What is the general reliability of "belt slip" self propelled mowers?

[NHFree1]

I am currently considering two different Honda mowers, the HRX217HYA which from what I understand is a true hydrostatic, and the HRX217VKA (smart drive) which actually uses drive belt slippage to control the drive speed.

Wondering in general how reliable the slipping belt method is and how long a drive belt generally lasts. Usually a slipping belt is not a good thing so I don't understand how the drive systems in this type of mower achieves any longevity, not just with Honda but with other brands as well. I am replacing a Toro recycler (cheap model below the personal pace) that I bought used (when I couldn't afford a better one) and have run for about 5 years. I mow about a half acre.

I like the HYA hydro but not sure if I like the double handle (BBC and drive) since you need to still hold the BBC handle in position while "throttling" the drive handle if you want to go slower than your "set" top speed.

 

[exotion]

The belt slip method has been tryed tested and proven. It works great and as for how long the belt will last depends on how much you use the mower and quality of belt. Probably will last 3 or 4 seasons of regular home use and 1 or 2 of commercial use. My honda hrr216 lasted one season of intense commercial use.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I can't tell you how reliable the belt slip mowers are, but I can say the reviews are good, and Honda tests them thoroughly. :thumbsup:

As for the hydrostatic mower, I have the HYA, and I can tell you I like those controls more than I would like the Smart Drive. And you say you don't like how you have to hold in the BBC handle even when you ease off the drive handle, and I can tell you that you really aren't. Because the way I hold the handle, I hold it with my left hand at the extreme left side, so I'm not touching the drive handle, so when I need to let go of the drive I just release my right hand (see diagram). Best way would be to see how they feel at your local dealer.

 

[NHFree1]

The belt slip method has been tryed tested and proven. It works great and as for how long the belt will last depends on how much you use the mower and quality of belt. Probably will last 3 or 4 seasons of regular home use and 1 or 2 of commercial use. My honda hrr216 lasted one season of intense commercial use.

Whereas the belt on the true hydro HYA model may last 10x as long since it doesn't slip right? Just seems silly (and cheap) to design a mower where the manufacturer says "the variable speed comes from slipping the belt" is an acceptable idea for a homeowner who doesn't want to pour money into a mower every few years to change a belt because of lousy design.

 

[NHFree1]

I can't tell you how reliable the belt slip mowers are, but I can say the reviews are good, and Honda tests them thoroughly. :thumbsup:

As for the hydrostatic mower, I have the HYA, and I can tell you I like those controls more than I would like the Smart Drive. And you say you don't like how you have to hold in the BBC handle even when you ease off the drive handle, and I can tell you that you really aren't. Because the way I hold the handle, I hold it with my left hand at the extreme left side, so I'm not touching the drive handle, so when I need to let go of the drive I just release my right hand (see diagram). Best way would be to see how they feel at your local dealer.

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Thanks! I hadn't noticed the difference in how the drive handle sits relative to the blade handle. I thought they were in the same footprint of space but I see now the drive handle doesn't go to the ends of the handle like the BBC handle. Headed to a local dealer this weekend to further my research and decide. I am now leaning toward the HYA.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Thanks! I hadn't noticed the difference in how the drive handle sits relative to the blade handle. I thought they were in the same footprint of space but I see now the drive handle doesn't go to the ends of the handle like the BBC handle. Headed to a local dealer this weekend to further my research and decide. I am now leaning toward the HYA.

Yeah usually if you can afford it, going up a model can't hurt.

 

[bwdbrn1]

Hydro Hondas are the easiest mowers to operate of any I've ever owned. I think once you try it out at your dealer, you'll like it as well.

 

[exotion]

Hydro Hondas are the easiest mowers to operate of any I've ever owned. I think once you try it out at your dealer, you'll like it as well.

It's definately a huge difference however the belt slip method won't let you down think about this? Cost of replacing a belt every couple years? Vs the cost of broken hydro stuff ? Even if its rare for hydro and ARM to brake what if it does

 

[NHFree1]

It's definately a huge difference however the belt slip method won't let you down think about this? Cost of replacing a belt every couple years? Vs the cost of broken hydro stuff ? Even if its rare for hydro and ARM to brake what if it does

According to a post I read by Robert@Honda (from 2011), the hydro used in the HRX has been used by Honda for over 25 years but the current belt slip design has only been around for about 3 years (as of 2013). It would seem to me that any "bugs" Honda had in the hydro system would be worked out and issues should be very rare. The belt-slip drive doesn't have a long enough track record for me if there is only about $100 difference in cost between the two mowers I am looking at....plus there is a blade clutch on the hydro model which I know would be a significant convenience for me.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

According to a post I read by Robert@Honda (from 2011), the hydro used in the HRX has been used by Honda for over 25 years but the current belt slip design has only been around for about 3 years (as of 2013). It would seem to me that any "bugs" Honda had in the hydro system would be worked out and issues should be very rare...

That's how I look at it.