Bought a Honda HRX mower.... Original Message May 3, 2005 3:22 pm
I was thinking about a castor equipped mower for my small back yard until I got to looking at them, and I realized that the front wheels extend to the side so far when turning that they don't necessarily help to get the deck closer to a curb. So I decided to get a conventional mower. I ended up with the HXA model: http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=HRX217HXA
Here's why I chose it:
Very smooth and quiet. Zero vibration from the engine. Instantaneous start with a light pull. Blade clutch lets you walk around the mower without shutting down the engine Hydrostatic drive is very nifty - zero to 4 mph and everything in between (I found the slowest speed in the 3 speed model to be too fast.) Plastic deck with 5 yr warranty VersaMow mulching system is way cool. Price was $699 plus $20 for setup and a free 2 year service contract from my local Honda dealer. Home Depot has them for $699 in the box. It just appeals to me like no other mower I have seen - it seems like a really fine piece of engineering, and I really like the safety features and low noise and emissions.
Here's an interesting page describing the marketting blitz Honda started a couple of years ago to push this line of mowers - it's kind of scary to read about: http://www.jaddams.com/case_histories.pdf
And here's the fancy-shmancy website Honda created to brainwash us all: http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/hrx/
I guess it worked on me - my brain feels very clean. Now I just need to get the sod onto my bare dirt back yard so I can try this thing out! I'll post a review when I have a few hours on the mower. BTW, I ordered the optional stainless side guards for $15 - they bolt onto the deck edges to prevent scarring from concrete mowing borders.
Boy is my wife pissed!!! She'll change her mind when she uses this the first time....
Re: Bought a Honda HRX mower.... Reply #2 May 3, 2005 5:05 pm
I think my wife gave up after this past week. What a gal. Sounds like a primo mower john. I like the idea of the stainless side guards. Post a pic when you can.
I've been there. 
