So You Own A... Honda HRX 217 HYA Mower- The Best of the Best

[@anthony7828]

Would love to see Honda come out with a 30” nexite deck mower. Semi commercial. I’d be all over it.

[@tsminnal]

It will be nice but I would hate it since I just got mine a day ago! lol

[@anthony7828]

@@tsminnal you’re gonna love it. Best machine on the market. I’d use mine as a backup if a 30” commercial with nexite deck and clip director came it. Guaranteed purchase. Enjoy your hrx

[@anthony7828]

Hey Honda.... read this post and let’s make a move, no?!?!
Build a 25” & 30” semi commercial versa mow. It’s that much a terrific machine and I, as would LOTS of others - we’d be all over it. Keeping the clip director, nexite deck, twin blades, folding handles and keeping the 200 motor or introducing the new 223 motor would be ideal. Also... changing the wheels would be a good idea. Currently, the wheels are not so good. Great size but individual height adjusting sucks as does the runner always coming off.
My God how excited this would make me. Now Honda, shake a leg and let get these 25” & 30” mowers built and to market. Thank you.

[@zacharyking4475]

I've been saying this. Take my money honda !! Hahaha

[@LeonMTan]

yeah but what motor for it that is a question.maybe honda should develop a 230-240cc engine for it

[@cengeb]

My Honda mower is 35 years old now self propelled,works great...and still starts first pull, cuts great, a few wear and tear items over the decades, the die cast housing is still perfect....

[@craigc1463]

Just picked up a used 4 yr old model of this bad boy for $200 CDN !!!!!! The guy had 20 people contact him in under 30 mins from posting. I was the 1st to send a deposit & Ive never looked forward to mowing the lawn more in my life! LOL

[@bobstranzenbach4700]

One holds the blades, one hand holds the drive.... didn’t realize that first time out and thought I blew it by getting a self propelled mower. Figured out what you just said day 2. Wished I’d been told about that. Very nice info vid. Thank you. 👍

[@johnfaustus1]

A couple of pointers for current (or better yet, new people considering this):
1. Auto-choke is a step-down for anyone with even 5 mins of experience with small engines. It's a PITA if you have to restart because the wax has heated up and opened the choke, but the engine temp is still too low to be restarted with open choke. But this issue is the same with any auto-choke system.
2. Not many accessories available for this, but there is one: 06761-VH7-000AH, the mower deck side rails (~$15). I felt on a ~$850 mower, these should have been included standard.
3. I would personally never use water to clean the underside, because of roto-stop clutch - too easy to get water in there, and not get it all out even with running afterwards.
4. If this is your first Honda, there are some curious, but empirically sound advice Honda gives you in the manual, that many people overlook: i) when mulching, mow counter-clockwise, if bagging, mow clockwise, ii) before stopping for the day, first lower the throttle (bet you were wondering why the mower even has one if it is to be run at full RPM whilst mowing), and turn off the ignition, and then close the petcock, iii) be gradual and deliberate when engaging what they have labelled "Blade Clutch" (which is their Roto-Stop)...it really is a clutch, and if you just 'dump the clutch' but grabbing the lever too quickly you will stall the engine (just like in your car).

[@sebastianmizzell7541]

Have not changed the oil in at least 15 years. Still runs great and starts on the first pull.

[@stevedemeter5629]

I've had this mower for over five years now and it is the best. I have the 190cc version. Love all the features. High quality low maintenance high end mower. You get what you pay for. One pull every time. Versa mow is a awesome feature too.

[@DawnJiang-kd6me]

I own the hrx 217 hya with gcv 190 for 5 years. One pull every time. High cut quality.

[@JonRob134]

I've had the same mower with the 190cc engine. Forgot how long I've had it. Over 5 years for sure. Great mower!

