CheckMate for Honda HRN-Series
Big League Lawns© manufactures striping rollers that connect to the full line of Honda Push mowers. As the operator mows the turf, the CheckMate striping roller gently folds the grass in the direction of cut. The resulting patterns are created by sunlight reflecting from the grass. Grass that is bent away from you reflects light which appears much lighter in color. Grass that is bent towards you appears a much deeper green due to shadows being cast under the bent tips of grass. When mowed and rolled in opposing directions, vibrant patterns are created, rivaling major league ballparks throughout America.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Completely redesigned Honda GCV170 engine (167 cc)
- Auto choke system
- 0.237-gallon fuel tank (0.9L)
- 8″ tires
- 21″ Steel/resin deck
- 7-position, 2-point deck height adjustment
- 1.06″ to 3.93″ cutting height range
- Mulch/bag/rear discharge with Chip Director
- 17-gallon bag
- 2 handle positions
- Twin blade cutting system
Honda HRN216 PKA
To get the benefits of the HRN216’s redesign without the self-propelled drive, go with the PKA version.
Honda HRN216VKA
The VKA version is the most basic of the self-propelled versions. It uses a recoil start with the rear-wheel drive Smart Drive system.
Honda HRN216VLA
The VLA has a keyed electric start that is mounted on the handle where you see many self-propelled speed adjusters on other mowers. Like we expect, there’s a recoil backup if the battery dies.
Honda HRN216VYA
The VYA is the top of the Honda HRN216 line. It includes Roto-Stop—a feature we see on the HRX that lets stops the blades without stopping the engine. It’s helpful for times that you need to move a stick out of the way, empty the bag, or prod a stubborn alligator back into the lake. The big deal is it saves you from having to restart the mower after every interruption.
Honda HRN216 Series Tune-Up Kit
Orders ship from our facility by next business day. Available stock appears in green. The terms can be backordered and available on backorder allow you to order additional quantity from inbound stock orders. Backorders typically ship from our facility 2-3 days from date of order.
Production Description
Honda HRN216 Series Tune Up Kit
We design our custom Tune-Up Kits to simplify maintenance of Honda HRN216 Lawn Mower models. This kit contains all the Genuine Honda parts to re-power engine and renew blades (air filter, spark plug, oil, upper and lower blade). Regular maintenance restores power, improves cut quality, improves fuel efficiency and protects the lawnmower for longer life. Genuine Honda parts maintain consistent performance and guarantee best fit.
Please Note : When performing maintenance, inspect condition cables, recoil rope, wheels, drive belt and blade bolts. Replacing worn parts prevents breakdowns during the mowing season.
Maintenance Kit Includes
HRN216 PKA LAWN MOWER, USA, VIN# MANA-1000001
HRN216 PKAA LAWN MOWER, USA, VIN# MANA-1000001
HRN216 VKA LAWN MOWER, USA, VIN# MANA-1000001
HRN216 VKAA LAWN MOWER, USA, VIN# MANA-1000001
HRN216 VLA LAWN MOWER, USA, VIN# MANA-1000001
HRN216 VLAA LAWN MOWER, USA, VIN# MANA-1000001
HRN216 VYA LAWN MOWER, USA, VIN# MANA-1000001
HRN216 VYAA LAWN MOWER, USA, VIN# MANA-1000001
Weight and Dimensions
No Hassle Returns
You may return parts and products for any reason within 30 days of the delivery date. All products must be unopened and returned in sellable condition. Return shipping including the purchase of shipping labels is the responsibility of the buyer. For your convenience, we offer the option to request a shipping label (the cost of shipping will be deducted from refund). The Mower Shop provides prepaid return shipping labels in the following cases: carrier damage, lost packages and incorrect items.
Mulch, bag and discharge feature on the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower
Honda has made it easier to choose what to do with your grass and leaf clippings thanks to their 3-in-1 system with Clip Director. On the deck, you’ll see find a green clip that can be slid left or right and stops on three different functions: mulching, bagging, or discharging.
You don’t have to add attachments to mulch or discharge, but you will have to add the included 1.9-bushel bag if you choose the ‘bagging’ setting. This shouldn’t take but a minute or so.
How does the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower rate online?
