Honda Lawnmowers Background Information

Honda Power Equipment produces and markets a complete line of lawnmowers for commercial, premium residential, and consumer applications. The product line consists of 10 models in four different series, including Honda HRS, Honda HRR, Honda HRX™, and Honda HRC Commercial.

Each product family incorporates a number of features and accessories for versatility and convenience. They include a variable height adjustment system; an ErgoActive™ handle; a large capacity standard rear easy on/easy off grass bag; the exclusive, twin-blade Honda MicroCut or QuadraCut System™; discharge chute and leaf shredder options; and a choice of mowing decks. Honda mowers are the only of their kind to offer advanced and durable maintenance-free Cruise Control hydrostatic transmissions that allow for infinite drive speed variation while maintaining maximum engine speed.

In keeping with Honda's tradition of technological and environmental leadership, all Honda lawnmower models feature Honda's easy-starting engines that deliver smooth, quiet, reliable four-stroke power. The compact, lightweight OHC (overhead cam) GC Series offers maximum power and high-efficiency combustion for home use, and the OHV (overhead valve) GX Series delivers rugged, commercial grade performance.

The Honda HRR and HRS Series

The Honda HRR Series consists of three different models, each containing a number of standard features and benefits, including:

• An easy-starting 4-stroke, single cylinder GCV160 OHC engine designed to reduce weight and increase mower maneuverability;
• The world's first internal timing belt on a mower with reserve power for the most demanding mowing conditions;
• The exclusive twin-blade QuadraCut System™ that uses four cutting surfaces for superior mulching and bagging;
• The Honda HRR steel mowing deck;
• An easy on/easy off grass bag for low-effort emptying;
• An ErgoActive™ handle incorporating easily accessible controls, designed to maximize safety, comfort and convenience;
• A height adjustment system, offering seven mowing height adjustments ranging from 3/4" to 4" (depending on the model) for different mowing needs;
• Variable and three-speed transmissions (depending on the model).

Introduced in 2006, the all-new HRR Series lawnmower line is designed to deliver exceptionally easy operation, high performance and superior fuel efficiency. The HRR216K5VXA model is equipped with the revolutionary, variable speed SMART Drive™ transmission system and new ErgoActive™ easy-folding handlebars - delivering an infinitely easier lawnmowing experience at an affordable price. HRR Series models - the HRR216K5VXA and HRR216K5TDA - are available nationwide through Honda Power Equipment dealers and The Home Depot retail stores.

The HRR216K5VXA incorporates Honda's newest technological innovation, the SMART Drive™ transmission system. Developed and tested by Honda R&D, in conjunction with a professional ergonomic specialist for the most comfortable operation, this unique Variable Speed Transmission (VST) allows the user to easily control the mower's speed simply by resting his or her hands on the handlebars. By placing either one or both thumbs on the lever, the operator can easily control the mower's speed and even mow with one hand.

The HRR Series, powered by Honda's GCV160 OHC engine, incorporates a number of ergonomic design elements that make easy work of mowing.

Honda offers the following three mowers in the HRR Series:

The HRS Series includes two models that feature the exclusive twin-blade advantage of the QuadraCut System™ as well as OHC/OHV Honda lightweight engines that are easy to start and deliver efficient power. The compact design of these engines also makes the mowers easy to maneuver. The extremely efficient combustion of the OHC/OHV configuration means one engine certifies to emissions standards in all 50 states. Both HRS mowers are covered by a three-year warranty.

The Honda HRX™ Series

Introduced in 2004, the Honda HRX Series pioneers the unique Versamow™ System that, for the first time on any mower, easily enables simultaneous distribution of clippings to both the bag and the ground. New for 2008 is the premium HRX217VKA. Equipped with the SMART Drive™ Transmission, the newest HRX model allows the user to easily control the mower's speed simply by resting his or her hands on the handlebars - adding still more convenience and ease of use to what already is the most user-friendly 21-inch mower on the market today. All HRX models are available nationally through Honda Power Equipment dealers.

