Honda mower deck height. Honda HRN216 Lawn Mower Series

Honda HRN216 Lawn Mower Series

Honda Power Equipment celebrated its 35 th anniversary with plenty of fanfare and with the launch of the all-new Honda HRN216 lawn mower series. This lawn mower is built new from the ground up as a replacement for their most popular line of consumer mowers.

Honda HRN216: Replacing the Honda HRR216 Lineup

When you sell 300,000 lawn mowers a year from just one line, normal thinking says to keep crankin’ ’em out. But Honda Power Equipment isn’t satisfied to sit still and they’re replacing the HRR216 series with the Honda HRN216 line.

To put that into perspective, it’s like Honda replacing the Civic with an all-new model. They sell 300,000 Civics and HRR216’s every year.

Power Plant

The biggest difference for the Honda HRN216 is the engine – a completely rebuilt GCV170 engine. It moves from 106 parts down to just 39. It’s easier to service, has better fuel efficiency, 9% higher power, and 18% more torque than the GCV160 it replaces.

Honda HRN216 Review. The Best Lawn Mower at Home Depot.

It also features an all-metal transmission, something that’s uncommon for this class of lawn mower. Because Honda manufacturers both the engine and the transmission, it’s a perfectly designed fit. Other options often pair an engine and transmission from different manufacturers that they have to make fit.

It’s still a residential engine, just a more powerful one. It still fits the same footprint from the GCV 160, allowing it to mate to the same equipment. Here are a few of the smaller changes that make a difference:

• 60% larger diameter fuel spout for easier refueling
• Oil fill moved higher and closer to the crankcase
• Tool-free air filter access
• Easy access to the spark plug on the upper front of the engine
• Easier to assemble carb stud bolts
• One-way strip down that doesn’t require removing the entire engine to access and replace the crank
• Improvement in the auto-choke system
• CycloFlow – a compact combustion chamber with a longer stroke and stable combustion across a wider operating range
• Exhaust noise tuned to a lower frequency that isn’t as irritating

Honda GCV170 Specifications

• Engine Type: Air-cooled, 4-stroke
• Displacement: 167 cc
• Choke System: Automatic and manual
• Oil Capacity: 0.4 L
• Fuel Capacity: 0.9 L
• Fuel: Automotive grade unleaded
• Efficiency: 1.4 L/hr at 3600 RPM
• Dry Weight: 22.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 16.34″ x 12.99″ x 14.14″

Honda HRN216 Performance Features

The Honda HRN216 series comes with Honda’s twin-blade design, making it more effective at mulching. When you bag, the clippings are smaller and you get more grass in the bag so you’re stopping to empty less often.

They also increased the chute diameter, making it tougher to clog. In Honda’s internal testing, the new design made a fast 5” cut 131′ – more than double the distance the HRR 216 made before clogging (62′).

We were all set to do some high-quality cutting in Honda Power Equipment’s backyard when a thunderstorm interrupted us. I did get to cut for about 15 minutes and it’s pretty impressive in wet grass on a regular maintenance cut. We’ll do some more thorough testing, including in taller grass when it arrives at our world headquarters.

If you’re familiar with Honda’s HRX mowers on the commercial side, the 3-in-1 Clip Director makes its way over to the new line. This is a lever that closes off exit airflow for mulching. If you want to bag or use the rear discharge, flip it over to the bag setting and roll. There’s no plug to worry about.

Here are a few minor fixes compared to the HRR216

• Optimized the deck dome for better grass movement when mulching
• Closed off a couple of small grass escape points
• Eliminated a bagging obstacle in the rear deck

Other Features

Sleeker Design

A side-by-side look at the HRR and the HRN216 shows that Honda is going after a sleeker, sexier design is an improvement over the previous utilitarian look.

The design team goes with a 2-point height adjustment system – one lever on the front axle and a second on the rear. Using a rivet to connect the solid rod to the wheels, it creates a rigid construction that resists the torsion you often see from a 2-point or 1-point design.

As an added bonus, you can tilt the front end up a notch and bag more effectively than when all 4 wheels are level.

Combined with its heavy-duty 21” steel deck, it’s a solid, durable machine.

