Honda HRX217HYAA - User Manual

Questions and Answers

N
Nathan BryantAug 7, 2025
Why Honda HRX217HYAA loses power?
- M
  Melissa ThomasAug 7, 2025
  Your Honda Lawn Mower might be losing power due to several reasons: the throttle is not set to FAST, the grass is too tall or wet, the mower deck or air filter is clogged, or the fuel is bad. Try moving the throttle lever to the FAST position. If the grass is too tall, raise the cutting height, cut a narrower swath, use a slower ground speed, and cut more frequently. If the grass is too wet, allow it to dry. If the mower deck is clogged, clean it. Clean or replace the air filter. If the fuel is bad, refuel with fresh gasoline.
C
Christopher WatersAug 14, 2025
What to do if Honda HRX217HYAA Lawn Mower engine will not start?
- D
  Dr. Hunter HolmesAug 14, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower engine won't start, it could be due to several reasons. First, make sure the throttle lever is in the FAST position and the fuel valve is turned ON. Check if you are out of fuel and refuel if necessary with fresh gasoline. Also, the spark plug might be faulty, fouled, or improperly gapped; in this case, gap or replace the spark plug. If the spark plug is wet with fuel (flooded engine), dry and reinstall it.
A
Andrea MyersAug 22, 2025
Why my Honda Lawn Mower has mowing and bagging problems?
- L
  Laura ClarkAug 22, 2025
  Mowing and bagging problems with your Honda Lawn Mower can arise from several factors. You might be moving too fast for lawn conditions, so move the shift lever towards the SLOW position. Ensure all cutting height adjustment levers are set at the same position. The grass bag or mower deck could be clogged, so wash the grass bag or clean out the mower deck. If the grass is too tall, raise the cutting height, cut a narrower swath, use a slower ground speed, and cut more frequently. If the grass is too wet, allow it to dry. Dull, worn, or damaged blades can also cause issues, so sharpen or replace the blades if necessary. Lastly, ensure the correct blades are installed.
C
Clarence PenaAug 28, 2025
Why Honda HRX217HYAA is vibrating?
- A
  Aaron HortonAug 28, 2025
  If your Honda Lawn Mower is vibrating, it might be due to grass and debris lodged under the mower deck. Clean out the mower deck. Also, check if the blades are loose and tighten loose blade bolts.

Summary

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Safety Labels

Alerts to potential hazards and instructions for safe operation.

Important Message to Parents

Emphasizes lawn mower safety for children and proper operation by responsible individuals.

INITIAL MOWER SETUP

List of Parts

Verifies all included components are present before assembly and use.

Adjust the Handlebar

Guides on positioning the handlebar for comfortable and safe operation.

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

Check Your Mower

Pre-operation inspection to ensure mower is in safe working condition.

Check Your Mowing Area

Inspecting the lawn for debris and hazards before mowing.

CLIP DIRECTOR OPERATION

Rear Discharge

Instructions for setting the Clip Director for rear grass discharge.

Sliding Door Position

Adjusting the sliding door for different mowing results (bagging, mulching).

Rear Shield

Inspects the rear shield for deterioration or wear.

GRASS BAG MANAGEMENT

Cutting Height Adjustment

How to adjust the mower's cutting height for different grass lengths.

Check the Oil Level

Procedure for checking engine oil level before operation.

OPERATION

Safe Mowing Practices

Essential safety guidelines for operating the lawn mower to prevent injury.

Clear Mowing Area

Importance of clearing the lawn of objects before mowing to prevent injury.

OPERATING THE CONTROLS

Throttle Lever

How to use the throttle lever for optimal cutting performance.

Blade Control Lever

Procedure for engaging and disengaging the mower blades.

Drive Clutch Lever

How to use the drive clutch lever for self-propelled operation.

MOWING TIPS

When to Mow

Guidance on optimal timing for mowing grass based on growth.

Cutting Height

Advice on setting the correct cutting height for lawn health.

Blade Sharpness

Importance of sharp blades for clean cuts and mower performance.

SERVICING YOUR MOWER

Maintenance Safety

Crucial safety precautions for performing mower maintenance.

