Honda HRX217VYA (21") 186cc Select Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower w/ Blade Brake Clutch

My cub cadet broke the first year I owned it I paid 450. Under-powered and unreliable drive system on Cub Cadet. Honda is the best mower I have ever owned. Powerful even when lawn is wet and the drive system is beautiful. It will never rust too! 190 cc engine is just right for any speed you want to cut. Doesn't bog down at all!

I was hesitant about purchasing this model which features Roto-Stop technology, but was reassured that Honda had fixed the issues that has plagued the brake clutch feature. Turns out, they have not. I have used it once so far and the blade disengaged 4 times while mowing. Very frustrating and disappointing. It is also very troubling that I am most likely stuck with this model now that is has been used once. I should have bought the model without Roto-Stop, I just thought it would be a helpful feature. A $700+ mower should not be faulty right out of the box.

I was hesitant about purchasing this model which features Roto-Stop technology, but was reassured that Honda had fixed the issues that has plagued the brake clutch feature. Turns out, they have not. I have used it once so far and the blade disengaged 4 times while mowing. Very frustrating and disappointing. It is also very troubling that I am most likely stuck with this model now that is has been used once. I should have bought the model without Roto-Stop, I just thought it would be a... more

A bit disappointing with the 'improved' speed control. My previous Honda mower, once the speed was set, maintained the speed very well while going up slight incline or down. This one evidently controls the torque, and when trying to go up grade at low speed, just sits there, need to increase the speed but then when things get level it is too fast to walk.

The mower I replaced is also a Honda - the commercial unit with hydrostatic drive. the quality is excellent as would be expected, but very heavy - and I had to modify the drive controls so it wasn't so clunky. I sometimes think the guys that design these need to mow with them for a summer before they finalize the design.

The HRX217VYA mower is a great product. Took me 10-15 minutes to assemble & fill the oil & gas. And yes, it started first pull, just like they said. I'm curious how they do that.

I've used it 4 times now. The mower quality is very good overall. A couple of minor gripes: 1. The self-propel control is touchy and kind of hard to keep a consistent speed, but I am getting used to it. 2. The large bag size is nice, but in my situation I have not filled it completely, and if I did it would lift the front wheels off the ground. It is long enough that my feet kick it when I am moving fast.

Overall, I am very satisfied, and would recommend this to you. Easy to maneuver, easy to start, intuitive to operate. Performs well, nice smooth cut, has good vacuum to pick up stuff, chops the clippings small to reduce emptying of the bag. Buy one - you will like it.

The mower I replaced is also a Honda - the commercial unit with hydrostatic drive. the quality is excellent as would be expected, but very heavy - and I had to modify the drive controls so it wasn't so clunky. I sometimes think the guys that design these need to mow with them for a summer before they finalize the design.

The HRX217VYA mower is a great product. Took me 10-15 minutes to assemble & fill the oil & gas. And yes, it started first pull, just like they said. I'm curious... more

I had a Honda 17 years ago. When it came time to purchase another, I tried a Husqvarna AWD with a blade brake. I just sold it after 3 years...it runs but the bearing growl told me to unload it. The AWD is not as great as I thought. The drive system constantly slipped......anyway, I back with a Honda.
After reading all the reviews, there was concern about the Roto stop. Mine works perfectly and the 190 cc engine is the perfect match. My last Honda had the 160 cc and it lacked in power. I am VERY happy with this lawn mower and will not buy another brand.

I had a Honda 17 years ago. When it came time to purchase another, I tried a Husqvarna AWD with a blade brake. I just sold it after 3 years...it runs but the bearing growl told me to unload it. The AWD is not as great as I thought. The drive system constantly slipped......anyway, I back with a Honda.
After reading all the reviews, there was concern about the Roto stop. Mine works perfectly and the 190 cc engine is the perfect match. My last Honda had the 160 cc and it lacked in power. I... more

This is an outstanding mower. It started on the first pull. It's quiet and powerful. I love the adjustable handle. I'm 6'2" and it is very comfortable. In seconds I can lower it to fit my grandson. Honda's quality, reliability and features are like no other. It's a little pricey but you get what you pay for. It was delivered on time. What a convenience to have it delivered to my front door. Simple to assemble. I cut the sides off the box, rolled it out, folded out the handle, filled it with oil and gas and it was running in about 3 minutes.

This is an outstanding mower. It started on the first pull. It's quiet and powerful. I love the adjustable handle. I'm 6'2" and it is very comfortable. In seconds I can lower it to fit my grandson. Honda's quality, reliability and features are like no other. It's a little pricey but you get what you pay for. It was delivered on time. What a convenience to have it delivered to my front door. Simple to assemble. I cut the sides off the box, rolled it out, folded out the handle,... more

Some mowers cut the lawn. This mower makes the grass quake when it starts, and actually cut itself in humble submission. Loads of power, quiet, fast, and two blades for more mulching goodness. It's expensive, but like a good top shelf scotch it pays you back with less maintenance and longer life. The blade clutch is worth a few extra coin, less pulling on the string every time you run over another of junior's toys. In my short time with my mower, we've started bonding over a few cold brewskis and made my neighbors wonder why the guy with the great mower has such a crappy lawn. Well worth the money.

Some mowers cut the lawn. This mower makes the grass quake when it starts, and actually cut itself in humble submission. Loads of power, quiet, fast, and two blades for more mulching goodness. It's expensive, but like a good top shelf scotch it pays you back with less maintenance and longer life. The blade clutch is worth a few extra coin, less pulling on the string every time you run over another of junior's toys. In my short time with my mower, we've started bonding over a few cold... more

Still very new but I have had the chance to check it out, having a large lawn and thick spring grass. I have never owned a Honda mower before, mostly Craftstman, and could not be more pleased with this machine so far. Very much like the fact that you can mulch a certain percent and bag the other percent when you are encountering thick grass by the simple movement of a lever. The twin blades really does a great job mulching the grass before depositing it back into the lawn. Have never had a blade stop clutch and do not know why. I'll never own another without one. Machine is quiet and so easy to pull start. Just very pleased at this point for sure.

Still very new but I have had the chance to check it out, having a large lawn and thick spring grass. I have never owned a Honda mower before, mostly Craftstman, and could not be more pleased with this machine so far. Very much like the fact that you can mulch a certain percent and bag the other percent when you are encountering thick grass by the simple movement of a lever. The twin blades really does a great job mulching the grass before depositing it back into the lawn. Have never had a... more

I really like the blade brake clutch which is one of the primary reasons I purchased this particular mower. The engine operates well and started on the first pull right out of the box. It cuts well and is easy to operate. My only concern is the body is plastic and I wasn't aware of that until after I purchased it on-line. I had looked at competitor products that had a metal body. This one has the appearance of metal but is not. Although it works well now, I am not sure how well it will hold up over time.

I really like the blade brake clutch which is one of the primary reasons I purchased this particular mower. The engine operates well and started on the first pull right out of the box. It cuts well and is easy to operate. My only concern is the body is plastic and I wasn't aware of that until after I purchased it on-line. I had looked at competitor products that had a metal body. This one has the appearance of metal but is not. Although it works well now, I am not sure how well it will hold up... more

Everything I read about this mower is true. Looks great, performance is awesome. First time owning a self-propelled machine and I just love it. We have bad shoulders, so starting was not a problem at all. This compares to our riding mower pretty well so far. Like I said, just got it so hopefully it will be a good one.

Have only mowed twice with it, but it is performing as advertised. There were few options for a residential mower with blade brake clutch, which was a must. I am a long-standing Honda supporter. This is my third Honda mower.