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Customer reviews for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
With an easy-starting Honda GCV160 engine, the 21in Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Mower is designed to provide quiet, efficient performance. The mower's Smart Drive system provides self-propelled operation at adjustable speeds while the 2 blades produce a smooth cut for fine mulch clippings.
Overall rating:
(781 reviews) 780
Rating breakdown 781 reviews
5 stars
527
4 stars
131
3 stars
40
2 stars
34
1 star
49
644 out of 741(87%)reviewers recommend this product.
Customer reviews for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Review 1 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Very ergonamic
,PostedJanuary 5, 2013
Ihor
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Professional
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 week
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Like double blade and finger speed control. Easy to start. Stores easily with easy release on handlebars. Like gas shutoff valve. Cannot wait till speing to use on lawn.
Pros: Easy to Use, Sturdy, Durable, Easy to Store
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 2 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Great Performance,Best Mower I've Ever Had !
,PostedDecember 17, 2012
Mike
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 month
Features
5
/
5
Quality
5
/
5
Ease of use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Put the oil in,filled the gas tank,the mower started on the first crank and every restart has been one crank.Love the rear wheel drive and varible speed.It pulls hard on the sloped area of our yard and can go faster than we need.Mulching in the bag is good for placing around plants and helps the soil.
My first Honda Mower and so Happy I picked this one.
My first Honda Mower and so Happy I picked this one.
Pros: Cuts Well, Easy to Use, Sturdy, Good Size & Weight, Durable, Powerful, Great Engine, Self-Propelled, Mulches Well
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 3 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Love this mower!!
,PostedFebruary 24, 2013
Bella
Features
5
/
5
Quality
5
/
5
Ease of use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Love this mower! My husband and son use this mower multiple times a month and its super reliable. Highly recommend!
Pros: Cuts Well, Powerful, Great Engine, Self-Propelled, Easy to Store
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 4 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Best lawn mower I have ever owned !
,PostedOctober 21, 2012
Rich
Age:65 or over
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:3 months
Features
5
/
5
Quality
5
/
5
Ease of use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Simply the best performing gas lawnmower I have ever owned .
I'm 70 years old and have had lots of different lawnmowers over the years. Wish I had bought a Honda long ago .
I've been using my Honda for about 10 weeks now . Since I first took it out of the box and added the oil it has started on the first pull every time with out fail. I'll follow the maintenance instructions,and change the oil often. was surprised to find out there is NO oil plug on the bottom to remove like all the other mowers I have had. You simply tip the mower up on it's side and drain the oil out from the fill tube !
The self propelled rear wheel drive is great it can go much faster than I can walk.I uploaded a pic of the drive control. It's perfect you can use either or both thumbs to control the drive speed.It can also be adjusted up or down depending on your preferance for comfort.
I mow my yard ,and my daughters yard every week .It's almost fun to use this great lawnmower.
If your thinking about buying a new mower do you self a favor and buy one of these It's worth the money. If your used to buying Briggs and Straton mowers you wont be wanting one again.
Pros: Cuts Well, All In One, Easy to Use, Sturdy, Accurate, Durable, Powerful, Great Engine, Self-Propelled, Mulches Well, Small Turn Radius, Easy to Store, Long-Lasting
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+6points
17out of 28found this review helpful.
Review 5 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Trust me just buy it!
,PostedMarch 18, 2012
HarryHomeowner
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 week
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I almost didn't buy this because of a few bad reviews. Just buy it. They even took my competitor coupon to save money! Loaded it up for me, i took it home and took it out of the box. It was all together. Just extend the handle and add the included oil.......pull 1 time and started right up! It took all of about 30 steps to get used to the drive system which is fantastic. ( little tip, use the pads at the base of your thumbs to push it ) My grass was long and damp and this thing was great, never slipped and mulched very well. This mower is also very easy to push and pull with out the self propelled, which is great since most yards you will need to do this. All in the best mower I ever used.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+35points
35out of 35found this review helpful.
Review 6 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
The BEST lawnmower I've used.