Rise and Drive

There are 7 height adjustment levels covering 1” to 4” cutting heights (1.06″ to 3.93″). Conveniently, each height marking corresponds to the height and it’s a high-contrast white on black so you can see it easier.

For the self-propelled models, there’s a big change in the drive operation. The Smart Drive push bar under the main handle lets you feather your speed from 0 – 4 MPH. It’s broad enough to easily use with your thumbs so your other fingers can keep the presence bar engaged.

A slide in the middle of the thumb bar allows you to adjust it into 5 positions moving up the bar. Chances are, you’ll find a comfortable position to settle on. Once you do, adjusting your speed comes very naturally as you work your way around the yard.

The goal was to reduce thumb fatigue with better ergonomics. In the short period of time that I got to use it, it seems to work. We’ll test it for a longer period once we get one in for a full review.

One upgrade that was immediately apparent was the 2-way ratchet system on the drive. When you release the drive bar, a key in the drive allows the rear wheels to freewheel in forward and reverse. The HRR only had forward freewheeling. When you’re working around landscaping or corners where you need to pivot frequently, it’s really noticeable.

Additional Features

• 2-position handle height
• All adjustments and fuel spout are on the left side of the mower, keeping everything on one side except the oil spout

Born in the USA

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out Honda’s USA-based manufacturing. While not every component comes from the US, most of the engine and mower parts are manufactured in the Swepsonville, NC facility we visited. The entire mower is assembled at that plant and it was the same facility that the product team conceived and designed it.

Looking more broadly at Honda’s American facilities, there’s an impressive commitment to manufacturing in the US and North America in general. Many of the cars and products they make have more USA in their DNA than American companies that source a lot of the work elsewhere.

Expect the Honda HRN216 line to see limited distribution starting in September 2019, with a bigger push to retailers this winter.

Honda HRN 216 Lawn Mower Models

Shared Specifications

• Completely redesigned Honda GCV170 engine (167 cc)
• Auto choke system
• 0.237-gallon fuel tank (0.9L)
• 8″ tires
• 21″ Steel/resin deck
• 7-position, 2-point deck height adjustment
• 1.06″ to 3.93″ cutting height range
• Mulch/bag/rear discharge with Chip Director
• 17-gallon bag
• 2 handle positions
• Twin blade cutting system

Honda HRN216 PKA

To get the benefits of the HRN216’s redesign without the self-propelled drive, go with the PKA version.

Honda HRN216VKA

The VKA version is the most basic of the self-propelled versions. It uses a recoil start with the rear-wheel drive Smart Drive system.

Honda HRN216VLA

The VLA has a keyed electric start that is mounted on the handle where you see many self-propelled speed adjusters on other mowers. As you might expect, Honda gives you a recoil backup in case the battery dies.

Honda HRN216VYA

The VYA joins the VLA at the top of the Honda HRN216 line. It includes Roto-Stop—a feature we see on the HRX that lets stops the blades without stopping the engine. It’s helpful for times that you need to move a stick out of the way, empty the bag, or prod a stubborn alligator back into the lake. The big deal is it saves you from having to restart the mower after every interruption.

Price

Pricing on the Honda HRN Series mowers ranges from 459 (push model) to 569 (self-propelled and electric start or Roto-Stop). You can find them at Acme Tools and other authorized Honda dealers.

Honda HRN216PKU Lawn Mower, 21 Deck, GCV170 Engine

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OVERVIEW The all-new HRN mowers offer a powerful new GCV170 engine, rugged design and are packed with features that provide an easy, comfortable mowing experience and the smooth, groomed finish lawn enthusiasts aspire to.

Judging by the sound of the HRNs new engine too, it will be perfect to tackle thick, heavy grass as it delivers more power and torque than any other mower in its class. Music to the ears of those who know the struggles of lugging a gutless mower around the yard in the hot summer sun.

Maintenance is also a breeze with the HRNs as they offer a larger than most fuel tank spout, easier oil changes and reliable, dependable starting and re-starting.

Under the deck, they all feature precision-crafted blades with the exclusive Honda Twin Blade MicroCut System® for exact cutting and fine mulching at any height. Finer grass clippings make better mulch and, when bagged, take less capacity in the grass bag.

