Honda HRX217 Review

HRX217 review

Our take on the Honda HRX217

The Honda HRX217 is Honda’s premium residential walk-behind mower. It has a GCV200 engine, a rust-free NeXite deck with a lifetime warranty, MicroCut twin blades and the Versamow 4-in-1 system. A 5-year residential warranty backs it. It costs more than the HRN216, but you get a stronger engine, a deck that cannot rust or dent and a longer warranty. It is aimed at homeowners who want a mower that lasts for many years.

This review covers the engine, drive, deck, variants, owner feedback and who should buy it. We also compare it with the cheaper HRN216.

GCV200 engine

The HRX217 uses Honda’s GCV200 overhead-cam residential engine. It displaces about 187 cc and is a 5.6 horsepower-class engine. Honda says it has more power and torque than its predecessor. That helps in heavy, thick grass. It has an Auto Choke system, so you start it and go. It also has a flywheel brake that stops the engine when you release the lever.

Versamow 4-in-1 system

This is the feature most owners love. Versamow lets you mulch, bag, discharge or shred leaves. You can even mulch and bag at the same time. A 10-position Clip Director sets how much clipping goes to the bag and how much goes back to the lawn. You change it without tools or attachments.

MicroCut twin blades

MicroCut uses two stacked and offset blades with four cutting surfaces. They cut grass into fine pieces. The result is better mulching and more clippings per bag. A New Zealand dealer says you can mow up to 30 percent further before you need to empty the bag.

NeXite deck

The 21-inch deck is made of NeXite. It is a composite material that does not rust or dent. Honda gives it a lifetime limited warranty. A steel deck, like the one on the HRN216, can rust over time. If your mower lives in a damp garage, NeXite is a real advantage. The composite deck is also lighter than steel.

Select Drive speed control

The HRX217 is self-propelled with Honda’s Select Drive. You rotate a speed dial to match your pace. Then you engage the drive with a control on the handle. It is easy to set and comfortable to use. Hydrostatic versions are also offered. They give smoother control without a belt.

Which HRX217 version?

The model letters matter. The VKA is the base version with recoil start. It weighs 89 lb dry. The VLA adds electric start and weighs about 95 lb. The VYA adds the Roto-Stop blade stop and weighs about 95 lb. The HYA is a hydrostatic model at about 97 lb. The HZA is the top version with Roto-Stop, hydrostatic drive and electric start, at about 106 lb. Prices rise with each step.

What owners say

Owners often call the HRX217 the best residential mower they have owned. They praise easy starting, even cutting and long life. Common complaints are about price and weight. It costs about $770 to $1,080 depending on the version. That is much more than a budget mower. The base model also lacks electric start and a blade stop.

Limits to know about

The HRX217 is a 21-inch mower, so large lawns take time. It is heavier than the HRN216. The base VKA has no electric start. The price is high. If you only mow a small yard, the HRN216 may be enough.

How it compares with the HRN216

The HRN216 has a GCV170 engine, a steel deck and a 3-year warranty. It costs about $510 to $630. The HRX217 has a GCV200 engine, a NeXite deck with a lifetime warranty and a 5-year warranty. If you value long-term durability, the HRX217 is worth the extra cost.

Quick specs at a glance

The engine is a Honda GCV200. The deck is 21 inches of NeXite. Blades are MicroCut twin blades. Dry weight is 89 lb on the VKA. The residential warranty is five years. The commercial warranty is 90 days. The deck warranty is for life.

Tips to get the most from it

Set the Clip Director to match your grass. Use a lower setting for light mulching and a higher setting to send more to the bag. Check the oil before each mow. Keep the blades sharp. Clean the air filter each season. Rinse the deck, even though it will not rust. Store the mower with fuel stabilizer for winter.

Who should buy it

Buy the HRX217 if you want a mower you will keep for a decade or more. It suits homeowners with small to medium lawns who value mulching quality and long warranties. Skip it if you want the lowest price.

Price and warranty

A review site lists the HRX217 series from $769 to $1,079, depending on the version. Honda gives a 5-year residential warranty, a lifetime limited NeXite deck warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty.

Verdict

The HRX217 is one of the best residential walk-behind mowers you can buy. The GCV200 engine, NeXite deck and Versamow system justify the price for owners who want long life.