to say thanks man! For all the info you give us and it's free. Really appreciate everything

I use a HRX217 bought last July at my In-laws yard. Going to this mower from a Craftsman 6.5HP push mower cut 15 minutes from the front yard alone, very large front yard. This is my first self propelled mower and man-o-man do I love it! With the dual blade I can mow almost twice as much yard before having to empty the bag. I added a digital hour meter to keep track of mowing time and for oil changes.

Bought the Honda model last year thought it was a step up from the Toro Personal Pace I also enjoy it and like you said if you take care of it it should last you a long time

I just bought this mower and it great with St Augustine. I like that each wheel can be set to its own height all the way up to 4 inches. Speed control can go up to sprint pace if needed. Not sure it would be safe to run behind a mower though. But maybe a second cut pass could be done a lot faster.

You are right about them lasting a lifetime. My HR215 HX is 25 years old and still DOMINATING!

I bought this same mower, went with the Honda cause of the more power and love the numbers with the height adjustments and that they basically line up in height inches, cause I cut 3 different grasses in my yard alone.

Great video! This mower is my next purchase. I have an attachment to my HR 215 PX. 27 years old and still going strong!To remove stickers or even decals, apply feathered heat using a heat gun or hair dryer. It softens the glue and the target will peel right up. Take your time and don’t overheat! Thanks for all you do!

Have the HRX217 since 2007, had to change the transmission after the 6th year. Still starts on the first pull, no other issues. Just finally put a new set of blades on after 11 years. Honda quality and refinement is awesome. It'll probably last another 10 years.

I purchased this mower in April-2018 so far I love it. I get a wonderful cut every time. I like to cut my grass at 3" recently I started using Milorganite and Scott's weed and feed in my lawn for clover and dandelions. My grass looks like a green fluffy carpet. I actually love to cut the grass now twice a week.

Great mower review! I have the HRX2174HYA which is the "top of the line HRX." Really happy with it after 2 years. I only use ethanol-free TruFuel which I can pick up at Home Depot in cans. I can only fit a small mower through my gate, so I can't get the Toro or a riding mower. Love the two blades and mulching. Love the lightweight plastic (same material as football helmets, apparently?) deck that I only have to clean twice a year and won't EVER rust. The grass clippings peel off like paper, so easy. The deck will outlast the engine, probably. I HATE cleaning the mower, so this is worth the price tag in my opinion. I love that it can go up to 4" too. I LOVE that the mower handle sits so high. For 6' tall people it's perfect and doesn't hit me in the nuts constantly. The gas cap sucks. I have to keep a strap wrench in the garage in case I screw it on too tight. I also hate the clicking it makes when you move it and it's not turned on, but that's just the self-propel. It's also not as light as my simple Walmart push mower, but it's self-propelled, so meh.

I just got one this Friday and love it - You did a great review - Thank You!

Great review! I own these mowers and couldn't agree more! The Toro's are definitely more comfortable but the Honda's performance is what keeps me buying them.

Thanks for the review, I purchased the HRX217K5VKA after watching your review. I was very hesitant because of the price, but after doing extensive research, I made a decision after your review. I took your advice and went to my local lawn equipment store, but they could not match the 10% (veteran) discount I get from Home Depot, so I ended up making the purchase at Home Depot. I told the guy that I would like to purchase from them as they were the same price, but the manager said no. I’ll still take it to them if I need service or parts. Assembly was quick and easy, it started on the first pull and after letting it run for about three minutes to allow the RPMs to settle, I was off for my for mow. I turned up the speed to half way and it almost got away from me. I was surprised by how fast it moves and it perfect on my back yard with the hill, I was able to turn it a bit and took the hill without a problem. Thanks for the awesome review, I’m loving it so much that I cut the yard again the next day, told my wife that I had to dial in the cutting height.

Nice review! Have had an HRX217 model for almost 6 years, absolutely love it!

