M230 vs HRN216
M230 vs HRN216 compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.
| M230 | HRN216 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| Performance | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Build quality | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Comfort & ergonomics | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Features | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Price | $459 | $599 |
| Specifications | ||
| Power type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Horsepower | 0 HP | 0 HP |
| Engine | Briggs & Stratton 163 cc, single-cylinder OHV | Honda GCV170, single-cylinder OHC, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 163 cc, 1 cylinder | About 166 cc (Honda GCV170), 1 cylinder |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Variable-speed self-propelled | Fixed-gear belt clutch, variable-position Smart Drive |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive, slipping belt |
| Deck size | 21 in | 21 in |
| Deck construction | Steel, 3-in-1 convertible, deck wash port | Steel, 16-gauge, 3-in-1 with Clip Director |
| Cutting height | 1.25 to 3.75 in, 6 positions | 1 to 4 in, 7 positions |
| Blades | Single blade | MicroCut twin blades (four cutting surfaces) |
| Discharge | Side discharge, rear bag (1.9 bu Dust Blocker, included) or mulch | Rear bag (1.9 bu, standard), mulch or discharge via Clip Director |
| Top speed | Variable walking pace | 0 to 4 mph |
| Turning radius | N/A (walk-behind) | N/A (walk-behind) |
| Front tires | 7 to 8 in | 8 in plastic |
| Rear tires | 11 in | 8 in plastic, sintered metal bushings |
| Weight | 87 lb | 79 lb dry (VKA); about 87 lb (VLA); about 90 lb (VYA) |
| Dimensions | 21-in. deck; see Craftsman spec sheet for overall size | 21-in. deck; see Honda spec sheet for overall size |
| Fuel capacity | Not published by Craftsman | Not published by Honda |
| Recommended property size | About 1/4 to 1/2 acre | Small to medium yards (about 1/4 to 1/2 acre, our estimate) |
| Bag capacity | 1.9 bushel Dust Blocker | 1.9 bushel |
| Starting | ReadyStart, no prime or choke | — |
| Oil system | Just Check and Add | — |
| Deck wash port | Yes | — |
| Blade stop system | No | — |
| Dry weight (VKA) | — | 79 lb |
| Operating weight (VKA) | — | 82 lb |
| Starter (VKA) | — | Recoil |
| Choke | — | Automatic |
| Handle | — | 1 in. steel tube, 2 height positions |
| Verdict | The M230 adds variable-speed drive, 11-in. rear wheels and a larger 163 cc engine to the Craftsman 21-in. line. It suits yards up to about half an acre. Read the full review |
The HRN216 is Honda's entry self-propelled mower, with a GCV170 engine, 21-in. steel deck, MicroCut twin blades and Smart Drive. It suits small to medium lawns. Read the full review |
