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HRU196M1 (L/R, Blade Brake), HRU196D, HRU196K1Push Mowers Buying Guide
Our buying guide will explain which type of push mower would suit you most, how much you can expect to pay for one, and which features are worth looking out for.
Reviewer Photos & Videos
Paul R.Central, SA
- 2 reviews
As heavy as a Sherman tank
I purchased a new Honda Buffalo Pro push lawnmower with the Blade Brake Clutch system and the commercial GXV160 engine.It’s an amazing lawnmower and the commercial engine is rock solid, extremely well built for longevity and so quiet and powerful enough to do my lawns at home with ease.And it has a safety guard bolted over the carby linkages for extra protection and a lot of great features such as the larger surface area air filter and it’s a well built lawnmower!My main concerns are it’s enormous weight and I have to empty the plastic catcher...Read more
when half full or it’s just so heavy to push.My previous lawnmower was a Honda Buffalo Bull with the GSV190 engine which was incredibly maneuverable and light weight semi commercial mower even with its cast iron bore .I could double cut my lawns very quickly and so easily but this new mower is like pushing a Sherman tank around so I don’t enjoy mowing the lawn anymore and just do a single cut.Honda,why are you adding these safety items that nobody wants?Originally, I wanted the Engine Brake version as it would be lighter but I would have to place it on back order with up to a 3 month wait,even longer with the Covid19 virus here.I was offered the B.B.C model with a discount.Stanford mowers were great to deal with and I would buy from them again!The safety lever has to be pressed against the handle bar when mowing and even with heavy leather gloves on my hands ache badly from trying to manoeuve this mower around and I now mow in two halves with a break in between .All this extra safety gear adds extra weight as well as placing extra wear on the lower crankshaft bearing over time .This is why I preferred the Engine Brake model.This safety gear should be optional as I don’t need it with a flat lawn and it’s just extra stuff to go wrong and adds to an already heavy lawnmower.And should this engine ever develop a lower engine seal leak, the oil could contaminate the clutch assembly.However,I look forward to getting 20+ years from this mower and being a retired Automotive technician I can keep it meticulously maintained like all my other Honda equipment.Suffice it to say,I now understand why professionals buy the self propelled models!Purchased in March 2021 for $1,050.00.
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John GeoGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 2 reviews
- HRU196
- Verified purchase
Piece of overweight Junk
So. After 14 years of running a GMC mower with a Briggs and Stratton mower I decided it was time to purchase a new one. This old GMC has been trashed to hell, left out in the rain for years, only serviced once and it is still going.
I wanted quality as I do some part time mowing as a side gig.
I was initially going for the Honda HRU19M2 Buffalo Premium Lawn Mower but then decided to pay an extra couple of hundred bucks for the Honda HRU196 Buffalo Pro Engine Brake as the warranty is better for a contractor.
I find the 196 too heavy and underpow...Read more
Purchased in January 2021 for $999.00.
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PaulBNew South Wales
Great engine, reasonable product with the right blades.
Following my purchase 2 years ago I was initially disappointed with the small chute and associated clogging when mowing damp grass. I opted for the Honda as I wanted power to do just that. After working with the agent we fitted the Honda with the two standard mulch blades and two additional high lift blades which made a world of difference. We made a slight rpm increase also. Overall I'm very happy with how it performs and am enjoying my mowing. The weight creating significant tracks when mowing damp ground would be my only negative feedback. Largely a great engine and the blade break system does work well for me having to regularly negotiate obstacles.
Purchased in May 2021 for $1,100.00.
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Find out how Honda HRU196 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
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jeremy.ieraciDarwin, NT
- 29 reviews
Tough
I've been mowing commercially for the past 5 years with a HRU19 buck I bought new, it always started first pull and was a good piece of kit. Upgraded to the 196 and just got home from my first day's work with it out in the field across 4 different jobs. So how is it? Good!
This thing's a little harder to push around, weighing in at 44kgs it's 10kgs up from my old buck. The mower is solid as all hell. I bought it for it's everlasting reputation
It's tough, trustworthy, looks cool and cuts well (thankful I don't have the small chute and bag th...Read more
at kept clogging anymore!) Lifting it out of the ute I notice the extra 10kg but not as bad as I thought, which is good. The buck was heavy too, no doubt about it but the 196 just takes it to the next level is all. EDIT** I actually have two 196 now by the way, the new old style catch one and a bag catcher, half chute too. Both have their strengths and weaknesses (bag version prone to clogging chute in wet or long grass, plastic catch version spits some clippings at flap, did it from new and old ones I recall same fault. You have to clean all seal points and try mould to the shape of catcher bit even doing this isn't perfect abd still spits some) I had an issue from the shop. Got it home and the throttle would waiver up and down at 'full' position. Found the cable needed adjusting, now it's good. Starts first pull if you do use choke when cold and just start in "high" position when already warm. Blade brake stops blades immediately, which is safe. Solid mower sound. It's the real deal, that's for sure, just not lightweight.Purchased in November 2021 for $1,200.00.
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AnthonySouth East Queensland, QLD
- 6 reviews
- Buffalo Classic HRU196M1 (L/R, Blade Brake)
- Verified purchase
Mowing with ease
This mower was purchased as an additional mower as we needed to try and transport our original mower to to in-laws house every week and this was getting to be a problem. We have had it over 18 months now and it has not missed a beat. Starts most times first pull if not on the second. The blade brake is a great safety feature. servicing has not been a problem. We change the Air Filter regularly as the area mowed is usually quit dusty. We only fill it up at the start of the day as It seems to run forever on a tank of fuel.. The only down side is the catcher is a bit difficult to empty when it is full to the max. Saying that it picks up every blade of grass. In the wet it it probably picks up 95% of what is cut.
Purchased in February 2021 at Brisbane Mower Centre.
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Ron GSydney, NSW
- 4 reviews
My go to
Used daily and its my go to every time. Best lawnmower Ive had and would buy it again and again. Great on all terrain, dry and wet, and never let me down so far. Good on fuel. Catcher could be a little bigger but not a big enough issue to bother me.
Purchased in March 2021 for $800.00.
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Long lasting and easy start, as expected from Honda Mowers
Our Mower is used weekly and has had minimal maintenance and even so, has been very reliable and my wife can start it easily first or second pull every time. Only issues we have had is when the air filter becomes blocked with dust and the chock butterfly was sticky, causing low power and the spark plug to fowl up. Once I discovered that the choke was always on and fixed that, it has been great again. The blades ware quite quickly, especially when mower where there is not good grass cover (sand) and unless the catcher blades are not new, it will...Read more
not fill the catcher. the loop to hold the pull start cord hangs out the side and has been broken off from being hooked on fences over the years. when in dust the air cleaner blocks up quickly, but the newer models have the snorkel that will improve this. While this is not used as a commercial mower, I have estimated that it has travelled in excess of 6000km, likely closer to 10,000km and still going, although last week the height adjusted has worn out and needs replacing. It has just simply worn the catch out and broken off. Hopefully I can buy a new one and not be stuck using cable ties to hold it in place.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Mower is good, catcher is crap.
The catcher is bad enough to put you into a fit of rage. Won't throw all the way to the back, only ever half fills, even after cleaning the screen.
Love the mower, hate the catcher. My advice would be to spend the extra for the next model, or look at another brand.
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Tim
- 6 reviews
- 1 like
Runs like a dream.
This was a replacement for my 32 year old Suzuki Two Stroke. Another legendary mower but the Honda starts first time everytime. I use the mulching plug so that I dont need the catcher. Its so good that I almost enjoy mowing which I never did with the old mower. A fantastic product
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Find out how Honda HRU196 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
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danDeniliquin
Love this mower
I have had this mower 4 years, its been good to use. It starts fast time its never let me down and its always been easy to start. Its never run out of fuel because it takes a lot of fuel I can mow a big lawn with it easy.
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ChrisGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 3 reviews
- 3 likes
Bought mine 10 years ago. No problems !!
The Honda 196P Push Petrol Lawn Mower is one of the best heavy duty lawn mowers in the market. Built to mow in the toughest of conditions, features the 4 stroke OHV GXV160 engine and guarantees to start the first time. Ideal for medium and large lawns as well as for serious contractors.
Weighing in at 34 kg, this Honda Lawn Mower offers a 19-inch cutting width and 163cc.
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Paul DBrisbane
Bad mower. Doesn't cut. Doesn't catch.
Worst decision in a long time. Thought I'd buy a premium mower at more than $1100. Only thing good is that it starts easy. I upgraded to 4 blades from 2 and still does not pick up the grass, just blocks the tiny shut for anything more than the smallest cut..... even in the dry! Very heavy for a push mower. I am so frustrated with the mower that I now mow/mulch and then hand rake up the grass!!!! I was told the motor is commercial grade, maybe it will last, however, it is not powerful and when the grass is thick the safety blade brake starts to slip!!! Once it has started to slip it generates heat from the friction and slips even more!
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Deano
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
It's a good mower
Good mower to be honest.
Mines been back under warranty a few times for the governor shaft leaking oil out around the shaft. Know out of warranty and it's still leaking and they don't want to know about it. Disappointed to be honest.
Other than that hasn't let me down..
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Bob TTarneit
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Great mower
Upgraded from an old Rover, this thing is amazing, starts so easy, makes light work of my tough buffalo, only con is the arm folding feature, very difficult to Fold for storage. I highly recommend this product, great safety features too. I like the simplicity, no choke, no primer, just pull the chord and away you go, well done Honda!
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Big RedMelbourne
- 6 reviews
- 5 likes
As a professional, there is only one choice. Honda
I've used a lot of mowers in my time. From the trusty HRU194, the HRU195 and now for the last 18 months, the ever brilliant HRU196M1 with the handy as heck blade brake.
