Back in April I got a super deal on a Home Depot floor model HRX217VKA for around $390 to replace an aging HRM 215. As a bonus, Honda was extending the warranty by two years. I wanted to see how the mower performed for several months before writing a review and I gotta say, it's terrific.
The Smart Drive is great. Changing the speed by pressing my palm against the paddle became second nature after 4-5 cuts, but until then it took some getting used to and I can see why not everyone likes it.
The GCV190 engine is quiet, smooth and strong. We've had periods of mild drought and heavy rains resulting in some tall, thick grass and the 190cc cut right through it. The HRM215 would constantly stall out and I was ready for the HRX217 to at least strain a good bit. There were a few patches where it strained slightly so I slowed down.
The mower is pretty light and I'm already a fan of the composite deck from the HRM215. The 217 starts up pretty easily with the auto choke.
CONS:
Although the MicroCut Twin Blades mulch the grass very fine, there are still clumps of grass left behind once in a while.
The Versamow System with Clip Director is nice, but the door allows grass in. Maybe that's why I get clumps and the door needs to be adjusted.
Re: which is the best mower, Honda or Toro, I think they're both terrific. People should quit trying to say one is better than the other and be glad they can choose either one and know they're getting top quality and performance.
The Smart Drive is great. Changing the speed by pressing my palm against the paddle became second nature after 4-5 cuts, but until then it took some getting used to and I can see why not everyone likes it.
The GCV190 engine is quiet, smooth and strong. We've had periods of mild drought and heavy rains resulting in some tall, thick grass and the 190cc cut right through it. The HRM215 would constantly stall out and I was ready for the HRX217 to at least strain a good bit. There were a few patches where it strained slightly so I slowed down.
The mower is pretty light and I'm already a fan of the composite deck from the HRM215. The 217 starts up pretty easily with the auto choke.
CONS:
Although the MicroCut Twin Blades mulch the grass very fine, there are still clumps of grass left behind once in a while.
The Versamow System with Clip Director is nice, but the door allows grass in. Maybe that's why I get clumps and the door needs to be adjusted.
Re: which is the best mower, Honda or Toro, I think they're both terrific. People should quit trying to say one is better than the other and be glad they can choose either one and know they're getting top quality and performance.
Last edited:
