Push 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.
JamesGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 17 reviews
Phenomenal!
I bought this mower (a 2015 model) off a homeowner to replace my HRX217HYU recently. I have had a while to use it but not a lot of time, though I am happy I can give a good review on it now. Firstly it has a huge amount of power, but this was improved by moving the governor spring down 2 notches which let the engine rev harder. It is very slow compared to the HRX217 even on the fastest gear, but it is still a good walking pace which is nice. The blade brake is great because it means I can transport the mower between neighbouring houses without ...Read more
the blades running. The 70L catcher is a little smaller than the 88L HRX one but I am not too worried about that as I mulch most of my yards. the GXV160 with a 1.5L fuel tank is fantastic although as mentioned before it does perform better with the revs increased. One thing to be wary of is that it is very heavy (around 57KG) but it is self-propelled so it doesn't really matter that much and the deck is solid aluminium so it doesn't rust and is very strong. Overall a fantastic contractor's mower for a reasonable price.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Max
- 3 reviews
- 4 likes
Good
Used it found it Cool. Good power strong equipment Would recommend to anyone. If it dies I would buy another Honda for sure
Maneuvering is easy and cutting results are excellent with this mower
About maintenance not much is required except the normal oil change routine and spark plug cleaning along with air filter cleaning
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Other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Honda HRU19
3.9(129)Victa Classic Cut VCS467
3.9(93)Masport Bunnings 490 4'n1
4.3(44)Ryobi RLM4619SMB
3.6(138)King DisappopintmentTrafalgar
- 4 reviews
- 5 likes
Disappointing
Firstly, I am a contractor. I usually buy the 19" Honda mower which is fantastic! When I bought the 21" self propelled, at first it seemed great! Unfortunately unless you mow your lawn twice a week it is useless both mulching or catching grass, and if its long and wet better to use scissors!! The small shute clogs up every 10m. A very disappointing mower and would not waste the money on one again! And don't start me on the cost of maintaining it with all the cables etc that break!
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Find out how Honda HRU216 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
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nbcWide Bay-Burnett, QLD
- 27 reviews
- 27 likes
- Buffalo Classic HRU216M2
- Verified purchase
Domestic Use on a large lawn
I had been using a Honda HRU194 push mower for about the last 25 years and it still starts first go.. I'm getting older so I decided to get a self propelled mower. I also have a ride-on but don't like the way it cuts. I enjoy mowing and look after my lawns so spending around $1700 was okay for me. The mower has the 160cc engine which starts first time and is equipped with a lever which controls the spinning of the blades and another which propels it. Once you get used to it, its a good set up. The blade control has a safety interlock so j...Read more
ust moving the lever will not engage the blades which is a great safety addition. It is a very heavy mower so maneuvering it can be heavy work on the turns or around tight spaces where you cannot use the self propel feature. I have read that it is advisable to move the mower forward a little before engaging the self propel lever or early clutch wear will result. The mower is also equipped with three forward gears from fairly slow to a quick pace. I don't mow when the lawn is wet so I cannot comment on grass pickup on a wet lawn but on a dry lawn, pickup is excellent. The mower is heavy so it does leave wheel marks on the Queensland Couch lawn but not enough to concern me. The height adjuster is a little heavy to use. I've already changed the engine oil which was a quick and easy job. As the mower is heavy, it is more suited to those who have a bit of muscle. I could not recommend it for a frail user or the average woman or those with lawns with tight areas. It's a 21 inch cut compared to my previous mower which was only 19 inch. Certainly heavy duty. Overall, I am really happy with it.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Terrible mower for the price
Unfortunately in 25 years of making the Honda buffalo they have never improved it. The mower chassis have a tendency to be warped from new, this problem has been around since about 2005 and is still around today although Honda will not admit to this .I recently purchased a replacement deck, spent two hour transferring all the components only to find out that the new deck was wrapped . I took it back put it on the bench and measured the difference was 14mil from lrleftside to right.the deck also wears out on the front axle on the height lever ...Read more
side, the mower is now too heavy for the front axle setup this is evident when the front left hand wheel wears out well before the right one . The clutch system does not cope with long or wet grass and slips . Overall the mower does not cut straight and is useless in wet grass . Unlike a kubota w821 with a fan to help push grass into the bag . I have bought over 50 Hondas from 1993 - 2010, since then I have bought just 1 new 1 last September and the problem of wrapped chassis still exists, so I will never buy another again. Buyer be warned check that the left hand front wheel touches the ground when the mower is in the shop .or better still do yourself a favour and buy a kubota w821 with Honda gxv160 mower.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
PapamikeMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 9 reviews
Very good mower, but not perfect
I ran a mowing business for 7 years and have used 3 HRU216s in that time. The good points are.
They start easily
They are easy to maintain for example regular oil changes, filter cleaning, and blades are easy to change.
They tend to just keep going.
Motor is great never had a problem.
I loved the catcher set up as it is so easy to empty and collects a lot of clippings although they do wear out.
It does give a great cut.
The height adjustment is good and easy to change.
But when you mow 10 plus lawns per day 5 days a week and putting it ...Read more
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Terrific
Mighty good mower cuts really well, Just a bit heavy!
Bit hard to turn for a old bloke of 74!
Very easy to start and run, Starts first time every time..
Easy to maintain
Love it. supplied by Mowers Galore and they have serviced it once and I would recommend this model and the service center to each and eryone
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Steve
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Extremely disappointed
Bought this mower to use in my new business utterly disappointed at $1750 new I was disappointed from the first 5 mins. The price of this mower is ridiculous but being a reputable brand I thought it would be an investment how wrong I am. It's a lawn mower .... that doesn't mow lawn!!! Seriously standard lawn 2 weeks growth had mower set on medium height must of stalled over 20 times in 100sq metres its so under powered The first sniff of grass it clogs up and stalls. I've mowed lawns for 20 years and never had such a slow machine. The time spen...Read more
t stopping to un clog it and the crawl speed I had to walk to stop it from stalling is appalling This is a machine purchased from biggest Honda dealer in qld pre run at dealer so it's running as designed but what a piece of junk. Dry grass ended up having to mow the lawn 3 times at different height to cut down 2 weeks growth i couldn't even use the mower on number 1 speed because that was too fast for the underpowered motor. Admittedly unit seems well built but if it does t do it's prime function then everything else is irrelevant will be selling this brand new machine due to overwhelming disappointment and the fact it doesn't have enough power to mow a standard residential property.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Chrisb81auSomerville
- Buffalo Classic HRU216M2
- Verified purchase
Good Mower Terrible service!!
I purchased the Honda HRY216M2 for my business in 2015. I have had the mower less than 2 years. I am a commercial contractor. I maybe use the mower maximum 10hours per week. I maintain it well as i do my other equipment. During the busy Christmas rush the engine siezed on it. I took it to the dealer. Honda came back and said they would not cover under warranty as it has had too much use. The rear tyres were bald. 10 hrs per week? to much for a commercial grade mower? Also they said the oil was dirty. It was not technically due for an oil change...Read more
according to their manuals timing for another 3 months. But i scheduled it in for just after Christmas. Didn't happen. My recommendation, DO NOT BUY! not up to standard. I have multiple friends in the commercial industry so it's now going to cost Honda more than just the $560 for my new engine. USELESS!!!!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Honda HRU216 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Know better, choose better.
StewCairns
- 2 reviews
- 2 likes
Honda reliability
I've got two of these and they cop a fair amount of abuse. They start first pull every time and they aren't too noisy. I live in a hilly area and none of my clients live on flat ground, so having a self propelled machine is a must. One mower has over 800 hours on it and never had any mechanical issues. A couple of small annoyances are they don't rev out hard enough when delivered from the dealer, but that's an easy fix. The throttle lever seems to catch on low branches resulting in it almost shutting down (minor thing). Keep you blade in good condition and you'll never have an issue
Love my Hondas
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AshleyNorth-West & West coast, TAS
- 2 reviews
Crap quality
I bought the top of the line so call commercial mower. I only use it on a small lawn and look after my gear real well. It will not mow damp grass or long grass. The paint is falling off the deck after 9 months. Talking to the warranty dept. seems to be hopeless. Honda never again.
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David WardSussex Inlet
The Rolls Royce of Self Propelled
It is now July 2016...
Almost time to replace my 2nd HRU216 mower.
