28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???

Jeff T

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
Yes my Honda is a bit on the old side, but it served as the trim mower for 23 years when i had a larger property and a Deere. We recently moved to a smaller place, Deere is gone, and the Honda gets regular duty again. Anyway, I have to assume the new models mulch much better. It's the only thing that disappoints about the old Honda. Anyone moved from an older unit like mine to a HRX?? Comments???
 

jsalis57

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
I have a 214sx and a 215sx and from a mulching perspective they are similar with the exception of the 215 has a bit more power. I can compare these directly to the newer model 217 HRX which I also have, and I do think they mulch better, but not significantly so. I think the biggest advantage is the plastic deck which resists the grass buildup and sticking.
I still prefer the old machines build quality.
 

Jeff T

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
I cut mine yesterday and I was leaving behind pieces that were 1" or longer, you could definitely see them in the lawn. Blades are sharp and all that.

I did try a Toro Super Recycler with the Personal Pace system from a neighbor. While I do believe it mulched finer, I did not care for the PP system. 28 years of Honda might have some influence on that!
 

dfbrown

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
Hi, to answer your question. Yes the 2004 on to 2020 Honda hrx217s mulch and cut way better then the old hr214,215 & 216. Way better mulch designed deck and the dual blades cut grass pieces way smaller. Yes the old hr214 215 216 you were able to buy the mulch plug and 2 blade kit but still doesn’t mulch for much of anything. Those old mowers were true high lift blade/ deck baggers and side discharge machines. 2 blades hurt those old mowers a little bit too due to lower hp.

the old Honda’s were built better sure like the gxv engines. Driveshaft and aluminum decks.

having said that. The new stuff is a better mulcher and discharge from the rear. Equal on bagging probably but new ones pack it better because it cuts finer. Bigger wheels rides over stuff better. Better quality wheels, deck never corrodes or cracks a touch lighter mower way better on fuel. More powerful. Just a way more efficient mower the hrx217.

if you want hr214 215 quality or better then that’s the current hrc216k3hxa. Best built 21” mower honda has ever made.
 

Jeff T

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
Yes the old hr214 215 216 you were able to buy the mulch plug and 2 blade kit but still doesn’t mulch for much of anything.

Interesting, I bought the mulch kit with our mower in 1992 and it was only one blade.
 

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tranchinh

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
You got same power as new HRX217 .With the mulching kit you have a mulching blade mount on top of the high lift blade and with mulch plug .Your grass clip as fine as the new HRX217 mower . Not as fine Compare to the Toro recycler
 

Jeff T

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
So, are you suggesting I mount the HRX blade system on my HR215?
 

tranchinh

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
You need all 3 Items below to get it mulching good 1-https://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-HR214-HR215-ALUMINUM-CHASSIS-MULCH-PLUG-MULCHING-PLUG-76266-VA3-J60/193438059531?hash=item2d09ce8c0b:g:qjgAAOSwQJ1em0SI 2-https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-HR214-HR215-Mower-Mulching-Spacer-Plate-Mounting-Hardware-72532-VA3-S00/133095568749?epid=1417910506&hash=item1efd1d356d:g:nn8AAOSwfONbybo4 3-https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Honda-Mulching-Blade-72531-VA3-S00-HR215K1-HRC215K1-HRC216K1-Lawn-Mower/332523724828?epid=19013672648&hash=item4d6bf5601c:g:EkcAAOSwkNpaX3Dr
 

Jeff T

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
TY! Already have the plug! The original mulch kit came with the plug and a mulch blade to swap. Ordered the upper blade and mounting kit.
 

tranchinh

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  • / 28 yr old Honda HR215, do the new ones mulch better???
That's good,here is how you mount the blades,also use longer bolt ( 35 mm ) and heavy washers
 

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