Honda HRX217 ... what is this spring?

JBtoro

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 29, 2016
Threads
41
Messages
147
Picked up a used HRX217 HMA a few years ago & have enjoyably mowed with it for 3 seasons. Recently I saw an HRX video at ereplacementparts.com where a similar model has the lower spring (called a "tension spring" in the video) pictured below whereas mine does not. Mine has the upper spring only. As you can see, that spring (#8 on the parts list) is part of the orange-lever self-propelling system, and even though mine is not present, I have not had any issues with the mower's forward speeds. A Honda parts diagram calls it a "Spring, Clutch Lever Return" for some reason but it's not related to the blade clutch, a feature present on my HMA model. Anyway, I am wondering if anyone knows specifically what that spring is for, and more curiously, why my mower propels fine without it?

1613945624248.png1613945669898.png


 

mechanic mark

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 15, 2013
Threads
175
Messages
7,381
Last edited:

JBtoro

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 29, 2016
Threads
41
Messages
147

StarTech

Lawn Royalty
Top Poster Of Month
Joined
Feb 19, 2020
Threads
75
Messages
10,112
Sir the HMA and HMAA are suffix versions as are the K1, K2, K3 are later revisions; otherwords, there are HRX217 and revisions that are labeled like HRX217K1. THis revision levels are not normally show on the model number sticker. This why we need the serial number of mower. They can start with either GJAAA or MAGA.

Actually just HMA there are three early models and three K1 revisions. Then came the HMAA revisions.
 

JBtoro

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 29, 2016
Threads
41
Messages
147
Thanks for the clarification. Honda has so many model #'s ... it gets confusing. Anyway, I went to the link you provided & it shows both the upper & lower spring. I think perhaps the lower spring is sort of a safety "overkill" item. It assists the upper spring in bringing the mower to a stop when the bail is released but in most cases the upper is sufficient. When I let go of the bail, my mower stops immediately even though the lower spring is absent.
 
Joined
May 15, 2016
Threads
0
Messages
15
Without that spring, the return is way too soft...I just tried it by disconnecting the spring on my mower. On the 2 and 3 speed transmissions there is a robust compression spring on the transmission. On the hydrostatics that spring is a winding type, weaker and not intended to also act as a lever return device.
 
Top