Thanks for watching! We're big advocates of shopping and supporting locals. If you're watching from a different area, here's the dealer locator so you can support a local business too. powerequipment.honda.com/dealer-locator
Very NICE demo of that great mower, Josh. Pretty sure this Honda model will replace my venerable 1990 Craftsman Eager-1 FWD 4 HP 22 inch machine, if & when it ever decides to 'give-up the ghost' ! (At this stage, it`s a toss-up 'who' will go first: me or it !) Every time I watch you demo one of these Honda mower models, I instantly think of PAYTON MANNING ! Have a great 2022 mowing season, son.
Very nice mower cream of the crop ,every one on Utube dose a good overview of the mower ,but no one explains the self propelled system, the nuts and bolts on how it works ,hill climb reliability is it belt driven
Have a 4 month old VKA, but I'm noticing the fuel shut off valve doesn't work. The mower will run with the valve to the full off position. I know this because I tried running the carb empty for storage but the mower ran for 15 minutes without stalling. Then one day I forgot the valve closed and did my entire yard with it in the closed position.
I have been reading through reviews on these honda mowers on HD and Lowes. Most of the complaints have been models with the roto stop where it disengages on its own over and over while mowing making it impossible to finish your yard. The other big complaint is the mower takes off under self propelled and/or just barely moves. And lastly was Honda not honoring warranty claims. And on top of everything else if you are unlucky and have problems parts are hard to come by making down time much longer than usual. This is just from reviews but there were more than enough to make someone uncomfortable to purchase. At least the higher end expensive ones. I am tempted to just buy the lowest hrn model and be done with it even though I really would like the roto stop and the neXite deck. I live right by the ocean with a constant onshore breeze. Rust is a huge problem. Been through many bbq pits and my last Toro deck is rusted through bad. Do you feel these are legitimate gripes to be concerned about or mostly just isolated incidents?
Talk to a dealer. Get your feedback from the pros not a box store. Constant disengagement is not common and actually easily fixed by a service shop (most dealers make proper adjustments prior to sending out). Drive issues again are generally associated with improper cable adjustments. Things stretch and need adjustments. I feel most complaints are a product of the set up and training can the product itself. And that is a direct association with the box stores. I have complete confidence in the roto-stop
Thanks for the quick reply. I did use your dealer locator and found a local dealer that I didn't know we had. I will go by there and talk to them. Thanks.
A couple questions. I've read this is rear discharge as opposed to side. Has that created any issues for you? Also, how does this mower perform on hilly sections of yards? Thanks.
Honda how about contractors, not good separate height adjustments, turns off when you release. Contractors just want the mower to keep idling and one bar for height adjustment. Honda that's a pain your set up. I have used Honda al, my mowing contracting years. Please correct
I agree with the poor design of the wheel height adjusters. The rear wheel adjusters are so chinsy you don't get the leverage needed to move to the next notch witout using a prybar to move them.
QUESTION: Does the mowers transmission disengage as you back-up the mower from an obstruction? Of all the Honda videos I've seen, none refer to the design and qualities (or lack of qualities) of the units' transmissions. Which Honda mower do you feel would best remedy these concerns? Thank you.
The transmission disengages, the wheel gears/pinions do cause resistance when pulling backwards. If they are sticking/dragging it generally comes down to corrosion in the rear axle holders.
@@Carlsmower Thank you for the quick reply. There is a Honda mower that "does" provide a free-wheeling "zero" resistance in the backward motion. Do you know what model that is? I've been model-surfing so many mowers of late that they all seem to be "running-together" at this time. Thank you.
Carl, Are there any BRAND NEW 2022 push mowers you would recommend? I think this actual mower you are demo'ing came out atleast 10 years ago? How do I find out when a particular model # was made, as in the year? Thanks!
@@Carlsmower One thing im not too sure about though is this deck. I have a lot of roots in my yard, so sometimes Ill get a root that can cause some drama. Ive always had steel decks and by and large, when I ran over a decent rock, golf ball, root, it was okay. How do you think this plastic type deck would hold up under my tough conditions?
