If you’ve ever shopped for a lawnmower, you know it’s not always easy to pick which one to buy. There are so many different brands and models to chose from that narrowing your decision down is often a challenge.
When you first think of Honda, you might think of their cars or of the high-quality engines they produce. What you might not know is they also make good, reliable mowers. If you’re looking for a new walk-behind mower it’s well worth taking a look at what Honda has to offer.
Why Buy a Honda Lawnmower?
Honda mowers consistently rank highly when you look at customer reviews, as well as on lists put out by organizations like Popular Mechanics and Consumer Reports. Other mower brands have a wider selection of sizes, but Honda mowers are definitely one of the best choices to buy if you’re looking for a 21-inch walk-behind for residential or commercial use.
These little Honda mowers have simple, adaptable features designed to fit your personal preferences, as well as save you time and money. Since Honda is the gold-standard for small engines, these mowers are very reliable. They also feature innovative tech like Honda’s twin-blade cutting system for superior lawn performance.
Honda’s walk-behinds are large enough to help you get the lawn cutting job done quickly and small enough to make them maneuverable. Even if you have a riding mower to handle larger lawns, you might find a Hondas with their 21-inch decks useful for cutting around gardens, fences, and other tight areas.
Types of Honda Mowers
Honda groups their mowers into four series:
- HRN – residential mowers featuring 4-in-1 Versamow system.
- HRX – premium residential mowers with rear bagging, mulching, and rear discharge.
- HRS – mowers that offer side discharge and mulching.
- HRC – commercial grade mowers with mulching, bagging, and optional side discharge
These mowers all share certain features, including reliable Honda engines and a twin-blade cutting system for a better-looking lawn. All Honda’s lawnmowers also meet the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) rigorous standards. This ensures the mower’s availability and compliance with regulations in all 50 states.
The other features included with each mower depend on which model you choose. Each series offers different options for speed control as well as mulching, bagging, and or discharging for grass clippings. Certain models have additional features as well.
Speed Control
Push mowers are lightweight and less expensive than the self-propelled models, but you’ll get a work-out using them. They are best for people with small yards who want more exercise while lawn mowing. Honda’s push models include the HRN216PKA, HRS216PKA, and HRC216PDA.
Most of the self-propelled models feature a variable speed Smart Drive or Select Drive system that allows you to adjust the speed from 0 to 4 mph. Smart Drive systems use an ergonomically shaped paddle lever on the handle to adjust between 5 different speed settings. Mowers with this system include the HRS216VKA, HRN216VKA, HRN216VYA, and HRN216VLA. The Select Drive system features a rotating speed adjust dial for more intuitive speed control. Mowers with this system include HRX217VKA, HRX217VLA, and HRX217VYA.
The other option for self-propelled mowers is the Cruise Control Hydrostatic Transmission. This allows you to set and adjust your pace at speeds between 0 and 4 miles per hour, with 9 different maximum speeds. It also saves your preferred mowing speed while the mower is off. Hydrostatic self-propel is available on Honda’s HRX217HYA, HRX217HZA, HRC216HDA, and HRC216HXA mowers.
Mulch, Bag, Discharge, and Versamow
All Honda’s mowers have mulching systems but bagging or discharge options are only available on certain models. HRS series mowers are Honda’s the simplest mowers, offering mulching and side discharge. HRC series, which are commercial-grade mowers, come standard with mulching and bagging options, and optional side-discharge. The HRN series mowers are “3 in 1 ready.” They come with mulching, rear bagging, and rear discharge.
The most versatile mowers are the “4 in 1 ready” HRX series mowers. They feature Honda’s exclusive Versamow System that allows mulching, bagging, discharge, and leaf shredding with no special tools or attachments needed to switch between the different modes. It can even bag and much simultaneously, to leave some grass on the lawn while avoiding clumps.
Extra Features
As the premium residential series, the HRX mowers have the most features. In addition to Cruise Control Hydrostatic Transmission and the Versamow System, these mowers feature Honda’s Roto-Stop blade stop system, easy electric start, and an extra-durable NeXite cutting deck.
Certain models in the HRN series also offers several extra features. These include electric start, Auto Choke, and two-position EZ fold handles, depending on which model you choose. You can quickly compare features on different models using Honda’s Move Up chart online.
When you need a new walk-behind mower, you really can’t go wrong choosing one of the Honda mowers. Whether you just want a simple push mower or you need a premium model with all the bells and whistles, Honda gives you plenty of reasons to choose their mowers. And as a Honda Power Choice Dealer, Richardson Saw & Lawnmower is well qualified to help you find the best Honda mower to fit your needs. You can click here to browse Honda mowers on our website or stop in and see us. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
