I’m considering a used Honda HRN for $350. The seller claims it’s only been used once and is less than a year old. The pictures look new, but there’s a surging issue with the engine in a video he posted. I think that’s an easy fix. Overall, it seems like a good deal compared to the high prices of new mowers.
Pros: It’s a Honda… right? Cons: It’s heavy to maneuver, but not unmanageable.
On the other hand, I’m also thinking about a new Craftsman mower. It costs about the same and is a regular push mower (no self-propel) with mulch, bag, and side discharge options, but it’s about 15 pounds lighter.
Pro: Lighter with the same functions. Cons: I’ve seen bad longevity reviews for recent models.
I need to scalp my Bermuda grass a couple of times a season. A rear-wheel-drive self-propelled mower would help with that. I’m leaning towards the Honda since I want a dependable mower for occasional use in the future. I currently have a 20in Bolens for my semi-small front yard and prefer an Earthwise Reel Mower for my bigger backyard for that golf course look during summer, which I don’t mind working for.
Zane said:
I have an HRX, and it’s not heavy at all. I’ve been using it along with a Toro for over 10 years.
If you’re on a flat area, it’s manageable. Going up an incline can be challenging, but if that’s my only concern, I think the Honda might be the way to go!
Zane said: @Hadley
I do have some slope in my yard. My self-propel function is currently broken, and I haven’t looked into it for a year.
How old is your HRX?
About 10 years old now. I have a plastic deck, and it’s got some damage from scraping against concrete garden walls. My previous Toro had a metal deck, so it only got paint scratches.
I expect a lot from my mower, and when I cut trees, I leave small limbs (around 3/8" diameter or less) on the lawn to mulch. I’ve probably only changed the oil and air filter once or twice. I do sharpen the blades at least twice a season.
The HRX always starts on the first or second pull. The Toro sometimes needed multiple pulls or a second attempt later.
I don’t use fuel stabilizer nor do anything special for winter storage, and it starts first pull in spring. I use ethanol-free gas.
Regarding the self-propel, I did have an issue mulching some stringy reed-like material which got wrapped around the self-propel mechanism. I cleaned most of it off, but I may need to take it apart to clean and lube it properly.