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Lawn mower choice

17 years ago

I've got three distinct lawn moving opportunities and I'm looking for a single machine that "works" for all three. The first is a conventional 1500 sq. ft. back yard divided into three small pieces. This would be a no-brainer for a push mower (have an old 19" Al deck Honda I'm using now) if it were not for the other two areas. Second mowing job is 5000 sq. ft. of outer lawn, but with quite a bit of clover. If I let it grow more than an additonal 1" or so my Cub Cadet 3184 riding mower can't handle this (useless piece of equipment for all but manicured lawns). Finally, I've got an acre of horse turn-out that I would like to cut and bag to help control weeds. This is on a slight slope. Again, my trusty 3184 requires at least one pass without bagging and an additional pass with bagging. Sometimes I have to cut it with my larger tractor first. A good residential lawn mower would probably wade through this, but it's not the job these machines are designed for.

I'm looking at the HRX217HXA Honda and, perhaps, one of the higher end Toros. I'm a bit leary of Personal Pace and Honda's newest thumb-controlled variable speed system since the turn-outs are a bit bumpy.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I'm not in a minority having more trouble making a lawn mower decision than I had buying a 1-ton truck.

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Comments (7)

shaggnasty
17 years ago
I have the Honda you're looking at and I think it's the best thing since sliced bread. The Versamow is great for any combination of bagging/mulching. I'm not sure what you mean concerning the variable speed, but I've had no problems with mine whatsoever. Sounds like you've got a lot to mow, but for a residential mower, I love the Honda.
rdtompki
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for the input. The variable speed system I'm leary of is on the newest HRC216VXA (I think). It looks good for regular lawn mowing, but I'd be a little leary over bumpy terrain. The HRX217HXA has a straight speed control and I think would be fine in this regard. I'm definitely leaning toward this mower.
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Well, LB (I think) are only 20" wide and they are not really even 'real' LBs anymore if that matters to you. They look a little cheaper made than the Toros they sit along side at HD. Dad and I bought dealer Honda Harmony's 10+ years ago. We got the same model. I had enough trouble with it (and customer service, as I recall did not exactly seam sympathetic but did cover a few warranty issues) that I traded it after a few years on a dealer Toro Personal Pace---aluminum deck, better wheels etc etc. FYI, Dad's Honda is still going strong. As an anniversary gift thru work he got a second Honda a few years back at HD....the tranny on it is going and they said it was a disposable mower....the original Harmony from the dealer is still running though. Point is, I guess the dealer models are made more durable and apparently are designed with parts to be worked on rather than just junked.....not really sure. I will say the Honda pushed more like a cadilac and was quieter and had an OHV engine. The Toro does not 'ride' as nice BUT mulches as good and I have come to really the Personal Pace system. I did have 2 warranty issues that were covered with no questions asked. From new I though the engine blew a bit too much blue smoke on start so they put a new short block on. To this day I still think its smolier than the Honda was but perhaps thats an engine thing. If it were me, I'd opt for a dealer Toro or HD Toro. I can not say which bags better since I have not bagged in years...well on very rare occasions anyway.
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htimsdj
17 years ago
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rdtompki
Original Author
17 years ago
I purchased the Honda (HRX217HXA)and have used it once. It didn't disappoint. On my 3-segment small (1500 sq. ft.) back yard the Honda is probably a wash compared with my old smaller Honda push mower: larger and a bit harder to turn but doesn't need to be pushed on the straights. The new mower is a lot easier on my 5000 sq. ft. back oval. I think the Honda (vs. Toro PP) was the right choice for my application since I can turn the mower around the oval without changing speeds or disengaging the clutch. I'm not sure this would be the case with PP as there might be a tendency for the mower to change speeds as you push on the handle to swing it around the curve. The quality of the cut seems fine although my lawns are not in good enough shape to really judge.
pete_p_ny
17 years ago
PP works very well while turning on an "oval." Even more so than a regular drive system.
paul_in_tx
17 years ago
I still can't believe what a perfect system Toro personal pace is. It gives you the control of a non-propelled system without any of the effort. I have the SR4 20054 that I bought last year and I love it. It goes at the speed you walk at and if you stop it stops with you. I did not have to adjust to this system. It's the most natural system I've ever seen.
mulcher5
17 years ago
rdtompki:

I just got the HRR VXA & the thumb control self propulsion is not a problem for me over bumps. I have dogs that dig little "potholes" in the yard. I don't bag so I can't vouch for that feature of the VXA, but it is a superb mulcher- powerful to boot!

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