Honda HRR vs HRX Mower Comparison - long term review
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- čas přidán 6. 04. 2019
- Here I share my thoughts on how the HRR line of Honda lawn mowers compares to the more expensive HRX line, and why I think that most people should actually save the money and get the HRR mower.
Specifically I compare the HRR216 and the HRX217 after owning both at the same time. Ultimately, I kept the HRX and sold the HRR. However, I don't believe the difference is worth it for most people and most homeowners should get the HRR. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower czcams.com/users/postUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.
I have both. I use the HRX for the front yard and the HRR for the back yard. The HRX is electric start. It is a beast for thick St. Augustine. Good thing about having two mowers..is the wife does the back yard...I do the front yard. Life is good.
I use an HRH536 since last week. It's a beast!
One of the best comparisons I have seen on the internet. Great Job
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful.
I'm grateful for people like you that do a great review and are nicely prepared. thank you!
I have a 1984 Honda mower and abuse the heck out of it,and still works great and its 35 years old.
Frederick Zaugg of course
I went with the HRX with the Hydrostatic transmission and the blade stop. Blade stop is a complete game changer for those who bag their yard. Start it once and it stays running the entire time you are mowing.
Thanks Garage Dad. Was narrowing down my search for a new mower and was pretty sure I wanted a Honda. This review and comparison put me over the top and as you recommended, I bought the HRR. Thanks.
I bought an HRR back in 2005. I just this Spring replaced the transmission but otherwise the mower has been a great workhorse for me.
This is the best review of these mowers on the entire internet! Thank you!
Great review!!! My Craftsman Eagle is just over 19 years old and has been in the shop only once. It's been a tough old bird but I have been looking at Honda mowers. I have a Honda generator that is over 15 years old and starts every time on the first pull. So this is why I'm buying a honda. Thank you for this valuable information Garage Dad!!!!
Great review! Thank you! The drive system comparison really was helpful.
I've had an HRR for several years and I would never give it up =)
The average consumer that spends the money on a Honda mower, is going to keep it for 20 years+. That's where the benefits of the Nexite deck will be seen. The HRR deck will eventually rust out.
Great comparison, very detailed 😊. I just bought my first Honda, HRX 217VYA, all the Honda’s get great reviews .
I wish I would've seen this before I bought the hrx. Thanks for the video 👍
THANKS FOR YOUR REVIEW, REALLY HELPED ME IN MY PURCHASE (:
I agree with your recommendation for most people. I have had the HRR now for 2 full mowing years and love the drive system. I have what I consider a small front yard but a large back yard. The back yard is sloped about 5 degrees and I had a very hard time pushing my 19 inch electric mower up that slope so I opted for the gas powered self-propelled Honda with the rear wheel drive. It has absolutely no problem going up that grade even on wet grass. The thumb drive on the HRR operates as a speed control that is very responsive and yet easy and comfortable to use. Being able to easily and continuously adjust the walking speed is absolutely necessary as I navigate up and down the slope and around various obstacles and shape changes to the cutting pattern. I live in the Tampa area and have St Augustine grass. This mower is a beast and has no problem cutting even if I miss a week and the grass is longer than normal. The dual blade does an excellent job of mulching. the blades of grass into tiny square pieces. I also like the Roto-Stop feature that allows me to stop walking to pull up a weed or two. When I let go of the Blade-Control Lever the blade stops and the engine slows but does not turn off. After I pull out a couple of weeds I simply hold down the Roto-Stop button with my right thumb while pulling back the Blade-Control Lever with my left hand and the blade engages and the engine picks back up to full speed again. It is ingenious and I use it often. I absolutely love this mower. Great job Honda.
A few years ago, after mowing vicious, fast growing south Florida St. Augustine for 40+ years, I bought my first brand new mower - a Honda HRX from Home Depot, but with the Smart drive system that your HRR has. It is (was) AWESOME. I just gave it to my son-in-law. I'm heartbroken. But I wanted him, in his first house, who has never cut lawns before, to have the best. *sigh*
Hah! That's what I have, an HRX217 w/ the flappy paddle Smart Drive (also bought at Home Depot, but 10+ years ago!). One day, when my turf management guy showed up for an application shortly after I'd finished mowing, he looked wistfully at my Honda and blurted out that he wished he'd never sold /his/ Smart Drive 217!