[@brandonstaley1289]

I just bought this mower the hrx217hya and it is simply amazing. If you are considering this mower or on the fence, BUY IT! it is a bit expensive but it is worth it, it honestly is. I couldn't be happier. That being said, I am coming from a 2003 Toro super recycler with personal pace and it only has mulch as a cutting option. It bogs down so easily nowadays. However it still runs great and starts 1st pull. It has been very reliable and a great mower but I needed a new trimming mower for my lawn care business and went with the Honda and am so glad I did.

[@Carlsmower]

Your HRX will last you for a long time! I feel confident in saying this because it sounds like you took good care of your 2003 Toro!

[@stirv6462]

How is it to pull backwards when you release the drive? Does it completely release quickly and allow you to pull it back easily when you're trimming around stuff or is there some drag or a bit of lock up?

[@jimmcknight3021]

I just picked up one of these that was only used 2 months, because teenage son was too busy to mow due to extra- curricular activities. His parents end up with a lawn service for their yard and I get the mower for $500! Thanks for the tips. It helps a lot.

[@christianmorie9685]

😋 😅

[@noelpeterson5591]

My ride-on mower did over 200 hours with the same oil & filter. Just changed it yesterday it was still pretty clean.

[@ApostleBabajide]

I just bought the Honda Power Equipment HRX2176HZC HRX Hydrostatic Electric-Start yesterday $1,240.00 CAD. I can't wait to put this machine to test. Thank for the great review and how to operate it as well.

[@anthony7828]

In keeping with the hopes that Honda comes out with a semi commercial 30” nexite deck.... please also keep the clip director part of it as well.

[@allegory7638]

Starting my third season with my HYA, bought it because of the hydro drive. I always shut off the fuel as I finish the yard and run the carb dry. Also use fuel treatment. Thank you Honda for the fuel shut off.
Hands down best mower I've ever had

[@Carlsmower]

Great testimonial

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Ive had a toro that I abuse, ise terrible fuel, leave outside, ect and it runs like a champ. Honda seems fonnicky

[@haroldphipps7606]

Used my HRX217HYA for the first time just yesterday. Definitely will have to get used to the hand placement on the controls as it is totally different than my 10 yr old HRR216. However, it cuts very well and I'm super happy with it. Well worth the $779 price tag!

[@Carlsmower]

Good to hear!

[@jonyoung6405]

I still use a 1997 Snapper 21 inch Hi Vac . Your old Honda only lasted 10 years?

[@haroldphipps7606]

@@jonyoung6405 Oh no. It was still going strong! I ended up giving it to my nephew when I bought the HRX.

[@estebanavila2217]

Good price because their going for $879 .

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

@@estebanavila2217now $1000

[@DawnJiang-kd6me]

Ive have owned the hrx 217 hya mower for 5 years the gcv 190 engine. I bought it back in 2018 at homedepot.

[@aikz5]

I recently purchased HRX217HZU in Australia. This model came with electric start plus pull cord.
TBH it’s a pure luxury with ease to start and cruise control to mow without any extra effort ❤
One thing I noticed that front wheels go up in the air when bag is close to half full.
Anyone experienced similar and how did you work around this?
Thanks for posting such informative video.

[@michaelwiley6979]

I have the HRX217HYA in the US and noticed the same, but I also noticed that if I had my cruise control set too fast I'd run into that, but if I slowed the mower down to where I'm pushing just slightly instead of trying to keep up with it, that changed.

[@Charlimike24]

I got the very same mower, but is the EU version called HRX537 HY. It is the same machine, just produced in the belgium plant. I run mobil1 5w 30 full syntetic oil with matching spec, and permanent on Aspen gas. It is a great mower.

[@reginaldsmall3766]

Use amsoil. I used to use Mobil 1 then switch to amsoil 10-30. Amsoil 100% synthetic

[@cengeb]

Mulching blades work great, i gave up bagging decades ago, got the mulche blade kit, work great, and the grass is better, the nutrients go back into the grass

[@danielchapter70128]

Twenty years down the road?? It will be illegal to manufacture gas engines by then, and who knows if you’ll be able to even purchase petroleum? That said, I just purchased one!! 🤖
I love the Hondas. I figure I’ll take great care of it, for when it’s hanging in my lawncare museum 🥲

[@benlyons7752]

Thank you. I enjoyed the content and just got this mower last night. It’s still in the box!

