Honda Lawn Mower HRS216K5 PKAA Repair
The Honda model HRS216K5 PKAA is a gasoline-powered walk-behind push lawn mower that discharges cut grass to the side. The lawn mower is powered by a Honda GCV160 engine. The push lawnmower features Honda’s Auto Choke System that does not require any engine choke for easy starting. The lawn mower is designed to be easy to maneuver and can be adjusted to six different cutting heights between one inch and four inches.
The Honda model HRS216K5 PKAA lawn mower includes a 21-inch heavy-duty 16 gauge steel deck and a two-in-one mulch/side discharge. The mower includes a manual fuel shut-off valve, and fuel stabilizers should be used to maintain the engine to increase the lifespan of the mower. The Honda GCV160 engine is an air-cooled four-stroke overhead-camshaft engine that displaces 9.8 cubic inches or 160 cubic centimeters (160 cc). It produces 4.4 horsepower at 3600 revolutions per minute and 6.9 foot-pounds of torque at 2500 revolutions per minute. The engine’s fuel tank can hold up to 0.98 quarts (0.93 liters) of gasoline and up to 0.58 quarts (o.55 liters) of oil. Honda recommends using unleaded 86 octane or higher fuel.
The mower features quick-fold handles for convenient storage and transport and an easy twist knob release handle for folding. The HRS216K5 PKAA model’s eight-inch front wheels and ball bearing rear wheels are designed to move smoother over varied terrain, though the lawn mower is only recommended for use over flat and sloped terrain.
Self Drive Types
The Honda self-propel system is good, but like all mechanical equipment, it needs maintenance. Diagnosing a drive system incorrectly is an expensive mistake. A new Honda transaxle will cost several hundred dollars, so we’ll avoid jumping the gun.
Tests are not difficult, but you’ll need to execute them correctly to avoid burning time or replacing parts needlessly.
Whichever type you have, the cable will be adjustable.
If you need video help, check out “Self drive common faults video.” It walks you through the diagnosing process step by step – Adjusting the drive system, replacing drive belts, wheels, drive pins, and axle drive gears.
Adjusting The Drive Cable
I love working on Honda mowers. The designers are a thoughtful bunch. It’s rare that an engineer ever thinks about the guy fixing them. Anyway, before adjusting the drive cable, we’ll first need to locate it. Honda uses a few different type setups. The HRX uses a bail lever as stop/start control and a speed adjustment lever beside the throttle lever.
The Honda Smart Drive uses a single control on the handlebar, this type of self-drive is a little less difficult to adjust. I have included pictures of each type set up, together with the adjusting procedure.
Disable Mower – For safety, let’s remove the plug wire and turn off the gas. Turn the mower over with the carburetor side facing up, stops gas leaking on the floor.
Adjusting The Honda Smart Drive
The problem is, as you know, likely to be a stretched cable. In other words, the cable is too long. The whole procedure is made simple by the nice people in Japan, and adjusting won’t take more than five minutes.
Drive cables are made up of an outer cable and an inner braided cable. The inner braided cable does all the work and stretches over time. The solution is simple, remove the access cable. Honda’s solution – fit an adjusting screw in the middle of the cable.
The adjuster works by splitting the cable into two, and by adjusting the screw anticlockwise, it pushes the two halves of the drive cable away from each other, taking up the slack on the inner braided cable.
Smart Drive – The Smart Drive self-propel system has an adjuster built into the cable, and it’s located halfway down the left-hand handlebar.
Adjusting – First, open the lock nut. You’ll need two open-ended 10mm or 3/8s, or adjustable wrenches. Screw the long adjusting nut anticlockwise – this takes the slack out of the cable and gives you more drive power.
If you over-adjust it, you’ll find pulling the mower backward difficult. So just back it off until you find the sweet spot. Tighten up the lock nut when you’re done with the adjusting. This keeps it dialed in.
Adjusting The Hrx
The HRX has a self-drive cable adjusting screw mounted on the speed control panel. As you have turned off the gas and pulled the plug wire, it’s safe to turn your mower to the side.
Before adjusting, set the speed to high. The adjusting screw has a lock nut that must be loosened and backed off to allow for the cable slack take-up. When adjusting, pull the cable until the cable slack is gone, run in the lock nut, and tighten.
