Same as other reviews, the shoot continually blocks and doesn't pick up the grass clippings. I mow my lawn every 2 weeks when its is dry, and it is still a burden. It also seems to be under powered and I have returned mower to dealer in Bunbury W.A. regularly complaining of low throttle speed, as I thought that this was the reason for grass blockage, nothing has improved. Also my clothes continually get caught on the protruding throttle cable guide. Very disappointed. It is no longer a pleasure to mow my lawn.

I owned Honda HRU196D for about 7 years now and it getting the job done all the time. It hasn't given me any problems yet I think it's tough and durable mower. I changed spark plug and oil once a year and no need to take it to mower shop for services. Happy with the mower and can't complaint.

The mower is generally really good with a strong motor and efficient cutting. It works even in long grass. However the chute clogs up in no time and you end up tying the cover up which means you get grass cutting all over you when you mow.
After having used this mower for a long time, I realise the chute doens't clog up if the grass is properly dry but as I live in the tropics, the grass is almost always a bit wet.

Chute is a real problem. If you mowe wet grass you want another mower.

Honda Power Equipment you have lost the plot with your mowers.Useless clutch adds 10kg & complexity.The half blocked shute design is stupid.Look like they have been designed by a Uni student who lives on campus and has never mowed a lawn.Why take a great product and turn it into a useless crapbox.Went into Dealer to buy two HRU196D mowers today.Looked at them and thought it was a joke.
The new design handle mounting bracket.
Uneeded heavy clutch.A shute that I couldnt pass wind out of.

After years of near apoplexy caused by lawn mowers designed by people who hate me, I finally caved and bought a "real" mower. My only regret is that I didn't do it a long time ago. This Honda is strong, grunty, reliable, and does a great job, especially mulching. The HRU196D starts first time, every time, even after it has sat for months with fuel in the tank and carb after I forgot to drain it before going overseas. Duh. My only criticism is that the handle locking bolts (halfway up, where you fold it) can come loose and fall out after a few hours mowing. Make sure you periodically check them.
Strong, grunty, reliable, effective.
Watch those handle bolts.

My overall opinion is a resounding, BUY IT, as a profesional lawn mower man it will last for years, the price is towards the high end but well worth it in the end.
6 months ago i purchased a lawn mowing franchise, not knowing which mower to purchase, i talked to other franchisee's, all had Honda hru196d, so on their feedback i purchased mine, the mower is easy to push, rolls straight and true, very large catcher, mulching capability, big engine grunts through almost anything, with the decompression on startup it is very easy to start every time.
the only thing i can point to in a dislike on the Honda is the locking nuts on the handle, running for 5 hours a day the locking nuts come loose, consistantly requireing tightening.