@@loislane4583 the deck handles impacts fine. Generally the problems are cause by stress cracks due to vibration issues. Bent blade or crank……. Steel will do the same thing
I keep hearing about trouble with the auto choke failing in these mowers. has honda even adressed this issue? I bought one but not yet have unpacked it, since ive been hearing about these problems with the unit. I'm debating on retuning it and getting a toro super recycler. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you:)
Are they still making the hrx217vya? Been having a hard time trying to find one in alaska. I love my vka but want the bladestop feature of the vya... and i love the select drive so not wanting the hya model. Thanks!
@@ryanfoley9999 There is not a gator blade that I have seen for the Honda Mowers and traditionally it is not necessary nor the right blade style for that mower
Hi Carl - I'm having a difficult time getting my stihl chain saw to start. I've cleaned the filter and even added attention stabilizer to no avail. After the end of each season I empty the gas. What can I do to get the saw to fire up?
Thanks for watching! We're big advocates of shopping and supporting locals. If you're watching from a different area, here's the dealer locator so you can support a local business too. powerequipment.honda.com/dealer-locator
I bought the Honda HRX217VKA three years ago and I still love it. Honda makes the best mowers! 👌
Very NICE demo of that great mower, Josh. Pretty sure this Honda model will replace my venerable 1990 Craftsman Eager-1 FWD 4 HP 22 inch machine, if & when it ever decides to 'give-up the ghost' ! (At this stage, it`s a toss-up 'who' will go first: me or it !) Every time I watch you demo one of these Honda mower models, I instantly think of PAYTON MANNING ! Have a great 2022 mowing season, son.
Hahaha-- Are you saying I'm the Payton Manning of Honda Mower demos?? That's awesome!
@@Carlsmower Well, you`re definitely an ALL PRO at what you do, son !
Very nice mower cream of the crop ,every one on Utube dose a good overview of the mower ,but no one explains the self propelled system, the nuts and bolts on how it works ,hill climb reliability is it belt driven
yes it is belt driven replace the belt every 3 years
Don't forget to add the side guards
Have a 4 month old VKA, but I'm noticing the fuel shut off valve doesn't work. The mower will run with the valve to the full off position. I know this because I tried running the carb empty for storage but the mower ran for 15 minutes without stalling. Then one day I forgot the valve closed and did my entire yard with it in the closed position.
I just bought a hrx217k6vka what does k6 stand for? Thanks
I have been reading through reviews on these honda mowers on HD and Lowes. Most of the complaints have been models with the roto stop where it disengages on its own over and over while mowing making it impossible to finish your yard. The other big complaint is the mower takes off under self propelled and/or just barely moves. And lastly was Honda not honoring warranty claims. And on top of everything else if you are unlucky and have problems parts are hard to come by making down time much longer than usual. This is just from reviews but there were more than enough to make someone uncomfortable to purchase. At least the higher end expensive ones. I am tempted to just buy the lowest hrn model and be done with it even though I really would like the roto stop and the neXite deck. I live right by the ocean with a constant onshore breeze. Rust is a huge problem. Been through many bbq pits and my last Toro deck is rusted through bad.
Do you feel these are legitimate gripes to be concerned about or mostly just isolated incidents?
Talk to a dealer. Get your feedback from the pros not a box store. Constant disengagement is not common and actually easily fixed by a service shop (most dealers make proper adjustments prior to sending out). Drive issues again are generally associated with improper cable adjustments. Things stretch and need adjustments. I feel most complaints are a product of the set up and training can the product itself. And that is a direct association with the box stores. I have complete confidence in the roto-stop
Thanks for the quick reply. I did use your dealer locator and found a local dealer that I didn't know we had. I will go by there and talk to them. Thanks.
A couple questions. I've read this is rear discharge as opposed to side. Has that created any issues for you? Also, how does this mower perform on hilly sections of yards? Thanks.