I also have a 2019 HRX217 with the Select Drive, and while it's fine, the older Smart Drive one makes me feel like I'm Edward Scissorhands - if he had Honda lawnmower hands instead of scissor hands lol. I can just whip it around, up and down the hills...a real pleasure to cut with!
The HRX gets a lot better when you add the blade stop function and hydro transmission. I don’t know if you can get that on the other one. I have a big yard and it’s nice to be able to transport it to the other side of the yard without the blade running.
At my local stores, there is a $210 price difference. I see nothing that warrants basically a 33% higher price tag of the HRX. I think you nailed your comparison and your conclusions are accurate.
Looking to purchase a new mower and this comparison was great. although my options asr the HRR and HRN as the dealer doesn't stock the HRX. Thanks again gives me plenty to consider.
Excellent and informative vid. I have the the HRR216VYA, personally I like the blade stop feature and use it often to pick up twigs or leave it running when transitioning to different surfaces or over a curb. The machine does mulch very well with the twin cut blade system. I have run into times when the grass was a little high/damp and it has bogged down with the 169cc engine. Overall I am happy with my machine, if I can do it again or was buying one today I would go with an HRX with the blade clutch especially now with the boost in power with the 200cc engine. I also like the larger wheels and tires of the HRX and the addition of the ball bearing supported front wheels not just the rear wheels as on the HRR series. As you mentioned another 2 or 3 inches in cutting width would be nice and the larger engine in the HRX would likely handle that extra width without issue.
Fantastic review sir! Great on the important details. I do believe I have read some reviews that say you are still able to just your speed with the paddles even after you set the speed? I could be wrong but the paddles have a lot of play to push down for a reason. I’m a little confused I guess. Would love to hear what you think because this is a very important consideration before I buy.
Thanks for sharing Garage! I've had my HRR for about 6 years now in Florida and my deck is rusting out. Also, I've had to maintenance the self propelled system once and it needs it again. My question, how would you compare the robustness of the self propelled systems of each? It seems I've heard people say they have gone 8 plus years without needing to do anything to the HRX self propelled drive? Thanks.
Great video, I think the hrr model will be fine for me. Don't think I'll need to spend the extra for the nexite deck. Ive had an old Troy built with a Honda engine for about 15 years and it's deck hasn't rusted away yet. But I have a couple years newer Troy built and it's deck cracked on me a couple years ago, but I just ordered a new replacement deck from Troy built for $60 and its been good as new since.
Got the HRX today, totally in love
Great review!! Shopping now, looks like HRR for me!
I just bought a HRN with the smart drive and blade control and I like being able to just let go of the paddles when I want to turn or go backwards.
Good honest review, thanks. Ken UK
Very helpful presentation. Thank you!
I was coming home from work and my neighbor was throwing his Hrx 217 away took it home cleaned the carburetor started on the first pull. The best mower I’ve ever owned. Mine even has throttle control. So I don’t have to stop the engine to empty the bag
Haha! Your neighbour's stupidity is your win!!!
I wish I had ignorant neighbors!! :)
Eric Orlando I don’t suspect you want ignorant or stupid, perhaps “less discerning” fits? 🙂
The blade brake clutch and the throttle control are two separate features.
Depending on how old the mower is, Honda has changed “feature” between levels of the model line. For safety please ensure that the blade is stopping even if the motor is running - only the noise from the blade motion (windage) should go away when you release the BLADE drive bail.
I like your take on the drive system...
thanks for this comparison. especially the smart and select drive feature.
The thing I love about the nexite deck is that it does not corrode or rust
A plastic deck? You have got to be kidding me! I have a Toro with an aluminum deck. Its such a tank and so light.
@@misterbulger I was joking pal calm down
@@misterbulger those plastic junk ass mowers don’t last
@@misterbulger I own the newest toro super recycler with an aluminum deck it’s awesome
What's the price of each one and I wonder if you can put a set of tires from the hrx on the hrr?
Great review!
Thank you so much - very helpful!
i got a honda on my husqvarna rh its a 160 cc motor there tanks and i had a 80's craftsman with a honda as well back in the day and was a great mower as well there solid they could survive a nuke war
Is the HRR line still good. I am looking at one for 185.00 what are your thoughts
The place were the deck material matters the most is under the deck when it gets packed with grass. Owners ever clean them so they rust from the underside and rot out.
The wheel height numbers are on the rear as well. They are molded into the deck but just not painted. You can see them in your shot of the wheels. Very easy to see and set.
My HRX has the Smart-"Thumb"-Drive, and I do like it, especially mowing up banks. It's almost effortless. It took a little getting used to at first, but it didn't take long at all for it to become my preferred mower. I also have an HRR that I'm restoring that doesn't have the Smart-Drive. That may be a modification that will have to be done.
Have a great day!
Thanks for the review. I'm looking at the NeXite BECAUSE my Honda deck completely corroded even though it's kept in a garage and I clean under the deck every time I finish. Otherwise, the mower still runs great after 5-6 years on my WV lawn.
(If you haven't already,) don't buy the lousy steel deck model. Those 8-inch wheels suck, too, in comparison to the 9-inch!
I have the hrc216 and it runs at a high level what can I do to fix that .
Hay just found your channel and looks great. Like the Honda hrx 476. I’m in the U.K. and fix mowers and all types of garden equipment
My deck on my old Murray rusted out and the front wheels fell off.
I have had an HRX 537 for about 13 years. It has never failed and has a tough life. The plastic composit deck is lighter than the steel deck and easier to pull back which you need to do a lot when youre mowing. Just my exoerience thats all.
Just picked up an broken HRR for free and put a new carb and clutch cable on it. Now it runs great. How much should I ask for it on craigslist?
Thank you. Very good info.
I would go with the hrx because u always see the metal decks rusted out on the Hondas with the engine still working so I would rather spend a little extra money to have the better deck so it doesn't rust out
Nice comparison, I have an HRX from 2014 with the blade clutch and I love it. It's been a great mower and nothing else compares IMO. My fiance's dad has a 2016 HRR and he has heavily used it over the last 4 years and it's been great to him. I agree that most people will be more than happy with that model. I've used his several times and found it to be a great mower. I just recently bought my mom a brand new HRN model which replaced the HRR series and she loves it. I think Honda made some nice improvements over the HRR with it including improving the feel of the Smart Drive self propel and getting rid of that resistance their mowers have had when pulling them backwards. I think the biggest advantage you get with the HRX is that versamow clip director. I love being able to mulch and bag together and have the best of both worlds instead of being one or the other. Parts of my front yard grow so thick and tall so quickly that it's too much to fully mulch so I put the director in the middle or at least partially towards bag so it frees up engine power and you don't have to worry about leaving clippings behind. Gives the yard that clean look you get with bagging but you still get the benefits of mulching. Plus you don't have to empty the bag as often as you do when you have it on full bag.
I'm thinking of buying the HRN216VYA with the blade clutch.
Great video. Thanks
The numbers are on the back they are embossed into the molding
excellent, thank you very much, just what I wanted to know
BBC is necessary, comes on handy when u have to stop and clear the lawn of debris etc, also bagging! Even though i mulch as well!
HRX is really good for a push mower one of the best of its kind.
Drive system mechanics are the same, differing only in interface. Think of the select drive system as smart drive with a 'max speed' setting. If you put the select drive on full speed and operate it the same as you do the smart drive system, it will react the same. Solid video! Appreciate the side by side walk around and commentary.
Thank you, glad you liked it!
I am not sure I agree with you on the drive system though. In my experience if you have “full speed” selected on the HRX you can’t go slowly by just pressing the lever a little. At least on mine it basically either engages or not, very little in between... whereas on the HRR no adjustment needed to go slow on parts or max drive power uphill.
@@garagedad4540 I think it depends on how much slack you have in the clutch cable. Two rotations in or out of the barrel adjuster can be the difference b/w the Select Drive functioning as basically an on/off lever for the transmission, or allowing more granular control (though it doesn't match the variable control offered by Smart Drive).