[@Carlsmower]

Great to hear, Ben! Let us know how it does for you. And, next time go to a local dealer, they'll put it together for you and put fuel in it so all you have to do is start it. :)

[@gr7485]

One of the best reviews I've seen so a huge "Thank You!" for the excellent video. I bought this same model 4 days ago for its mulching ability and I'm glad to say it does the job very well. It will be nice not to have deal with the bagged clippings. 👍

[@Carlsmower]

Glad I could help!

[@justjojo1666]

I have the 2021 Honda HRX HYA.

[@teleguy5699]

What is the best height to mow your grass? I know Summer and Fall are different, but using this mower as a substitute for my rider which always cut low to be effective, this Honda set at 2 1/2 for my lawn has made it pop. It's never looked so good. And the half mulch half bag option for my one acre-ish lawn, the bag takes a long time to be half full and the clippings are so tiny. The bag is so easy to remove and replace too. Love this thing. And thanks for the help when I called about the deck spray. You guys are great.

[@mkamps89]

Thank you for this video. SO helpful! I love my mower!

[@pitchpines3851]

Good tips. Have an HRC 217 and it’s been a great mower.

[@Carlsmower]

Thanks!

[@cengeb]

I leave the setting on the highest setting, so the grass stays green in the hot summer

[@teleguy5699]

I got mine at 2 1/2 and my grass compared to my low cut rider looks awesome.

[@Raider1836]

Great review, and instructional video!
Thank you!

[@edwardmcmillenjr8443]

Do a 2022 line up of all the new honda lawn mowers(self propelled)when they release them.great videos...I like the stihl trimmer line install video..it cleared my questions on how to replace trimmer line.

[@Carlsmower]

That’s a great idea. I had plans on doing a full Honda line review this year but have not been able to have all models in stock at one time.

[@douglasbaker5949]

I always run the bagger on mulch until the last 10 minutes then full open to bagging setting, clippings collect even when fully closed and putting on bagger setting blows all the clippings out.

[@douglasbaker5949]

Run the gas engine dry at the end of the season. Been doing it for years best way, works great on all my gas engines.

[@nadiaelbaroudi8747]

What king of gas need for this. Is it regular?

[@douglasbaker5949]

@@nadiaelbaroudi8747 91 octane no alcohol in the gas but I’m drinking alcohol.

[@mikedougherty1491]

Excellent stuff. Thank you!

[@MichaelSBend]

Can you please tell me the additive that you used in the video for people that are stuck using gas that has ethernol (Corn) in it.
Thanks for the great video as now I no how to engage the blade.

[@dougpence3862]

I just quit on a Honda HRX217HXA after 17 years of absolutely problem free use, nothing at all! Cut 1/3 of an acre every 10 -14 days, only changed the oil every year, and spark plug every other year, that is all...nothing replaced or adjusted. Period. God I miss that mower now...I replaced it with a real piece of S**T Toro battery mower.

[@douglasbaker5949]

Best leaf mulching is to have mower set to the second lowest notch.

[@Carlsmower]

They do that well.

[@ryzer349]

As close to a perfect video as one can be. Thanks.

[@franciscoperez6356]

Good stuff, Thanks !

[@elfiero50]

If you go to your local airport you can buy ethanol free fuel from the self service pump

[@Carlsmower]

Good tip

[@teleguy5699]

They let you on the flightline to do that?

[@jwad297]

Great vid. Start the machine on fast throttle you say? I think I've found my problem. Merci.

[@Carlsmower]

It will be easier

[@skliros9235]

You do great videos. You should have links to the products and your shop.

[@Carlsmower]

Good idea!

[@pmaint1]

Is there a coating that can be sprayed on the deck to prevent grass from sticking?