IMHO Honda's are the Rolls Royce of push mowers. Definitely worth the price. Average usage = 4-6 hours/day, 5 days/ week, 8 months/year since purchasing in 2011...A total of between 640-960 work hours/year for the last 5 years. The Blade Brake is an absolute must for any serious lawn mower. This feature means the machine can be operated, safely, on any surface and lets it double as a carrier for full grass bags from site to vehicle. The 4 blade system (2 low lift/2 high lift)...Read more
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Bill MHunter Region, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 2 likes
Bulletproof
I've had my mower for twelve months.
I will often do between five and 10 lawns per day in summer … This mower is fantastic. As someone mentioned before, a friend of mine who does hundreds of lawns told me to push off before engaging the clutch always, and you can potentially add a couple of years life to your gearbox.
Highly recommend.
1 comment
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kingfisher49Tas, 7467
- 15 reviews
Awesome Lawn mower gives excellent results
Wonderful mower. Self-propelled, blade brake, and massive catcher. I have a 10 year old one I use a lot. Doing around 200 to 300 lawns a year I need the best. Great warranty. This is however, a rather heavy mower, so if you need to transport it, get some ramps.
1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi kingfisher49,
Thanks for providing a review on the Honda Buffalo Classic HRU216M2. Terrific to hear the mileage you are getting out of your mower! I will pass your feedback onto the appropriate parties. ... Read more
Many thanks, SarahSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Honda HRX217
4.0(22)Rover Pro Cut 560
3.7(27)Masport President 4000
3.7(22)Supaswift Big Bob Series
4.2(13)So disapointed.
I paid top dollar for a mower that I thought would cope with the harder jobs. Granted the grass is high and even a bit wet... but that's why I bought a mower for top dollar. This mower just cannot cope. Turns the job into a nightmare.
Clogs - bogs down and hasn't got the grunt to do the hard yards.
2 comments
James H.Honda
Hi Max,
Thank you for taking the time to contact Honda and expressing your concerns. ... Read more
Whilst we understand your frustration that the unit may not have met your expectations. We appreciate all feedback from our customers, whether it be negative or positive. It gives us an opportunity to improve the services and products we provide. Here are some suggestions that may assist you: - If cutting long grass or wet grass the cutting height should be increased. Optimal collection will occur on height setting 5 and above in these conditions. - Releasing the blade brake will result in the air flow stopping, grass will then sit in the discharge chute and will need to manually cleared. Establish when the bag is full during normal usage as the new models collect more grass and will require to be emptied more frequently. If you would like to discuss this matter further please contact our customer relations team at: [email protected] or 1300 559 846 Many thanks, SarahYour response is sensible but obvious. I set the mower at a higher setting when required. I clean the under carriage and chute often. However, no matter how high or clean a lemon is - it is still a ... Read more
lemon! I will call as you suggest to discuss. Also, to be fair, for smaller to average size jobs it is just fine.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Honda HRU216 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Know better, choose better.
Deck wear
The deck wears out after about 18 months of daily use .A lot of our lawns are sandy and the constant sand blasting from the blades pits and eventually puts holes in deck .It's around $500 to $600 for a new deck including labour .Apparently this is more a W.A. problem. A stronger deck is needed.
1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi Franky,
Thanks for your feedback. Please know this has been passed onto management and our engineers. ... Read more
Many thanks, SarahSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Gearbox issues
Working as a contractor I use this machine. I'm quite happy with the cut and speed but find the gearbox is not reliable and often find it needs repairing after 6-12 months. Blades do wear quickly. At $1700 plus now for a new machine out might be time to find a more reliable alternative .
2 comments
James H.Honda
Hi Michael,
Thanks for taking the time to review the HRU216M2. It is great to see that the cut and speed of this model meets the high standards that you would have being a contractor. ... Read more
In respect to the gear box, we would suggest that you take it to your local Honda dealer for inspection, they may be able to assist you in determining the cause of its pre-mature wear. Many thanks, SarahI have spoken with the dealer and they have advised not to fill the bag so full to avoid taxing the gearbox. It would appear the bag is to heavy a load when full. Also it was suggested to give the m... Read more
achine a push when taking off as this is the point at which the gearbox is under most strainSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
ChrisAdelaide
- HRU216
- Verified purchase
Honda 216 propelled mower
The only mower needed. Must be propelled. You'll regret it if you don't get the 3speed automatic mower. Walking and steering takes enough energy. 10th in same day in hilly neighbourhood Honda Popelled leaves you with enough energy at the end of the day to live more.