I just bought an hrx 217. My only complaint is it needs a little more weight towards the front end. But cut quality is great
That’s interesting, do you find it tipping back on you? The drive wheels are in the back so theoretically more weight towards the rear helps with traction.
mine bounces if i get lazy and let the mower pull me...agreed, they needed a better center of gravity, especially when bagging and rear weight increases.
That’s true, when I first started to used I was feeling weird, I wanted to put some weight at front
Have you ever had issues with a strip of grass being left on the left side, just inside the wheels, that’s unmowed? Change the blades to new Honda blades this season and I’m getting a streak of grass that’s not getting cut. Trouble shot everything I can think of...still leaves uncut grass.
I like how he says they did not mark the numbers in the back , when he zooms in the numbers are on the deck , he just didnt care to look
I’ve owned my HRX over 10 years. Bought new at a Honda dealer after seeing the deck strength demonstrated at the Detroit auto show. They had Honda SUV sitting on 4 mowers. Mine is key start and everything still works. I’m charging the battery twice a season now. No big deal. I mow a steep hill. Never an issue with the drive. Mine has the ground speed control on the left handle. Easy to change speeds on the fly. Sounds like they should have kept this design. If I have to mention something I’d change it would be a larger fuel tank. Love this mower.
I live yards from salt water and am replacing my 10 year old HRR. Not due to rust, but the drive wheels have worn glass smooth and offer zero traction. Two weeks ago a large metal plate/bracket underneath came unbolted and badly mangled in the blade and possibly bent the shaft. It needs a new blade and has noticeable vibration now. Yesterday the self propel failed and I found a broken curved metal bracket on the lawn. Without self propel it is exhausting work on a larger lawn. I can probably fix all these issues with enough research and money, but am looking at just buying a HRX and selling the HRR as a fixer. Good review.
madcow usa get a toro timemaster
Had the HRR for 15 years. Deck began to rust out and once the transmission went out, I went HRX.
Great review. My Murray Briggs Stratton is done, so I am done with those cheap engines...
Do they use the same bag? Are the bags interchangeable?
The faster speed setting is for transport, its not for mowing. The mower has a blade stop feature so you can leave the engine running without the blade being engaged so you can use the mower's engine to move the mower around like to take it from your garage to your lawn or whatever.
Do the rear wheels on either one move when you try to pull the mower back? Very annoying defect IMO!
if you're in a wet or temperate climate the plastic deck is preferred, whereas if your grass is generally dry the steel deck will do.
The rear wheels on the HRX have numbered adjustments that are cut into the plastic. I missed it the first few times as well because the numbers are the same color as the plastic deck.
Just got the HRX and I love it so so much, lol! That HRR looks fantastic too, but the versa-mow was what sold it for me on the HRX. That makes my life so much better OMG--so nice. I might've missed it, but you don't think that the twin blades on the HRX allows for a better quality of cut? Or does the HRR also have the dual-blade system? Great concise review and you hit all the major areas of concern imo! 👍🏼
I have the HRR mower. It has the dual blades. I believe all Honda’s have dual blades. The HRR mulches great. The 160 CC engine is a beast.
I just got rid of my old Toro mower and bought a very old Honda on craigslist a couple weeks ago, an old hrm215 with the similar plastic deck as the hrx, best mower I've ever owned! Even with the older 140cc engine, those older Honda's still start on the first pull and have tons of power. Doesnt even hesitate or bog down at all in tall thick grass like my old Toro used to do, and I'm sure it will last for a very long time hopefully! Great comparison!
DIY Dad got a hrx215 for free off Craigslist. guy probably dumped it because the drive didn't work and the pull cord broke. put a new cord on it and started up after a few pulls and runs great. pulled out all the grass buildup underneath and found a broken belt. trans works fine. so ordered a new belt and good to mow.
