Honda 21″ Lawn Mower with Hydrostatic Self Propel and Blade Stop System
The legendary reliability you’ve learned to expect from Honda is built right in these lawn mowers. Every one of our HRX self-propelled lawn mowers is engineered by Honda from the ground up, which means you can depend on every part from the powerful, easy-starting engines to the exclusive Twin Blade Advantage of the MicroCut System. The Honda HRX217HYA features a revolutionary 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director that allows you to mulch, bag, discharge, and shred leaves with no tools or attachments required. Its Roto-Stop System stops the blades without stopping the engine so you can safely step away from the mower without having to restart the motor.
Husqvarna LC221FH 21 In. 160cc OHV Honda Front Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
Husqvarna LC221FH 21 In. 160cc OHV Honda Front Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
LC221FH 21 In. GCV160 cc Honda OHV engine gas lawn mower has high wheel front wheel drive and is self-propelled. 3-in-1 bag, mulch, or rear discharge. Features: variable speed control, 21 In. steel cutting deck, auto choke starting system, 8 In front and 11 In. back ball bearing wheels, 3-position handle adjustment, 1.25 In. to 3.38 In. cutting height, and 5-position height adjusters. Fully assembled with folding handles and engine oil included. 3 year limited consumer warranty. California CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant.
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How Much Do Honda Lawn Mowers Cost and Where Should You Buy?
Cost
Here are the ranges of the manufacturer suggested retail (MSRPs) of the different Honda series lawn mowers:
Honda distributors sell Honda mowers in bulk to dealers, big box stores and e-commerce mower websites for a set amount per unit. The sellers decide how much above or below MSRP they want to sell based on how much profit they need to generate. Online mower stores can often offer lower because they have less overhead (no storefront).
Where To Buy a Honda Mower
The best Honda mower deals are usually online at speciality tool and mower e-commerce stores.
But sometimes it is more convenient for you to buy at your local big box store or small local mower dealer.
Returning it and claiming warranty will certainly be less hassle if you buy from your local mower dealer as they are authorized to do the repair and make the warranty claim for you.
Big Box Stores
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Honda Lawn Mower
Among today’s more popular mower brands, Honda lawn mowers can be found in many home improvement stores, DIY centers, and garden or landscaping supply outlets. Honda’s walk-behind mowers are built to last, and while all its models are relatively straightforward machines, users do have a few factors to consider.
Push vs. Self-Propelled
Most but not all of Honda’s lawn mowers are self-propelled, meaning their rear wheels turn in a forward direction, which helps push the mower along. This feature is a boon for mowing on inclines and through deep or thick grass—situations that are truly challenging with models that are not self-propelled. But don’t mistake Honda push mowers with the old-fashioned push models that featured reel-type blades and were 100 percent powered by the user. All Honda mowers have engines that power the blades.
The self-propulsion feature on Honda mowers primarily engages in two different ways: via a thin metal bar the user pulls and then holds alongside the mower’s handle or by pushing a lever located in the center of the handle. The latter method is found on Honda mowers that come with Smart Drive capability, and the nice thing about Smart Drive is that users can easily adjust the propulsion speed to match their needs.
The best Honda push mower still has its place, however. A good deal of engine power goes toward propelling rear wheels; push-only mowers can use all the energy to power the cutting blades. Plus, some users prefer a push-only mower because there are fewer mechanical parts that might have issues.
Gas vs. Battery
Although some modern mowers are battery operated, Honda currently makes gas-powered lawn mowers only. As lithium-ion batteries become more powerful, that could change, but as of now, those who want the oomph of a Honda model must put up with smelly gas fumes as well as the need to store gasoline in a garage or shed.
Speaking of gas-powered engines, it’s worth noting that while all Honda mowers feature Honda engines, other brands sometimes use Honda gas engines in their mowers as well. Shoppers in the market for a true Honda lawn mower should carefully research the machine’s details. Other manufacturers may include the name “Honda” in their mower’s title, yet the only Honda part on the model may be its gas engine.
