Honda HRR211VLA Power Equipment Reviews & Ratings

Product works nice and is easy to use. My daughter also has one and loves it.

With no visible damage to the packaging product arrived with right front wheel toed in and slightly higher (poor ground contact) than the others. Factory authorized dealer repaired to toe in after 2+ weeks. Mower is light in front end...tends to be jumpy. It is not easy to control speed. I shopped for highly rated top quality mower. This falls short.

Now my wife can help me mow our lawn!

What a solid performer! We were surprised at the power from the 160cc engine. Electric start and self-propelled is mandatory for all of us who are retired. Great investment.

This mows nice, leaves a nice clean yard behind, strong suction to pick up leaves/sticks/etc... self propelled works well and still easily maneuverable, easy for a teen to operate as well, pull start is 1 pull even right out of the box.

Purchased this model at Home Depot because pricing was less and I wanted to have it same day. I think this is a quality machine that will serve me well. I like the electric start and the Mulch or Bag Clip Director that doesn't require a separate plug for mulching.

The one concern was the Smart Drive self propel feature was making a pretty loud clicking noise (loud enough to hear it over the engine running) when I would engage the smart drive lever to move forward. It did this after I would end my cut, then turn the mower around and engage the drive. I was concerned that this was doing the drive system damage so I stopped using it that day.

I read the owners manual and saw that there is an adjustment for the Smart Drive. I checked mine and it was out of spec. After following the instructions and adjusting the cable I have not heard that clicking noise since. I just hope I didn't do damage to the transmission. I am unsure what about the drive cable being out of adjustment would make that clicking noise.

All in all I think the mower is a nice machine and I look forward to cutting the grass now, which I haven't in quite some time!

Purchased this model at Home Depot because pricing was less and I wanted to have it same day. I think this is a quality machine that will serve me well. I like the electric start and the Mulch or Bag Clip Director that doesn't require a separate plug for mulching.

The one concern was the Smart Drive self propel feature was making a pretty loud clicking noise (loud enough to hear it over the engine running) when I would engage the smart drive lever to move forward. It did this after I would... more

I just bought one of these and in general, it performs pretty much as advertised. I bought it to trim around areas that are difficult to mow with my larger John Deere 322 garden tractor with a 50 inch belly mower. After I figured out how to start it, it was easy and it always starts immediately. The low operating RPM makes it a quiet runner but it does seem to be a little underpowered in heavy or wet grass, something that I was not used to with my 3 cylinder tractor. The HRR series Honda mowers come with a rugged steel deck that makes it a little heavy for a trimming mower but the little Honda does exude a high quality feel.

I just bought one of these and in general, it performs pretty much as advertised. I bought it to trim around areas that are difficult to mow with my larger John Deere 322 garden tractor with a 50 inch belly mower. After I figured out how to start it, it was easy and it always starts immediately. The low operating RPM makes it a quiet runner but it does seem to be a little underpowered in heavy or wet grass, something that I was not used to with my 3 cylinder tractor. The HRR series Honda... more

Overall this is a fantastic mower. I was wary about ordering it online since I knew a return would basically be out of the question, but I trusted the Honda name.

I could not locate this exact mower from my local Home Depot or their website, so I ordered it from Mowersdirect. Of course the day after I ordered it I found the exact mower at Home Depot for $40 less, but with taxes the Mowersdirect turned out to be almost identical in price, plus it was delivered to my home (for free). Mowersdirect was fantastic extremely fast order processing and shipping.

I unboxed the mower and all I needed to do was pour the included oil in the mower, flip up the handle, fill it was gas, and go! There was basically zero assembly required, except for slipping the bag over the bag frame.

At first I was puzzled that the mower would not start with the electric start. I ruptured a disc in my back one month ago trying to start my 15 year old mower, so this was a "must" in my opinion. You have to first hand-start the mower, and after running it for 30 minutes to an hour the battery charges fully. Well, I decided to start it manually (but knew I couldn't put much force at all when yanking the cord), and it started THE first pull, which was very gentle. Truly starts much easier than my leaf blower or weed wacker (both two-stroke gas powered). So the only "advice" I would have is that most people really don't need the electric start feature. But who knows, in a few years when the mower is older I may be glad to have it.

The mower works great. The rear-wheel traction is incredible compared to my last front-wheel drive mower. The wheels have rubber "ribs" that power the mower over or up almost anything. I have a VERY steep (15 degrees) lawn, and it hauls up the lawn with no problems, and can even "pull" me up! My old mower required me to basically push it up, but not this baby.

The cut is very nice and even as expected from any new mower. I bag my grass, and that works fine, although the "seal" between the bag and mower isn't exactly air-tight. Not a big deal, but expect a little bit of the clippings to escape bagging. But this is a mower, not a vacuum, so most people won't even notice it.