@@berardia4 you cant beat that deal! Ran into a bit of trouble with mine this weekend mowing though, belt is still good but I might have to pull off that plastic cover to access the belt and gear box, the drive bar doesnt always fully return to the disengaged position when I let off the drive, so sometimes it sticks, which also makes it so the self propelled stops working half way through mowing once in a while. So I'll have to try and fix that, taking that plastic belt guard off is kind of crazy, two bolts holding it on also holds the engine to the deck, and had to take the right wheel off to remove the other nut, and one more on the inside of the grass bag chute. Still couldn't get it off. Might try again in a few days I think it's just really stuck on there. Luckily the belt is fine yet, I think the cable that engages the drive might be hung up somewhere but I cant see it without tearing it apart! Oh well, at least the engine is rock solid :)
@@DIYDad1 yeah that shield was tough to get off. The one 12mm bolt was frozen. I recently got an impact gun and would not have been able to get it off otherwise even after using penetrating oil.
Good comparison review but 1 correction, the gcv190 has 6.5hp and gcv160 has 5.5hp 😁😉 it's on the manual
I've had the HRR for 3 years now, except mine is basic without self propulsion. I have a relatively flat property so I don't mind pushing. The cut quality on these Honda mowers is just fantastic. I don't think I'll ever switch to a different mowing brand. I think the personal pace from Toro has the best self propulsion system, it seems more intuitive than the Hondas.
I've had my Toro w/electric start, self propulsion going on 19 years, only thing the propulsion went out, been pushing it for two yrs now and It wears me out, very heavy, this woman is selling her Honda so I'm going to check it out on Saturday.
Do you wash them after ever usage?
Purchased the HRR 2 weeks ago and it is a fantastic mower. I use the 3.5" height setting in mulch mode and the lawn looks great. New piece of kit has me working on other appearance essentials. Plants are all pruned and waiting for hot weather to hit. We had 1/2" shy of record rainfall this spring and 725" of show in the mountains. Snowbird will be open on 4th of July.
Honda has won my heart with the HRR. I will care for it well and it will run until gas mowers are illegal. Had a Cub Cadet before but it just won't cut grass high enough.
Stephen Lambrecht if gas mowers become illegal I’m buying a stockpile battery mowers are shit
Gas mowers being illegal in the next 10-15 years isnt too far fetched of an imagination since government can shut anything down @ will..
Is the bags interchangeable?? I have the HRR Series
I have the HRR and I upgraded the wheels to the 9" ball bearing wheels that come on the HRX for only $45. Now my HRR is the perfect mower.
Big Texas: I was thinking about doing that too, I’m glad you posted that. Did you have any problems or need any modifications?
@@matthewinga9546 The only problem is the gears on the back of the actual wheels are
a different size so I used the gears from the factory hrr wheels and put them on the new hrx wheels and they work perfect and have been since I did this modification 2 years ago. The gears are held on to the wheels via plastic tabs so I just used my soldering iron the heat the plastic tabs and fold them up to be able to remove the gears then heated them again the push the tabs back down once the gears were installed. You only have to do this to the 2 back wheels so it's not hard at all. I use my mower everyday for commercial use and the wheels have been holding up for over 2 years now and the tread on the hrx wheels seems to be actual rubber as opposed to the factory plastic hrr wheels so they are very durable and the tread still looks new even after all of the use I've put on them.
You are my new hero! NO ONE calls out the poor design of the HRX ergonomics with the self propelled handles. AND I have the more expensive version with the drive handle (not the thumb paddles). TERRIBLE design. And I’m a Honda fanboy but this HRX is a big misstep for them. And they tried to fix it with the drive handle you own and still not much better when you need variable speed. You never hear that feedback on reviews.
Great info
I have an hrr i was thinking of upgrading to hrx, considering the drive system, your review decided for me, I don't think I would like the hrx drive system, I like to slow down and speed up while cutting and hrr is so simple and easy to adjust speed, thank you for your review
Thanks for the review. I was hell bent on the HRX but after watching I think I may go with the HRR
The HRX has the adjustment numbers for the rear wheels. It’s on the deck
Thank you ....
The drive system did it for me
I do constantly have to go up and down while cutting my grass ...I was going to buy the HRX but I know I will break the drive system ...🌈🇨🇦
I have both GCV190 and 160 for lawnmowers and pressures, I definitely prefer bigger engine
Which one goes up hills easier?
