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Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower vs Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower

The HRX217HZA is the better mower for most people who mow regularly: hydrostatic cruise control, electric start, Roto-Stop and the rust-proof NeXite deck are real upgrades over the HRN216VKA. The HRN216VKA is the simpler, lighter machine with the same 21-inch cut and a proven Honda engine, and it suits smaller yards and buyers who want fewer parts to maintain. Owners of both praise the cut quality and Honda engine reliability; the HRX's extra weight and hydrostatic system are the main trade-offs.

  • Choose the HRN216VKA if you have a quarter to half acre, want a lighter mower with fewer electronics, and don't need to stop the blades without killing the engine.
  • Choose the HRX217HZA if you want electric start, cruise control, Roto-Stop for emptying the bag with the engine running, and a deck that won't rust.

Prices

  • Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower: $25.00 at Schumann (last seen Nov 12)
  • Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower: $65.99 at Shortboy Kennel (last seen Nov 14)
  • Difference: the Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower is $40.99 cheaper than the Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower at the latest prices (Nov 12 and Nov 14)
Honda
Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower

Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower

Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower

4.9(168 ratings)
$25.00at SchumannChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit Schumann
Pros
  • Lighter and easier to maneuver on slopes and tight lawns
  • Proven GCV170 engine with Auto Choke for easy pulls
  • MicroCut twin blade gives fine clippings and good bag fill
  • Simple belt drive is cheap and easy to repair
  • 3-year residential warranty
Cons
  • Steel deck can rust where paint wears
  • No blade-stop, so you stop the engine to empty the bag
  • Pull start only
  • Narrower cut height range at the low end
Honda
Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow 21 in. Self-Propelled Hydrostatic Electric Start Lawn Mower

Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower

Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow 21 in. Self-Propelled Hydrostatic Electric Start Lawn Mower

$65.99at Shortboy KennelChecked 11 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Shortboy Kennel
Pros
  • Electric start with recoil backup
  • Hydrostatic cruise control holds a steady pace
  • Roto-Stop lets you step away or empty the bag with the engine running
  • NeXite deck resists rust and dents
  • Larger GCV200 engine and bigger 2.5-bushel bag
Cons
  • About 24 lb heavier than the HRN216VKA
  • Hydrostatic transmission costs more to repair if it fails
  • More systems means more to maintain
  • Overkill for small, flat lawns

What separates them

Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled MowerHonda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower
Deck material16-gauge stamped steel, can rust if paint chipsNeXite composite, won't dent or rust
StartingRecoil pull start with Auto ChokeElectric key start with recoil backup
TransmissionVariable-speed belt clutch, fixed gearHydrostatic with cruise control, 0-4 mph
Blade stopBlade and engine stop togetherRoto-Stop disengages blades, engine keeps running
EngineGCV170, 166 ccGCV200, larger displacement and more torque
WeightAbout 82 lb, easier to push and loadAbout 106 lb, heavier to lift and turn
Cut height range1 to 4 in, 7 positions0.75 to 4 in, 7 positions
Maintenance and complexityFewer systems, simpler to service yourselfHydrostatic and electric start add service points

Price history

$1,875.00$25.00
Nov 2Nov 15
  • Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower: lowest $25.00 on Nov 12 at Schumann; $390.50 on Nov 15.
  • Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower: lowest $65.99 on Nov 14 at Shortboy Kennel; $65.99 on Nov 15.

Prices at every store

Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower

  • SchumannNew

    In stockShips from Brazil · duties may apply

    $25.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit Schumann
  • ennokiNew

    In stock

    $267.32Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit ennoki
  • Trumans Fabric and FoamNew

    In stock

    $390.50Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Trumans Fabric and Foam
  • PetikenNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $290.99Checked 11 h ago
    Visit Petiken
All 11 stores and price history →

Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower

  • Shortboy KennelNew

    In stock

    $65.99Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Shortboy Kennel
  • eBayOpen box

    Availability unknownSold by backdoor-bargains (100% positive, 2,500 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $3,299.99+ $304.29 shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit eBay