On the Honda website, the Honda HRN216VKA has a 4.2 rating out of 643 reviews, and on the Home Depot website, 82% of customers out of 4,640 reviews recommend the HRN216VKA.
With ratings like that, it’s fair to say that most customers are satisfied with their purchase. Some reviewers weren’t fans of the plastic wheels, and a few pointed out issues with the self-propel feature. Some reported that it required a learning curve, while others noted that it occasionally stopped working and needed maintenance under the three-year warranty plan.
How does the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower compare to similar models?
The only other lawn mower that I’ve personally tested is the Troy-Bilt TB260 XP SpaceSavr Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. It’s more affordable than the HRN216VKA Lawn Mower and has a self-propelling system. Although Troy-Bilt doesn’t advertise the speed of the lawn mower’s self-propel system, I can confidently say that the Honda is much faster. Where the Troy-Bilt has front-wheel drive, the Honda has rear-wheel drive. The main area where the Troy-Bilt excels above the Honda is its SpaceSavr design which offers the option of vertical storage. It also does slightly better when mowing horizontally on an incline.
The one lawn mower that is most comparable to the Honda HRN216VKA is the Toro 21382. It’s equipped with a Honda GCV160 engine, mulching, bagging, and discharge system, and a similar self-propel system. The difference is that the Toro lever is not ergonomically designed (like the Honda is), however, the Toro can reach speeds up to 4.8 mph, where the Honda only reaches 4.0 mph. (I don’t think that extra 0.8 mph will make a difference) Other areas where the Toro stands out is the 2.1-bushel bag, a five-year-warranty, and higher-quality wheels. Perhaps this is why the Toro is 699, which is about 180 more than the Honda.
Should you buy the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower?
The Honda HRN216VKA is a solid lawn mower. It may take you a few times to figure out how to use the self-propel lever properly, but once you have it down, you’ll be amazed by how easy mowing becomes. You essentially won’t have to push the lawn mower, just guide it to where it needs to go at speeds up to 4 mph. This is especially helpful for those with inclines in their yard.
Yes, the mower is on the pricier end, but this has to do with the high-quality and high-power GCV170 engine and outstanding features like the mulching, bagging, and discharge system, MicroCut twin blades, seven different cutting heights, eight-inch wheels, and rear wheel drive.
With this Honda lawn mower, mowing your yard will be a whole lot easier and less stressful on your body.
Honda HRN216VKA Self-Propelled lawn mower | MRSP 519 at Honda Featuring a Honda GCV1270 engine with autochoke system, 3-in-1 Clip Director for mulching, bagging and discharge and a Smart drive variable speed function.
Honda HRN Walk-Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with Twin Blade System and Smart Drive— 166cc Honda GCV170 Engine, 21in.
The innovative Honda HRN Walk-Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with Twin Blade System and Smart Drive offers outstanding and dependable power, torque and performance with a 3-in-1 system that allows you to mulch, bag or discharge. A powerful Honda GCV170 4-stroke engine leads the way with rugged durability, easy operation, improved serviceability and advanced power. The adjustable Smart Drive system allows you to vary your speed quickly and easily with just a press of the handlebar control. The convenient auto choke system provides quick and easy starting. EPA and CARB compliant. 3-year limited consumer warranty.
| Item# | 88530 |
| Brand | Honda Power Equipment |
| Manufacturer’s Warranty | 3 YR consumer/90day commercial |
| Ship Weight | 74.75 lbs |
| Start Type | Recoil w/auto choke |
| Engine Displacement | 166 |
| Cutting Width (in.) | 21 |
| Engine | Honda GCV170 |
| Deck Material | Steel/resin |
| Discharge | Mulch, bag, rear discharge |
| Cutting Height (in.) | 1–4 |
| Cutting Type | Mulch, bag, rear discharge |
| Cutting Speed | Variable speed, self-propelled |
| Max. Cutting Speed (MPH) | 4 |
| Blade Type | MicroCut twin blade |
| Bagger Volume (bushels) | 1.9 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (qt.) | 0.95 |
| Front Tire Size (in.) | 8 |
| Rear Tire Size (in.) | 8 |
| Dimensions L x W x H (in.) | 61 x 22 5/8 x 40 7/8 |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke |