Honda's HRX217K2VKA self-propelled gas mower has a lot riding on its tires, starting with the Honda GCV190 overhead valve (OHV)/overhead cam (OHC) engine with an automatic choke system. This lightweight engine has a great power-to-weight ratio and is designed to handle a variety of mowing conditions; it's also designed to provide easy starts, excellent fuel efficiency, less pollution and less noise.

Putting this power to the rear wheels is Honda's Smart Drive variable-speed transmission. This self-propel system features a five-position adjustable control that you can raise or lower for optimum comfort. You can choose to push the lever with your thumbs or your palm, or grip the center of the control instead with the palm of your hand. Our testers with smaller hands are not fans of using thumb controls, so kudos to Honda for the redesign and giving the option to use palms instead. The Smart Drive system quickly adjusts ground speed (up to 3.6mph) to match mowing conditions.

One distinguishing feature of the HRX line is the lightweight and easy-to-clean Nexite deck that comes on each mower. This high-impact deck material is scratch-resistant, rustproof and impressively strong. The 21-inch mowing deck is equipped for 4-in-1 operation, so you can mulch, bag, side-discharge or shred without having to buy any additional parts. Another impressive feature found on the HRX217K2VKA is the cutting blade system; the MicroCut Twin Blade system uses four cutting surfaces to produce super-fine clippings. These tiny clippings disappear into the lawn and decompose rapidly into soil. Finer clippings also take up significantly less volume when bagging, so you can bag more and empty less each time you mow.

The HRX217K2VKA also features four large 9-inch ball bearing wheels. Ball bearing wheels provide added maneuverability and a smoother ride by helping the mower keep its traction, even in deep grass. Each wheel is outfitted with a cutting-height adjuster, which can easily be adjusted to one of seven positions ranging from .75 to 4 inches; this wide a range handles almost any mowing condition or grass type. The HRX217K2VKA's handlebar is padded for comfort and easily folds to 3 positions by twisting of two knobs.

If you're looking for versatility and the utmost in mowing performance, you could certainly do much worse than the Honda HRX217K2VKA self-propelled gas mower.


Pros: Lightweight low-emission engine, automatic choke system, variable-speed Smart Drive transmission, high-impact Nexite deck, 4-in-1 operation, Versamow system, twin-blade system, 9-inch ball bearing wheels, handlebar folds into three positions
Cons: Individual wheel height adjusters, adjustable handlebar may still be too long for some users