Honda HRR216VKA mower missing blades of grass. Honda says it can only cut 1″ per mow. I say B.S.
Short version: New Honda missing blades of grass. Mower runs fine, blades are sharp and installed correctly. Honda says you can only cut 1″ per cut. I think that’s crazy. What do you think?
My new Honda mower is missing blades of grass and I don’t know how to fix it. Needless to say after waiting several years and saving/spending nearly 400 I’m not happy.
I live in Zone 6B and have a tall fescue lawn that I typically cut at 3 to 3 1/2″ with a mulching mower. I’ve been using the same yard man 20″ mulching mower for 20 years and never had an issue with missing blades of grass. I’ve never bagged and don’t want to.
First mow with the Honda set to the mulch setting was terrible so I pulled the blades and they were dull as heck. There was a 1/32″ flat where the cutting edge should have been so I got out my 14″ super cut file and sweated off at least 2 beers getting all 4 cutting edges sharp. After reinstalling the blades (I checked that they were installed correctly) the cut was MUCH better but I noticed a blade here and there and sometimes a strip of grass a few feet long and 2 or 4 inches wide that was only partially cut. I started overlapping my passes more and more but didn’t solve the issue so I emailed Honda.
Here’s their response. “Thank you for your email in regards to your mower. If you are seeing areas/patches that are being missed while cutting, the first thing to check is the amount of grass being cut. If you are cutting to much off the top, especially if mulching, then the grass is packing under the deck and not being cut up which in turn will leave uncut patches especially on the right hand side of the deck. For best results it is suggested to cut off less than one inch of grass each mowing. If you are still seeing uncut patches of grass, we would suggest having your local authorized Honda dealer inspect your mower to make sure that it is operating correctly. If the engine is running at to low of an rpm, then the cut quality will suffer. I am including a link to the dealer locator if needed.”
So, only cut 1″ and check the rpm. Got it. So I bought a tachometer off Amazon and watched several videos on YouTube about Honda RPM issues. The manual says 2950~3100 rpm and my mower settled in to idle at 2940. While mowing at dropped a bit more. I think I saw 2890 pop up. I tried moving the governor spring to the second hole but the rpm jumped to 3450 and only dropped to 3390 while mowing so I put it right back. And it still left uncut blades running that fast. 🙁
The blades are sharp, the motor runs great, I’m not running the self propel very fast and I’m still missing blades. The only suggestion I’m not following is the 1″ maximum per cut. This last mow was from 2″ to 3″ cut. (it rained for 3 days when I needed to cut so it was extra long this time). The problem I have is that my Yard Man never left blades even when I was cutting 5″ grass to 3 1/2″. Is the Honda not capable of similar performance with all the fancy twin blades and self propelled system?
At this time of year Here in Kentucky I’ll be mowing every 3 days if I have to stick to the 1″ maximum cut.
ztman
This time of year, I mow every three days. The 400 mower is a decent mower, I buy those for my kids as a house warming gift, but do not expect it to operate like a commercial mower. An inch is a lot of grass for a little mower.
Short version: New Honda missing blades of grass. Mower runs fine, blades are sharp and installed correctly. Honda says you can only cut 1″ per cut. I think that’s crazy. What do you think?
My new Honda mower is missing blades of grass and I don’t know how to fix it. Needless to say after waiting several years and saving/spending nearly 400 I’m not happy.
I live in Zone 6B and have a tall fescue lawn that I typically cut at 3 to 3 1/2″ with a mulching mower. I’ve been using the same yard man 20″ mulching mower for 20 years and never had an issue with missing blades of grass. I’ve never bagged and don’t want to.
First mow with the Honda set to the mulch setting was terrible so I pulled the blades and they were dull as heck. There was a 1/32″ flat where the cutting edge should have been so I got out my 14″ super cut file and sweated off at least 2 beers getting all 4 cutting edges sharp. After reinstalling the blades (I checked that they were installed correctly) the cut was MUCH better but I noticed a blade here and there and sometimes a strip of grass a few feet long and 2 or 4 inches wide that was only partially cut. I started overlapping my passes more and more but didn’t solve the issue so I emailed Honda.
Here’s their response. “Thank you for your email in regards to your mower. If you are seeing areas/patches that are being missed while cutting, the first thing to check is the amount of grass being cut. If you are cutting to much off the top, especially if mulching, then the grass is packing under the deck and not being cut up which in turn will leave uncut patches especially on the right hand side of the deck. For best results it is suggested to cut off less than one inch of grass each mowing. If you are still seeing uncut patches of grass, we would suggest having your local authorized Honda dealer inspect your mower to make sure that it is operating correctly. If the engine is running at to low of an rpm, then the cut quality will suffer. I am including a link to the dealer locator if needed.”
