Any Honda mower gurus out there. Honda lawn mower hrr216

Honda HRR216

Roto Stop Issue: RotoStop Yellow Handle will not stay engaged. It clicks in and starts the blades a twirling and it will only stay engaged a flash of a second after I take my hand off of it. To me it seems it is not getting a positive engagement in the cogs within the handle and just wants to spring back to off.

The Numbers: Honda engine GVC160 Lawnmower model # HRR2163VXA GD, serial # MZCG-7295912 Maybe 5.5hp with grass catcher bag and mulch block kit. Has PTO Blade clutch, self propelled.

I have read about 3 issues about this: #1 is the Safety Handle bar you pull back (has a #1 on it, to pull this back 1st before you engage the Roto Stop yellow handle. Safety Handle is Located at the top of the mower big push handle, This has a Honda Service Buellitin or UPGRADE Notice called Lawnmower #74 on it, To bend the Safety Handle to 5 5/16-5 1/2 inches. I do NOT think this is my problem but being they are all interconected it may be as mine is at 5″ even. But I do NOT KNOW if this notice is for my unit.

#2 Is the cable adjustment. Which I think is OK as it does engage and release, but like I said they are all related.

#3 The Roto Stop handle Guts cogs/gears and springs. I believe there is something like a detent ball (like in an outboard shifter throttle/gear handle control box).

Things I have done, took apart Roto stop control box everthing in place with a tad of slop. Also adjusted the cable at the handle in and out several times with NO apparent affect on it staying into the ON position,

Any Honda mower gurus out there?

I have my HRR216 that I got for 25 bucks and fixed up over the Winter and it’s starting to give me some issues. The last few mows, I’ve noticed it kind of surging or even bogging down. I initially thought this was to my grass being a little taller due to all the rain we’ve been having, but now I’m even noticing that the self propel is woefully underpowered unless I’m on concrete. And when it’s idling it makes this God awful rattle and a hiss like an air hose is unhooked, I can’t quite tell where it’s coming from. I thought I’d check to see what you guys thought. I want to say it’s the carb, but I replaced that before I started using it and it was working great. So I’m at a loss.

I’ll admit the mower was in rough shape when I got it, but I figured I could bring it back to life. Everyone always talks about how bullet proof the Honda engines are so I gave it a go. This is what I did before I started using it.

I think that’s all I did to it that would affect the engine. And it sounds like this now: https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=vx329Jr-9H8list=UUS6t8cvQZvWng0podv6tsvgindex=1

Step 2: The Easy Part

As a disclaimer, I did this by myself, in a poorly lit room, and I took the pictures in reverse order, starting once I successfully put the new adjustment lever on. Also, everything is going to be filthy, be ready to scrape and clean as you go.

Step 3: The Part You Wish Didn’t Exist

I honestly thought there would be enough play in the rear adjustment shaft to slip it over the axle, remove the broken adjustment lever, and put the adjustment lever on. Trust me, I tried, but I never could get it.

Step 4: That Fudging Spring

Just to reiterate, this is where I started to take a lot of allowances on how to get the job done, proceed at your own risk.

Step 5: Triple Check

Honda HRN216 Performance Features

The Honda HRN216 series comes with Honda’s twin-blade design, making it more effective at mulching. When you bag, the clippings are smaller and you get more grass in the bag so you’re stopping to empty less often.

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They also increased the chute diameter, making it tougher to clog. In Honda’s internal testing, the new design made a fast 5” cut 131′ – more than double the distance the HRR 216 made before clogging (62′).

We were all set to do some high-quality cutting in Honda Power Equipment’s backyard when a thunderstorm interrupted us. I did get to cut for about 15 minutes and it’s pretty impressive in wet grass on a regular maintenance cut. We’ll do some more thorough testing, including in taller grass when it arrives at our world headquarters.

honda, mower, gurus, there, lawn

If you’re familiar with Honda’s HRX mowers on the commercial side, the 3-in-1 Clip Director makes its way over to the new line. This is a lever that closes off exit airflow for mulching. If you want to bag or use the rear discharge, flip it over to the bag setting and roll. There’s no plug to worry about.

Here are a few minor fixes compared to the HRR216

Other Features

Sleeker Design

A side-by-side look at the HRR and the HRN216 shows that Honda is going after a sleeker, sexier design is an improvement over the previous utilitarian look.

The design team goes with a 2-point height adjustment system – one lever on the front axle and a second on the rear. Using a rivet to connect the solid rod to the wheels, it creates a rigid construction that resists the torsion you often see from a 2-point or 1-point design.

honda, mower, gurus, there, lawn

As an added bonus, you can tilt the front end up a notch and bag more effectively than when all 4 wheels are level.

Combined with its heavy-duty 21” steel deck, it’s a solid, durable machine.

Rise and Drive

There are 7 height adjustment levels covering 1” to 4” cutting heights (1.06″ to 3.93″). Conveniently, each height marking corresponds to the height and it’s a high-contrast white on black so you can see it easier.

For the self-propelled models, there’s a big change in the drive operation. The Smart Drive push bar under the main handle lets you feather your speed from 0 – 4 MPH. It’s broad enough to easily use with your thumbs so your other fingers can keep the presence bar engaged.

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A slide in the middle of the thumb bar allows you to adjust it into 5 positions moving up the bar. Chances are, you’ll find a comfortable position to settle on. Once you do, adjusting your speed comes very naturally as you work your way around the yard.

The goal was to reduce thumb fatigue with better ergonomics. In the short period of time that I got to use it, it seems to work. We’ll test it for a longer period once we get one in for a full review.

One upgrade that was immediately apparent was the 2-way ratchet system on the drive. When you release the drive bar, a key in the drive allows the rear wheels to freewheel in forward and reverse. The HRR only had forward freewheeling. When you’re working around landscaping or corners where you need to pivot frequently, it’s really noticeable.

Additional Features

Born in the USA

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out Honda’s USA-based manufacturing. While not every component comes from the US, most of the engine and mower parts are manufactured in the Swepsonville, NC facility we visited. The entire mower is assembled at that plant and it was the same facility that the product team conceived and designed it.

honda, mower, gurus, there, lawn

Looking more broadly at Honda’s American facilities, there’s an impressive commitment to manufacturing in the US and North America in general. Many of the cars and products they make have more USA in their DNA than American companies that source a lot of the work elsewhere.

Expect the Honda HRN216 line to see limited distribution starting in September 2019, with a bigger push to retailers this winter.

Honda HRN 216 Lawn Mower Models

Shared Specifications

How To Grease The Pinion Gears Of A Honda HRR216VKA?

Pinion gears are essential to activate the mower’s self-propel system. It is vital to keep them lubricated to avoid excessive damage. Here’s a guide on how to keep the gears greased:

How To Change Or Replace The Drive Belt Of A Honda HRR216VKA Lawn Mower?

When the engine is running but the mower won’t self-propel, then it may be time to replace the drive belt. Here are some tips on how:

  • This is best done when there is very little or no more fuel in the gas tank, as you would have to tilt your mower on its side.
  • Unthread the bolts and remove the shroud.
  • Remove the guard and unhook the old belt.