The adjustable speed using the thumbs is awesome. I was concerned about this, but after using the mower, I love this system. You can VERY easily (no tools) adjust the thumb position and where the "power drive" is engaged. And when it is engaged, the variable speed is really nice. This thing will haul the mail ... I would estimate the top speed is probably a solid 4 miles per hour, which is about my maximum fast-walk speed (really is a slow-jog). Even running fast through this grass the mower doesn't hiccup.

In summary, I couldn't be happier with the mower nor my purchasing experience with mowersdirect. While anything over $500 seems expensive to pay for a push-mower, in this case I think it is well worth the price of admission for this quality Honda unit.

Overall very highly recommended. Thanks for reading my review!

Overall this is a fantastic mower. I was wary about ordering it online since I knew a return would basically be out of the question, but I trusted the Honda name.

I could not locate this exact mower from my local Home Depot or their website, so I ordered it from Mowersdirect. Of course the day after I ordered it I found the exact mower at Home Depot for $40 less, but with taxes the Mowersdirect turned out to be almost identical in price, plus it was delivered to my home (for free). ... more

I love this machine! Starts after one pull, like it claims. And once the battery is charged, it's a piece of cake to walk up to it, squeeze the handle, and hit the key start. You can shut it off and restart it 'til the cows come home. Mulch function is the best I've ever seen.

The bagger is quick and easy to change, and removing leaves in the fall is a pleasure. I have three huge Norway maples hanging over the house. I always dreaded fall. No longer will I fear the falling leaves. My Honda "rakes" them for me. It's like a vacuum cleaner for my lawn.

I love this machine! Starts after one pull, like it claims. And once the battery is charged, it's a piece of cake to walk up to it, squeeze the handle, and hit the key start. You can shut it off and restart it 'til the cows come home. Mulch function is the best I've ever seen.

The bagger is quick and easy to change, and removing leaves in the fall is a pleasure. I have three huge Norway maples hanging over the house. I always dreaded fall. No longer will I fear the falling leaves. My Honda... more

My husband had shoulder surgery requiring a long recovery and rehab. Insisted on mowing his own lawn. Found a lawn mower with electric start as he could no longer struggle with pulling a cord. He loves the way it starts and cuts the grass. Makes it so much easier to use then our old lawn mower.

The new Honda Electric Start Mower is fantastic! I have been mowing the same lawn for over 30 years, and it was time for an Electric Start, just turn the key.

This mower works great, plenty of power, I wish I had bought it years ago.

The power drive will lift up front of mower on hills and slopes never touching the grass. Must hold down (2) handles to use. The blade engage and the paddles as well. Paddles are very uncomfortable to use after 2 plus hours of cutting. You end up holding them down with your thumbs after a while. Wife will not use it because rear drive spins on hills and will not cut in a straight line if on slopes (slides off to right). Very expensive to service and maintain. Had better success with Toro Recyle mower. Cut straight and was able to control speed walking behind. Also went up hills and slopes, no slippage. Honda is a very heavy mower to turn around. It mulches great, easy to start and quiet. But that's about it. Get a Toro recycler instead. Cheaper, better tires and much lighter and easier to use. Used Honda 9 times so far and inside of bag already coming apart (unreal). Toro bag lasted 11 years. All hype and no glory here. Honda mowers are a legend in their own mind. They never responded to my negative comments in the survey they sent me. I guess they just "CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH". Don't believe me. Come and try it first on my lawn before you buy it. You will see it and experience it before you get caught up in the hype. Your lawn better be flat as a board to use the Honda or you will work (3) times harder just to get a cut!!

The power drive will lift up front of mower on hills and slopes never touching the grass. Must hold down (2) handles to use. The blade engage and the paddles as well. Paddles are very uncomfortable to use after 2 plus hours of cutting. You end up holding them down with your thumbs after a while. Wife will not use it because rear drive spins on hills and will not cut in a straight line if on slopes (slides off to right). Very expensive to service and maintain. Had better success with Toro Recyle... more

The mower arrived in a timely manner. Very easy to remove from box and set up. Added the oil that was provided, and some gas, and it started on the first crank.

So far I have only used it four times, but the electric start is a lifesaver for me. The self propelled feature is just right, and easy to use. It mulches nicely, and I haven't tried bagging yet.

Time will tell if it holds up to it's reputation for being reliable. Mower's Direct had the best price that I could find, and the most recent publication of Consumer Reports rated it very highly.

The mower arrived in a timely manner. Very easy to remove from box and set up. Added the oil that was provided, and some gas, and it started on the first crank.