The HRX models use the 4-stroke, single-cylinder GCV190 OHC engine. The HRX electric start model, introduced in 2005, also features advanced Cyclon sealed lead-acid battery technology. The battery is mounted on the mower's handlebar and integrated with a convenient automotive-style key switch. Depending on use, the battery should only require charging twice a year, delivering up to 300 starts on a single charge. Electricity is fed to a small starter motor incorporated in the GCV190 engine.

The Honda Versamow System has been designed to be a complete four-in-one mowing system delivering the ultimate in flexibility. A Clip Director lever located behind the engine cowling operates a sliding door between the mower deck and the grass bag allowing the operator to easily:

• Rear discharge;
• Mulch 100 percent of clippings;
• Bag 100 percent of clippings;
• Simultaneously mulch and bag or rear discharge in varying degrees through 10 separate settings.

The system also offers a setting for leaf shredding where leaves are recirculated until they are small enough to pass into the bag. All this can take place without a conventional mulch plug and labor-intensive conversion associated with most mowers.

Targeting best-in-industry bagging performance, HRX is able to mow 40 percent further before the bag is full, allowing the operator to empty the bag 40 percent less often. This is accomplished through the use of a 2.5 bushel grass bag, and Honda's new MicroCut™ offset twin-blade cutting system that results in finer clippings that pack the bag more efficiently. Additional HRX features and benefits include:

• The exclusive, easy-to-clean Nexite® mowing deck, which allows clippings to circulate naturally for maximum mulching; the deck comes with a limited, non-commercial lifetime warranty;
• A hydrostatic transmission that offers infinitely variable speed control for individual pace;
• A blade brake clutch for quick blade stopping without shutting off the mower - allows for bag emptying without restarting the engine.

The Honda Commercial Series

Completely re-engineered from the ground up are Honda's HRC Commercial Series mowers. First introduced in 1989, the existing HRC series has been replaced by two models: the self-propelled, hydrostatic drive HRC216K2HXA and push-type HRC216K2PDA. For the first time, the HRC Series' legendary mowing performance is enhanced by offering Honda's exclusive MicroCut™ twin-blade mulching technology.

Both all-new HRC mowers are stronger, faster, lighter, more efficient, and incorporate a number of key features:

• Dome shaped deck design that facilitates both bagging and mulching while delivering finer clipping particles;
• Offset twin blade MicroCut System (the only 2-blade 21-inch commercial mower);
• New Hydrostatic Cruise Control transmission that has been redesigned for increased durability and higher top speed - (1.8 - 4.0 mph); (HXA model only);
• Improved handlebars that are now adjustable for height;
• Front bumper provides mower deck and engine protection; also allows for convenient transport tie down;
• Durable, lightweight Nexite™ wheels with axle protectors.

In addition, the introduction of the push model HRC216K2PDA marks the U.S. debut of Honda's GSV160 overhead cam (OHC) engine, while the self-propelled HRC216K2HXA utilizes Honda's legendary GXV160 engine. Both engines feature all-aluminum construction and a cast-iron cylinder sleeve.

"At the heart of every Honda mower is a world-renowned, easy-starting engine that delivers smooth, quiet, reliable 4-stroke power and low emission levels," said Steve Bailey, Honda Power Equipment assistant vice president. "All Honda mowers offer the same exceptional level of quality, performance and reliability as every product that carries the Honda name."

Editor's Note:

Honda Power Equipment, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., manufactures and markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment, including outboard marine engines, general purpose engines, generators, lawnmowers, pumps, snowblowers, tillers and trimmers for commercial, rental and residential applications. Its comprehensive product line is powered exclusively by environmentally advanced
4-stroke engines.

Information for media regarding Honda products is available at www.hondanews.com.
Consumer information regarding Honda products is available at www.honda.com.

For product inquiries and dealer locations, please call 800-426-7701.