I bought a Honda lawnmower 4 years ago,and only use non ethanol fuel and the Darn thing starts up on first or second pull all the time . I love it!!

Got mine, same Honda in2017. Best mower I ever owned love it, it’s the Cadillac of mowers!

I ordered this same model last week. Can't waiit for it to come in. First time home owner, first time mower. .45 acre lot of newly sodded bermuda

I was really set on getting the Toro Timemaster until I started to research it more. It took me a while to convince myself to accept the fact it has a B&S engine and eventually I did. Then I started reading of all of the issues that have been reported with the TimeMaster. So, I think I will consider the Honda again. Actually I think the Truck-Cut reel mower is back in play.

I'm glad to see you got a Honda I purchased one like that last year I've been happy with it. I did see a piece of grass the other day few more months to go. Thanks from Alaska

I bought their top of the line Honda with electric start. I love it! I will say...it's good to have at least two mowers. I have an HRR as well...One for the front...One for the back.

A major problem with the Personal Pace system is the handle height actually changes by a couple inches, which is a huge negative for tall people like myself. Both the Honda HRX 217 and the Toro have similar starting handle heights but the HRX remains constant whereas the Toro gets shorter and causes me to bend over even more.

I have been using Honda Mowers with the nexite deck for years. They are awesome and hold up great I own a landscaping company and my mowing crew puts as much use on it in a month as a homeowner does in a year probably they cut great the engines run great are very rarely give any trouble. I do buy the step up from this mower that has the blade stop and cruise control hydrostatic self propelled drive. But the cut is the same.

i think you nailed it. if you could combine the honda cut and the toro personal pace in a 24" package that would be the machine.

Super excited to try out my new Lawn Mower. My family just bought two hybrid cars and I was tired of gasoline and oil so I'm giving battery mowers a try. Bought a SNAPPER XD 82V 21-inch Self Propelled. Got it off Amazon of all places (and it was super easy). I really like it. Super quiet and only maintenance is the blade!

This popped up randomly today in my feed. I forgot that I bought my HRX based on this video, but I have one that is 2-3 models up from this, with the blade stop and throttle levers. It is so choice. I think it was $749, but totally worth it. Definitely mows at a double quick pace though.

Bought the Toro 21" Personal Pace® Honda Engine Super Recycler® Mower (20382) Last year. Cuts the 4.5" I need for my Fescue that my 1986 Toro didn't. The '86 still started first time, every time - amazing.

Love the salute to the garbage truck, sir! Great review of the HRX, been looking forward to this. It has definitely solidified my buy since I'm a Honda guy through and through. Great analogy on the Active/Audi for the mow. Can't wait to #EnjoytheMow

I bought the next model up yesterday with the 200 motor and the blade stop. Cut quality is excellent. Starts easy. Only complaint is its weight distribution and needs another 1/2” of height adjustment. I mow 23 lawns. I have 2 i have to use a 21” and bag on front lawns. I have an exmark 21” x series, excellent mower unless u run on a slope. Believe or not though i used for 10 years a troybilt xp on these yards. The cut quality was excellent, bagging excellent, on slopes it performed great. The balance of mower was great also. I liked that mower enough i will be rebuilding the motor this winter. You ought to try these mowers

I totally agree with you about the cut quality- I've had 2 of these with the hydrostatic transmission. But the transmission both burned up in 3 years. Now I buy a new troybuilt every season like geek to freak did.

Great review, just bought this mower 2 weeks ago and the cut is great. Honda all the way

I've been waiting for this video since you teased you bought this last year. Reaffirms my purchase. Thanks Alan!

just got the hrx217hya did a mow with it and loved it compared to the craftsman mower i was using before. great little grass machine for sure

Just bought a $600 Honda from Home Depot. Started 1st pull right out of the box

Unsolicited reviews are the best reviews... I am seriously looking at both brands right now for a new mower, thanks a ton!!

Good to see you with a Honda. I have the same model and LOVE it. Nothing cuts better.