[@markking7889]

It should be put in the turtle position before even shutting down and let it run about a half minute before shutting off.

[@appleztooranges]

I gave up on my Honda hrx217hya. The mower won’t start first or second pull no matter what. Brought it to dealer and they said normal! First Honda I never could get it to start up first pull! I replaced thermowax, ethanol free fuel, and new spark plug. Nothing helps

[@vrod1a]

Any good brand name 10/30 oil is good, Honda doesn’t make engine oil.
Use high octane ( premium ) gas and ad a fuel stabilizer, each time at the end of mowing turn off the gas valve and let the mower run till it stops,
Never tip it on the air filter side,
Disconnect the spark plug cable and pull the cord several times till you find it really hard to pull, that piston on top and valve close position to prevent hydro lock, then tip it to gas shut off side,

[@douglasbaker5949]

The return spring on the transmission is way to heavy and eventually wears out the holes in the brackets. Get new brackets and replace stock spring with Oregon spring 05022.

[@Carlsmower]

Interesting problem and solution.

[@markd9105]

I read a lot of reviews about resistance when pulling it backwards is that normal?

[@berettaguy7445]

Are there any issues when pulling this backwards, i.e. wheels locking up or excessive resistance? Thank you.

[@chiaricharlie6608]

Love my Honda mower, any word on a Honda electric hrx?

[@anthony7828]

What is the upper and lower blades cut degree set at for sharpening 30° 35° or 40°???

[@everss02]

yeah I do, no more crap toro :)

[@speedRacer05]

I have a dumb (to most) question. I like to push my mower and use the drive when I need it (I'm old and need the exercise). Can you do that with the HRX21K6VKA or does it "click/cause issues"? I'm hoping this model will allow it. I believe it's belt-driven

[@teleguy5699]

The clicking is perfectly normal and you can push it manually if you like. For me, (an old guy myself with bad hips) the drive is great for the hilly parts of my yard as the HRX 217 is not a light machine. The 16 is lighter.

[@oscarc2250]

Great Video lots of info on your channel.
My HRX217 (1 month old) is leaking oil under the head cover, it is NOT over filled and only tilted to its right side (filter up) when cleaning it with garden hose.
Any suggestions? Thanks for your help👍🏻

[@Carlsmower]

We have had it where a few of the overhead cam or overhead valve cover gaskets leak I would bring it back to the dealership where you purchased it should be a fairly simple warranty repair

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Seems to be a common complaint.

[@anthonys7534]

I blew mine up because of that leak. Ran it out of oil after neglecting that small oil leak

[@ninja636stunta]

Great review. Do you like this or the variable speed self drive better? Can’t decide which one to get.

[@Carlsmower]

My hands really like the variable drive (VYA) but I know I’m going to get roasted for saying this. 😉

[@JohnWick-ph9lv]

Hi is Honda - HRX2176VYA is used gas as fuel or can I put petrol in it specs says gas. Please advise

[@erichammond2466]

Not a fan...I've owned a Honda with the nexite deck and it did not pick up the grass clippings as well as the HRC216 Commercial. The HRC is heavier of course and cuts and picks up better. Again just my opinion. Love the ergonomics especially the manual choke.

[@Carlsmower]

Hard to beat the HRC.

[@johnfaustus1]

Just a minor quip: this isn't technically the 'Cadillac' of Honda's residential series - there is one above it: the HRX217HZA (in America, or HZC in Canada). It's exactly the same as this HYA/HYC, except the HZA/HZC comes with electric start :)
And those sneaky Honda product guys priced it only ~$100 more than the HYA, making it an easy sell for many buyers.

[@gr7485]

Even Cadillacs come with various option packages so technically it can still be referred to as a 'Cadillac' model.

[@johnfaustus1]

@@gr7485 No...the electric start is not an option on the HYA. The HYA and HZA are 2 different models, where the HZA is top of the line, and HYA below it.
Anyway, let's just enjoy the mow.