NEW GCV170 Engine : power and torque relate directly to the ability of the machine to tackle tough mowing conditions while still producing the clean, even cut prized by people who care for their lawns. torque means more force is being delivered to the blades, which results in easier and faster cutting—especially in heavy, thick grass where stalling can occur. The power and torque of the new Honda GCV170 engine also provide more stable RPMs for greater consistency in cutting, mulching and bagging across a variety of lawn conditions.

Auto Choke Easy Starting: No engine choke required! Just start the mower and go! The new Honda GCV170 includes the exclusive Honda Auto Choke™ system. With a simplified structure and fewer parts, this user-friendly system is automatic, eliminating levers and cables. The engine starts easily, whether cold or hot, and is ready for immediate mowing. Once the engine is running, the Auto Choke automatically returns to an optimal operating position. The Honda GCV170 engine also features the Honda exclusive CycloFlow™ design, which produces increased turbulence in the cylinder and more stable combustion, resulting in easy starting and greater resistance to lower quality fuel.

The 21-inch curvilinear mower deck, designed for optimized airflow, is composed of heavy-duty steel to stand up to the most rugged conditions. The deck has been designed to produce an efficient path for grass clippings to pass into the bag or onto the ground when mulching. The efficient pathway improves bagging and mulching, preventing grass clippings from clogging.

Under the deck, the new HRN models feature precision-crafted blades with the exclusive Honda Twin Blade MicroCut System® for exact cutting and fine mulching at any height. Finer grass clippings make better mulch, and, when bagged, take less capacity in the grass bag. The result is fewer trips to empty the bag. For even greater durability, the front wheels have been reconfigured to a simple single axle, and nut and bolt connections are made of steel and embedded in resin.

All of the HRN mowers offer this clever system. Simply slide the Clip Director for mulching, bagging, or discharging versatility. No attachments required. Located on the side of the engine cowling controls an entry shutter between the lawn mower deck and the grass bag, allowing the operator to easily: Mulch 100 percent of clippings Bag 100 percent of clippings Rear discharge The operator can easily select either mulching or bagging options without the tools or attachments required on most conventional lawn mowers.

The HRN mowers offer superior cut quality whether you’re mulching or bagging, even in tough mowing conditions. Plus with a 66L catcher bag, you can keep mowing for longer without having to stop and empty so frequently.

DUAL LEVEL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM: With just two levers, the operator can make quick and convenient adjustments for seven different cutting heights, making it fast and easy to take a little off the top, make a deep cut or mow at standard maintenance heights.

EASY MAINTENANCE: The Honda HRN Range is designed to make quick work of grooming grass, leaving more free time for the operator and ensuring they are low maintenance is key! The wide fuel spout along with an elevated oil spout makes it easy to fill with fuel or change the oil—reducing the potential for spillage. The design also features a Smart engine layout with easy access to the spark plug, an optimized air cleaner that can be changed without tools.

8 HIGH TRACTION WHEELS: The HRN wheels offer excellent traction in a variety of mowing conditions. The large wheels will tackle rough and tough conditions with ease and they will last and last.

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Honda Vs. John Deere Lawn Mower: Which Is Better?

Using the wrong lawn mower may ruin your day and the grass. Choosing the right mower is essential, which makes your cutting experience more pleasing.

If you are looking for a lawn mower but unsure which model to buy, you can consider Honda vs. John Deere lawn mower.

What are the differences between these types? Which is suitable for your needs? Let’s dive into this article to answer these questions!

Honda And John Deere Lawn Mower Overview

Before comparing and contrasting Honda and John Deere lawn mowers, let’s overview them.

Honda mowers are one of the most popular brands on the market. You can easily see them in several DIY centers, gardens, or home improvement shops.

This brand provides many great walk-behind mowers designed to reduce cutting time and make the grass good-looking.

Each year, Honda manufactures roughly 500,000 lawnmowers. Also, you can see their products in several countries worldwide, like China, Australia, or Europe.

The line of Honda lawnmowers is well-known for its premium engines, especially the Honda HRN 166-cc. It’s famous for its powerful engine, big discharge bag, and Rapid self-propulsion.

Furthermore, Honda produces gas mowers with cutting-edge propulsion systems, plastic and steel decks, and mulching capabilities.

The lawn mowers of this famous brand are available in four primary categories: HRN, HRS, HRC, and HRX.