So far I have only used it four times, but the electric start is a lifesaver for me. The self propelled feature is just right, and easy to use. It mulches nicely, and I haven't tried bagging yet.

Time will tell if it holds up to it's reputation for being reliable. Mower's Direct had the best price that I could find, and the most... more

Easy to assemble. Quality good. Easy start. Problem at 6000 feet elevation. Need high altitude main jet. After market sale support from Honda is poor. I contacted several dealers in my region and cannot get the required high altitude main jet stated in the owners manual. So I wonder about customer service in the future when there is a required maintenance issue or a serious problem.

Like most old people, I bought this mower for the electric start and the self propulsion features. I then discovered that the mulching was better than I've ever experienced.

The speed control is a bit tricky and sensitive I would have preferred a rigid control. All in all, I'm quite pleased and definitely recommend this mower.

The mower works great. The 160 cc motor will bog down if the grass is too long, but if you're mulching, as I usually do, you don't want it too long anyway.

Whoever the shipper was must not have known what "This side up" meant, because the mower was covered in oil. It's plainly printed on the box.

I'm happy with my purchase.

I have had a mower for 3 years on which I replaced the choke, wheels, and self-propeller belt. It still did not mulch properly. My Honda is easier to operate and mulches so much better!

As a 75 year old woman, easier is the strong motivator and this mower is easy to operate. The self starter works unbelievably well and the self propelled aspect can be set at any speed you want.

I finally replaced my 13-year-old Toro and wanted to get a Honda. My wife wanted an electric start so she could mow, too, when I was away. Easy to start with key or cord, pace simple to set, fairly good bagging (seen better but seen worse), and no trouble to maneuver. I have a steep slope down to a pond and haven't yet done the full slope this spring (too wet so far), but the cut and suction seem good.

The cuttings of grass and dead leaves in the bag are very fine, so I guess that means the "twin blade" is doing its thing. First impressions are quite good. I got the HRR instead of the more expensive HRX line, and don't mind pocketing the $200 difference. Seems to do everything well so why pay more?

I finally replaced my 13-year-old Toro and wanted to get a Honda. My wife wanted an electric start so she could mow, too, when I was away. Easy to start with key or cord, pace simple to set, fairly good bagging (seen better but seen worse), and no trouble to maneuver. I have a steep slope down to a pond and haven't yet done the full slope this spring (too wet so far), but the cut and suction seem good.

The cuttings of grass and dead leaves in the bag are very fine, so I guess that means... more

I never expected anything new to last like my 35 yr old Kubota ( w/ Honda engine) but I hoped for a few seasons of relative decent service from my purchase. After one summer, forget it! Smart Drive is not. The drive wheels continually lock up in reverse making it impossible to pull backwards. The adjustment procedure just does not work well, but when it does, there is just way to much resistance.

I have to drag the mower skidding rubber on my shed floor at the start of the day and my yard is full of torn sod where I have had to make tight turns. I won't even go into the additional back strain it causes. My 30 yr old Porsche is less frustrating to work on than this thing.

Oh, and let's not forget the bag. The molded plastic detents retaining the bag framework fill with debris prohibiting the bag to fully lock onto the mower over subsequent fills. Carry a screwdriver or pocketknife to clean these or you're end up like me falling over the bag into the mower after it falls off in mid- yard. Did anybody test this mower on a real lawn? BTW --motor starts flawlessly for what that's worth.

I never expected anything new to last like my 35 yr old Kubota ( w/ Honda engine) but I hoped for a few seasons of relative decent service from my purchase. After one summer, forget it! Smart Drive is not. The drive wheels continually lock up in reverse making it impossible to pull backwards. The adjustment procedure just does not work well, but when it does, there is just way to much resistance.

I have to drag the mower skidding rubber on my shed floor at the start of the day and my yard... more

My husband said they did not make an electric start mower, as that is what I wanted so I could do the mowing when he is not home. I immediately got on-line and proved him wrong!

Your site thankfully had Honda mowers, as that is all he will own. Finding what we both wanted in our price range was great, but the free shipping hooked us!

Easy to set up right out of the box. Battery all charged when I turned the key to start, and off I went. Easy to control speed, and sips gas. Used it in mulch mode and left no residual grass lines.

The battery arrived already charged, and the mower starts immediately on every attempt. The variable speed took a little getting used to. The first time I used the mower, I accidentally sped up several times, causing the front wheels to come off the ground which raises the blade. I had to back up and mow that spot again.

By the end of the second use, I learned to maintain the desired speed and have had no problems since. I have had several self-propelled mowers and all previous ones were front wheel drive. So far, I think the front-wheel drive models are easier to use. But with more experience, I may come to like the rear-wheel drive equally as well.