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All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecHonda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled MowerHonda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower
Power SourceGasGas
Blade SystemRotaryMulching, Bagging
Cutting Width21″ deck21 in
Mower TypeLawn Mower, Walk BehindWalk Behind
Start TypeRecoilElectric Start
Drive TypeSelf-PropelledCruise Control hydrostatic transmission
Self PropelledYesYes
Variable SpeedYesYes
BaggingYesYes
Cutting Height Options7 positions7 adjustable cutting heights
Maximum Cutting Height4 in4" inches
Minimum Cutting Height1 in.75"
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecHonda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled MowerHonda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower
MulchingYesYes
Side DischargeYesYes (Discharge), No, Rear discharge
Safety FeaturesManual fuel shut-off valve, Flywheel brake safe…Roto-Stop
Transmission TypeVariable Speed Fixed Gear Belt ClutchHydrostatic
Deck MaterialSteelneXite
Deck Size21in.21"
Weight82 lb93 lbs
Engine TypeGasGas
Number Of BladesTwin bladesTwin

What reviewers say

Honda HRN216VKA 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower

  • 4.9 / 5168 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 168 ratings, the HRN216VKA draws strong marks from owners. They tend to credit the Honda engine, the variable-speed drive and the mulching and bagging performance.

What people mention
  • StartingPraisedOwners say the Auto Choke engine fires up reliably without priming.
  • DrivePraisedThe Smart Drive variable-speed control is described as smooth and easy to set to walking pace.
  • MulchingPraisedThe MicroCut twin blades are credited with fine clippings and good bag fill.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 82 lb, owners find it heavy to push, turn and lift.

Honda HRX217HZA VersaMow Lawn Mower

Owners of the HRX217 series praise the smooth hydrostatic drive, the easy mode changes and the reliable Honda engine. Common complaints center on weight and the higher outlay compared with simpler mowers.

What people mention
  • DrivePraisedOwners like the hydrostatic transmission's smooth, stepless speed control up to 4 mph.
  • Cut modesPraisedThe Clip Director is valued for changing between bagging, mulching and discharge without tools.
  • WeightCriticisedAt around 106 lb it is hard to lift into a truck or over steps.
  • StartingPraisedElectric start with recoil backup is seen as reliable and convenient.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a hilly or uneven yard?
The HRX217HZA. Hydrostatic cruise control holds speed on slopes better than the belt drive, and Roto-Stop helps when you pause on an incline. The HRN216VKA is lighter, which some owners prefer for pushing up grades.
Which lasts longer?
Both use Honda overhead-cam engines that routinely run for many seasons. The HRX217HZA has the edge on longevity because the NeXite deck won't rust, while the HRN216VKA's steel deck needs paint touch-ups to avoid corrosion.
Is the HRX217HZA worth stepping up to?
Yes if you mow often, have a larger lawn, or want electric start and blade-stop. If your lawn is small and flat and you don't mind pulling a cord, the HRN216VKA does the same core job with less weight and complexity.
Do both mulch and bag?
Yes. Both are 3-in-1 machines with mulch, bag and rear discharge. The HRX217HZA's Clip Director adds a shredding setting and switches modes with one lever.
Which is easier to store and transport?
The HRN216VKA, at about 82 lb versus about 106 lb. Both have folding handles, but the lighter mower is easier to lift into a truck or shed.
Does the HRX217HZA need more maintenance?
Slightly. The hydrostatic transmission and electric start add components the HRN216VKA doesn't have. Routine oil, plug and filter changes are the same on both.

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Typical Users
Residential
Homeowner
Overall Dimensions44.0 (depth)—
Engine Displacement166cc—
Engine Horsepower5.5hp—
Coverage Area1/4 acre to 1/2 acre—
Cylinders1 Cylinder—
Propulsion TypeSelf-Propelled—
Blade StyleRotary—
Items IncludedCollection Bag/Box—
Turn RadiusTight radius (Improved Maneuverability)—
Collapsible HandleYes (fold over for storage)—
Engine model—Honda GCV200
Bag capacity—2.5 bushels
Cut height—0.75" - 4"
Cutting positions—7
Speed—0 to 4 mph
Wheel size—9"
Dry weight—106 lb
Operating weight—108 lb