I know plenty of mature age smart people that just wreck stuff. And could wreck a 216 quite quickly. Hot tips for owners. Read manual. Chuck manual. Machinery newbies should keep manual and perhaps do a small engines and machinery course. I've seen you newbies fix fails when ...Read more
I was a mechanic. Even shopping bags as radiator caps. Upon purchase take it apart to rebuild it better. Not the engine or gearbox . They're great. Undo all nuts, add washers & a spring washer. Torque wheels on as cars wheel bearings.not like mowers. Use high strength loctite on all nuts including all in handle bar assembly. Fix brand new softer rubber to wheels over existing tire. Cut in less tread. Turn revs up to 3800. Can do more but sound freaks people out. Slightly push forward as engaging gear always. Less drive train stress. Use brushcutter to cut under low growth trees and bushes & corners rounded so 216 can go forward and turn well and clear enabling non stop forward cutting, in laps starting the outside until centre.keep carby side on the inside always to avoid damage from branches and bushes as you lap. Lil bit of push and pull to finish centre. Efficiency gained on all moving parts. Plus fast jobs more $ per hrs. Put memory foam under mower in trailer travel. Big mower for big grass. Remember ramps when needed. Too heavy for trips down/up stairs. Don't bother plugging a hose into the deck fitting. It's just for decoration. You might want to wait until warranty expires before doing upgrades. I'd do it straight away. If anything should go bad I'd remove all my upgrades before taking it to place of purchase for warranty work.1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi Chris, this is Sarah from Honda's head office in Melbourne. Glad to see that you're loving your HRU216! It's a hugely popular model and it's great knowing that you'll be getting plenty of use out of it. -Sarah
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Brad
- 2 reviews
Reasonable machine
I do about 7 -10 yards a week with the HRU216M2. Had it for 7 months so far. It has a reliable engine and gearbox. I like the blade brake system as it stops grass flying around when emptying the catcher and allows me to safely move over driveways etc.. The fuel tank is big enough to do at least 3 1/4 acre blocks without refueling. It is not too heavy for me (but I am a 25yr old distance runner) and I also like the front bar for protection and tie down. Now for the cons. It could have a little more power to cut couch grass (which it more...Read more
or less tears). The wash port is absolutely useless even if the grass is only a little damp and even more useless with even half worn blades. Lastly only a minor thing(but annoying). Randomly when mowing(even sometimes on level ground) the blade engaging button pops out.1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi Brad, My name is Sarah and I work in the marketing department here at Honda Power Equipment. Sorry to hear that you had this issue. If you can get in touch with our customer relations team on 1300 ... Read more
559 846 or email us at [email protected] we will have someone look into this issue for you. Many thanks, SarahSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Commercial Mower? NO WAY!
Had the mower for approximately 3 years. Blades wear way too fast, gearing is too slow, bag clogs up at the sight of wet grass, cables constantly snapping, gear box troubles: Had it replaced once under warranty, now 10 months on, same issues!!! Will never buy a Honda again, overpriced, underpowered and poor workmanship.
1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi Disgruntled Mower Man's Profile, My name is Sarah and I work in the marketing department here at Honda Power Equipment. Sorry to hear that you had this issue. If you can get in touch with our custo... Read more
mer relations team on 1300 559 846 or email us at [email protected] we will have someone look into this issue for you. Many thanks, SarahSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Honda HRU19
3.9(129)Victa Classic Cut VCS467
3.9(93)Masport Bunnings 490 4'n1
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3.5(98)Victa Mustang
3.7(58)Sanli LazerCut LCS400
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3.7(36)Honda HRX217
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4.2(13)Other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Honda HRU19
3.9(129)Victa Classic Cut VCS467
3.9(93)Masport Bunnings 490 4'n1
4.3(44)Ryobi RLM4619SMB
3.6(138)Honda HRU196
3.5(98)
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James H.Honda
Thanks for the great feedback Bill M.
-Sarah