M230 vs HRX217
M230 vs HRX217 compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.
| M230 | HRX217 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.8 | 4.4 |
| Performance | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Build quality | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Comfort & ergonomics | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Price | $459 | $769 |
| Specifications | ||
| Power type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Horsepower | 0 HP | 5.6 HP |
| Engine | Briggs & Stratton 163 cc, single-cylinder OHV | Honda GCV200, single-cylinder OHC, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 163 cc, 1 cylinder | About 187 cc (Honda GCV200), 1 cylinder |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Variable-speed self-propelled | Select Drive (belt) or hydrostatic, by version |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Deck size | 21 in | 21 in |
| Deck construction | Steel, 3-in-1 convertible, deck wash port | NeXite composite, rust-free and dent-free, Versamow 4-in-1 |
| Cutting height | 1.25 to 3.75 in, 6 positions | Lever adjustment; see Honda spec sheet |
| Blades | Single blade | MicroCut twin blades (four cutting surfaces) |
| Discharge | Side discharge, rear bag (1.9 bu Dust Blocker, included) or mulch | Mulch, bag, side discharge or leaf shred via Versamow and 10-position Clip Director |
| Top speed | Variable walking pace | Variable; see Honda spec sheet |
| Turning radius | N/A (walk-behind) | N/A (walk-behind) |
| Front tires | 7 to 8 in | Not published by Honda |
| Rear tires | 11 in | Not published by Honda |
| Weight | 87 lb | 89 lb dry (VKA); up to about 106 lb (HZA) |
| 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 3/4 acre, our estimate) |
| Bag capacity | 1.9 bushel Dust Blocker | — |
| Starting | ReadyStart, no prime or choke | — |
| Oil system | Just Check and Add | — |
| Deck wash port | Yes | — |
| Blade stop system | No | — |
| Dry weight (VKA) | — | 89 lb |
| Operating weight (VKA) | — | 91 lb |
| Weight (VLA/VYA/HYA/HZA) | — | About 95 / 95 / 97 / 106 lb |
| Clip Director | — | 10 positions |
| Commercial warranty | — | 90 days |
| 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 HRX217 is Honda's premium residential mower, with a GCV200 engine, lifetime NeXite deck, MicroCut blades, Versamow 4-in-1 and a 5-year warranty. Read the full review |