The battery arrived already charged, and the mower starts immediately on every attempt. The variable speed took a little getting used to. The first time I used the mower, I accidentally sped up several times, causing the front wheels to come off the ground which raises the blade. I had to back up and mow that spot again.

By the end of the second use, I learned to maintain the desired speed and have had no problems since. I have had several self-propelled mowers and all previous ones... more

I have used the mower once and it seems very nice, just waiting for the grass to start growing. The mower started on the first try and setup was a breeze.

Excellent lawn mower. It fires right up. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a lawn mower.

I finally decided it was time to invest in a mower. My husband and I have been very pleased. It's easy to operate and does its job!!!

Best mower I've ever had. With my bad back, I thought I was done doing my own mowing. This mower does all the work, I just walk behind it.

I think that the Honda HRR216VLA is a great mower, but one does not really know for sure until the fourth or fifth year of service.

It does a great job of cutting with the double blade.

There are two issues which I find bothersome.

1. Why can't Honda include the cord to charge the battery in the box when it is shipped. A $5.00 item which cost me $25 leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

2. Until the dandelions stop blooming, I bag everything to prevent the spread of those pesky plants.
Did the person who designed those "small slots" design that system while his or her head was where the sun never shines?

I think that the Honda HRR216VLA is a great mower, but one does not really know for sure until the fourth or fifth year of service.

It does a great job of cutting with the double blade.

There are two issues which I find bothersome.

1. Why can't Honda include the cord to charge the battery in the box when it is shipped. A $5.00 item which cost me $25 leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

2. Until the dandelions stop blooming, I bag everything to prevent the spread of those pesky plants.more

A machine for me! Easy to start, easy to adjust self-propelled speed, and comfortable handles. I do not need to wait for a family member to rescue me. Yard looks great.

The mower started right up and is very easy to start.
The mower surges slightly until warmed up.
The mower mulches very well in either bag or no bag mode.
The bag is a little smaller than my previous mower which is a little inconvenient.

My biggest issues are with the throttle.
It is very hard to find a comfortable spot even though it is adjustable. I find the static throttle on my old mower much more comfortable.

The other complaint is that the cut of the mower seems to be slightly off center so I need to get used to targeting a different sight point on the mower depending on the direction of the cut.

The mower started right up and is very easy to start.
The mower surges slightly until warmed up.
The mower mulches very well in either bag or no bag mode.
The bag is a little smaller than my previous mower which is a little inconvenient.

My biggest issues are with the throttle.
It is very hard to find a comfortable spot even though it is adjustable. I find the static throttle on my old mower much more comfortable.

The other complaint is that the cut of the mower seems to be slightly... more

Just bought today 6-4-16 bought at store approx 75mi from home. I live in stix. Uncrated and put oil gas in. looked in bag and no key. Called home depot where I bout from went thru 3 people and 30 minutes later they said they would mail me a key. We will see. Started on first pull. Once warm and auto choke disengaged all it would do was surge up and down on power.

Thought its new lets let it run, an hour later of running still doing it. Got mad and turned it off. Couple hours later tried again same thing, but needed yard mowed. tried to mow but would have to go extremely slow or stop until it would run fast enough to mow. Needless to say I'm not happy after throwing down $500+ for a mower that wont run properly. Gonna try and get it exchanged at Home depot, hopefully it wont be a hassle but my gut says it will be.

Just bought today 6-4-16 bought at store approx 75mi from home. I live in stix. Uncrated and put oil gas in. looked in bag and no key. Called home depot where I bout from went thru 3 people and 30 minutes later they said they would mail me a key. We will see. Started on first pull. Once warm and auto choke disengaged all it would do was surge up and down on power.

Thought its new lets let it run, an hour later of running still doing it. Got mad and turned it off. Couple hours later... more

It met or exceeded my expectations! I am very pleased with its performance.

This mower doesn't like to start on the first turn of the key. Concerned about a low charge on the battery, tried to buy a charger online and the part numbers don't match my model. Now the shipper wants me to pay return postage and a 25% restocking fee for something that isn't my fault . It's Honda's.

Great mower... on paper. I thought that it was a good price from Mowers Direct. Unfortunately, the mower does not run properly.

came through shipping in good shape easy to get running have used it twice and it does an excellent job

Mowers Direct shipped the mower very quickly and it arrived in perfect shape. EXCEPT. I assembled it which was easy and put in the oil. After using it the first time I saw some oil drippings.

I figured maybe I missed some. I have used it 3 times since and the oil leak is REALLY BAD! It is coming from the main shaft to the blades. Must be a bad seal. Very disappointed. NOW how do I get it fixed?????