,PostedNovember 19, 2011
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I'm a believer in Honda. I picked this up because my old Sears Briggs and Stratton mower was nearly impossible to start, but this Honda starts up with literally 1/3 the effort and on the first pull every single time. It's so smooth as well and is quieter as well. The Smart Drive control gives you thumb control of the speed, you just push it harder and it goes faster. The control doesn't lock so you have to keep pushing otherwise it stops (which isn't an issue with me, but you should know). The twin blades gives a good cut as well, didn't notice many stray clumps of grass left behind.
What can I say, just buy it, it's well worth the extra money compared to what you may buy at Sears or your local discount store.
Oh yeah I'm from Canada and this is the exact same mower than Honda Canada sells for $650. So if you live near the border, time to drop into a Home Depot in the US the next time you are in the US
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+20points
26out of 32found this review helpful.
Review 7 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Wonderful mower
,PostedMarch 28, 2012
alspachsl
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Home improvement profile:Other
Level of expertise:Beginner
Length of ownership:1 week
I am so glad there are reviews everywhere these days for products like this. After having endured used/Craigslist mowers for a few years I decided to buy new and did my homework. This came up cheapest with what it does and with the best reviews. Easy to set up, just add oil and gas. Pull on it once, even weakly and it starts right up! Cuts grass like you would want it to...I love the variable speed. I'm a small woman with a big lawn and I love the fact that if I have to go up an incline, I can use the speed control and let the mower do the work. It's a great mower and I'm glad to have purchased it. I've mowed once and will post an update if there's any problems.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+17points
17out of 17found this review helpful.
Review 8 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Great loawn mower for an hilly uneven lawn.
,PostedOctober 9, 2012
maryanne
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:3 months
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I have a small but uneven, hilly lawn. The rear-wheeled self-propelled feature is perfect for this terrain. It used to take me at least 50 minutes to mow my lawn and I would be exhausted. I now takes less than 30 minutes and I barely work up a sweat.
Pros: Cuts Well, Easy to Use, Good Size & Weight, Powerful, Self-Propelled, Mulches Well
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+2points
11out of 20found this review helpful.
Review 9 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
excellent mower
,PostedMay 25, 2012
marco
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Beginner
Length of ownership:1 week
Quality
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
i did all the reading between toro and honda and i shelled out the extra money for the honda and i was glad i did first off when you take it out of the box make sure you do not pour the whole bottle of oil in it but keep checking the oil level with the dipstick cause i did not use the entire bottle....after gassing it up it started on the first pull and and ran great. i thought that the smart drive was user friendly and got comfortable with it quickly i mulched with it the first time and the dual blade setup cut the grass so fine i barely noticed it....again i am definitely happy i bought the honda!!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+28points
31out of 34found this review helpful.
Review 10 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
I love this mower. Everything about it screams quality, and ease of use. No choke to mess with, no bunny or turtle. Love the self propelled twist style throttle. Just turn it a little and off you go. Makes stops and turns a breeze. Large fuel fill to avoid spills. Easy to start too. My wife barely yanked the pull cord(after I insisted she try it) and it fired right up. Boy does it ever cut too. I've used several self propelled mowers over the years and this is hands down the best. I'm just tickled with this new mower. Can't wait to mow next week.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+102points
102out of 102found this review helpful.
Review 11 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Mechanical Engineer Review, impressed!!
