[bwdbrn1]

I just picked up an HRM215HXA the other day, and was wondering if there is any service that might need to be done to the hydrostatic transmission? I don't see anything mentioned in the owner's manual, but I don't have the service manual to refer to.

 

[[email protected]]

Normal maintenance on the hydrostatic transmission is to inspect for any fluid leaks. If it becomes necessary to add more fluid, use only genuine Honda Hydrostatic Fluid; this is the only one certified for use in a hydrostatic transmission.

Beyond that, there's a procedure in the owner's manual that shows how to adjust the shift cable (connected to the orange shift lever) so it correctly operates the speed control lever on the transmission. You can download a free copy of the owner's manual here:
Honda Power Equipment: Honda Generators, Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers, Tillers

If you are having any performance issues, there are some Service Bulletins that may address them. For example, back in 1996, a few models had problems that prevent them from being rolled backwards, or the ground speed is too slow even with the shift lever in the FAST position.

I can check if your unit is in the affected range if you will reply with the frame serial number. It's on a sticker or metal plate on the top rear of the mower deck and starts with MZBA-6xxxxxx or MZBB-6xxxxxx.

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

 

[bwdbrn1]

Thanks Robert. I did download the owner's manual. There is no serial number as the person I bought it from had replaced the deck, and didn't record the serial number. The deck is still unused as he swapped everything over to the new deck but couldn't get the mower to move under it's own power after the swap, and just pushed it over to the corner of his garage. Turns out he put the pinions in backwards. I cleaned and re-greased them and put them back on the correct way, and it pulls very well across the range from slow to fast, and it pulls backwards easily enough when in neutral. I don't see any signs of leaks to speak of. I do want to keep this mower in top running condition because of the GXV140 engine, blade brake feature, and the brand spanking new deck.

Would you be able to tell anything from the engine serial number? I could pull the fan cover off to get it.

 

[[email protected]]

Would you be able to tell anything from the engine serial number? I could pull the fan cover off to get it.

Sure. I can try a cross-reference check to see if the engine S/N matches a frame/deck S/N. What's the engine S/N?

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

 

[bwdbrn1]

The number on the engine is:

GJAB-7416481

Numbers on the label on the transmission are:

ARTNoVE5717
*D8D1568*

Thanks Robert

 

[[email protected]]

Okay, the original frame serial number is MZBB-6426905, registered on 9/9/1998 to Thomas L., of Davenport, IA. This mower was built at the Honda factory in Swepsonville, NC.

If you'll send me a private message with your name, address and phone number, I'll update the database with you as the new owner. Or, if you feel more comfortable, contact Honda Customer Relations at 770-497-6400. Either way, we'll get you into the system, should Honda even need to contact you regarding a recall or update on your mower. FYI, you'll never get any sales/marketing from Honda, nor will they sell or rent your personal information to a third party.

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

 

[bwdbrn1]

Fantastic! Thanks Robert.

 

[Dave T]

Hi Robert,
I too have a HRM215HXA that I bought ner in April of 1996 (S/N 6327716). It appeard to be one of the few models that had problems that prevent them from being rolled backwards, or the ground speed is too slow even with the shift lever in the FAST position. The transmission has gotton slower and slower and is now unuseable. I have adjusted the cable but it's max speed even when new was too slow. Now it's (as I mentioned) unuseable. Will changing the xmission fluit at least ge to speed back to where it was? Thanks.

Dave

 

[[email protected]]

Dave, your serial number is in the affected range of units that can benefit from a new control arm kit. You can purchase a kit from any Honda Power Equipment dealer, and either DIY or have them install it for you.

The kit part number is: 06225-VE5-305 "Kit, Control Arm"

FYI, the kit does not come with instructions; shoot me your email and I will send you a PDF of them.

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

 

[scottroundrock]

I have an HRM215GE with the hydrostatic drive MZBB-6329742 Engine GJAB-7129301. Is it in the affected range for this thread?

 

[[email protected]]

I have an HRM215GE with the hydrostatic drive MZBB-6329742 Engine GJAB-7129301. Is it in the affected range for this thread?

You have email from me, Scott.

[email protected]

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

 

[Yager]

I have an HRM215 K3 SXA, s/n MZBB-6450668 that I just purchased, and it will not self propel, could you check to see if I need the kit also? thanks