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Honda HRX217VKA mower review | Top Ten Reviews
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The Honda HRX217VKA packs a powerful performance with a 200cc engine, but is it worth the high price tag?
(Image: © Honda )
Top Ten Reviews Verdict
The Honda HRX217VKA is a powerful walk-behind mower with a sturdy 200cc engine and a range of cutting heights. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but its made by a reputable brand, is easy to use and suits a range of yards.
Pros
- +
Powerful Honda engine
- +
Range of cutting heights
- +
Self-propelled for easy use
Cons
- –
Expensive
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Large
- –
Heavy
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The Honda HRX217VKA 21-inch mower is packed with many of the features you would expect from a high-end lawn mower, and then some. Powered by an impressive 200cc motor, this self-propelled mower also comes with a generous 5-year residential warranty, giving you extra peace of mind if any problems arise.
Honda HRX217VKA: Key specs
Dimensions: D 63.4″ x H 42.2″ x W 23.1″
Weight: 89 lbs
Blade length: 21 inches
Engine displacement: 200cc
Max cutting height: 4 inches
Min cutting height: 0.75 inches
Mower type: Self-propelled
Start type: Pull-cord
Warranty: 5 years residential/3 month commercial/lifetime deck
The Honda HRX217VKA makes lawn care effortless. With a pull-cord starter mechanism, you can set the pace of your mower using the ‘SelectDrive’ function, adjust the cutting length to one of 7 options, and dispose of your lawn waste as you wish, choosing from mulching, bagging, discharging and leaf shredding.
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Our review takes a deeper dive into these functions and features, and gives you an idea of what to expect. Plus, we take a look at how users rate the Honda HRX217VKA and whether there are more affordable options that do a similar job.
If the Honda HRX217VKA isn’t the right mower for you, then check out our buyer’s guide to the best gas lawn mowers. If you’re after an electric mower, our guide to the best electric lawn mowers has more options.
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Honda HRX217VKA: Design
If you’re looking for a mower that comes with a few ingenious design features, look this way. The Honda HRX217VKA has four large 9-inch ball-bearing wheels, which are specifically designed to help you maneuver the mower very easily.
Rust can be a particular worry when it comes to outdoor gardening tools.
But you won’t have to worry about rust occurring on the Honda HRX217VKA. Its deck is made from the extremely durable material, NeXite.
Honda is so confident in the durability of this material on the deck, that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Not only does this specially designed material stop it from rusting, but Honda says it should also help keep this mower dent-free.
(Image credit: Honda)
Honda HRX217VKA: Features
- 4 in 1 cutting options
- 7 cutting height positions
- 4 waste options
- Powerful GCV200 Engine
- Large waste bags
- ‘Flywheel’ brake system
- Adjustable speed
The Honda HRX217VKA 21-inch self-propelled gas mower isn’t short of features. It comes with 7 different cutting height positions that range from 0.75 inches to 4 inches. This means you can cut your lawn to perfection whether you like it super short or long but tidy.
The piece of outdoor gardening equipment also comes equipped with Honda’s MicroCut Twin Blades. This gives you extra fine clippings which, once cut, can be stored in the mower’s large 2.5-bushel capacity bag.
The Honda HRX217VKA then allows you to rid of your waste in four different ways thanks to its revolutionary Versamow System. At the flick of a switch, you can swap between mulching, bagging, discharging and leaf shredding. The latter is particularly ideal in spring and autumn.
(Image credit: Honda)
Another impressive feature of the Honda HRX217VKA is its ‘Flywheel’ brake system. This is a brilliant safety feature for any self-propelled mower. This system quickly stops the engine as soon as you let go of this brake lever. Meaning you have safety in every cut.
But perhaps the best feature about this mower? As we touched on before, it’s got to be its powerful 200cc engine. This gives the mower more power and torque than Honda’s previous motors in the same range.
The result? A faster mow time – which is always a positive.
Honda HRX217VKA: Performance
- Powerful engine
- Variable speed
- Big debris bag
When it comes to performance, the Honda HRX217VKA 21-inch self-propelled gas mower doesn’t disappoint. It comes with a powerful 200cc engine and more torque than the previous GCV190 engine it replaces. It gives you more cutting power and efficiency. Plus, it’s Select Drive System enables you to change the speed at which it propels forward – it goes up to 4mph.
To start the motor, Honda has made it simple. Thanks to its ‘Auto Choke’ system there is no tricky engine choke device. You just use its pull-cord to start. And once you are up and running, you can mow 30% more of your lawn before having to empty the bag.
That’s because of this gadget’s twin blade MicroCut System which uses four cutting surfaces that result in ultra-fine clippings. This allows you to store more cuttings in one mow.
(Image credit: Image source: Home Depot)
Honda HRX217VKA: Support and user reviews
One of the best things about the Honda HRX217VKA is the fact it comes with a five-year warranty. While its deck comes with a lifetime warranty. But should you run into any problems with the machine, emailing is the best way to contact the Honda team.
