Honda HRN Walk-Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with Twin Blade System

Suburban homeowner with a 1/3 acre lot, mostly flat, with some structures to maneuver around. I bought this after considering a new Toro personal pace to replace my 15-year old mower. I'm glad I paid more and got this Honda. Instead of lifting from the shipping container as indicated, I used a box cutter and dropped the end flap and simply rolled it out of the box. Great idea. First thing I noticed is how easily it rolls when shut off. I can push it with one hand. This is a stark contrast to the Toro, which I had to give all my weight to in order to push it, when off. It was as stubborn as a mule. This is easy-peasy, so that's a big difference and a big improvement. The handle extended upward and snapped into place with almost no effort on my part. The factory set height was perfect for me at 5'7", so no fiddling required. One tiny plastic flange on the tightening screw for the height adjustment was broken off in shipping. This really should not be a plastic part - how can they last? They won't, they will both break off in time. After removing the protective cardboard sleeves - all of which peel away easily because they are lightly glued - I added the engine oil and gasoline and assembled the clipping bag. The mouth for the gas tank seems to be extra wide, so I can easily see the level of gas as it rises. This is light gray in color, making it easy to see. In my Toro it was black and narrow, and every time I filled it, I overspilled some gas. The mower started on the first gentle pull. No hard yank required. In cutting my lawn I probably had to stop 25 times to empty the bag, and it re-started every single time without fail. I made a height adjustment to the front and back wheels with the large, easy-to-reach handles. On my Toro this handle was smaller and the mechanism was more difficult to adjust. This adjustment is simpler, easier, and the heights are labelled in inches, so you know what your setting is. I chose the "bagging" versus "mulching" setting on the large handle on this side, and this too was as simple as can be, and -- none of these three handles extend outside the body of the mower far enough to catch on a fence or a tomato plant support, or on anything of that nature. My Toro had parts that would gouge the aluminum siding of my house, or hook on the fence, if I wasn't extra careful. Driving the mower is great with the thumb-push lever. It can easily be done with one hand, and the amount of power it has is more than my Toro ever had, so it will really take off and go fast if you are up for a fast pace. I am not, but I found I needed that power sometimes in the thickest grass, from a dead stop. When going backwards, or pivoting in a tight circle, I found the touch to just ease off the accelerator and the mower backs up easily without a fight. This too is an improvement over the Toro. Overall it seems to weigh less. All this makes it a much more maneuverable device. It is more nimble and easier to control. The mower is not loud, by lawn mower standards. It is probably quieter than average, and this is important to me. If everyone on my block had one of these, we would have much quieter Sundays around here! Okay a couple of negatives ... the clippings bag does not have a strap in the back, so when you remove it and lift it, you only have a handle in the front. You'll need two hands to tilt it into a can or a bag, and you will wish that it had a simple strap for the second hand. Secondly, the shape and size of the bag does not fit inside the opening of your standard brown paper lawn bag from Lowes or Home Depot. That right there is a problem. I tried to the point of frustration, spilling all my clippings, trying to empty it into a bag, then I gave up. I would also describe the join of the bag to the mouth of the chute to be in need of improvement. There is nothing on the bottom lip to keep clippings from dropping in place as you remove the bag, so you need to sort of somersault the bag backwards to keep the clippings inside it. A straight-back pull will have all the clippings tumble forward onto your lawn. So my complaints have to do with those ergonomics. I think it is really well-made and will be durable and reliable if it is anything like the Honda cars I've owned for 30 years. Recommended.

This lawnmower made me realize how much of a disservice I have been doing for myself with a push mower. This propeller lawnmower completely beautified my overgrown lawn with an even cut. The weeds stood no chance against. It was VERY easy to assemble. It is big and heavy, but I opened it from the side and rolled it out. So no heavy lifting necessary. I was able to handle everything by myself. No problem. It's also FAST! I felt like I had to chase it down and run behind it and not walk behind it! I do like that I could control the speed by how far down I push the propeller lever. Also, as rumored and guaranteed, the lawnmower DID start on the very first pull! It's true if it's brand spankin' new! And the engine sounds good too and not to loud on my ears like the old push mower. I didn't have to use ear plugs at all. I used the mulching setting and it mulches great with an even spread. It doesn't have a side mulching dispenser and I like that... less dust and debris flying all around me and in my nose. I have a pretty descent size lawn too, but it took me about 2.5hrs to mow it down compared to 5hrs with a regular push mower. I guess that's because you get more ground coverage with the 21inch? My push mower was more like a 18inch (or maybe 17inch)? It's definitely WAY bigger in size compared to my old push mower that's for sure. I did have to pass over some of the really tall weeds twice but at the end of the mow, my neighbors even looked impressed. They asked about the mower and one of my neighbors says he has a similar one himself and says Honda mowers are good and last a long time. Well, I'm hoping this one last a many years as rumored and give me good quality results like it did yesterday. But I must say I am impressed with this mower. I say 2 thumbs WAY UP! Definitely worth the price and I used an AMAZON coupon to get a discount! I'm impressed!

We ordered this lawn mower for our daughter because we have always had a Honda lawn mower and are impressed with the quality and durability. This lawn mower was offered at an unbelievably low price.

I've owned several mowers over the years. None match the quality, reliability and useability of the Honda mowers I have owned.This mower is a little heavier, but that's fine due to it being self-propelled. The self-propulsion control is well-designed and easy to use.I expect many years of reliable service from this mower.

Great machine. Starts like a dream, I’ve worked it hard all season and it was a workhorse. If you’re looking for a capable, dependable, and reliable lawn mower, here it is. Minor/easy assembly out of the box with oil, tools, and accessories all included. Honda provided everything but the fuel.

Overall this is a great mower. Cuts well, and mulches really well. I mow my grass to 3 inches, and have not yet needed to use the grass catcher. Once filled with gas and oil, it really did start on the very first pull. On subsequent uses it seems to take 4 or 5 pulls, and takes a few seconds for it to accelerate up to running speed. A couple things I don’t like - the plastic wheels are cheesy, and dont get great traction mowing uphill, or across a grade. But I can live with it. The speed controls on the handle are uncomfortable to use, and don’t allow real fine control. It’s adjustable, but you end up either pushing it down with your thumbs, or pulling it with your fingers. It’s not a great design. Plus, if you inadvertently push it too far, the mower is light enough that it will really take off. Something you have to anticipate. But overall, it’s better than my old mower, so I’m generally happy with it. It just has quirks you need to get used to.