John Deere lawn mower

John Deere provides a broad series of mowers, from homes, to serve everyone from homes to professionals and business customers.

This brand has an outstanding reputation for producing exceptional quality mowers, despite being better known for agricultural equipment.

Their products range from zero-turn lawn mowers and residential riding models to commercial types. John Deere lawn mowers also have the latest models with several features and options.

The two main categories include walk-behind and tractor lawnmowers. Each of these types is available in several sub-categories.

What Are The Differences Between Honda And John Deere Lawn Mowers?

Both Honda and John Deere mowers provide outstanding features and various models. So, what are the most significant differences to select between them?

Please look at the table below for a brief comparison:

Let’s keep reading to uncover!

Engine

Before buying a mower, it’s essential to consider the engine first. You will find it hard to mow the grass properly without a robust engine.

Horsepower (HP) is the unit of measurement for lawn mower engines. A bigger engine means a more powerful mower.

While Honda mowers use gas-operated engines (4.8 – 5.6 HP), John Deere utilizes Briggs Stratton engines (17.5 – 24 HP) for these machines.

Honda mower engineers are more long-lasting. Hence, you don’t need to replace them very often.

John Deere machines provide greater horsepower, requiring more fuel to run. Therefore, their engines are not durable and require regular replacement.

Toro Personal Pace 22 ~VS~ Honda HRN216VKA | A 400 Lawn Mower Comparison

Deck Width

The size of the deck of a lawn mower shows you how rapidly you can mow the grass. Most Honda mowers feature NeXite decks (long-lasting polymer substance) of 21 inches.

Most mower models of John Deere have a size of 42 – 60 inches. Although John Deere models come with more expansive decks, they may get less nimble. So, you may find navigating and cutting small grass in flower beds challenging.

Mowing Height

Besides the sizes of the mower decks, you must consider the cutting height, which is the grass height after mowing.

Most Honda mowers come with adjustable mowing height. The typical range is from 0.75 – 3 inches. However, the recommended size is around 1 – 3 inches if you want a nice green lawn.

The cutting height on most John Deere can also be adjustable. Depending on your preferences, you can modify the grass height from 1 – 4 inches.

John Deere machines offer a broader cut, which means they can mow more grass within a pass than Honda ones.

Fuel Type Capacity

While several modern mowers run on battery, Honda uses gas-powered machines, which mainly have 1.5-liter tanks.

However, the fuel type of John Deere mowers is a bit diverse. They are powered by diesel or gasoline. They mainly feature 9-litter tanks.

As a result, these models can offer tremendous power, run a more extended period with a tank, and require no recharge.

Bag Capacity

Most Honda lawn mowers use a bagger of 2.5 bushels when mentioning bag capacity. On the other hand, John Deere machines have double baggers of 6.5 bushels, meaning they can hold more grass than their counterparts.

Which Lawn Mower Is The Best For You?

It may be relatively difficult to answer this question directly since these machines have benefits and drawbacks.

As a result, the final verdict depends on your requirements and preferences.

For instance, if you need a potent engine to trim your large garden, investing in John Deere mowers with better bag capacity and mowing height is better.

This brand provides many machines with different versions and features. Therefore, you can discover the best-suited one for your needs and interests.

On the other hand, you can’t go wrong with Honda machines if you plan to cut a small yard. Their engines are long-lasting.

Also, they don’t require regular fuel loading. Besides, smaller decks allow you to navigate and trim grass in your flower beds easily.

FAQs

Is Honda A Good Brand For Lawn Mowers?

The short answer is Yes! Below are the main reasons why you should invest in a Honda mower:

• It features a twin-blade system to produce smaller clippings, which means mulching and bagging are better than other models.
• Its engine brings reliable and fuel-efficient power.
• It causes less annoying noise.
• It boasts a roto-stop blade system, meaning you can stop its blade while its engine still works when turning off its handle.

Who Makes The Most Reliable Riding Mower?

It’s John Deere! Riding lawn mowers is relatively expensive. Thus, customers always want to seek durable models.

According to Consumer Reports, John Deere receives an excellent rating for their reliability. Besides this brand, you can consider Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, Simplicity, Troy-Bilt, and Snapper. These big names get good reliability ratings.

