Lawn mowers and tractors

Honda HRR216VLA gas mower

The Honda HRR216VLA self-propelled mower has

  • multiple speeds
  • rear-wheel drive
  • an overhead valve engine
  • an electric start

About

The Honda HRR216VLA is part of the Lawn mower & tractor test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Lawn mower & tractor models like the HRR216VLA are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Predicted reliability: Predicted reliability icons are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased gas mowers, not under service contract, within the first five years of ownership.

Owner satisfaction: Owner satisfaction icons are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their gas mower to their friends and family.

Side discharging: How far and evenly clippings were dispersed from the discharge chute.

Features

Blade brake clutch Blade brake clutch This safety feature automatically stops the blade when you release the handle, without shutting off the engine, so you don't have to restart the mower every time you clear debris or empty a grass bag.
No
Deck height adjustment Deck height adjustment Most convenient is a single lever that moves the entire deck up and down. Some models have one lever for the front axle and another for the rear. Least convenient is a lever at each wheel.
Individual wheel
Washout port Washout port Accepts a hose for cleaning the underside of the deck more easily than from above. Be sure to allow the underside to air-dry before stowing the machine.
No
Swing-up handle bar Swing-up handle bar Ability to easily fold the handle bar forward to aid in storage.
Yes
Upright storage Upright storage Allows the user to store the lawnmower vertically reducing the storage footprint.
No
High wheels High wheels Large rear wheels marketed to handle bumpy terrain better than standard size wheels.
No
Optional discharge chute Optional discharge chute The rear-mounted side-discharge chute does not come standard with the product and must be obtained separately if you want the side-discharge cutting mode. Some will be provided free when you return the product's warranty card, while others range in price from $15 to $30.
No

Specs

Deck size (in.) Deck size Most models have a deck size, or cutting swath, of 20 to 22 inches. There is no significant advantage from one size to another. A larger deck can cut more grass in a single pass, but in this size range the difference is negligible.
21
Engine manufacturer Engine manufacturer Stated manufacturer of a gasoline engine. For some mowers the engine manufacturer is not documented and is listed as "self branded."
Honda
Engine size (cc) Engine size Engine size in cubic centimeters (cc) provides a rough indication of the engine's power.
160
Engine torque Engine torque Manufacturer claimed torque (ft.-lb.)
na
Drive wheels Drive wheels Location of powered wheels for self-propelled mowers
rear
Mower warranty Mower warranty The length of time in years the lawn mower is covered by its manufacturer for defects or repairs.
3 years