Opinions on Honda Hydro static Transm

[jrcowboys]

Guys:

Looking at new self propelled walk behind lawnmower. Guy at dealer was pushing Honda HRX217HYA model which has Hydrostatic transmission. Cost: $729. Claimed it was best homeowner lawnmower made. I mow 1/2 acre lot that has a lot of trees. He was also pushing leaf collecting feature.

Anyone familiar with this mower and specifically the Hydrostatic transmission? I have owned Honda's and the only problem I've had is transmissions (non Hydrostatic).

Any thoughts/recommendations?

JR

 

[RhondaHonda]

I have that model. It's been great for me for 5 seasons. If you were closer I'd sell you mine since I moved and now have a JD 1145 and only use the Honda for a small patch of grass below the patio.

 

[Kamele0N]

I have read many treads... Lots of them mention any 20w50 HD oil... Or Jaso MA...

 

[dareo]

If your lot is flat i suggest considering the Toro Timemaster 30. I won't go back to a 21" mower. They do run about $999 but it saves a lot of time. They don't have a powerful transmission to handle steep hills but work great on flat ground that gets mowed often.

 

[meyer2ml]

I have that same Honda it's my first season running it but I've been very impressed. Amazing mulching and never bogs down even in long wet grass. It's a bit heavy so might not be the best with alot of obstacles but is a dream on straight aways and hills.

 

[dwendt44]

If I'm allowed to say this, Consumer Reports rate the Honda the best with Toro super recycler close behind.
The Honda gives the best most even cut due to the twin blades.
Brother now has the Toro and loves it.

 

[JTK]

jr, Honda is about the only one in the market with a micro-sized hydro drive like this and they pretty much have it perfected. It's probably made by Tufftorq for Honda. Like I've said in many Honda 21" mower threads, I've worked on a few and the #1 cause of destroyed drive system on these is corroded and seized up axle bushings. These bushings are at each drive wheel. As they get wet and dirty over the years, they can start to lock up and put too much drag on the hydrostat, eventually destroying it. You can remove, clean, scotch-brite and re-lube these bushings every 3-5yrs or so, or just replace them. Based on your usage, care and storage for the machine, they could possibly last the life of the mower. Keep it dry and in clean, dry storage.