BLADE MAINTENANCE

Blade Inspection

How to inspect mower blades for damage, wear, or corrosion.

Blade Replacement

Step-by-step guide for replacing mower blades.

Blade Mounting Bolt Inspection

Checking blade mounting bolts for tightness and damage.

ENGINE AND FLUID MAINTENANCE

Oil Change

Procedure for changing the engine oil at recommended intervals.

Air Filter

Instructions for cleaning or replacing the air filter for engine health.

SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE

Spark Plug

Guide for replacing the spark plug for optimal engine performance.

Spark Arrester (optional part)

Maintenance for the optional spark arrester component.

CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS

Blade Control Cable Adjustment

Adjusting the blade control cable for proper function.

Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment

Adjusting the drive clutch cable for self-propelled speed control.

STORAGE

Cleaning

How to clean the mower deck, engine, and grass bag.

Drying

Procedures to ensure the mower is dry after washing.

Oil

Adding oil to the engine cylinder for storage protection.

Storage Location

Selecting a suitable location for storing the lawn mower.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine Will Not Start

Common causes and solutions for starting problems.

Loss of Power

Diagnosing and resolving issues related to reduced engine power.

Vibration

Identifying and fixing causes of mower vibration.

Mowing and Bagging Problems

Solutions for common issues encountered during mowing and bagging.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Serial Number Locations

Identifying the engine and frame serial numbers for reference.

High Altitude Operation

How altitude affects mower performance and necessary modifications.

Emission Control System

Information on the engine's emission control systems and compliance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Design and Performance

Technical details regarding the engine's specifications.

Transmission Design and Performance

Technical details regarding the transmission's specifications.

Mower Features

Key features and components of the lawn mower.

AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Parts, Accessories, and Service Items

List of available parts, accessories, and service recommendations.

Dealer Locator Information

How to find an authorized Honda servicing dealer.

How to Contact Honda

Methods for contacting Honda customer support.

Honda Publications

Information on available manuals and catalogs.

DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED WARRANTY

To Qualify for This Warranty

Requirements for warranty eligibility and coverage.

What American Honda Will Repair or Replace Under Warranty

Details on parts and services covered by the warranty.

To Obtain Warranty Service

Procedure for requesting warranty service.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

Owner's responsibilities concerning emission control.

MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY COVERAGE

Honda's warranty coverage for emission control system parts.

OWNERS WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITY

Owner's duty to maintain the engine for warranty.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Register Your Product Online

Instructions for registering the lawn mower via the Honda website.

Summary

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Safety Labels

Alerts to potential hazards and instructions for safe operation.

Important Message to Parents

Emphasizes lawn mower safety for children and proper operation by responsible individuals.

INITIAL MOWER SETUP

List of Parts

Verifies all included components are present before assembly and use.

Adjust the Handlebar

Guides on positioning the handlebar for comfortable and safe operation.

BEFORE EACH OPERATION

Check Your Mower

Pre-operation inspection to ensure mower is in safe working condition.

Check Your Mowing Area

Inspecting the lawn for debris and hazards before mowing.

CLIP DIRECTOR OPERATION

Rear Discharge

Instructions for setting the Clip Director for rear grass discharge.

Sliding Door Position

Adjusting the sliding door for different mowing results (bagging, mulching).

Rear Shield

Inspects the rear shield for deterioration or wear.

GRASS BAG MANAGEMENT

Cutting Height Adjustment

How to adjust the mower's cutting height for different grass lengths.

Check the Oil Level

Procedure for checking engine oil level before operation.

OPERATION

Safe Mowing Practices

Essential safety guidelines for operating the lawn mower to prevent injury.

Clear Mowing Area

Importance of clearing the lawn of objects before mowing to prevent injury.

OPERATING THE CONTROLS

Throttle Lever

How to use the throttle lever for optimal cutting performance.

Blade Control Lever

Procedure for engaging and disengaging the mower blades.

Drive Clutch Lever

How to use the drive clutch lever for self-propelled operation.

MOWING TIPS

When to Mow

Guidance on optimal timing for mowing grass based on growth.

Cutting Height

Advice on setting the correct cutting height for lawn health.

Blade Sharpness

Importance of sharp blades for clean cuts and mower performance.