I still have my 15 year old Honda mower and it works great, but looking next year to upgrade "maybe." The self-propelled drive does tire out my thumbs (no adjustments), better after mowing ever week your thumbs get use to it. I do like the HRR though a little more than the HRX.
5:43 I don’t really understand, I can see the numbers on the back, into the plastic. They are done during the injection, through the plastic mold, so not with a sticker in that case ;) Not as visible, but still here !
Great video, thanks !
where do yo stand about the toro briggs 160 cc engine compared to the honda 160 cc. like toros personal pace.
I’ve had both models. The HRR for a yard with st Augustine and it worked freaking amazing, all mulching. Never felt under powered. The HRX for my yard with Bermuda now and it’s just ok on mulching in the thickest parts of the bermuda. I to liked the HRR paddle better drive too. I use the HRX paddle in a varying like I did with the HRR. Don’t care or use the in between bag and mulching. Don’t understand it really.
I use the the HRX217 as a go to mower for commercial use in my small landscaping business. I've had 190 cc model for years and just recently bought a new one that comes with a more powerful 200 cc engine. Although HRX 217 is the top of the line residential grade mower, I use it commercially over Honda's full on commercial models for several reasons.
First and foremost is its deck. It's obviously made of plastic, but it's some kind of special space age plastic that's tougher than a steel deck. It doesn't rust, you can't dent it, brilliant. And what's most important - it's super light so maneuvering it is a joy.
Blade brake clutch system and versamow are also great. If there's one thing I don't like on the HRX 217 that it's not sturdy. Without supporting brackets on the handle, mower sometimes seems wobbly and flimsy. Otherwise, a brilliant machine.
I love the smart drive system on my hrr
The Nexite decks are notorious cracking. Once it starts there is no stopping it. Being the owner of a small repair shop these come into my shop on a regular basis. Honda is good about their warranty although nit every mowers damage is covered. They are vert stringent about the circumstances which contributed to the damage. Overall, any Honda mower is a good choice. Personally a steel deck, cared for properly, is my choice. Every day .
The HRX217 VKA(200cc) is a great mower. I have 4 nit picks with mine. Mine turns to the left very, very slightly. The handle is on the highest setting and I still feel like it is too low for me. The speed is on the absolute lowest setting, but still feels a tiny bit faster than what I want sometimes(again 200cc) But the biggest thing is $600 and *no blade stop.* If you want to start the mower without running the blade, then you have to go up one model... $730...
Overall, it's still the best 21inch mower you can buy. I know it will outlast and cut better than any consumer grade mower.
A friend of mine buys a new $199 mower every 2 or 3 years. Our Honda's cost a lot up front, but it's just oil changes and blade sharpenings for at least 5 years and probably not much more after that.
You don't want that blade stop, the clutch for that roto stop is nothing but trouble. Much more reliable without it and plus these honda mowers start so easy that it's really not worth the expensive repair to have a roto stop clutch.
Yeah they have the cut height numbers for the HRX on the back wheels too it's just on the side. Take a better look at it.
I have a slope in my backyard and part of it is 35 to 40 degrees. My 25 year old 2 cycle lawn boy handles the job, but the cut is kinda poor. Can these Hondas do the job without oil starvation?
No, but TORO’s cordless can!
i have always just counted the notches numbers would be hard to see or get dirt on them anyway..
Thanks 🙏
5:42 the numbers for mow height for the back wheels are literally visible in your video. they're embossed in the deck rather than on a sticker... no need to count.
You’re absolutely right, others have pointed this out , too! Totally missed them. Not sure how I never noticed them, guess I was looking for the same thing I saw on the front. I still think it should be the same format all around to avoid confusion but definitely not a worthy criticism of the HRX.
Nice review. Have you ever given the Toro personal pace system a shot? Sounds like that would suit your preferences the most. Also... throw some sedgehammer on that nutsedge!
At 5:41 you can see the numbers on the back of the mower by the wheels on the HRX.
I have a uneven lawn should I go with HRX because of the wheels?
Yes.. they roll over everything.