How would I like the HRX

9538 Views 17 Replies 3 Participants Last post by [email protected], Apr 29, 2012

stygz

Discussion Starter · Apr 24, 2012

I have been thinking of replacing my Lawn Boy Platinum series aluminum deck 10765 (personal pace with Briggs motor) with a Honda HRX217HYA - hydrostatic drive model. We have bermuda grass and cut low. I like the honda as it cuts down to 3/4". I mostly mulch. How is the cruise control compare to personal pace? I like how the Honda has more power for the thick bermuda grass. What should I know about the Honda vs the Lawn Boy?

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Wayne195

· #2 · Apr 24, 2012

Welcome to the forum!

I say go for it! The Honda HRX217's are longlasting, durable lawnmowers. However, I don't have experience with your model LawnBoy so I can't give you an accurate comparison between the two. I haven't yet gotten my hands on the new Honda cruise control drive system as that is a rather recent feature. Go to your nearest Honda dealer and take a look and take one for a test run and see how you like it!

[email protected]

· #3 · Apr 24, 2012

stygz said:
How is the cruise control compare to personal pace? I like how the Honda has more power for the thick bermuda grass. What should I know about the Honda vs the Lawn Boy?

The Honda Cruise Control is a fully hydrostatic (fluid drive) system. There are a couple of nice features it provides:
* There are two controls to adjust speed. The drive clutch lever on the handlebar adjusts the speed from zero to maximum. This is very nice and easy to change speed on conditions, turns, and obstacles. There is a short, orange lever on the side that sets the maximum speed. Together, these make it a breeze to precisely tune the drive speed to match your pace.
* The entire system operates under constant belt tension, which minimizes the abruptness and possibility of a belt slipping off a pulley. Other drive systems (like the Personal Pace) typically use a slipping-belt clutch design.

Finally, take a look a recent consumer reporting publication and note Honda mowers recently captured 3 of the top 5 spots, including a "Best Buy" rating. The hydrostatic model wasn't even tested as it had won the top spot many times in the past.

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

[email protected]

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stygz

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 24, 2012

As far as my model goes it is just a Toro super bagger in green. Unfortunatly I do not have a Honda dealer in my area. I would have to go to home depot. They dont stock that model so it would be a special order.

On the Honda speed is controlled by a lever and the cruise control is for maximum speed. Does anyone have a pic they can post showing the levers from a view that you would see while operating the mower?

stygz

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 24, 2012

One other thing. I was looking at pics and the mowing dech shows a 1" setting for cutting but on the specs is says 3/4". Can someone confirm the low cutting height? Reason I ask is I have bermuda grass and I cut low.

[email protected]

· #6 · Apr 24, 2012

2

The HRX will indeed cut down to 3/4"

Here's an image of the handle bar:

The lever with the yellow button is the blade clutch. You press in the yellow button and push the lever against the handlebar to engage the blade.

The narrower black lever is the drive clutch. You leave it open/away from the handlebar to roll in neutral or backwards. The closer you press it to the handlebar, the faster the drive speed.

The orange lever on the side sets the maximum drive speed. So it the mower can run from 0-4 mph, setting the orange lever 1/2 way will limit to top speed to 2 mph. When you push the drive lever all the way forward, the mower will run at 2 mph.

Finally, the short black lever is the throttle/choke control.

[email protected]

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

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stygz

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 24, 2012

I assume the reach for the drive lever is natural feeling/easy to reach. Funny the mower deck says 1" but it actually cuts to 3/4".

[email protected]

· #8 · Apr 24, 2012

stygz said:
I assume the reach for the drive lever is natural feeling/easy to reach. Funny the mower deck says 1" but it actually cuts to 3/4".

I think the "1" mark on the deck was originally "one inch" but now is simply the "first" (lowest) position, which happens to equal 3/4" cut height.

[email protected]

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

stygz

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 26, 2012

I checked consumer reports and the HRX217 with smart drive was the highest rated. Followed by two Toro models for the top 3. Like you said they hydro model was not tested. Probably because of price. Funny the Honda was rated all the same as the toro except one area it was marked one notch less but it still beat the Toro by one point overall.

Is the 160cc honda quieter than the 190cc?

I remember years back using a Honda mower and it being really quiet. That mower was hard to start but it lived a hard and abused life.

stygz

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 26, 2012

Why does the Honda take about 20oz of oil for initial fill but regular oil changes take 13oz?

[email protected]

· #11 · Apr 26, 2012

stygz said:
Is the 160cc honda quieter than the 190cc?

The GCV190 is about 2 decibels quieter on the HRX mowers compared to the GCV160 engine on the HRR models. Not that big of a real-world difference, and I think the overall NVH (noise-vibration-harshness) is equal on both.

[email protected]

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

[email protected]

· #12 · Apr 26, 2012

stygz said:
Why does the Honda take about 20oz of oil for initial fill but regular oil changes take 13oz?

When the mowers are assembled at the factory, each one is filled with oil and test fired for a short period to confirm everything is working. The oil is drained from the engine, but never all the way. The amount of leftover oil can vary a bit.

The small bottle of "first use" oil supplied in the box with all Honda mowers is enough to fill the oil sump, but you should always use the dipstick to confirm the oil level every time. This is especially important for future oil changes. Not all of the oil will drain out, or almost all of it will, depending on the temp of the oil, weight used, outside temp conditions, etc.

[email protected]

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

stygz

Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 26, 2012

Robert Coats said:
When the mowers are assembled at the factory, each one is filled with oil and test fired for a short period to confirm everything is working. The oil is drained from the engine, but never all the way. The amount of leftover oil can vary a bit.

The small bottle of "first use" oil supplied in the box with all Honda mowers is enough to fill the oil sump, but you should always use the dipstick to confirm the oil level every time. This is especially important for future oil changes. Not all of the oil will drain out, or almost all of it will, depending on the temp of the oil, weight used, outside temp conditions, etc.

[email protected]

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

Thanks for the replies! Too bad the Toro forum is so dead compared to Honda forum. I am leaning toward the HRX with smart drive. I think it will suit my terrain better. Plus Home depot stocks it (got to love the Military discount...Thanks Home depot!). Probably going to make a purchase end of next month before the 6 year warranty promo expires. I may have more questions until then.

[email protected]

· #14 · Apr 26, 2012

stygz said:
(got to love the Military discount..

AWA2, VP-62, VP-94, USN-R 1980-86

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stygz

Discussion Starter · #15 · Apr 26, 2012

SSgt 2F051 USAF 1999-2005
5413 USAF civilian 2010-present

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stygz

Discussion Starter · #16 · Apr 28, 2012 (Edited)

Went today to check out a HRX with smart drive at Home Depot. Seems like a good unit. I dont see how people think the handle is long. My Lawn Boy is longer. Person that helped me was good. He said the smart drive HRX has the Hydro trans. I didnt correct him but other than that he was very helpful. The paddle control I think will be just fine. I also checked out the HRR with blade stop. Felt like a quality machine like my lawn boy platinum. How will the 190cc Motor compare to the Toro branded engines on the super recyclers? I read the Toro engine has a iron sleeve and crank bearings vs bushings.

stygz

Discussion Starter · #17 · Apr 28, 2012

Robert Coats said:
AWA2, VP-62, VP-94, USN-R 1980-86

BTW the Blue Angels are here at Robins AFB this weekend

[email protected]

· #18 · Apr 29, 2012

stygz said:
BTW the Blue Angels are here at Robins AFB this weekend

Headed to P'cola for their show on July 4th.

If you are leaning toward the Honda, be sure to buy before May 31, and send in the registration card for one additional year of factory warranty...

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

[email protected]

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