,PostedJune 21, 2012
Kartboarder22G
Age:25 to 34
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:3 months
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I'm a Mechanical Engineer and I've looked this over top to bottom, my old mower was a 2 stroke Toro from the late 80s and this is quite an upgrade! I've owned it for a couple months so far and everything has been great! There are no lines on my lawn, and if you can make them out you really have to stare and scan the lawn closely to see them. So no excuse for my Wife to want me to mow 45 degree angle lines on the lawn, which takes extra time. I love that the mower is normally in neutral and only applies torque to the rear wheels when I push on the easy to push lever system.(I have version 8, the latest) The more I push on it the faster it goes until I am nearly running(so variable speed system). The system works by a friction belt and two pulleys. So when you push on the lever it puts more pressure to engage the belt or less to let the belt slip. Therefore as time goes on the only thing you'll be replacing in this system is a belt!! The drive box appears to be a sealed unit with no ports to add grease, etc. There was only one time where I couldn't get it to start, user error, I forgot to open the fuel valve which is easy to reach on the side. The only thing that gets me, is they have an extended blade drive shaft and higher mower deck to house the double blade system, therefore I have heard of some owners hitting large rocks or stumps and bending the drive shaft due to the torque applied at it with the double blade. My question to Honda, is why not put a shear bolt in the blade holder to shear the bolt before wrecking the drive shaft, blade, etc. So there would be a shear bolt as the weak link in the chain. Snowblowers have this on the augers and it is a good idea. Having to replace the drive shaft which goes though the engine is quite costly and you wan't to stay away from having to open the engine to keep contaminants out. Love that the oil check plug functions as the oil drain plug, very smart. Very pleased overall so far, Thanks Honda!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+27points
29out of 31found this review helpful.
Review 12 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Well built, Great performance.
,PostedMay 10, 2012
CBer
Age:25 to 34
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Quality
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Well built, easy to use, looks great, and hasn't given me any difficulties yet. So far, I would certainly recommend this mower. I have been using it for about two monthes and have been really happy with my choice to buy a Honda mower. I mow about half an acre and have uneven ground, a ditch, and several trees and a garden to mow around. The smart drive makes it super easy to work around everything in my yard and makes mowing easy and enjoyable. The only thing I would add to this mower is a drink holder and a longer warranty.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
Review 13 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Great Mower!
,PostedAugust 4, 2012
SicEmBearsKyle
Age:25 to 34
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:3 months
Features
4
/
5
Quality
5
/
5
Ease of use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I bought a front wheel drive Toro and took it back- the quality of materials seemed poor, and I realized I needed rear wheel drive for my medium-sized hill.
When I went back I bought the Honda- more $$, but still a great value. The double blades are not a gimmick, they really work. I worked landscaping in college, and this has the same feel as the high end Snappers and Hondas we used, for half the price. It is sturdy, powerful, and easy to start. I had to get used to the "Smart-Drive," but I found using my palm instead of thumb made all the difference.
I do wish it had a side discharge, but the bagging works well.
Pros: Cuts Well, Easy to Use, Sturdy, Accurate, Durable, Powerful, Great Engine, Self-Propelled, Mulches Well, Small Turn Radius, Easy to Store, Long-Lasting
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+10points
14out of 18found this review helpful.
Review 14 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Very happy with purchase
,PostedMarch 30, 2012
Gregg
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Professional
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 week
Quality
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
I usually do not write reviews, but just had to comment. After looking all the reviews, decided to purchase. What a great machine. Very fast, like walking on treadmill. Think I cut off 15-20 min. If you have questions to buy front wheel or rear wheel, GO REAR WHEEL, made a huge difference. Entertained upgrading to more expensive Honda, but thought $400 was more than enough to pay for a mower.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+15points
15out of 15found this review helpful.
Review 15 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
I love this lawnmower!!
,PostedJune 20, 2012
FeistyFifties
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I received my Honda lawnmower fairly quickly. It was easy to finish the assembly. I used it a couple days later and I LOVE it. It was so easy to pull the starter cord and adjust the speed. It mowed my lawn so nicely. My grass was almost a foot in some places due to my old lawnmower breaking down and me not being able to decide which model to buy. I have never had a Honda Lawnmower ever but will never buy anything else ever again. I am 51 years old and have bad knees but I did not hurt at all after mowing and I always did before. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MOWER AND HONDA!!!!!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+7points
7out of 7found this review helpful.
Review 16 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
I love this mower !!!
,PostedJune 26, 2012
Poppy
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 month
Quality
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
We did ALOT of research online before deciding on the Honda mower. I read almost all the reviews on the Home Depot website and lots of other sites too. We decided to give the Honda a try.