SERVICING YOUR MOWER

Maintenance Safety

Crucial safety precautions for performing mower maintenance.

BLADE MAINTENANCE

Blade Inspection

How to inspect mower blades for damage, wear, or corrosion.

Blade Replacement

Step-by-step guide for replacing mower blades.

Blade Mounting Bolt Inspection

Checking blade mounting bolts for tightness and damage.

ENGINE AND FLUID MAINTENANCE

Oil Change

Procedure for changing the engine oil at recommended intervals.

Air Filter

Instructions for cleaning or replacing the air filter for engine health.

SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE

Spark Plug

Guide for replacing the spark plug for optimal engine performance.

Spark Arrester (optional part)

Maintenance for the optional spark arrester component.

CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENTS

Blade Control Cable Adjustment

Adjusting the blade control cable for proper function.

Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment

Adjusting the drive clutch cable for self-propelled speed control.

STORAGE

Cleaning

How to clean the mower deck, engine, and grass bag.

Drying

Procedures to ensure the mower is dry after washing.

Oil

Adding oil to the engine cylinder for storage protection.

Storage Location

Selecting a suitable location for storing the lawn mower.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine Will Not Start

Common causes and solutions for starting problems.

Loss of Power

Diagnosing and resolving issues related to reduced engine power.

Vibration

Identifying and fixing causes of mower vibration.

Mowing and Bagging Problems

Solutions for common issues encountered during mowing and bagging.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Serial Number Locations

Identifying the engine and frame serial numbers for reference.

High Altitude Operation

How altitude affects mower performance and necessary modifications.

Emission Control System

Information on the engine's emission control systems and compliance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Design and Performance

Technical details regarding the engine's specifications.

Transmission Design and Performance

Technical details regarding the transmission's specifications.

Mower Features

Key features and components of the lawn mower.

AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Parts, Accessories, and Service Items

List of available parts, accessories, and service recommendations.

Dealer Locator Information

How to find an authorized Honda servicing dealer.

How to Contact Honda

Methods for contacting Honda customer support.

Honda Publications

Information on available manuals and catalogs.

DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED WARRANTY

To Qualify for This Warranty

Requirements for warranty eligibility and coverage.

What American Honda Will Repair or Replace Under Warranty

Details on parts and services covered by the warranty.

To Obtain Warranty Service

Procedure for requesting warranty service.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

Owner's responsibilities concerning emission control.

MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY COVERAGE

Honda's warranty coverage for emission control system parts.

OWNERS WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITY

Owner's duty to maintain the engine for warranty.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Register Your Product Online

Instructions for registering the lawn mower via the Honda website.

This is the owner's manual for the Honda HRX217HYAA and HRX217HYPA lawn mowers, providing comprehensive information on their operation, maintenance, and safety.

Function Description:

The Honda HRX217HYAA and HRX217HYPA are 21-inch rotary lawn mowers designed for residential use. They feature a Clip Director® system for versatile mowing results, allowing users to switch between full bagging, rear discharge, and full mulching. The mowers are equipped with a hydrostatic transmission for variable ground speed control and an Auto Choke System for easy starting. They are designed to cut and collect grass clippings or shred leaves for disposal or mulching. The blade brake clutch allows the engine to run while the blades are stopped, enhancing safety and convenience.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: GCV200
Engine Type: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement: 12.3 cu in (201 cc)
Bore and Stroke: 2.60 x 2.32 in (66.0 x 59.0 mm)
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
Ignition System: Transistorized magneto
Transmission Type: Variable speed
Ground Speed: 0 to 3.6 ~ 4.0 mph (0 to 1.60 ~ 1.85 m/s)
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher, containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.
Fuel Capacity: 0.24 US gal (0.91 L)
Engine Oil: SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later.
Engine Oil Capacity: 13.5 oz (0.40 L)
Engine Oil Refill Amount: 12.0 ~ 13.5 oz (0.35 ~ 0.40 L)
Spark Plug Type: NGK - BPR5ES
Spark Plug Gap: 0.028 ~ 0.031 in (0.7 ~ 0.8 mm)
Maximum Governed Speed: 3,100 +0/-150 rpm
Valve Clearance (cold): Intake: 0.10 ± 0.02 mm, Exhaust: 0.10 ± 0.02 mm
Length: 65.6 in (1,665 mm)
Width: 23.1 in (588 mm)
Overall Height (handle in highest position): 44.2 in (1,122 mm)
Dry Mass (includes grass bag): 97.47 lb (44.2 kg)
Cutting Width: 20.9 in (530 mm)
Cutting Heights (7 settings): 3/4 ~ 4 in (19 ~ 101 mm)

