aroundtheyard.com Forums

My decade-old Honda HRX-217 is still fine, but either I or the maintenance shop is seeing it a bit more, so I added the newer HRX-217 with the GVC 200 engine to the stable today. I got the version with electric start for $630 due to an inventory issue.

My initial reaction to the new engine is very positive, but my reaction to other new features is a little more mixed. I'll be posting a review aimed at members that are existing Honda owners considering upgrades in a couple of months. That way we know what are mower changes and what are things that I need to adapt to.

After one day/use, here's my initial reaction (outside of the new engine) - the mower feels a bit "heavier", but is at the same time a little "jumpier". I don't know how those go together - they seem contradictory to me.

Interested to hear what you think of the updated version more long term.
When you say "jumpier" is it the front to rear weight bias possibly causing this? I experimented with a 5# weight just in front of the front cover and found the jumpiness to be nearly alleviated. ie the front end is much too light/rear too heavy and with a half full bag quite cumbersome.

No, I don't think so. It's more like the paddles are touchy, and even though it feels a little heavier, the added horsepower makes it "hop" a bit when the paddles were not exactly right. With a sloped lawn, it's a bit of work to balance the exact right spot.

The cut is first rate.

I agree the HRX does give a great cut! It can be improved slightly but I think Honda did a pretty good job trying to please everyone.
Mowing isn't a chore for me (I really enjoy mowing) so I have no problem varying speed and technique to maximize time on the green and a great look.
I have slopes also. On my "long" slope, I mow across the slope and use the self propel to just keep the mower straight.
On the shorter slope, when going downslope I don't use the self propel only the inertia of the mower. Upslope, I barely budge the paddle enough to let it carry my sorry butt up the hill. I hope I don't sound a "know-it-all" but this works for me. Mine is a VKA so my paddle setup may be different but I've grown to love this drive system.

Mine was a VKA also, and I loved the drive. I cut up-and-down for turn-around areas, and the rest is across the hill/slope. Setting speed on the uphill run with the new "speed adjustor" is a bit of a PITA. Maybe I'll learn how to do it smoother with practice.

I ain't complaining, just noting things that aren't easy on the first run...

andy10917 wrote: ↑

July 23rd, 2020, 9:10 pm

Maybe I'll learn how to do it smoother with practice.

I ain't complaining, just noting things that aren't easy on the first run...

True, I'll agree with that. Familiarity does make things better.