So, only cut 1″ and check the rpm. Got it. So I bought a tachometer off Amazon and watched several videos on YouTube about Honda RPM issues. The manual says 2950~3100 rpm and my mower settled in to idle at 2940. While mowing at dropped a bit more. I think I saw 2890 pop up. I tried moving the governor spring to the second hole but the rpm jumped to 3450 and only dropped to 3390 while mowing so I put it right back. And it still left uncut blades running that fast. 🙁
The blades are sharp, the motor runs great, I’m not running the self propel very fast and I’m still missing blades. The only suggestion I’m not following is the 1″ maximum per cut. This last mow was from 2″ to 3″ cut. (it rained for 3 days when I needed to cut so it was extra long this time). The problem I have is that my Yard Man never left blades even when I was cutting 5″ grass to 3 1/2″. Is the Honda not capable of similar performance with all the fancy twin blades and self propelled system?
I would just make sure the blades are sharp, and be ready to cut it twice. Have a Husqvarna self propelled mower that was around 400 as well and has the same difficulty at times.
Rugged frame and casters
Constructed from the toughest of materials, the CheckMate is manufactured from high density injection molded rubber and 12 gauge powder coated steel.
Free Floating
All CheckMate striping kits have a unique connection method which utilizes a pivoting action. This allows significant weight to be placed on the turf while allowing the roller to freely float up and down over the contours of the lawn.
Reinforced mounting hardware
All mounting hardware is reinforced with heavy duty galvanized flat stock steel measuring 1/4” in total thickness.
Maintenance. Free
All CheckMate striping kits deliver worry free operation. Dual flanged nylon bushings are utilized in each caster for superior operation in dirty and corrosive environments.
Mounting Installation
- The schematic on the left identifies the mounting location for the CheckMate lawn striping kit.
- In addition to the PDF file below, supplemental instructions pertaining to your mower will be shipped with each striping kit.
Steel
| Slide Rail | Provides infinite connection points |
| Slide Rail Construction | 12 guage; powder coated |
| Mounting Plates | 1/4″ flat stock; galvanized |
| Mounting Hardware | 1/2″ Grade 5; galvanized |
Features
| Connection Point | Free floating; Continuous compression |
| Individual Rollers | Reduces friction on zero radius turns |
| Quick Release | Not available for this mower |
Warranty
Big League Lawns, LLC warrants their products to be free of defects in material and workmanship. This warranty does not cover defects due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, normal wear and tear, failure to properly maintain the product or used for a purpose other than which it is intended. The duration of this warranty is expressly limited to one year parts and labor beginning from the date of delivery to the original user.
The obligation of Big League Lawns, LLC is limited solely to the repair or replacement, at our option, at its factory or authorized repair agent of any part that should prove deficient. Purchaser must maintain the product under normal operating conditions at all times. Prior to operation, become familiar with the features of the attachment. This product is not intended to be used in a transport position or to be backed over curbs. Failure to follow these instructions will void the warranty.
Now offering financing through Affirm. “Payment options through Affirm are subject to eligibility, may not be available in all states, and are provided by these lending partners: http://affirm.com/lenders.CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license.”
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Honda HRN Mowers: What Are The Differences?
There’s no time like the present to improve your lawn by upgrading to a new Honda mower. The Honda HRN line of mowers boasts impressive power, expert craftsmanship, and durability to keep your lawn looking its best. The team at Century Power Equipment has looked at each model in this line in the following Honda HRN mowers page. After reading, browse our online inventory to find your favorite mower. To get in touch with our dealership in Stillwater, MN, call (651) 439-2035 or send us a message online.
The Honda HRN series was built from the ground up to provide innovative features without sacrificing the quality you’ve come to expect from Honda machines. The following features are shared by all four HRN mowers:
- Honda GCV170 engine
- Innovative 21-in. steel deck design
- Dual-lever height adjustment
- Improved 3-in-1 system with Clip Director featuring mulch, bag, and discharge functions
- MicroCut System with twin blades
- Three-year residential / 90-day commercial warranty
- Improved maneuverability with two-way wheel ratchet system
- Honda Auto-Choke system
HRN216VYA
The HRN216VYA is the only HRN mower equipped with the Roto-Stop system, allowing you to stop the blades from spinning without turning off the engine. This will let you safely empty the bag or remove branches in your path. Features equipped on this Honda mower include:
- Starting at 549 MSRP
- Variable position Smart Drive self propel system
- Variable speed fixed gear belt clutch
- Recoil starter
- Roto-Stop blade stop system
- 90-lb. operating weight
HRN216VLA
With a self-charging key start, getting the lawn mowed is as simple as ever with the HRN216VLA. Notable features included on this Honda mower are as follows:
- Starting at 549 MSRP
- Electric start
- Variable position Smart Drive self propel system
- Variable speed fixed gear belt clutch
- Flywheel brake blade control
- 90-lb. operating weight
HRN216VKA
Lighter than the first two HRN mowers, the HRN216VKA is perfect for anybody looking for a self-propelled machine that’s a breeze to handle. This Honda mower offers the following features:
- 449 MSRP
- Variable position Smart Drive self propel system
- Variable speed fixed gear belt clutch
- Recoil starter
- Flywheel brake blade control
- 82-lb. operating weight
Honda HRR216K9VKA Review. The Best Honda Lawn Mower?
Interested in Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke? A lot of homeowners and gardening aficionados are really raving about this new lawnmower. Actually, I am one of these people that are amazed by the performance of this lawnmower. It is very powerful and easy to use, especially since it is one of the best 4 stroke gas-powered lawn mowers. It can work under pressure and can cover a wide area. As long as you have the gas that you need to power it up, you can mow all you want.
