If I'm spending 400, may bump it up a couple hundred and go the HRX217. Larger eng and nexite deck. I tend to hang onto things forever...this may be the next forever item. Don't need the cruise control. 599 and then additional 10% military disc HD. I'll wait and get some more feedback for a couple days. Still have to sell my 2002 Simplicity Conquest tomorrow, before I head to HD.
Here's my theory about why the bushings seize: The deck (which is steel) bends over time under the weight of the mower and the stress of going over bumps in the yard. The bushings are attached to the wheel height adjusters, which are attached to the deck. When the deck bends, it throws the bushings out of alignment with the driveshaft and causes the bushings to bind.
The 20+ year old Hondas also had Teflon bushings on their driveshafts. But I think the thick cast aluminum decks were harder to bend than the thinner steel ones on newer Hondas.
The HRX217 also has Teflon bushings on the driveshaft. Since the deck is Nexite, it might not warp as easily. I can't say that for sure though. :confused2:
The Honda drive system is set up in such a way that the wheels are always connected to the transmission when you pull the mower backwards. The Husqvarna, if I remember correctly, disconnects the wheels from the transmission when you pull the mower backwards. Thus, the Honda is harder to roll back than the Husqvarna.
Whatever you do, don't fall into the trap of buying a Toro with the Personal Pace drive system. Unless the drive system is adjusted perfectly (and sometimes even if it is), you end up pushing the mower yourself without realizing it.