What Is The Average Life Of A John Deere Lawn Mower?

Typically, these mowers may last from 8 to 10 years, which is nearly equal to 5000 hours. You can extend the lifespan of these mowers by providing them with proper and regular maintenance.

The Bottom Line

This article shows you the main differences between Honda and John Deere lawn mowers. If you have a small yard, it’s best to opt for Honda machines. On the other hand, John Deere models are more suitable for a more extensive lawn.

The final verdict is up to you!

Honda manufactures a full line of lawn mowers. Which model is best suited to your grass-cutting needs?

By Glenda Taylor | Published Jun 20, 2022 12:13 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Nothing says summer like the sound of lawn mowers powering up. The long-standing ritual of keeping lawns neatly trimmed and manicured is easier with a quality mower, and the ability to impart a sharp, clean cut on the grass is the secret to a lawn’s overall health. To that end, Honda lawn mowers top the wish lists of many home landscapers.

Honda Power Equipment manufactures a variety of top-notch walk-behind lawn mowers—all designed to minimize mowing time and leave the lawn looking great. Ahead, learn what to keep in mind when shopping for the best Honda lawn mower and find out why the following models are well suited for various turf-trimming needs.

• BEST OVERALL:Honda 21 in. NeXite Variable Speed 4-in-1 Walk Behind
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Honda 21-in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind
• MOST CONVENIENT:Honda Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind with Auto Choke
• BEST WITH CRUISE CONTROL:Honda 21-in. NeXite Deck Hydrostatic Cruise Control
• BEST ELECTRIC START:Honda HRX217VLA 21-in 4-in-1 Versamow Self-Propelled
• ALSO CONSIDER:Honda Power HRC216PDA Lawn Mower

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Honda Lawn Mower

Among today’s more popular mower brands, Honda lawn mowers can be found in many home improvement stores, DIY centers, and garden or landscaping supply outlets. Honda’s walk-behind mowers are built to last, and while all its models are relatively straightforward machines, users do have a few factors to consider.

Push vs. Self-Propelled

Most but not all of Honda’s lawn mowers are self-propelled, meaning their rear wheels turn in a forward direction, which helps push the mower along. This feature is a boon for mowing on inclines and through deep or thick grass—situations that are truly challenging with models that are not self-propelled. But don’t mistake Honda push mowers with the old-fashioned push models that featured reel-type blades and were 100 percent powered by the user. All Honda mowers have engines that power the blades.

The self-propulsion feature on Honda mowers primarily engages in two different ways: via a thin metal bar the user pulls and then holds alongside the mower’s handle or by pushing a lever located in the center of the handle. The latter method is found on Honda mowers that come with Smart Drive capability, and the nice thing about Smart Drive is that users can easily adjust the propulsion speed to match their needs.

The best Honda push mower still has its place, however. A good deal of engine power goes toward propelling rear wheels; push-only mowers can use all the energy to power the cutting blades. Plus, some users prefer a push-only mower because there are fewer mechanical parts that might have issues.

Gas vs. Battery

Although some modern mowers are battery operated, Honda currently makes gas-powered lawn mowers only. As lithium-ion batteries become more powerful, that could change, but as of now, those who want the oomph of a Honda model must put up with smelly gas fumes as well as the need to store gasoline in a garage or shed.

Speaking of gas-powered engines, it’s worth noting that while all Honda mowers feature Honda engines, other brands sometimes use Honda gas engines in their mowers as well. Shoppers in the market for a true Honda lawn mower should carefully research the machine’s details. Other manufacturers may include the name “Honda” in their mower’s title, yet the only Honda part on the model may be its gas engine.

Cutting Height and Width

Honda makes walk-behind lawn mowers that cut 21-inch swaths through a lawn. Some manufacturers offer broader cuts and some offer narrower ones, but Honda sticks to that single cut width of 21 inches. This is about average for a walk-behind mower, and it’s suitable for most residential lawns. While a wider cut removes more grass in a single pass, it also takes more engine power and—if it’s not a self-propelled mower—more physical strength.

Like other walk-behind mowers, Honda models allow users to adjust the cutting height to suit the grass type. Users can choose to cut the lawn as low as 0.75 inches or as high as 4 inches. Most cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue or bluegrass, are maintained at 2.5 to 4 inches high. Warm-season grasses, including Bermuda and zoysia grass, do well when maintained at 1 to 3 inches high. If there’s any doubt, a quick call to a local county extension office will usually resolve the best height for different grass types and regions.

Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge

Honda makes mowers that discharge clippings to either the side or the back, and some models also come with a mulching feature. The different options can impact the way users mow and the health of the lawn.

• Side discharge: With this option, grass clippings are expelled out of the side of the mower deck onto the lawn. The side chute can be blocked with a fold-down guard if rear discharge or mulching functions are used.
• Rear discharge: This function is meant to be used in conjunction with a rear-collection bag. When the bag is in place, it holds the rear chute open, which allows the clippings to blow into the bag. When the bag is removed, the chute closes, and the grass either ejects out the side chute or drops beneath the mower.
• Mulching: The mulching feature on Honda mowers directs the clippings downward onto the lawn. This is an eco-friendly option because the clippings biodegrade and act as a mild fertilizer. Honda mowers incorporate a twin-blade cutting system (called Microcut) that cuts the clippings into tiny bits so they decompose quickly.

Honda Series

Honda makes an assortment of mowers in four categories:HRS, HRN, HRX, and HRC. Not all models are sold in all locations, but they can be purchased at a Honda dealer.

• HRS: The Honda HRS Series features side-discharge lawn mowers with 21-inch cuts and large 8-inch wheels for maneuverability. Buyers may choose from either push-type or self-propelled models.
• HRN: This series features some of Honda’s most popular residential lawn mowers, and they come with powerful Honda engines, easy-start recoil cords, and Honda’s twin-blade MicroCut system that produces finer grass clippings. Available in push or self-propelled models.
• HRX: This is Honda’s top-of-the-line residential mower series. Mowers in the HRX Series are among the best Honda mower options—and the priciest. The models in this series are self-propelled and have options such as a leaf-shredding mode, variable speed control, and, on some, cruise control.
• HRC: Mowers in the HRC Series are designed for heavy-duty or frequent use by commercial landscaping professionals, but homeowners that mow frequently may want to consider these beefed-up models. These are commercial-grade machines with stainless steel decks and reinforced guards and bumpers. Buyers may choose from push or self-propelled models.

In addition to the Honda series letters, if the model number ends in PDA or PKA, it signifies that the mower is a push model, not self-propelled.

Additional Features

High-quality Honda mowers are designed for durability and to provide an optimal grass-cutting experience. A few additional features can be found within the four series of models.

• Electric start: No need to pull a recoil cord when electric start is available. However, most Honda models do not come with electric start. Currently, only a few models in the HRX series feature electric start capability, which involves using a key (just as in a car) to start the mower’s engine.
• Adjustable handle position: The handles on many Honda mowers are adjustable in length to suit individual user needs.
• Quick-blade stop: Called Roto-Stop on Honda mowers, this feature allows users to disengage the blades without shutting the mower off. This convenience lets users stop and dump clippings without restarting the machine.
• Hydrostatic transmission: This signifies a fluid-filled transmission that’s generally quieter to operate and results in less friction damage to moving parts. Only a few self-propelled Honda models in the HRX series currently feature a hydrostatic transmission.
• NeXite deck: Who hasn’t had to tip a mower over and chip away at hardened, stuck-on grass clippings? With Honda’s NeXite-coated underdeck, grass doesn’t stick, and NeXite decks are also designed to resist rusting and corrosion.

Our Top Picks

Honda mowers are among the best options in the walk-behind lawn mower industry, and the following models feature a range of options that are well suited to various mowing needs. Chosen for high performance and the ability to reduce mowing time, any of the picks in this lineup are tops in their categories.

Honda 21 in. NeXite Variable Speed 4-in-1 Walk Behind

Folks may actually look forward to lawn care with the Honda HRX217VKA Lawn Mower. Our Best Overall pick comes from Honda’s top line of HRX Series mowers and is designed to make cutting the grass quick and efficient.

Like all Honda walk-behind mowers, the HRX217VKA features a 21-inch cut width. This model also boasts a treated NeXite underdeck that keeps grass clippings from sticking, so there’s no need to tip the mower over and chip away at hardened deposits.

The self-propelled mower comes with Honda’s GCV200 gas engine (5.6 HP) that powers through even dense, tall grass. It features an easy-start recoil cord, adjustable cutting height, and both bagging and mulching options. It also has a leaf-shredding option that turns dry autumn leaves into tiny shreds suitable for mulching as an alternative to raking fallen foliage.

Product Specs

• Engine: 5.6 HP GCV200 gas engine
• Cutting height: 0.75 to 4 inches
• Push or self-propelled: Self-propelled
• No pushing necessary
• Easy-start engine
• Large 9-inch wheels for maneuverability
• Twin blades for fine clippings

Get the Honda HRX217VKA lawn mower at The Home Depot or from your local Honda dealer.

Honda 21-in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind

Honda mowers are high-quality machines, so dirt-cheap models aren’t available—but folks can still own a Honda mower without breaking the bank. The Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower comes with Honda’s GCV170 engine (4.8 HP) that’s powerful enough to propel the mower while cutting, so all users do is steer.

Grass cutting height can be adjusted from 1 to 4 inches to suit most types of turf, and the mower comes with an easy-to-pull recoil cord. This model also allows users to regulate the propulsion speed. Honda’s MicroCut twin blades cut grass into fine clippings that are well suited to either bagging or mulching. All this can be had for a fairly attractive price point.

Product Specs

• Engine:4.8 HP GCV170 gas engine
• Cutting height:1 to 4 inches
• Push or self-propelled: Self-propelled
• Mower propels itself
• Less expensive than other Honda models
• Adjustable cutting height
• Adjustable propulsion speed

Get the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower at The Home Depot or from your local Honda dealer.

Honda Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind with Auto Choke

The Honda HRN216VYA lawn mower is similar in operation to our Best Bang for the Buck pick. One of the primary differences is its Roto-Stop blade system, which allows the user to disengage the blades while leaving the engine running. This makes it handy to dump clippings or move something out from the mower’s path without needing to turn the machine off and start it again.

This upgraded model comes with Honda’s GCV170 engine (4.8 HP), and users can adjust the cutting height to 7 positions, ranging from a minimum of 1.8 inches to a maximum of 4 inches. The HRN216VYA also features twin blades that produce tiny grass clippings that are well suited to either bagging or mulching.

Product Specs

• Engine:4.8 HP GCV170 gas engine
• Cutting height: 1.8 to 4 inches
• Push or self-propelled: Self-propelled
• Ability to disengage blades without turning mower off
• Easy-to-start engine
• Produces fine grass clippings

Get the Honda HRN216VYA lawn mower at The Home Depot or from your local Honda dealer.

Honda 21-in. NeXite Deck Hydrostatic Cruise Control

From the manufacturer’s top-of-the-line HRX Series comes the Honda HRX217HYA walk-behind mower, a model designed for the ultimate performance and user-friendly experience. It features Honda’s powerful GCV200 gas engine (5.6 HP) to provide ample power for mowing through even dense grass without a hitch. This model includes an easy-pull recoil cord starter and a NeXite underdeck to resist rust and keep grass clippings from sticking.

The HRX217HYA boasts cruise control, so users can select the exact propulsion speed that suits them best. (Other Honda mowers have preset speeds, which may be a little too fast or too slow for a user’s liking.) Additional benefits include Roto-Stop blades that can be disengaged without turning the mower off and grass-cutting height adjustability from 0.75 to 4 inches. Users can bag clippings or use the mulching feature. There’s a leaf-shredding option to boot.

Product Specs

• Engine: 5.6 HP GCV200 gas engine
• Cutting height: 0.75 to 4 inches
• Push or self-propelled: Self-propelled
• Cruise control to lock in speed preference
• Large 9-inch wheels for maneuverability
• Leaf-shredding function
• Easy-start recoil cord

Get the Honda HRX217HYA lawn mower at The Home Depot or from your local Honda dealer.

Honda HRX217VLA 21-in 4-in-1 Versamow Self-Propelled

Those looking for a walk-behind mower that really goes the extra mile to simplify yard work might want to check out the Honda HRX217VLA lawn mower. It comes with a powerful 5.6-HP GCV200 engine, self-propulsion, the ability to bag or mulch grass clippings, and a NeXite underdeck to prevent grass buildup. An added selling point of this Honda model is its keyed electric start, which eliminates the need to pull a recoil cord (a backup recoil cord is included should the key get lost).