Watch the video we’ve made on this Honda Gas Lawn Mower:
So that’s for the manufacturer’s side. Aside from that, the Honda itself is really a superb lawnmower. The result that it can provide is really clean and uniform. The grass in our lawn looks really well-trimmed, and yes, I can maintain it round the year because I have the best lawn mower.
It is a powerful tool with a well built cutting deck, but it is very silent when in use. You will not be bothered by the banging and a buzzing sound while mowing. It only has a noise level of about 98.5 dB. You will really have a relaxing and nice mowing experience when you have this steel deck Honda mower. You will also not disturb your neighbor so everybody happy.
Can you imagine that this lawnmower only weighs 84 pounds? Well, yes, that’s true. That’s why it is very easy to handle and easy to use. I can easily move it, but it is also exceptionally strong when it comes to performance. It only makes use of 160 cc engine, so it is also less when it comes to gas consumption. You will not increase your gas budget if you are going to use this. Who knows, you might even save if you will invest in this product just like what we did. The money that you are going to invest in purchasing this product will all be worth it.
Honda Lawn Mower HRR216k9VKA Manual
It of course also comes with a user manual that is very comprehensive and user-friendly. I just checked on it for a few minutes and I am all set to use the lawnmower. My son could even help me out in mowing now because the manual gives you everything that you need. It is really helpful because it doesn’t only provide you with information about the product but it also explains how you can maintain it and ensure that it is in good standing. I really love buying Honda products because of this. According to other Honda reviews available online, the products are really good, and the company is very dependable. It is Honda after all.
Honda HRR216K9VKA vs Toro
Both Honda and Toro are two solid and reliable brands with many different gas lawn mowers in their families. But the differences are too great to be listed over here. So instead just head over to our Toro review here.
It might look like they are two different lawn mower models, but in fact they’re the exact same model. It got me confused at first too. The former is its model code and the latter is the model number. That’s the only difference, everything else is the same.
Honda HRR216VKA User Manual
Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest lawn mowers on the market.
We want to help you get the best results from your new mower and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.
We suggest you read the DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY (page 20) and EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY (page 21) to fully understand coverage and your responsibilities of ownership.
When your mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that an authorized Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda mowers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Power Equipment Mfg. Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on the mower. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Please read these messages carefully.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms:
Instructions – how to use this mower correctly and safely.
Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert A symbol and one
of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:
Each message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen, and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.
Damage Prevention Messages – You will also see other
important messages that are preceded by the word NOTICE. This word means:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
Your engine or other property can be damaged if you don’t follow instructions.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS. 2SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS. 2
IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? 4CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA. 4GET THE MOWER READY. 5
STARTING THE ENGINE. 6OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING. 7STOPPING THE ENGINE. 8STOPPING THE ENGINE. 8
MAINTENANCE SAFETY. 9MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. 9BLADE(S). 10
GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT (HRR). 11ENGINE MAINTENANCE. 11FUEL SYSTEM. 14
SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS.16CARBURETOR MODIFICATION FOR HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATION. 17EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM 17SPECIFICATIONS. 18
REPLACEMENT PARTS, OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICE ITEMS. 19CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION. 19DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY. 20EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY. 21
For more information regarding cable adjustment and how to mow your lawn, see FAQs at www.hondapowerequipment.com/faq
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
© 2005–2010 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
Honda HRR216VLA Lawn Mower
This product has been superseded by the all-new Honda HRN216VKA.
If you’re looking for Honda HRR216VKA parts, click here to search our online store or call 972-235-2086 to speak to our parts department.
The newest version of the HRR216VLA is the HRR2111VLA Honda lawnmower is powered by a reliable GVC-160 engine with an auto choke and no primer for easy reliable starting. Equipped with electric starting there is no need to pull the rope! Also, the Honda HRR mower with electric start has a feature that recharges your battery as you mow. This Honda mower is equipped with the Smart drive system making it easy to adjust the speed by simply rotating the 5 position control, with speeds varying from 0 to 4 mph. The large 21” heavy-duty cutting deck is designed extremely rugged has a 6 position height adjustment ranging from 1 1/8” to 4 inches. The Honda micro cut twin blades deliver a straight even cut resulting in extremely fine clippings. The HRR-2111VLA features the 3-in-1 system allowing the user to go from discharging, bagging, or mulching with just a simple slide of the clip directory (no need for attachments or plugs). For added convenience, this Honda mower has adjustable mowing positions and folds for easy storage. Honda engineers have included foam grip handles for extra comfort with extended use. The large 8” rear ball bearing wheels provide excellent maneuverability and deliver a perfect cut. A huge 2.4 bushel easy to remove collection bag is included. All lawn mowers by Honda have been certified to meet the EPA and CARB emission levels. When you purchase a mower from Richardson Saw it always comes assembled, oiled, gassed, adjusted, and registered upon your purchase. Take your mower home ready to use immediately, no need to bother with getting it ready, we provide that service for you free of charge.