Thanks for watching! Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this video! You can get the Honda HRX here: amzn.to/2K8GeDG

I bought the Honda HRX217HYA in 2013 when I retired from law enforcement after 30 years. I wanted a zero turn rider but got vetoed by my wife who by the way was NOT retiring, so I settled for the Honda with the blade stop. Lasted 10 years with no problems at all! Essentially the same mower as the one you bought, slightly different handles and it had the blade stop. Took it to the shop I bought it from to adjust the self propelled mechanism and look it over for any oil leaks after 10 years. Got a call a few days later that the engine was seized up and I needed a new mower. I asked them how they seized up my mower since I ran it for them before I let them take it to adjust, etc. They said they took the engine apart to look for oil leaks! (I can't make this stuff up) and it would cost me 800 bucks to have them put it back together again! My lawyer is handling it now!

I bought the same mower last season. It was my first ever new mower I ever bought. It’s such a good mower that it helped me really get into lawn care. It’s feels like mowing with a sports car.

Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower kzfaq.infoUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.

Just grabbed this baby, been wanting this model for 3 years and pulled the trigger. Best mower I've ever owned.

Love this mower! Had it 3 years now and still going strong! 👏

I've had this mower for 7 years, it is the best mower I've ever owned, starts up first pull, even after the winter season, very powerful engine and cutting system goes through thick grass like a hot knife through butter, very efficient bagger, gets 99% of the clippings. The self propel acts more like an accelerator you can adjust to control the speed, which is a nice feature. There are some things I don't like, however, the biggest is the green knob CLIP DIRECTOR, it jams up very easily, and can be a nightmare to move, especially when you need it most. A lot of grass stays in the chute when you're bagging or mulching, which causes the select knob to jam. I don't care for rear wheel self propelled mowers, it likes to pop wheelies and miss cuts. Also, this mower was very expensive, even in 2016, was almost $600. I love the plastic deck, I had a Murray for 10 years before the deck rusted out. I'm sure this mower will last a long time with very little maintenance, that is until they outlaw gas powered engines, but to answer your question, yes, I would buy one of these in 2023.

Thank you guys so much. I purchased my first lawnmower today. I felt very anxious about putting it together & using it for the first time. After watching your video, I'm feeling very confident about everything❤

I just ordered this today. My old one just gave out! Thanks for the video ! 👍🏾

Just bought this mower and am so excited. I had a Snapper that could go thru anything, but was sooooo heavy to push around..even though it was self propelled. Had a Toro for a little bit, but gave it to my brother when he needed a mower (just went back to my super heavy snapper). Bought a Jonesboro with a Honda mower and it was decent, but nothing specia...was a spring special @ Costcol. I feel like this Honda is such a higher quality mower and is such a step up. My 11 yr old son is learning to mow and he's liking this so much more than the Jonesboro too...

Great info ! Thanks

Thank you very much for this great video. Mine is still in the box and know I know what to expect.

Just got one. Thx for the video and help good sirs!

Great video! I enjoyed the slow-mo when the mower first got goin.

Thank you gentlemen, mine arrives tomorrow afternoon. I am confident that it will do great

Just bought this unit. Having the ability to maximize the bag volume is a big plus. My Toro's chute would plug up when the bag became half full. My Honda's bag fills to 75 percent and the chute is always clear during bag removal. The powerful 200 cc engine doesn't bog in thick grass as well.

Very nice review! Keep the good work!

Picked up my HRX217 mower yesterday from Lowes. It was the last one in pristine condition off the top shelf. It's still in the box in my garage awaiting unboxing and set-up when I'm ready to mow. By the way, this is not my first Honda Power equipment purchase. in 1994 I bought a brand new Honda HS624 Snowblower and it has faithfully served me through sever upstate NY blizzards each and every year that it was needed to move many feet of snow. Starts first pull every time for the past 28 years, even after sitting all Spring, Summer and Fall each year. The truth is NOTHING runs like a HONDA!

Good morning, new subscriber, here! I'd call that a solid review. I own a GCV-160 and it's bullet proof and worth the money.. Nice lawn you have!

Lawn mowers are my favorite thing to do

I've had mine with the auto drive for over five years now. Love it's versatility.

OK - "trading up" from an old Snapper self propelled (commercial level), and heard lots of good stuff about the Honda 200 cc engine model HRX217VKA 21". Would have preferred buying from a Honda Dealer, but none of them had the mower in stock since they can't get supply. So ...... purchased from a big box store. So far, I am under impressed - first trial with Select Drive set to its lowest speed, I engaged the drive and the machine lurched forward and nearly jerked itself out of my hand. This started an "adventure" in trying to learn how this transmission works, and how to adjust it. After several attempts at trying to adjust the cable, I've got it set right where suggested in what on-line info I could get. In the yard, the speed is NOT consistent - it goes from a decent walking pace on level ground to no self propel at all going up a slight embankment, to running away with itself on a slight downgrade. This is with the Select Drive paddle depressed all the way - the only way I've found to control it is backing off or pressing slightly more on the paddle. This is a huge disappointment, since with the old Snapper, I adjusted to drive wheel to a set position, engaged the transmission, and it gave me a constant speed regardless of terrain - same in the driveway as in the yard. In the driveway, the Honda starts up, then lurches forward and I need to walk at about a 4 mph speed (15 minute mile, which I know well since I am a heavy walking exerciser) to keep up with it. This doesn't seem right to me - if I set the "select drive", it should go whatever speed I have it set to when the drive paddle is fully depressed - nothing more, nothing less - having to control the speed with more or less depression on the paddle defeats the whole purpose of a constant drive speed. Guess I'll either have to get used to it, or take it back - right now, I'm considering this, and am back to my old Snapper. If anyone reading this knows what I might be doing wrong, please write me a response - I used adjustment of backing the cable to where wheels lock up on pulling backward, then tightened it 8 full turns - then tried plus or minus 2 full turns from this, all with the same result - inconsistent speed, depending on terrain and surface the mower is on - huge disappointment .......

thanks for the video. just got one of these 😎

Thank you for the excellent video! I have tried everywhere to find one of the Honda HRX. My local dealer said they couldn't get them from Honda since they were a small dealer so I took a chance and ordered one from Mowers Direct. I had to order the electric start model as they were out of the one I wanted. I got the HRX 217HZA model. Your brother in laws lawn looks wonderful. Thanks again for the video.

Nice review video, looks like a great mower.

I've been using mine semi-commercial for the past 2 years and it's a beast. The blades dull easy so I bought a 2nd set and keep a sharpened set on me all the time in case I need to swap out.

Very good mower

Good vid and review

When doing lawncare don't forget ear protection. It gets plenty loud between this mower, a husky 360bt blower and echo srm225 trimmer. Coming from a motorcycle background (see screen name), I got started early with ear protection and can still hear well, some decades later :) A good set of ear muffs will go a long way, regardless of what your neighbors may think.

Im getting one but i want the one with Auto speed control-about $100 more. Im getting older and was gonna get a small rider but this looks better quality plus self propelled should help👍👍👍 prob my last mower😎

This is the best model. Mine is 8 years old. Solid. No issues. Just change me blade for first time.

Thinking of upgrading from my Honda hrr216vka mower.

Nexite is nice because you don’t have to worry about rust but I like the look of the steel version better. It’s sharp looking and much cheaper too. Just requires a little maintenance. Both versions are great machines.

Awesome review, you guys ROCK!!! I had my eye on this very model and finally. . . .1 year later purchased it last night from Lowes. It was a returned mower that wouldn't start, The oil level was too "low" and has a safety feature to not start. It was serviced then put out. I got it for 1/2 price. I cannot wait till Spring (UpState, NY) to finally try out the Honda killer 4 blade and Honda "director cut" system. Nice thick / green "TURF" you have btw. I will be mulching up the leaves in fall from all the maple & oak trees we have. I love my power equipment power by Honda- engine feels/sounds powerful too. I run 91 non-ethonal in all my toys. . .w/Sta-bil too for good measure.

Interesting you said “gotta get used to speed control” and “you’ll get used to it over time”. Also noticed your lawn is consistent and fairly level (nice yard). I bought one of these. My yard has more ups and downs, and thin spots in places. The self propel control was so difficult to use (speeds up in places, and nearly stops in others, regardless of where dial is set) I had the mower nearly lurch out of my hands several times. Mowed yard with it twice and had “thumb fatigue” from constantly having to adjust pressure on the paddles. I thought it was defective, so took it back and got another one. Same result. A self propelled mower should move at a constant speed sphere it is set (and not jump ahead or stop in places). It’s too bad Honda put this on such a nice mower, but it was a no go for me. You shouldn’t have to “get used to” constant speed changes on a self propelled mower. With the lurching forward, it could actually be dangerous. I’m back to my Snapper self propelled mower. A constant, reliable speed easily adjustable on the fly.

🔥🔥🔥

Just bought this bad boy because of your video. can’t wait to take to take it home and try it out 😁😁😁

"Sod in the back seed in the front" LOL!!! so smooth......... let me guess he's the cool in-law? Great unboxing video and thanks for sharing.

Man first off I’d like to say what a beautiful lawn you have 👌👌👌 This mower is my baby, love it and get compliments all the time about it. Yes it’s powerful, sturdy, light/mediumweight, and it’s very fast. For a little bit I was trying to find a side rear discharge chute for this model but I’m assuming this model is probably still new or they haven’t made it for this one, let me say that the rear discharge is a little bit of a pain in the butt if you’re mowing grass taller than 8 inches, and especially if you’re mowing semi wet grass, it will tend to get a bit clogged. For this problem I put a small piece of wood in between the little compartment by the spring henge on the inside of the rear side discharge panel so that the panel may have more open space for grass to discharge freely. I’ve had to cut several of my elderly neighbors yards, just in case you’re wondering 😂 Another problem I just recently came across with this mower is that the self propelled speed will tend to weaken or slow down should I say, to the point the MINIMUM speed setting does not work and the MAX speed setting moves like at MINIMUM, for that I simply adjusted the cable adjuster that runs to the transmission and now it moves fast like when I first bought it 👌 Other than that just check the engine oil level as this mower does burn oil a bit(big ass engine), change spark plug, air filter and oil once every season, sharpen blades(even new ones) every 3-4 uses, spray WD40 under the deck to protect from corrosion. 👌👌👌👌👌 Best mower ever!!!!!!

My brother-in-law has one of these, I tried it out, and that self-propelled works a little too well. The thing will take off on you if you turn the speed too high. Would've been cool to hear what he thought of the current electric lawnmowers like the EGO. I really want one of these Honda mowers though, I got a hand-me-down mower from the previous homeowner who left me an old Craftsman lawnmower with Briggs and Stratton engine.

I hope you have better luck than I have with Honda mower. I bought two of them over the years and after about 2 years the back wheels will lock up whenever you try to pull the mower backwards. It is flawed design in their self-propelled system. Cheap bushings apparently rust internally and cause this. There are many web and KZfaq posts about this. If you never have to pull it backwards, no problem!

Great mower. I love mine.

Gave it a thumbs up for the Milo hat

Great purchase! Great video. I got the HRX217HYA. Don’t regret the purchase at all!

Great video!!! I'm planning to purchase the same mower... Just a tip your brother-in-law doesn't have to pull the handle that hard..lol

Nice review! I always leave those protective films on anything I purchase. That way the film protects whatever’s underneath and if you ever sell it you can remove the film then and what’s underneath looks brand new! 😁

sheesh! that thing took off on him and popped a wheelie. hahaha i’m excited to test mine out. 😬

QUESTION: Does the transmission of this particular mower disengage as you withdraw (back-up) the mower from an obstruction? It all seems like one needs to struggle with the mower due to its weight....plus considering the awkwardness of a partially full clippings bag.

You can also partial mulch and bag at same time! Is it rear wheel drive? O deck wash port?

Nice Vid guys. Question for ya, when it's time to do a oil change, how do you get the old oil out. I don't see a drain plug

If your brother needs to mow next to bricks or concrete edging there is stainless steel protective strips that bolt to the outside edges of the deck and prevent scratching. About a 20$ accessory.

You two are a cute couple. Get a second Honda, his & his setup.

lol, that start speed was good

Sounds just like me. Think it out to a crisp.