Usage Features:

Initial Setup: The manual guides users through unpacking, identifying loose parts, adjusting the handlebar, adding engine oil (shipped without oil), and assembling the grass bag.
Handlebar Adjustment: The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights by aligning adjust knobs with holes on the handle stay and turning the knobs 90 degrees to lock.
Clip Director® System: This unique feature allows adjustment to ten positions for bagging, mulching, or rear discharge. The knob controls a sliding door, with "BAG" for fully open and "MULCH" for fully closed. This enables fine-tuning of mowing results and is also used for shredding and collecting fallen leaves.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Each wheel has seven settings, allowing for cutting heights from 3/4 to 4 inches. Adjustment levers are pulled toward the wheel and moved into a different notch.
Operating Controls: Includes a throttle lever (FAST position recommended for best cut quality), a blade control lever (to engage/disengage blades), and a drive clutch lever (for self-propelled movement and speed control).
Starting and Stopping: Detailed instructions for starting the engine (fuel valve ON, throttle to FAST, pull starter grip) and stopping (release levers, throttle to STOP).
Mowing Tips: Advice on when to mow (grass 1/2 to 1 inch above recommended height), cutting height selection (avoid cutting more than one-third of total grass height), cutting width (overlap swaths), blade speed (maintain fast engine speed), blade sharpness (sharp blades cut cleanly), and mowing dry vs. wet grass.
Mowing Patterns: Recommends counterclockwise patterns for mulching and clockwise patterns for bagging for optimal efficiency.
Transporting: Instructions for preparing the mower for transport, including cooling the engine, turning off the fuel valve, removing the grass bag, and securing the mower.
Storage: Guidelines for proper storage preparation, including draining or treating fuel, changing oil, cleaning the mower and grass bag, and selecting a suitable storage location. It emphasizes avoiding fuel-related problems by following specific procedures for short-term and long-term storage.

Maintenance Features:

Maintenance Schedule: A detailed table outlines required maintenance actions and their frequency (e.g., before each use, 5 hours/1st month, 25 hours, 50 hours/6 months, 100 hours/year, 150 hours/2 years).
Check Your Mower (Pre-operation): Emphasizes checking for leaks, damage, proper control operation, blade wear and tightness, air filter, oil level, and fuel level.
Blade Inspection and Replacement: Instructions for inspecting blades for damage, cracks, or excessive wear, and replacing them if necessary. Includes torque specifications for blade bolts.
Oil Change: Step-by-step guide for draining old oil and refilling with new oil, including recommended oil type (SAE 10W-30) and capacity.
Air Filter Maintenance: Instructions for cleaning and replacing the air filter, with recommendations for more frequent cleaning in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Maintenance: Guide for inspecting, cleaning, gapping, and replacing the spark plug, including torque specifications.
Spark Arrester (Optional): Instructions for servicing the spark arrester every 100 hours if installed.
Control Cable Adjustments: Procedures for adjusting the blade control cable and drive clutch cable to ensure proper operation.
Cleaning: Recommendations for cleaning the mower deck, engine, and grass bag after each use and before storage.
Troubleshooting: A section dedicated to common problems like engine not starting, loss of power, vibration, and mowing/bagging issues, with possible causes and corrections.
Product Registration: Encourages users to register their mower online or by mail to receive important service information and ensure warranty coverage.
Customer Information: Provides contact information for Honda Power Equipment Customer Relations, dealer locator information, and details on Honda publications (Owner's Manual, Shop Manual, Parts Catalog).
Warranty Information: Detailed explanations of the Distributor's Limited Warranty and Emission Control System Warranty, including coverage, exclusions, and how to obtain service.