This is great. Best channel ever!!

Always a good thing when you can squeeze in some “Good Fellas”!

Great review... The 201cc Honda engine and lifetime deck warranty , rear drive self propelled , 90lb and cut quality = 599.00

Love my Honda lawn mowers I have been using them all my life in Australia

Hey I have a question about blindside I hope you can answer. I put blindside 1 week before easter when it just got into the 70's as the label suggests for centipede but that was late in the day and a cold front came in and it was well below 60 degress for the next couple days. It warmed up to mid 70s during easter and now all the centipede has turned green except where I spot sprayed the blind side. I dont know if I sprayed too much or if it is because of the below 70 degree temperature. Do you know if it will come back or will I need to pull it and re seed it. (The centipede is so dried out right now it looks like it wont come back) I did water the 2 days after the application and i have put 1.5 inches of rain per week (.5 inch about every other day)

Thank you, good review.

I just got mine. Mowed the lawn 2 times with it. Once you get used to the self propel mechanism it is pretty much variable speed with how hard you push down on it. I also put it into my neighbor's field. It was above my knees. Cut a 6 foot track and 200 cc motor barely slowed. Best cut I've ever had and mulches grass to nothing. Also don't have to worry about it rusting out.

I have had that same model since 2012 and it still works just as well as it did then. Great mower, although I do agree with you on the price.. about 100 bucks to much. Great video as always.

Funny, as I replaced my old Honda with the plastic deck with a used TimeMaster about 5 years ago, and just replaced the Timemaster with a new Honda with the blade stop (one step above yours.) Over the years, my TM leaked oil, vibrated, lost parts due to vibration, and I had to install a hi-lift kit to keep it from clogging the deck, but then I could only bag unless I put the low-lift blades on. And the fuel tank was too small, which is the reason why a landscaper traded it in at the dealer I bought it at. The Honda is quiet as compared to the TM. And it cuts great, as you said. I'll miss that 30" width, but with that width came a bigger bag, which was difficult to get the clippings from into lawn waste bag - weight and width. Negative on the Honda - when the bag is getting full it offsets the balance on the mower, more or less popping wheelies. The TM the bag would deflate. The bag on the TM is definitely better construction, but I guess if it was better construction on the Honda, it would be too heavy.

This is all I need for my small yard. Thanks for the review 👍

I just purchased this mower today. So looking forward to cutting my grass!

I bought a house back in November. I haven't had a need for a mower yet but with spring approaching, I decided to go out and price some mowers today. I wasn't intending to buy, but while I was at Lowe's they tried to sell me the display model for this very mower - HRX217. The deal was 300 bucks for a mower that sells for more than double that. This thing is out in my shed right now. I intend to fire it up for the first time next weekend or maybe the weekend after.

A hairdryer works very well to soften the adhesive when removing stickers. Any residue left from the adhesive is safely removed with Naphtha w/o harming the plastic. Naphtha is use in making adhesives, and is why it works so well in removing the adhesive that is left after removing the sticker.

Active Audi comparison was spot on!! Every time I get in my wife's it has some serious pickup you don't get in other cars.

Do you think it's worth getting the HRX217VLA with the keyed start with a couple of other extra features?

At our safety traing at work, we are told that if you start to trip or fall while carrying something, you are to "toss your load" so well done LCN!

Nice to see some green grass and some blue sky. 👍

Will it mulch the snow we’re supposed to get in Chicago tomorrow? lol I think it’s January 71st!! 😜

just put my new Honda hrx217hya out of the box this weekend so far so good lets see how it work if I miss a week of mowing when my grass is nice and thick

You should definitely try out the new Super Recycler! I bought one last year, the one with the Toro engine and blade clutch.. I've got 51.2 hours on it now, and it's been flawless. Very nice machine. 5 year warranty, too!

Allyn, I'm trying to decide between the Select Drive, Personal Pace, and Smart Drive control systems. Which one would you recommend for a yard with a lot of slopes and bumpy/blotchy grass?

