Honda mowers can't be pulled backwards

[gman2304]

Originally Posted By: BigD1
Adjust the drive cable, or the rear wheels need to come off. Take off the rear wheels, and clean the gunk out, and then use fresh grease to grease it back up. It will roll like a new one should. Just don't put it together backwards. Snap ring pliers will make it easy to do if you have them.

^^^ This! ^^^

 

[CT8]

I have 2 Hondas an HRC which can be pulled backwards and one like the op has that can't be pulled back ward.

 

[pandus13]

Originally Posted By: E150GT
Y’all are fancy with your self propelled machines. I

Does it comes in ORANGE?

Adjustable height?

And nice twirly self sharpening fascinating blades?

 

[DdDd]

This is both true and not. If you wash down the mower or otherwise lose the grease in multiple sleeves and bushings it stops rolling backwards.

Had to take mine apart to fix and yes it's a dumb design. A lot of tiny snap rings and bushings holding up the axle, which when poorly lubed binds up.

 

[2009Edge]

My Honda mower would act the same. I changed the oil in the little gear box (differential) and it fixed it.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: sloinker
I pull mine backwards all the time?


Same here with the 20 years I owned a Honda self propelled mower.

 

[andyd]

I have had a few Toro 3spds. You have to open your grip on the bail to slip the belt a little to allow them to freewheel backward. I think I was on the 3rd Toro before I got the move down.

 

[JLawrence08648]

I have 7 Honda self propelled mowers and they all work the same way??? I went to a friend's house, she has two, the same problem, and both get serviced annually; another person, the same. With these comments, I'm going to visit a Honda dealer. I'm glad I posted this. All the machines I have are machines that I picked up off the curb to fix up and sell. I believe everyone but I don't understand why the difference. There's just too many of you that do not have this situation.

 

[4WD]

Originally Posted By: JLawrence08648
Honda self propelled mowers have an inherent design problem, they can't be pulled backwards. This is Honda mowers, not Honda engines. If you release the self propelled lever, paddles, so the mower is not moving forward, you can't pull it backwards. If the engine is not running, you can still not pull it backwards. This makes it difficult to maneuver in small areas, under bushes, pulling it out of a shed, garage. And since Honda mowers are rear wheel drive, you can't lean back on the rear wheels, lifting the front wheels off the ground, to pull it backward.The

However, I love Honda engines! They are very smooth running, maybe because of the dozen or so holes in the fuel jet tube.


Some safety features can make things difficult … but with some roundup, mulch, and pea gravel … I have made my lawn to where I can mow 100% lawn tractor … it has a setting to back up with blades on … so I have a good look around and know my feet are up high and safe …

 

[Schmoe]

I just got a brand new 217HX...pulls back all the time. I'd just cable adjustments as mentioned earlier.

 

[THORROMIG]

Yes you can pull it backwards. I have a brand new one and it takes common sense. Let go of the self propelled handles for about a good two feet before you want to pull the mower back. Shaking my head!!!



Dale

 

[Propflux01]

Mine rolls back fine, and immediately when handle is released.

 

[4WD]

Originally Posted By: hallstevenson
Originally Posted By: spk2000
Or just lift the back of mower so wheels are off the ground and drag it backwards on just the front wheels.


You do that ? Sounds like something you thought up but haven't ever done.


Front wheel drive mowers?

 

[jeepman3071]

Originally Posted By: ARB1977
A real man doesn’t need self propelled, lol. Good ol fashion leg power is what I use.


You must live in a flat area...

 

[ARB1977]

Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Originally Posted By: ARB1977
A real man doesn’t need self propelled, lol. Good ol fashion leg power is what I use.


You must live in a flat area...

Not too flat though the Texas heat kills me. Could use a self propelled but my 11 year old troybilt is doing just fine.

 

[BigD1]

If the big cog gear on the rear wheels is installed upside down, it won't roll backwards just forward.

I don't have the Honda repair manual. I did not see any markings on my Honda mower cog gears to tell easily which side is up or down. The owners manual does have instructions on how to adjust the drive cable.

 

[JTK]

I know Honda's hydrostatic drive snowblowers cannot be pushed, pulled, freewheeled, etc unless the drive system bypass lever is pulled. For Honda mowers? Even the hydro drive ones can be pushed, pulled or dragged all day long.

Like BigD said above, the cog gears in the drive wheels are what allows all self propelled Honda mowers to free-wheel when the drive isn't engaged. You should hear a ratcheting noise when being rolled along.

 

[meep]

I've had two of the HRX mowers. Both could be pulled backwards BUT they offered enough resistance to be annoying. The self propelled is great for larger yards but they certainly weren't as maneuverable with the added drag in reverse. In both cases the drive cables were fine. The resistance was from the design. The wheels can freewheel going forward, but in reverse the one-way clutches engage, the driveshaft spins, and the minute resistance from the gearbox feels like a big deal at the wheels. I just lived with it. I think the gear oil change mentioned above has credibility, using a better grease.