I'm getting the honda hrn 216 pku

Now we know how a women feels when she gets a new set of cooking pots. Joking. Nice video could have said something in comparison. Great observations of all features in general. Does it have a cup holder?

I just purchased this as my first mower as recently becoming a first time home owner ( I have yet to unbox it). I don't know anything about gasoline, but I read that Trufuel is good because it doesn't contain ethanol, any thoughts?

Was wondering how tall and long it is when it's in the storage/shipping position? Can it be put in and taken out of this position frequently?

Did that oil come with the mower? I bought mine used. It looked brand new so It was barely used at all. I used it and then I thought; wait a minute, I haven't checked the oil and I wasn't sure if the last guy who had it put oil in it. I just checked it and luckily, it had oil in it so I didn't damage the mower.

Can you pretty much mow as fast as you can walk even if you have a very thick and pristine lawn? That's why I hate my current Craftsman one and am planning on getting this exact model.

Wanna know something cool? I got this lawnmower for Christmas! It’s Christmas right now for me

Is the electric start worth the extra 100 bux? Seems like it would break faster than a pull start. I'm looking at a HRX-201cc......any thoughts?

I bought this exact model, I think I would be happier with a premium Toro model, I do not like the speed control, I am constantly adjusting it, I have a small yard with a small riser from the sidewalk to the house. The full speed you literally have to run behind it.

Did it bother anyone else when he removed the protective film at the end 🥴

I watched another video recommending you drain the oil after 30 minutes when you first start the engine. Thoughts?

What was the music called and by whom.

Attaching the bag on the frame is assembly lol.

Absoluteley hate the push handle only lasted a few years for me-bouth the one with cruise control and has lasted 6 yrs and still feels new.

What’s the difference between the VYA MODEL and the YKA MODEL. THANKS

Whats the diffrence between. VKA vs VYA???

How good is the drive system

Nice review! One correction....It's not a "push" mower. It's self propelled..... :-)

Mine has never started on the first pull, usually, 3 pulls.

Does it come with a bottle of oil?

Most good mowers run close to $1,000.00 Anything less than $511.00 last about 3 to 8 years or junks. Many maintenance grass crews (landscapers, a fancy word or made for commercial uses ) love using Honda.

That guy doesn't know what to do with all that power 🤏🐓

12:04 I'm also stroke sensitive.

Buy from your local servicing dealer

i have 6 engineering degrees and work for nasa and spacex, therefore i too am qualified to check out the specs on this mower.

Damn, just bought a HRX217VKA today at HD in Baldwin Park, Caa. Added oil, gas, took for a spin. It stalls. There’s fuel leaking from the metal card float cover !! The bolt is missing !!! Metal cover drops off. Put it all back together and it runs, but my god where’s the Honda quality control ? What else is wrong with this $700 mower? Not off to a good start.

Is this hard on your thumbs?

I do not like the Honda select drive system,toro personal pace is much better in my opinion.

I don't like the design of this HRX model. You have to pull back on the bar to start the mower and once the mower is started, everything is running including the blades. So you don't want to start this on anything that could potentially be picked up by the mower blades (gravel driveway, road, walkway, etc.). Also, you can't walk away from the mower without it shutting off. For example, what if you have something in your cutting path (kid's toy) and you want to get it out of the way? You can't disengage the blades like with the HRX217HYA model, walk in front of the mower, move the object out of the cutting path and continue mowing without having to restart the mower. Given this is in the HRX model series, it should have auto blade shut off w/out having the entire engine shutting down.

I can’t imagine spending 1000 dollars on a push mower

What did you pay for this mower?

Price

I bought this mower and it started leaking oil in the 2nd year of use, and has never had much power when vacuuming the leaves up while cutting. Really disappointed in this mower and I guess thats why Honda has announced they are getting out f the mower business

I would really want to buy a honda mower, but that variable speed handle seems like total shit to me.

200cc is ow much horsepower

He don’t like it

Your barely cut much Do a proper test on some thick long grass

Base model ass lawnmower 😆 🤣 😂

you guys skip so many parts, I am super stuck watching your video

Honda doesn't like to cover known issues they have with their products. Never buy Honda