[@gr7485]

@@johnfaustus1 The way I see it John is Honda (where I live anyway) has grouped their models by the three digit prefix. The HRS, the HRN, the HRX, and the HRC. The suffixes describe how each is configured or as I call it optioned. Let's just say we'll have to agree to disagree. Cheers.

[@johnfaustus1]

@@gr7485 Fair point.

[@BobMckinsey]

Does Honda have a 0 Turn ?

[@douglasbaker5949]

Love my Honda but it does have a few weak points that need to be addressed.

[@Carlsmower]

What model Honda do you have?

[@douglasbaker5949]

@@Carlsmower HRX217K5HYAA GL

[@rightsideofthegrass8114]

I have used HRX217 mowers for many years. I've gone through three machines, working on my third one right now. The weak point that I discovered are the handles. They break right at the point of hinge. I have eliminated the problem by bolting the handles to the bracket. I'm the only one running the machine, I know the height. I have no need of making an adjustment, or need of folding the bars over itself. Therefore I've taken out the hinge point and bolted solid with two bolts on each side to the bracket. This has eliminated the breaking of the handles.

[@sir34ster]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Purchased the VYA today. Would you use the TruFuel
110 oz. 4-Cycle Ethanol-Free Fuel for the Honda VYA? It is sold at Home depot or what would you recommend Thank you. Thanks

[@Carlsmower]

For off season storage yes, for in season an ethanol free fuel would be great.

[@sir34ster]

@@Carlsmower thank you

[@dennispratt3344]

Hi from the uk i have an old honda lawnmower if i sent you some pics could you identify the model please? i have the serial no but i need the modle number for spare parts thanks

[@Carlsmower]

We can give it a try. That said models outside of US were generally different. Email them to [e-mail]

[@user-wd5ml7jm8v]

2 question. 1st when you park it for the week should I turn the fuel valve off or keep it on? 2nd when washing the deck should I turn off the fuel valve and disconnect the spark plug cap? Just didn’t hear any off these small details! Could you clarify please? Thanks.

[@Carlsmower]

I would not worry about the fuel shut off during short term storage, but it does not hurt to use it (until your forget to turn it on).
Safety wise yes disconnecting the spark plug is always a good idea, the fuel valve will be on top so it should not matter.

[@teleguy5699]

@@Carlsmower I did that 2nd cut. Mower dies, I freak out, then I realized I had turn the valve from shutoff. Doh!

[@n1tmtu37]

I have a quick question about this model. I have one and just went out for my second use. The first time, I mulched with no bag attached. This time I was gonna try the Versamow so I slid the bar over to bag but it wouldn't go all the way. I opened the bag cover and noticed it was full of clippings. Is it normal for the clippings to fill the void between the slider door and the bag cover when on complete mulch? I noticed there is close to a half inch space around the top area of the slider door.

[@Carlsmower]

With lighter/drier grass I do see this happen.

[@n1tmtu37]

@@Carlsmower Thanks a lot. I went back to the dealer and their floor models looked the same as mine so I suspect it's just the nature of the beast.

[@guybretz4423]

Valves stick????

[@odionmarlenearhelo7804]

Please what's the best gas for this? premium gas or regular gas?

[@Carlsmower]

Best Ethanol free, generally around 90 octane. 2nd is premium with a stabilizer
I don’t recommend regular

[@mossymaple]

If they made this in a true 2 inch cut then it would be even better. Otherwise it's only 19 inch cut.

[@brandonnn9543]

Anyone know how to fix a bent crankshaft on this mower?

[@Carlsmower]

Ouch!!

[@douglasbaker5949]

Had to have the transmission cable replaced after 1 year.

[@Carlsmower]

Did it get pinched?

[@douglasbaker5949]

@@Carlsmower not sure it broke and I looked at it and decided it was a bit more involved to change and couldn’t find any videos on UA-cam on how to replace it.

[@nyquil07na38]

Can you by pass the auto choke or not have this option?

[@rightsideofthegrass8114]

No, the choke system is integral to the design. It has a wax unit that is embedded into the engine block that controls the position of the choke.