There are two types of folks in this world. Folks who use and love Honda mowers and folks who don't know how to use one.
So many people I've seen complain about these mowers have either left the mulch plug in before mowing, not adjusted the height of the mower relative to the grass height, mowed when soaking wet or simply not taken care of the mower appropriately. There's ...Read more
a fuel tap for a reason, yo! Make no mistake, potential buyer, this mower, when used, maintained and treated correctly will give you YEARS of reliable and trouble free service. Know your product and know your job and you'll have a lawn that will be the envy of your street.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Honda HRU196 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Know better, choose better.
kgnMelbourne
- Buffalo Classic HRU196M1 (L/R, Blade Brake)
- Verified purchase
Solid mower - should give a long life based on experience with the original still going strong
The mower cuts well - handles wet grass ok. I use this commercially, and bought as I still own the original version since 1986 ( which I also used commercially and now continues to do home duty-still starts 1st time).
The original is still going, and still cuts the grass at home, the new one I use commercially in paddocks and out in the bush around public infrastructure when growth is too heavy for a brushcutter (35cc 4 stroke honda - which can really smash!).
Pros - Reliable robust frame material clears the chute ok - same frame as the orig...Read more
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happy campersbrisbane
- 6 reviews
- 1 like
CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU
This Honda mower is the best mower I have ever owned, heaps of power and so quite, the mower cuts very clean and fills the catcher full as a googe even wet grass packs in tight, the Honda is so easy to clean by putting the hose in the deck hole, starts first time every time, well done Honda.
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Viva EspanaSurfers Paradise QLD. 4217
- 14 reviews
- 18 likes
HONDA HRU 196 HAD LOTS OF HARD WORK BUT AS NEVER LET ME DOWN.... VERY GOOD MACHINE
"Honda HRU196 Buffalo Classic" with GXV160 Easy Start engine, PURCHASED 13 May 2004. The lawnmower as worked as a grasscutting contractors lawnmower in Darwin N.T. in extremely hot and dusty & tough conditions. It as NEVER let me down, it as a "STRONG cast iron bore engine" which as always started 1st time every time. With a change of oil and changing the air filter, the HRU 196 as gone on and on. I have just sold the mower today, as in the heat here in Darwin, it is myself that as been retired rather than the Honda HRU 196 lawnmower. PLEASE NO...Read more
TE this model was BEFORE Honda started developing a half shute which continually blocked on later models and before Honda put a blade break on the machine, WHY I do not know, possibly due to users whom do not have enough intelligence to not put there hand under the mower when the blades are still turning? O.H.and safety too much!, which affixing the blade brake as apparently caused other issues, fortunately my machine was before they brought in such a stupid fixture, the model I speak of was simple strong and reliable. Today when it was SOLD, it still started 1st time and the purchaser walked away happy with there purchase!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
gardener georgeSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 67 reviews
- Buffalo Classic HRU196M1 (L/R, Blade Brake)
- Verified purchase
Like the old but better
The 19 inch special edition heritage is a very good mower, I've reviewed my five year old previous modal with the fabric catcher and half shute in product review. This newer modal that I've had a year has the old style plastic catcher, full shute width, engine braking, you can mow the lawn a notch shorter with the same ease and its lighter, same reliability, it makes a difference in effort required compared to the other honda, you'll be lucky to find the heritage as it's a special edition, but it's a good improvement.
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I regret my purchase decision
This is my third Honda lawnmower.
Every mower has got progressively worse.
Current one won't start and has always been difficult to start. If you are lucky, you may be able to find a Honda HRU150 in good condition. This is the one that Honda established its reputation on and has not been able to produce one as user friendly or reliable since.
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Questions & Answers
Crazyjohnasked
I have a problem with the handle at the back on the right hand side of the mower.The handle is badly corroded and interfere with raising and lowering the mower height.Where can I buy a replacement handle please? regards John.my email is [email protected] again.
2 answers
I suggest you talk to your local friendly Honda dealer who may be able to source a new part for you or may have old mowers around that they can scavenge parts from to repair your mower saving you more money.They get plenty of very cheap trade in mowers, many of which are handy for spare parts.Give them a call.
Thanks for your help Paul.
Julian C.asked
My Honda Buck HRU19 (3 years old) starts well but annoyingly surges and fades when under load. I'm guessing the exhaust filter is the problem so I'm continually blowing clear for any dust or grime. Within minutes it's back to the coughing problem.
Any suggestions?
1 answer
Sounds like your carb needs a clean. It will be a little bit blocked, unable to get enough fuel under load. If you've cleaned the muffler it's not that
Blackshapesasked
Anyone got a manual for the HRU196D Buffalo Classic?
2 answers
I do, what do you want to know?
Never mind Jeremy - I pulled down the carburettor and rebuilt it last night and she’s up and going again. Not my mower - drove five hours to friends property to find out that their mower wouldn’t start!
Thanks heaps for your time :)
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