As with all self-drive mowers, if you over-adjust the cable, it will make reversing the mower difficult. The wheels bind. To fix this, back off the adjuster a touch until the mower is free to reverse.
Adjust – Set speed to high, loosen the lock nut, and pull the cable.
Loosen – You’ll need two 10mm or 3/8 wrenches or adjustable wrenches.
Tighten lock nut – pull out the slack and tighten. Test reverse and readjusts if necessary.
Drive Belt May Be Loose
Lawnmower drive belts have a difficult job, and they work in a hostile location. But they’re pretty tough. It’s not unusual for a drive belt to last years and years. But they do eventually wear, they stretch, and the walls get thinner, which makes them even longer.
A belt that’s too long will slip, and a slipping belt won’t transfer the engine power to the wheels. This is especially noticeable going up hills or in heavy grass. If you have a blade engage control on your Honda, you’ll really notice it as you apply the blade.
A worn belt will often be noisy and can cause vibration. To check the belt, we’ll need to turn the mower over, but before we do, let’s make it safe to work on.
Remove the plug wire and turn the gas off.
Now turn the mower on its side with the air filter cover facing the sky. If you turn it up the other way, gas will leak from the carburetor, and you’ll need to replace the air filter.
The belt may be difficult to see, a cover will likely need to be removed, and old dry grass will cover the transmission and belt, so we’ll need to clear it first. I use shop air to blast it, but a small clean paintbrush works too.
Now that you can see the belt check it for wear. You’ll need an inspection light. Since you have removed the plug wire, it’s safe to turn the blade.
This also turns the belt which allows you to inspect all the way around it. If your model has a blade engage lever, put it on and have a helper hold it or use a clamp. This allows you to turn the belt by turning the blade.
If the belt is in good shape, check the deflection. About 1/2 inch is good. But you don’t need to get caught up in measurements. Just use old-fashioned common sense. If it looks really loose when you squeeze both sides of the belt together without much effort, then it’s loose.
Drive Axle May Be Worn
The drive axle on a mower is simple, really. It should be referred to as a trans-axle, though. By trans-axle, we mean axle and transmission combined. I wrote a more detailed explanation of trans-axles here for those that are interested (internal link).
The axle is connected to and driven by the transmission. These are all one unit, and parts aren’t available, so when they fail, which is pretty rare, you just swap out the whole unit. Check out the Amazon link below for drive system parts delivered to your door.
Trans-axle – Honda transmission and axle combo are known as trans-axle.
Drive Pins – Wear out on older mowers and cause the drive to slip. Drive pins are crucial to the whole trans-axle assembly.
An axle drive pin, as its name suggests, is a pin that transfers power from the axle to the wheel. It’s spring-loaded and, combined with the drive gear, allows the mower wheels to move backways with little resistance when reversing the mower.
The axle pin is under extreme stress as it carries all the torque from the transmission to the wheels. These little guys wear out all the time.
The rear wheels are made from plastic and employ metal gears on the inside. The gear is driven by the axle drive metal gear. They wear out as the mower ages. Check out replacing wheels video here.
And if you need new wheels, check out the Amazon link below.
The Best Lawn Mower for Small Yards Is a Honda
Now that spring has sprung, you may be considering getting a head start on your lawn, ensuring you have the best-looking yard on the block. Whether you need to replace an old lawn mower or are a new property owner and purchasing your first lawn mower, there are plenty of options ranging from electric, gas-powered, riding mowers, and more.
If your property is less than a half-acre, we recommend a lightweight gas-powered lawn mower that provides versatility and affordability. Honda offers some of the best lawn mowers for small yards, and their outdoor equipment product line delivers brand recognition, along with the utmost quality and dependability.
The Honda 3-in-1 variable-speed lawn mower is the best for small yards
The gas-powered 170cc engine has an automatic choke, making it easier to start up when compared to other lawn mowers. The four-stroke gas-powered engine does not require a gas and oil mixture, operating efficiently on gasoline alone. Additionally, a longer oil line simplifies changing and filling the oil, and a larger gas cap lets operators fuel up without spilling or overflowing, making it easier to monitor gas levels.
This Honda mower receives a five-star rating on the Home Depot website, with over 6,000 consumers raving about their success with the quality Honda machine. One user said, “The GCV170 is quiet, smooth, has 8.2 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm, given the lighter weight and size of the deck, this mower moves, cutting green, fast-growing, wet, thick, heavy grass like a buzz saw, never slowing, no matter the height or thickness of the grass.”
The downside of the Honda GCV170 lawn mower
Despite the great reviews for this lawn mower, a few downsides are worth noting. While the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower offers superior speed control capabilities, some consumers report the system is difficult to handle. Other consumers experienced difficulty with the self-propelling function, saying it “chewed up the belt,” while other users said the drive control is bulky. Yet another user complained of “thumb fatigue,” explaining you need to hold the “huge gray plastic piece down” to keep the mower running on high.
Still, in many regards, the Honda product line of self-propelled lawn mowers is unsurpassed by other brands, offering reliability and dependability second to none. Most consumers are pleasantly surprised by the low noise level, smooth operation, and easy handling.
The best-selling Honda 3-in-1 variable speed self-propelled gas lawn mower retails for 549 at Home Depot and similar at other outlets, with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. Property owners that need to maintain a yard between one-quarter and one-half acre will be well served with the Honda GCV170 gas lawn mower.
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Engine: Honda GCV200 OHV OHC 201cc Output: 4.2Kw @ 3600 rpm Chassis: NeXite high impact Polymer Cut Width: 53cm, (21”) Function: Mulch Catch 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director Drive: Variable Speed Hydrostatic cruise control 0-6kph Info: 230mm (10”)Ball bearing wheels, Huge 88 litre dacron grass catcher Starts first time every time with Honda’s famous one pull easy start system
Engine: Honda GCV200 OHV OHC 201cc Output: 4.2Kw @ 3600 rpm Chassis: NeXite high impact Polymer Cut Width: 53cm, (21”) Function: Mulch Catch 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director Drive: Variable Speed Hydrostatic cruise control 0-6kph Info: 230mm (10”)Ball bearing wheels, Huge 88 litre dacron grass catcher Starts first time every time with Honda’s famous one pull easy start system
Honda mowers incorporate the latest safety feature to protect and reduce the risk of hazards and potential damage to limbs. The technology allows for the rotating blades in the mower to stop within three seconds of releasing the handle, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the operator or passer-by.
Push Mowers
MOW-SAFE ENGINE BRAKE TECHNOLOGY
I deal for medium lawns and commercial jobs Gets the job done quickly with huge 19″ cut Added Safety with Honda’s new Engine Brake Technology
Self Propelled Mowers
MOW-SAFE BLADE BRAKE TECHNOLOGY
For large lawns and the serious contractor Self-propelled operating with a 3-speed gear box, Gets the job done quickly with a huge 21″ cut. New front bar protects cutting deck and front axles from being damaged with the added Safety with Honda’s new Blade Brake Technology
I f you want a mower with all the bells and whistles, look no further than the HRX217HYU lawnmower. Honda is renowned for its uncompromising stance on user safety, and keeping with that approach, the Mow-Safe Technology inherent in the HRX217HYU is bound to impress in both residential and commercial settings. It includes Blade Brake technology, which stops the blade within three seconds of releasing the handle, allowing the engine to continue running. This technology allows you to step away from the mower to clear away hazards, empty the catcher or just take a quick break, without having to restart the engine. The HRX217HYU Self Propelled mower features an incredibly tough light weight NeXite 21” cutting deck, which is tough enough to handle even the most trying of NZ. conditions. This high impact material does not rust, dent or corrode, and the lightweight design means you can easily manoeuvre it around your lawn. The HRX217HYU is fully Self-Propelled by Hydrostatic Cruise Control. This represents simple, precise speed control that’s fully adjustable from 0-6 kp/h. You’ll save your back, shoulders and arms by letting the mower do the work for you! Also featured on the HRX217 is Honda’s exclusive twin blade MicroCut System, which uses four cutting surfaces instead of two. The results are evident in the ultra fine clippings and superior mulching that you’ll get.