Except for the bonus of electric start, this model is similar to other Honda mowers in the HRX Series: Users can adjust the cutting height from 0.75 to 4 inches, choose from various speed levels, and employ the leaf-shredding function if desired. Oddly, this well-loaded HRX model doesn’t have Roto-Stop blades. Honda, hello?!

Product Specs

• Engine: 5.6 HP GCV200 gas engine
• Cutting height: 0.75 to 4 inches
• Push or self-propelled: Self-propelled
• Electric start
• Adjustable cutting height
• Adjustable handle
• Twin blades for finer grass clippings

Get the Honda HRX217VLA lawn mower on MaxTool or from your local Honda dealer.

Honda Power HRC216PDA Lawn Mower

The only push-type mower in our lineup, the Honda HRC216PDA takes some physical strength to operate because it’s not self-propelled. Still, its rugged deck and body construction will withstand the frequent use of professional landscapers. It comes with a Honda GCV160 (4.4 HP) gas engine that supplies ample power to get through tall and dense grass. Keep in mind that while this engine is less powerful than some models, no power is expended in propelling the mower, so all the energy goes into cutting grass.

The HRC216PDA features adjustable cutting heights between 0.75 inches and 4 inches to suit most types of turf grass. It has a basic recoil cord starter, but virtually all else is beefed up on this mower, including a heavy-duty steel deck and a front steel bumper. Even the handle comes with a larger diameter for more comfortable grasping. And it’s got Honda’s standard mow, mulch, or bag options, as well as twin blades for finer clippings.

Product Specs

• Engine: 4.4 HP GCV160 gas engine
• Cutting height: 0.75 to 4 inches
• Push or self-propelled: Push

Get the Honda HRC216PDA lawn mower at Brothers Powersports or from your local Honda dealer.

Our Verdict

Honda lawn mowers are built to last, and any of the picks in this lineup are top options for cutting grass. However, our Best Overall selection, the Honda NeXite Variable Speed 4-in-1 Gas Walk Behind, ticks all the boxes: it’s self-propelled, comes with an adjustable height deck, and features a nonstick deck underside. Our best bang for the buck pick, the Honda 21-in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind, has many standard Honda features at an attractive price point.

How We Chose the Best Honda Lawn Mowers

Buying a lawn mower is an investment in the care and maintenance of your lawn, so it’s worthwhile to take some time and consider which mower best suits your needs.

Honda mowers are among the top options on the market today—with good reason. They have powerful engines and feature a range of user-friendly features. In choosing the models in this lineup, we focused on featuring a variety of models from different Honda mower series. We chose only one push-type model since many folks appreciate the self-propulsion function on a mower. Still, professional landscapers may prefer the simplicity of a push-type model, believing that these basic workhorses are less likely to have functional frailties.

We ended up with more models from the HRZ series since they offer more user-friendly options. Still, Honda employs the same care and reliable engine in all its models, so users should choose based on their individual needs.

FAQs

Buying a new lawn mower is an investment. A few questions are likely for those looking for the best Honda self-propelled mower or even a push-type model.

Q. Are Honda lawn mowers good?

Yes, we consider them to be good-quality mowers—and we’re not alone. In a Consumer Report’s head-to-head test between Honda and Toro, Honda took the top spot.

Q. How long do Honda lawn mowers last?

It all depends on how often they’re used and how well they’re maintained. A Honda mower that’s regularly serviced (check the owner’s manual for instructions) and properly stored can last 10 to 20 years or longer.

Q. Can a Honda lawn mower mulch grass cuttings?

Most Honda mowers come with a mulching feature, meaning the clippings can be left on the lawn to biodegrade.

Q. What’s the difference between a Honda push and self-propelled lawn mower?

A push mower must be physically pushed by hand. The rear wheels on a self-propelled mower turn to propel the mower forward.

Q. How do I stop a walk-behind mower?

To stop most Honda lawn mowers, simply release the secondary handlebar that you hold against the primary handle when mowing, and the mower will shut off.

Q. Does it matter in which direction I mow?

For the best-looking lawn and the most uniform results, try alternating directions each time you mow.