The Power Behind the Innovation
The HRX™ and the GCV190 Engine
In keeping with its no-compromise philosophy, the Honda HRX™ lawnmower line features an advanced 4-cycle power system, the Honda GCV190, which provides a quiet, low-emission and reliable source to drive both the cutting blade and the drive wheels. The overhead cam (OHC) GCV190 is one of Honda's most technologically advanced engines, introduced in March 2003. It incorporates the company's latest design and manufacturing features.
GCV190 Specifications
|
Model |
GCV190 (vertical shaft) |
|
Engine Type |
Air-cooled 4-stroke OHC single cylinder |
|
Maximum Torque |
8.1lb ft (11.0 Nm - 1.12 kg.-m) / 2500 rpm |
|
Ignition System |
Transistorized magneto |
|
Starting System |
Recoil |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity |
1.16 U.S. qts. (1.1 liter) |
|
Air Cleaner |
Dry (paper filter) |
|
Oil Capacity |
0.58 U.S. qts. (0.55 liters) |
|
Lubrication System |
Forced Splash |
|
Fuel Consumption |
1.21 U.S. qts. per hour (1.2 liter) |
|
Dimensions (LxWxH) |
14.4 x 13.0 x 14.4 in (367 x 331 x 366 mm) |
|
Dry Weight (dry) |
27.6 lbs (12.5 kg) |
To maintain the exceptional reliability expected of Honda's engines, the GCV-190's internal components have been strengthened though the use of a stronger piston pin than the model it replaced, as well as a larger connecting rod, larger rod journal, and redesigned oil control ring.
Environmental Leadership
As with all Honda engines, the GCV190 meets or exceeds all 2006 requirements of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and also the more stringent requirements of the California Air Resources Board.
At the neighborhood level, the GCV190 engine provides HRX owners (and their neighbors) with a quiet yet powerful and lightweight source of energy for a variety of demanding mowing applications. In particular, the quiet operation offered by the GCV190's built-in timing belt results in greatly improved sound quality. Honda engineering also has reduced valve train and gear noise for a better quality engine sound that is distinctly easier on the ears.
For the person walking behind the mower, low emissions mean more than just preserving the environment in general. The GCV190's innovative combination of a compact combustion chamber, overhead cam configuration and uniblock construction significantly reduces fuel and oil consumption as compared to conventional side-valve engines. Honda's DuaLube™ System achieves full engine lubrication by combining governor slinger paddles and an oil bearing timing belt. This simple construction reduces many potential maintenance needs, making Honda's GCV190 one of the most efficient, cost-effective engines available. The result is a quieter, easier starting engine that delivers a more pleasant experience for consumers.
Other Consumer Benefits
One of the great frustrations in lawn mowing can come from simply trying to get the mower to start. Honda's GCV190 minimizes this annoyance through high-quality manufacturing and by special features designed to improve starting reliability. The GCV190 incorporates, for example, a horizontal cross-flow intake port that smoothes the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber. This feature, combined with Honda's automatic mechanical decompression, eliminates many of the causes of summer starting problems.
Breakdowns provide another source of frustration and expense. Honda minimizes the cost and aggravation of owning a lawnmower through its use of advanced design technology and through the legendary quality of its manufacturing process. The GCV190's unique combination of the world's first internal timing belt and uniblock construction creates a lighter and more compact package than anything else in its class. This combination also minimizes the number of moving parts - sources of potential breakdowns - and makes the engine more reliable and easier to operate.
About Honda Engines
Honda is the world's largest producer of engines, selling more than 15 million annually across its product lines. The GCV190 engine powering the HRX will be produced at Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing, Inc., in Swepsonville, North Carolina, using domestic and globally-sourced parts.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Powering the Honda HRX lawnmower is Honda's recently introduced GCV190 overhead cam (OHC) engine that delivers 6.5 horsepower. Putting this power to the wheels is a choice of either a three-speed self-propelled transmission (featured on the HRX217TDA model) or Honda's exclusive Cruise Control Hydrostatic transmission (featured on the HRX217HXA model) that enables the user to infinitely vary the ground speed and gradually phase in the power for smoother operation. Maximum ground speed has been increased from 3.2 to 3.5 mph for the three-speed model and from 3.5 to 4.0 mph for the Cruise Control version. The result is an excellent grass cut.
On both HRX models, Ergoactive™ handles also offer easy-to-access controls, maximizing comfort during operation.
The GCV190 engine offers Honda's patented Roto-Stop® Blade Brake Clutch that allows for the engagement of the blades without stopping the motor. This feature is useful for safely transporting the mower using the drivewheels over driveways, beds or rocky surfaces.