Self Propelled Mowers
MOW-SAFE BLADE BRAKE TECHNOLOGY
For large lawns and the serious contractor Self-propelled operating with a 3-speed gear box, Gets the job done quickly with a huge 21″ cut. New front bar protects cutting deck and front axles from being damaged with the added Safety with Honda’s new Blade Brake Technology
I f you want a mower with all the bells and whistles, look no further than the HRX217 Honda is renowned for its uncompromising stance on user safety, and keeping with that approach, the Mow-Safe Technology inherent in the HRX217 is bound to impress in both residential and commercial settings. It includes Blade Brake technology, which stops the blade within three seconds of releasing the handle, allowing the engine to continue running. This technology allows you to step away from the mower to clear away hazards, empty the catcher or just take a quick break, without having to restart the engine. The HRX217HYU Self Propelled mower features an incredibly tough light weight NeXite 21” cutting deck, which is tough enough to handle even the most trying of NZ. conditions. This high impact material does not rust, dent or corrode, and the lightweight design means you can easily manoeuvre it around your lawn. The HRX217HYU is fully Self-Propelled by Hydrostatic Cruise Control. This represents simple, precise speed control that’s fully adjustable from 0-6 kp/h. You’ll save your back, shoulders and arms by letting the mower do the work for you! Also featured on the HRX217 is Honda’s exclusive twin blade MicroCut System, which uses four cutting surfaces instead of two. The results are evident in the ultra fine clippings and superior mulching that you’ll get.
Engine: Honda GCV190 OHV OHC 190cc Output: 3.8Kw (5.1hp) @ 3600 rpm Chassis: NeXite high impact Polymer Cut Width: 53cm, (21”) Function: Mulch Catch 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director Drive: Variable Speed Hydrostatic cruise control 0-6kph Info: 230mm (10”)Ball bearing wheels, Huge 88 litre dacron grass catcher Starts first time every time with Honda’s famous one pull easy start system
Lawn Mowers
Greatness from the ground up. Honda’s lawnmower range for 2019 offers even more great features along with the same legendary reliability, class leading warranty and exceptional performance you expect from a Honda Lawn mowers.
DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS AND HEAVY DEMAND – WE RECOMMEND CONTACTING US PRIOR TO ORDERING TO VERIFY CURRENT STOCK LEVELS
Premium Mowers (2)
The Best Honda Lawn Mower in Each Category
As you move up in price Honda mower features and benefits are added.
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
- The Home Depot. There are 1,993 Home Depot locations in the USA. You should have no problem finding one close by to take a look at their Honda lawn mower selection. Home Depot has a great return policy should you need it.
- Lowe’s. There are 1,738 Lowe’s locations in the USA. Lowe’s has a selection of Honda mowers to choose from.
Local Mower Dealers
There are 1,000s of Honda dealers across the USA. Most towns over 5,000 people will have at least 1 local Honda dealer.
This is a great option to buy your Honda mower because they will act as your warranty holder and repair shop.
They will also be able to offer comprehensive buying help if you can’t decide which Honda is best for you.
Online
There are 100s of online e-commerce mower stores to choose from.
Warranty and Repair Considerations
If you buy online or from a big box store you will likely need to go to your local Honda dealer for warranty and repairs. They have all the parts and experts to do the repair and it will all be approved under the Honda warranty.
FAQs
What is the best oil to put in a Honda mower?
Honda takes normal engine oil depending on your local climate.
Synthetic oil is better than traditional oil but also more expensive.
What is the best type of gas to use in a Honda mower?
Your Honda user manual will tell you what type of unleaded gasoline to use in your mower. Honda advises not to use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol.
What brands use Honda small engines in their lawn mowers?
Many lawn mower brands choose to buy Honda engines for use in their push and riding mowers.
Toro, Swisher, Bad Boy Mowers, Snapper and Ferris all choose Honda.
- Best Global Brands. Rankingthebrands.com.
- Honda GCV200. Engines.Honda.com.
- Honda GCV160/190. Engines.Honda.com.
- Move Up with Honda Chart. PowerEquipment.Honda.com.
- OHV vs. OHC Engines: What is The Difference and Which is Better? LethalPerformance.com.
- Dealer Locator. PowerEquipment.Honda.com.
About your guide: Jamey Kramar is a certified Lawn Care Manager (NALP) and a Mechanical Engineer by trade. He has been writing about outdoor power equipment for 11 years and has been quoted in NYTimes, Popular Mechanics, HowStuffWorks, iFixit, Realtor.com, and more. He spends his spare time disassembling things and also building an off-grid cabin at his 200-acre property.