Hey Allyn, when you compare the honda to the super recycler, what does the honda do better that gives it the best cut quality? Less missed blades? Less torn blades?

Thanks for the mow,yes I'm in Michigan lol

Thank you for all of your videos! My neighbors are already asking me how my lawn is so green.

I have the Honda top of the line. I love that you can take the bag off while it's still running! Also the electric start that is self charging.

My brother is loving his Toro Timemaster. He has a larger yard and actually sold his rider after trying the Timemaster. I just purchased a Super Recycler and so far I like it, but have only used it a couple of times. I am recently retired, have a lot of tight places in my backyard, so I needed a mower that I could pull backwards easily. At the dealer, I found that the Super Recycler was the best for this directly compared to the Honda HRX217HYA. The Honda felt like you had to pull against a gearing system that never really releases; the Super Recycler feels like it free wheels backwards. The personal pace is something I have never experienced before and I think I am going to really like it. My two cents, Oldgrassfarmer

Can the self propel speed be adjusted down? Minimum setting is too fast. I only use it sparingly uphill.

Had one since... 2006?.. when they first came out. Awesome series of mowers.

I started mowing with my Honda when I was in middle school. I still have the same Honda and it's used now commercially. Now, I am approaching 40 and have several crews that mow for my company. They STILL use the same Honda to mow. The controls are different but the deck and basic platform seems to be the same. The price was expensive back then as it is today but it comes down to you get what you pay for. Truthfully, I wish Honda would come over to the commercial market to compete. If you look at the products that Honda puts out (whether its cars, generators, mowers or equipment that uses their engines) they are always at the top of the reviews received.

Love my honda i use it commercially and its great, tires are bald now, will buy a new one soon

I purchased the Honda HHR216VKA a couple years back $399 plus tax. I love it. It has the aluminum deck. Obviously the HRX217 with the Nexite deck is a step up. I simply rinse my deck with a water hose, then allow it dry in the sun. My initial reason for buying a Honda was I was looking for a mulching mower that mulched the grass the proper way to help reduce thatching. It certainly does that. The only issue I had, was there were a couple things that I noticed that required tweaking a bit. Main one was, it has rear wheel drive, so the front wheel 'free wheel'. They did not spin very easy at all. It would actually cause the rear wheels to spin/slip. I tried lubricating them with a good silicone (NOT WD-40), and it helped a little. The fix was to remove the washers, measure their thickness and basically sand them slightly thinner about .003 on my mics. The wheels need to spin easier without adding any sloppiness to the wheel. If their sloppy, that will cause issues down the road. The other issue was I found that the tension pulley for the drive belt was not working right. Silicone lubrication fixed that issue. That improved the function of the drive system. Starting it was not what I thought should be. Removed the spark plug and found the gap to be to wide. Re-gapped and replaced plug, now it always starts usually the first or second pull.

I bought this mower and love it . I actually use it. I do your tips and hey presto my lawn is looking freaking awesome! There is some (morning glory) and I can't get it out the stuff is malignant.

I've got the GCV190 that has the blade stop clutching system. It sure was pricey, but it absolutely delivers the best cut I have ever seen. It also doesn't have all of those plastic controls and stuff on it. I can't recommend the Honda enough, but at the $700+ price I paid, I completely understand why folks would want to consider a larger mower like the Time Master.

Agree with you about the "aggressive" nature of the HRX. I have the one with Roto which means that it has a bail arm that one lifts to engage the propulsion. When you get to the end of a row and want to turn around, you have to release the bail, turn around, and then reengage the bail. That gets a bit old when you are mowing back & forth on a large lot. If you don't drop the bail & try to spin around on the back wheels while the propel is still engaged,, you will have to fight to keep the mower going straight because of the still engaged transmission. That's my gripe about the HRX which is otherwise a great mower. The Personal Pace, by comparison, slows to a stop when you stop & want to turn - much easier.