We live in the mountains and have a very steep front and side yard so we needed a self propelled rear drive mower. Also we wanted something light weight to manuever around various obstacles in the yard.
This mower is very light weight and it practically runs up the hills. I'm a small person and I have no problem mowing my yard hills and all. In fact it pulls me up the hills.
It's very easy to start. Just one pull. It also seems to get much better gas mileage than our old mower.
It mulches beautifully and makes the grass look like a carpet. It even does a good job when the grass is wet.
My one and only complaint is you have to adjust the cutting height at each wheel.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+9points
9out of 9found this review helpful.
Review 17 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
This IS Consumer Reports Best Buy Mower, May 2012
,PostedMarch 29, 2012
Mike
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
The Smart Drive paddle is MUCH more responsive than that of the Honda I purchased 4-5 yrs ago (may it Rest In Pieces...tree stumps are bad for mowers). The HRR216VKA shows up with all the essentials, delivered with excellent quality. Love the height adjustment levers, as opposed to those in on mowers in the same price range on other manufacturers models. I ended up passing on the next model up (HRR216VYA) for $100 bucks more, as I experienced issues with Honda's Roto-Stop system disengaging and throttle slippage in my previous machine.
I'm glad I stuck with Honda again and got this model. The quality delivery of all the necessary components makes it easy to see why the VKA is Consumer Report's #1 Best Buy in May 2012 magazine.
I'm glad I stuck with Honda again and got this model. The quality delivery of all the necessary components makes it easy to see why the VKA is Consumer Report's #1 Best Buy in May 2012 magazine.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
Review 18 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
The Honda beats Troybilt and Toro by a longshot
,PostedApril 1, 2012
Frick
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Purchased a Troy B from lowes and did not last long. Had it far two to three years. Self propelled broke and was expensive to fix. Once it was the motor kept stopping. Changed oil filter and spark plug. It worked twice and started doing the samething. Said I wasn't putting no more money in it. Upon looking more at the mower found that the frame was rusting in spots. Was looking at Toro personal pace toro. Was told not to buy due to problems with the personal pace breaking easy. Looked at honda and fell in love with it. Works great and has a great warranty. Four years warranty is great.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+8points
8out of 8found this review helpful.
Review 19 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Very smart choice!
,PostedMarch 16, 2012
machinist2boot
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 week
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I researched all of the self propelled mowers at all the major sellers. I came right here and read about 30 great reviews. All other brands had less than stellar reviews. one issue or another. Honda addressed all of my issues that I had with my craftsman. The smart drive works beautifully. its right at your thumb tips and can be adjusted to your liking. Rear wheel drive is a must people! it makes all the difference. Its light and fast. My Craftsman<you engaged the drive and lived with it. it finally broke because of it. To heavy to be a push mower. The Honda is light enough.It will go about as fast as i can walk too! No electric start is ok with me. one less thing to tear up and lightens the load. i can turn the gas valve off and run it out so the ethanol doesn't ruin the gas lines and carb. Twin blade is just gravy. Bag is a little small but aren't they all! One crank start. Buy it folks! you will pat yourself on the back!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+13points
13out of 13found this review helpful.
Review 20 for 21 in. Steel Deck Smart Drive Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower-DISCONTINUED
Overall rating
Good mower but cheap parts
,PostedMarch 24, 2012
UnhappyHondaOwner
I bought this last mower last year. It starts on the first pull every time. However, the pull cord recoil assembly broke at the end of last summer. No problem because it is under warranty. Then this year the recoil assembly broke again. I did not bother with a warranty claim and bought 2 recoil assemblies knowing that it will likely break again. The recoil assembly is cheap plastic. I don't think I pull the cord any harder than the average person. So if you don't mind loading your mower a couple of times a year in your vehicle to take to a repair shop or stocking up on $12.00 recoil assemblies, this is the perfect mower for you. Makes me wonder what other cheap parts they used.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+13points
16out of 19found this review helpful.