A Homeowners Guide to Honda Lawn Mowers (Winnipeg Edition)

Honda Lawnmower

Jan 14, 2022

When you're in the market for a new lawn mower, finding the perfect fit involves considering affordability, stowability, and reliability. Let's delve deeper into these aspects and compare models from one of the most trusted brands in the world: Honda.

Honda: The Gold Standard of Quality

Honda is renowned for its exceptional engine quality, extending its reputation from motorcycles to cars and lawnmowers. Although they're phasing out lawn mower production in September 2023 due to stricter environmental regulations, Honda models remain available at local Winnipeg dealers for the foreseeable future. Let's explore our top picks from the HRN216 and HRX217 lines:

HRN216 Mowers:

Power and Durability: Fitted with a GCV170 engine, these mowers deliver 10% more power than their predecessors. With a sturdy steel deck, they can withstand accidental impacts, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Versatility: The highlight of Honda mowers is the clip director feature, offering the flexibility to mulch, bag, or rear discharge grass clippings with a simple lever adjustment.

Low Tier Option: The HRN216VKC stands out for its affordability at $879 Canadian. It boasts essential features like self-propulsion, a 1.9-bushel bag, and Honda's innovative folding bars for convenient storage. Despite lacking Honda's Rotostop Technology, its compact design is highly practical, fitting even in compact vehicles.

Mid-tier Option: For added convenience, consider the HRN216VYC, featuring Smart Drive technology for customizable speed control and Rotostop. Rotostop is especially useful and in our case a must-have feature. It allows you to disengage the blades without stopping the mower. That means you can move any obstacles out of the way and get right back to mowing.

Premium Options: The HRN216VLC offers an electric start option, although the added cost may not justify the slight convenience of having one additional feature. We've found the electric start to not be reliable and in the end, we are using the standard recoil pull system anyways.

HRX217 Mowers:

Designed for Enthusiasts: The HRX217 series caters to avid lawn enthusiasts and those with extensive grassy areas. The 5.6 HP engine cuts through thick wet grass like butter.

Enhanced Features: Unlike the HRN216 models, the HRX217 comes equipped with an upgraded 4 in 1 Clip Director, including a leaf shred option for efficient mulching.

Hydrostatic Functionality: A key feature of the HRX217 is its hydrostatic design, allowing for nine different speed settings to accommodate varying mowing conditions.

Material Innovation: The HRX217HYC boasts a Nexite Deck, a durable plastic alternative to steel, keeping the mower under 100 lbs despite its powerful GCV200 engine.

Practical Considerations: While an electric start option is available, its reliability may be questionable, especially when compared to the dependable autochoke system that typically starts Honda mowers within three pulls.

Choosing the Right Model:

For Standard Yards (Up to 9000 SF): The HRN216 series offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for most homeowners, providing all the necessary features without unnecessary frills. Ask for the HRN216VYC (includes Rotostop).

For Larger Properties (Up to 12000 SF): Opt for the HRX217 series if you have extensive grassy areas or deal with heavy leaf fall during spring and fall cleanups. We recommend the HRX217HYC if you can live without the electric start.

As for where you can get these mowers, here are a few local Winnipeg dealers who carry Honda lawnmowers:

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