Besides the TIME MASTER, what is the other toro you have in your garage in the video? A regular recycler?

Still semi slow growing here but just did my 3rd cut (should have been 4th cut) here in Maryland. My neighbor called me and told me the grass smelled good!

Smooth switch up of the costa's. What style were the 1st ones? (green lens)

Hi Al, I have toro timemaster and need directions on adjusting the pace mode, i either am pushing the mower or it takes off on me. Any directions on how to get it running smoothly would be much appreciated. Thank you Mike Z

about two months into this, i love this mower. I wish it has a couple more cut heights between .75 and 2 inches though. Not the best settings for us Bermuda owners that want to mow low.

The opening of the video with you mowing with that super duper camera angle 360 view was awesome.

Honda 30" mower would be amazing. I had an HRX and the only reason why I changed was for the 30" deck.

soooo torn and confused!! i'm caught choosing between there toro stow and go and Honda hrn. love the idea of stowing it..and no oil changes with toro..but am i giving up power, etc.. and other perks the honda offers? which is superior and will last? i have a medium size yard with not many obstacles

The hrx-hxy model has the separate speed control that allows you to set cruise speed. I like it much better than the paddle and it comes with the blade stop. Worth the extra money IMO. I’ve had my Honda 3 years now and it cuts much better than my personal pace Toro. My blue grass lawn looks like plush carpet when I’m done. I have two sets of blades and keep sharp blades rotated three times during the mowing season here in the Midwest.

I have the top of the line HRX with the blade brake clutch and the hydrostatic drive. It is an awesome machine! It's light, and it's got a lot of power! It delivers a phenomenal cut and the hydrostatic drive is simply amazing! My only complaint is that the autochoke can be finicky on occasion.

I use a 21" craftsman electric start front drive bagger mower mostly in recycle mode. It sure likes to collect grass debris atop the deck.

Best mower I ever purchased yes a little pricey but that dose come with the name and Quality that you get with the Honda glade to see you feel the same way

Alan, How is the mulching abilities? I live in a HOA where it costs me extras of money and my Husqy is not cutting it for bag-less cutting. I want there to be minimal to no chunks of grass (preferably not be able to tell whether I bagged or not). Backstory I do cut to the same length on a weekly or bi-weekly basis if there is a lot of water. Appreciate any help.

I just went from the older model of this, to the Ego line. Not as much power and the single Ego blade doesn't mulch as good. But overall switching all my gear to Ego has worked out so far. The 7.5Ah battery in the mower rarely gets below 75% remaining, and I have 2 5Ah in reserves from the trimmer and blower. Now I'm just trying to figure out what to do with my old Honda 217 and Echo trimmer, they're going to be wasting away in my shed

Ive owned the HRX217 for about a year now. My grass is very lush and dense. This mower walks much slower for me than what it looks like in your video. Also, I have a canal in back with about a 15 degree slope or so. The self-propelled is useless back there. I have to push like heck to help it move. How would you compare the drive torque on your Timemaster to the Honda?

LCN paracord bracelet looks like great quality.

Hey Al.... big news... enjoyed the first mow of a lawn I laid back in October today!!! Great stuff. I’m in UK and to best of my knowledge I’ve got TTTF and perennial rye (might be way off the mark tho) I know you say cut tall but when the grass gets to approx 2inches it doesn’t stand tall, falls down on itself? Any advice!!?!

I just bought the same one except I have the new GCV 200 engine on it so far I love it

Five years ago I went to a large independent lawncare store to buy a Honda. They had every model of Honda and Toro side by side. The salesman convinced me to buy a Toro and save about $80. He said you can't go wrong either way, but when they get the rare warranty request for a Toro the company fulfills it no questions asked. With Honda, he said, you might need a lawyer. My Toro has fired up on the second pull after each winter down period without fail. It'd be nice to have a lighter mower but I like the Toro's personal pace system. Can't really go wrong with either brand, though.