[@airgreek]

The manual says the opposite to offset the wheels the back one notch higher than the front why is that?

[@Carlsmower]

I would recommend level or 1 notch higher in the rear. Level will give you a better cut, higher in rear allows better more air to enter under the deck. So if you are cutting to much off you will need to do that.

[@LeonMTan]

@@Carlsmower i also heard different saying about front/rear level,some says front should be higher other says the opposite. personally i do the front 1 notch lower for this mower but my other mower likes the opposite way.very interesting.

[@Carlsmower]

@@LeonMTan you will see a serious scallop effect by placing the front 1 notch higher.

[@LeonMTan]

@@Carlsmower like i said my other mower works better with front 1 notch higher.

[@rightsideofthegrass8114]

I have used three HRX217 mowers for commercial purposes for many years.I have worn out too, and I'm working on the third one. For most of those years I have adjusted my deck with front being in the fifth notch, the rear being in the fourth notch. In other words the front is a little higher than the rear. I do not see the scalloping effect that some suggest. I have cut hundreds of lawns this way, different kinds of lawns, different kinds of grasses.

[@mgp-bct7723]

How come Honda they don’t make 30-35 inches with 2-3 blades mower :( ???

[@Carlsmower]

Good question. I’ve got to imagine they are looking at a mower similar to the Toro 30” but time will tell.

[@dvdfrnzwbr]

Honda’s decision to exit the U.S. gas-powered lawn mower market. The company officially plans to cease all production of gas models by the end of September 2023, selling off its remaining inventory through 2024.

[@qualitylandscapeandhauling7942]

Can you use this mower for commercial use ? My father only mows 4 homes a day . He’s older and wants a lighter mower.

[@Carlsmower]

It is not commercial Mower but we do have some commercial operators using them as a lighter option.

[@qualitylandscapeandhauling7942]

@@Carlsmower Here in Los Angeles California, they have stolen 2 hrc 216 from him. So he doesn’t want to get another expensive mower and have it stolen for a third time. That’s another reason he is looking for a cheaper mower but still good. I will talk to him and see if he decides to go with this model . Thank you for your response !

[@jonyoung6405]

What mowers fo you use? I like my Snapper 21.

[@qualitylandscapeandhauling7942]

@@jonyoung6405 My father is using a very old one who his friend gave to him. I’m looking to buy a hrc216 . But nobody is selling them .

[@rightsideofthegrass8114]

I have used HRX217 machines for about 15 years. I have worn out two and I'm working on a third one now. I have mowed hundreds and hundreds of lawns with each one. The motor remains stable, and has never been a problem. The first two failed with transmission failures. The mulch / bag feature is extremely useful.

[@esexavo]

can you upgrade the gas tank to a 1 gallon?

[@Carlsmower]

Honda does not make a fuel tank upgrade. Sorry

[@deepsky7206]

With Honda getting out of the gas powered lawn mower game, these machines will be just as expensive as a Cadillacs
My HRX217HZA is the best mower I've ever owned and I will pass it down to my son

[@Suncast45]

Mine is a piece of junk. Only 4 years old the trap makes a nasty grinding noise from the blade clutch. I'm too old to fix it myself and am aware it is the bearing.

[@cengeb]

And I got 3 Stihl products,

[@Johnnybananass-_]

Renml❤❤

[@marcbrown6131]

I think it's better just to run the gas out of it

[@Carlsmower]

Definitely one approach. We see higher failure when it is simply ran out of gas. But I know plenty who take that approach.

[@cengeb]

Hose, hey, don't call them Hose...

[@johnwilliamsonpmpcsm4514]

So, where are you located, what is the business phone number? Thanks

[@Carlsmower]

We are located in Ferndale WA. [e-mail]

[@jamesosekowsky8303]

The way you describe......you should work for Biden.

[@Carlsmower]

I haven’t considered being press secretary. I think I’ll pass 😉
I do my best to speak honestly and from experience.