Hills bring them on. Rear discharge with grass under 8” works fine
Honda how about contractors, not good separate height adjustments, turns off when you release. Contractors just want the mower to keep idling and one bar for height adjustment. Honda that's a pain your set up. I have used Honda al, my mowing contracting years. Please correct
I agree with the poor design of the wheel height adjusters. The rear wheel adjusters are so chinsy you don't get the leverage needed to move to the next notch witout using a prybar to move them.
QUESTION: Does the mowers transmission disengage as you back-up the mower from an obstruction? Of all the Honda videos I've seen, none refer to the design and qualities (or lack of qualities) of the units' transmissions. Which Honda mower do you feel would best remedy these concerns? Thank you.
The transmission disengages, the wheel gears/pinions do cause resistance when pulling backwards. If they are sticking/dragging it generally comes down to corrosion in the rear axle holders.
@@Carlsmower Thank you for the quick reply. There is a Honda mower that "does" provide a free-wheeling "zero" resistance in the backward motion. Do you know what model that is? I've been model-surfing so many mowers of late that they all seem to be "running-together" at this time. Thank you.
@@Klaatu-ij9uz the HRN series pulls back easier.
Would you say this is a better lawn mower than the Toro timemaster 30"?
For many lawns yes. Lighter and more maneuverable, also the durability factor.
Carl, Are there any BRAND NEW 2022 push mowers you would recommend? I think this actual mower you are demo'ing came out atleast 10 years ago? How do I find out when a particular model # was made, as in the year? Thanks!
The HRX217K6VKA came out 3 years ago.
Really nothing “new” for 2022. Maybe 2023 will bring the next evolution
@@Carlsmower Thanks for the reply!
@@Carlsmower One thing im not too sure about though is this deck. I have a lot of roots in my yard, so sometimes Ill get a root that can cause some drama. Ive always had steel decks and by and large, when I ran over a decent rock, golf ball, root, it was okay. How do you think this plastic type deck would hold up under my tough conditions?
@@loislane4583 the deck handles impacts fine. Generally the problems are cause by stress cracks due to vibration issues. Bent blade or crank……. Steel will do the same thing
@@Carlsmower How do you feel about AWD mowers? Which one caught your eye?
I keep hearing about trouble with the auto choke failing in these mowers. has honda even adressed this issue? I bought one but not yet have unpacked it, since ive been hearing about these problems with the unit. I'm debating on retuning it and getting a toro super recycler. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you:)
The autochoke is something Honda has been using and improving for 10 years. The problems with them today are close to. On-existent.
Are they still making the hrx217vya? Been having a hard time trying to find one in alaska. I love my vka but want the bladestop feature of the vya... and i love the select drive so not wanting the hya model. Thanks!
Honda has been having a very hard time producing mowers this year. We got 4 VYA's last month May 2021 we are hoping for more in June
@@Carlsmower thanks for that quick reply! Guess ill stay patient and keep checking regularly till i find one available.
Does this model still using the ratchet sounding transmission or the newer transmission used on the new HRN models?
The HRX transmission/wheel ratchets are unchanged
Hey Josh does Honda have the HRX with the 200cc & the spin stop.
Yes HRX VYA and HYA and HZA
Hey Josh I have a question for ya when you get time does Honda make a gator blade kit or do you not need it with the dual blades thanks in advance.
@@ryanfoley9999 There is not a gator blade that I have seen for the Honda Mowers and traditionally it is not necessary nor the right blade style for that mower
Ok thank you Josh I bought the mower it should be here bye friday.
Josh I'm so so excited
Hi Carl - I'm having a difficult time getting my stihl chain saw to start. I've cleaned the filter and even added attention stabilizer to no avail. After the end of each season I empty the gas. What can I do to get the saw to fire up?
Are you flooding it?
The HRX217HYA has a far better handlebar (and controls)
Thanks @robnation.
The HYA is good for many, that said people with smaller hands or that are used to other brands do appreciate the select drive.