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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?

Check your serial number & see if it falls between numbers above.

mechanic mark said:

Honda Power Equipment HRX217K2 HMAA - MAGA 1500001-2019999 HANDLEBAR (2) | CyclePartsNation Honda Parts Nation

Shop online for OEM HANDLEBAR (2) parts that fit your Honda Power Equipment HRX217K2 HMAA - MAGA 1500001-2019999, search all our OEM Parts or call at 269-385-1540

www.hondapartsnation.com

Check your serial number & see if it falls between numbers above.

Click to expand...

Mine is the HMA model, not the K2.

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.

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.

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.