By the looks of the customer reviews left on Home Depot, the Honda HRX217VKA 21-inch self-propelled gas mower has gone down really well. It’s received 4.7 stars from just under 1,500 reviews and 86% of people said they would recommend this product.
One happy customer said it was ‘hands down the best self-propelled mower’ and another user said that this gas mower is a ‘game changer’ because it helped to shave 40 minutes off their usual mow time. Another user also praised the machine for working without any issues and another said the different bagging options were ‘brilliant’.
However, some users criticized the Honda HRX217VKA because you ‘can’t’ shut off the blade without shutting off the engine.
Another user marked the mower down because of its heaviness and a third reviewer claimed that the garden tool leaked oil in a couple of locations.
Should you buy the Honda HRX217VKA?
It may be at the pricier end of the scale, but you get what you pay for with the Honda HRX217VKA.
The peace of mind that comes with a well-known brand, a 5-year warranty, and a host of bonus features that make cutting lawns a breeze, well outweigh the initial outlay. Plus, with more power and torque than other mowers because of its 200cc motor, you’ll be saving time to boot.
This impressive performance, combined with a range of adjustable features and functionality, makes the Honda HRX217VKA a lawn mower worth investing in.
If this product isn’t for you
If you want even more control over your mower, then why not try the Honda HRX217HZA? It features additional Roto Stop technology, which means that you can stop the blades without cutting the engine. Plus, Hydrostatic Cruise control gives you precise control of your mower’s speed.
For gardeners who want a lighter model to maneuver around their lawn, the Craftsman M105 Gas Mower may be just the ticket. Around 30 lbs lighter than the Honda HRX217VKA, this lawn mower makes easy work of even the hilliest lawns.
For those on a budget, a more affordable option is the Troy-Bilt TB160. With a 160cc Honda motor and 6 different grass-cutting height options, you get a lot of features at a lower price than many gas-powered lawn mowers.
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Becks is a freelance lifestyle writer who has worked extensively for Top Ten Reviews during the past year. She started her career in print journalism at a local newspaper and has since then worked across digital and social media for food titles and home interior magazines. When she’s not writing, she’s reading and when she’s not reading, she’s writing.
With contributions from
- Joanne LewsleyCustomer Advisor, Vacuums, Cleaning and Air Quality
Craftsman M105 mower review | Top Ten Reviews
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If you’re looking for an affordable mower that’s easy to move around while giving a thorough lawn trim, the Craftsman M105 is the mower for you.
(Image: © Amazon)
Top Ten Reviews Verdict
The Craftsman M105 offers a great feature set for an even better price. Most notably, a six-position dual-lever 21-inch deck makes it perfect for small to medium gardens, and the lighter weight makes it easy to operate for a wide range of users.
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When it comes to replacing your old gas lawn mower, or making the switch from an electric mower, you’ll want maneuverability, a high-quality build, and ease of use. The Craftsman M105 combines all three, giving you a clean cut and a great result for your lawn.
Craftsman M105: Key specs
Dimensions: L 88.
3″, W 60.7″, H 45.1″
Weight: 65 lbs
Blade length : 21 inches
Engine displacement: 140 cc
Max cutting height: 1.25 inches
Min cutting height: 3.75 inches
Mower type: Gas
Start type: Pull cord
Warranty: 2-year limited
With an affordable price point, a host of extra features, and a light 65 lb weight, the Craftsman M105 is ideal for smaller yards and gardens. Compared to its peers, it’s easier to push around, and you can adjust the cutting height as you move with a dual-lever 6-position height adjustment.
Our review takes a closer look at all the features of the Craftsman M105, as well as user reviews on performance and ease of use. And if it isn’t the right lawn mower for you and your backyard, there are plenty of other great options in our buying guide to the best gas lawn mowers.
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Craftsman M105: Features
For the $399 price tag, each of the items on the Craftsman M105’s feature list gears it towards maximal functionality.
The M105’s cutting deck is a full 21 inches. This deck size allows for the easy mowing of wider areas. The Craftsman does not stop with an impressive cut width, the blades also come with a height adjustment of 1.25 to 3.75 inches. There are six different deck positions available on the Craftsman, adjusted using a dual-lever system.
The deck is a convertible three-in-one model, allowing you to use side discharge, a mulch function, or utilize rear bag grass clippings. Included with the mower is a Mulch Kit, one that puts nutrients back into the soil for a healthier lawn as you mow it.
The Craftsman M105 is manufactured in Tupelo Mississippi in collaboration with Global Materials. You can check Craftsman’s website to see exactly where each of the company’s products is made. There are currently fourteen US manufacturing plants.
Craftsman M105: Performance
Craftsman’s M105 uses a 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine, which uses recoil start and auto-choke for maximum user simplicity.