Cutting Height and Width
Honda makes walk-behind lawn mowers that cut 21-inch swaths through a lawn. Some manufacturers offer broader cuts and some offer narrower ones, but Honda sticks to that single cut width of 21 inches. This is about average for a walk-behind mower, and it’s suitable for most residential lawns. While a wider cut removes more grass in a single pass, it also takes more engine power and—if it’s not a self-propelled mower—more physical strength.
Like other walk-behind mowers, Honda models allow users to adjust the cutting height to suit the grass type. Users can choose to cut the lawn as low as 0.75 inches or as high as 4 inches. Most cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue or bluegrass, are maintained at 2.5 to 4 inches high. Warm-season grasses, including Bermuda and zoysia grass, do well when maintained at 1 to 3 inches high. If there’s any doubt, a quick call to a local county extension office will usually resolve the best height for different grass types and regions.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
Honda makes mowers that discharge clippings to either the side or the back, and some models also come with a mulching feature. The different options can impact the way users mow and the health of the lawn.
Our Verdict
Honda lawn mowers are built to last, and any of the picks in this lineup are top options for cutting grass. However, our Best Overall selection, the Honda NeXite Variable Speed 4-in-1 Gas Walk Behind, ticks all the boxes: it’s self-propelled, comes with an adjustable height deck, and features a nonstick deck underside. Our best bang for the buck pick, the Honda 21-in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind, has many standard Honda features at an attractive price point.
Buying a lawn mower is an investment in the care and maintenance of your lawn, so it’s worthwhile to take some time and consider which mower best suits your needs.
Honda mowers are among the top options on the market today—with good reason. They have powerful engines and feature a range of user-friendly features. In choosing the models in this lineup, we focused on featuring a variety of models from different Honda mower series. We chose only one push-type model since many folks appreciate the self-propulsion function on a mower. Still, professional landscapers may prefer the simplicity of a push-type model, believing that these basic workhorses are less likely to have functional frailties.
We ended up with more models from the HRZ series since they offer more user-friendly options. Still, Honda employs the same care and reliable engine in all its models, so users should choose based on their individual needs.
FAQs
Buying a new lawn mower is an investment. A few questions are likely for those looking for the best Honda self-propelled mower or even a push-type model.
Q. Are Honda lawn mowers good?
Yes, we consider them to be good-quality mowers—and we’re not alone. In a Consumer Report’s head-to-head test between Honda and Toro, Honda took the top spot.
Q. How long do Honda lawn mowers last?
It all depends on how often they’re used and how well they’re maintained. A Honda mower that’s regularly serviced (check the owner’s manual for instructions) and properly stored can last 10 to 20 years or longer.
Q. Can a Honda lawn mower mulch grass cuttings?
Most Honda mowers come with a mulching feature, meaning the clippings can be left on the lawn to biodegrade.
Q. What’s the difference between a Honda push and self-propelled lawn mower?
A push mower must be physically pushed by hand. The rear wheels on a self-propelled mower turn to propel the mower forward.
Q. How do I stop a walk-behind mower?
To stop most Honda lawn mowers, simply release the secondary handlebar that you hold against the primary handle when mowing, and the mower will shut off.
Q. Does it matter in which direction I mow?
For the best-looking lawn and the most uniform results, try alternating directions each time you mow.
Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Features and Benefits
The added parts and additional engine power mean self-propelled mowers cost more than a standard push mower, but far less than a riding lawn mower. There are affordable lawn mowers available in this category. Expect to pay 300 or more for a self-propelled mower, and up to 450,200 for brand name models loaded with additional features.
Most homeowners will likely find the right balance of power and price around 350 to 400.
Leading mower brands include names familiar to anyone who works with outdoor power tools. Honda, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman and more all have self-propelled mowers. Honda has announced that it will no longer manufacture new gas-powered lawn mowers.
Cordless mowers generally cost slightly more than their gas-powered equivalents, although that gap has been shrinking in the past few years. EGO and Greenworks are known for cordless mowers, but other manufacturers are catching up.
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