This means there is just a simple pull cord to start the engine, and lengths taken to ensure that it will not stop when started. A pull start, however, may be challenging for those with mobility issues, and if you’d prefer something with an electric key start feature, check out the Honda HRX217HZA. While not as powerful as higher end gas mowers (like the Weibang WB537SCV which reaches 196cc), the M105’s engine is fine for the price.
The mower is fully push-propelled, with adjustable handles that help users maneuver around the yard easier. Due to the deck size, the Craftsman M105 is optimized for smaller to medium-sized gardens (up to a quarter acre), and fares much better on flat gardens than hilly lawns. Moving across the garden is made much easier by the zag treading on the 7-inch front and 8-inch rear wheels.
One of the features we like about the M105 model is that it’s not heavy at all. One of its central draws is the 65lb weight, making it particularly light and maneuverable compared to its peers.
In comparison, the Cub Cadet SC100HW sits at 79lbs, whereas the Honda HRX217VKA weighs 89lbs.
This is offset in the M105 by the slightly weaker engine than the above examples, but the lower weight makes it a very attractive proposition as a push mower.
As is standard with many lawnmowers, the M105 comes packaged with a two-year warranty. This covers any material defects or problems with construction.
It should be noted that this warranty explicitly does not cover problems with parts that degrade with repeated use. This would include spark plugs and mower blades.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Craftsman M105: Price
Costing $399 at the time of writing, Craftsman’s M105 model sits in the center of mid-range gas mower prices. While higher-end products like the Honda HRX217HZA are over twice the price of the Craftsman, the Troy-Bilt TB160, which also offers three-in-one trimming and auto-choke functionality, is over $100 cheaper than the M105.
However, when compared to other, non-budget offerings, like the Toro 21378, the Craftsman is slightly cheaper.
The M105 boasts similar features to the Toro but clocks in at a solid $50 cheaper, making it a rather attractive choice.
When you buy the Craftsman M105, you can expect a gas-powered push lawn mower, a bagger accessory, and a measure of engine oil. It’s important to make sure that you add the oil to the engine, as the mower does not come packaged with the oil on board.
The mulching bag is a useful tool for picking up any stray trimmings that would otherwise fly loose across your garden. It works in tandem with the different mulching functions in the mower, but is entirely optional.
Craftsman M105: User reviews
There is an interesting disparity in online user reviews for the Craftsman M105. On Amazon, the product has 74% five-star reviews (of 946 ratings). Users particularly praise how lightweight the mower is. Alongside the weight, satisfied users also note how quick the mower is to start and how easy it is to operate.
On the other hand, several Amazon ratings criticize the M105’s ease of operation.
While the pull cord can be useful for simple engine operation, it is not always “easy”. One reviewer talks of the pull cord making their “heart beat hard and fast” after having to restart the mower. Another specifically talks of the starter cord breaking, with many others agreeing that the start is not as smooth as advertised.
Despite the overwhelming positivity on Amazon, Craftsman’s website paints a rather different picture. On its own website, the M105 sits at an average of 1.4/5 stars, a startlingly low amount. Most of the negative reviews focus on white smoke rising from the mower after a few uses, with the product failing to start afterwards.
This problem did also appear in the more negative Amazon reviews. While a defect like this is undesirable, it should be noted that there are only 18 1 star reviews on the Craftsman site, with a further 65 on Amazon. Compared to the rest of the positive reviews, this number is fairly negligible. Furthermore, these issues appear to be completely covered under the M105’s limited warranty.
Should you buy the Craftsman M105?
If you’re looking for an affordable gas-powered lawn mower that’s light enough to move around your yard with ease, the Craftsman M105 may be the ideal mower for you. With plenty of extra features, mostly positive user reviews, and a competitive price point, there’s not a lot to criticize.
From what we can see from reviews on the Craftsman website and Amazon, manufacturers are quick to sort out any technical issues that come under the 2-year limited warranty, while people who have trouble with mobility or strength may enjoy how easy the Craftsman M105 is to propel around their yard. The variety of cutting heights that can be adjusted smoothly during use is another nice extra touch for well-manicured lawns.
However, it may be worth bearing in mind that this is a gas-powered lawn mower for small to medium yards. If you’re looking for something to tackle big areas, you might prefer another option with a bigger motor and a longer cutting blade.
If this product isn’t for you
For a more powerful mower at a similar price, you might prefer the Troy-Bilt TB160. With a 160cc Honda motor and 6 different grass-cutting height options, you’ll get more power and a lot of features compared to other more expensive gas-powered lawn mowers.
If money is no barrier, then why not go for the Honda HRX217HZA? The 200cc motor makes light work of the hilliest lawns while a 4-in-1 Versamow System allows you to bag, mulch, discharge or shred your leaves and cuttings. Plus, you get twin blades and Rota Stop technology, allowing you to stop the blades without cutting the engine.
If you’ve got an acre or more to tend to, the Craftsman M430 may be the best call. This self-propelling mower features a 223cc engine, a 2-bushel clippings bag, and mulching blades, all of which are ideal for taking care of large gardens and lawns.
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