Questions and Answers for Honda GCV190 21 in. Variable Speed Walk Behind Gas Self Propelled Mower

A:  We recommend you work with your local dealer to repair the engine rather than trying to replace. There are service parts available to rebuild it, and it's typically less expensive to repair vs replace the engine. The model you need is GCV190AMX8, but it is discontinued and you may have difficulty finding it. Honda doesn't sell replacement engines as parts; that's why you are not finding it in the parts catalog. It's honestly pretty unusual for someone to replace the whole engine vs repairing it. We're sorry you are having difficulty with this, but hopefully this helps you to find what you need.

A:  Very little, but the lower the height, the better it picks up. Also the shorter time on the ground the easier they’re picked up with the bag.

A:  Not sure. If you lower the cutting, it may pick them up. I know that it picks up leaves and small sticks.

A:  Maybe a couple, if they're sitting on top of the grass, but in general, no.

A:  No, does great with grass and leaves but will not pick up acorns

A:  No, this mower will not pick-up acorns while you mow.

A:  Yes, but the gcv200 is the new version of this mower.

A:  Hi Wampus, this is directly from the Honda global website describing the differences: “The design of the new Honda GCV200 is smart, simple and sophisticated, incorporating new features that serve to reduce maintenance time while improving serviceability for the redesigned Honda HRX mower models. GCV200 engine change points that enhance the HRX user experience include a larger fuel tank filler (a fuel spout with a 60 percent larger circumference than the GCV190 engine) for quicker and easier gas-ups with fewer spills; a longer, more extended oil fill tube for more convenient adding and draining of oil; a more easily-accessible, tool-less air filter that protects the engine from yard debris and dirty conditions; more direct access to spark plugs for quicker changes; and a carburetor with a simpler and more rugged stud bolt design. The Honda Auto Choke System (ACS) on the new GCV200 engine allows for dependable starts, regardless of hot or cold weather conditions. This automatic, user-friendly system eliminates the need for levers and cables, and once the engine is running, the ACS automatically adjusts to the optimal operating position.” Hope this helps... Clippings from a mower...

A:  I honestly don't know. If the price is the same or close to it, I'd go with the newer model with the bigger engine.

A:  The HRX 2018 vs 2019 now has a larger fuel fill for gas and a higher oil fill. Outside of that, the units are very much similar/same.

A:  I own the 2018 model. I looked at a 2019 model in Home Depot the other day, and from my observation, there do not appear to be any other differences in the two models, other than the bumped-up engine displacement and horsepower. But I cannot say for sure.

A:  I really don’t know. I have the HRX212HYA with the 190 engine. Picked it up on 3/8/17 and used it all last summer and fall – no problems – great mower Worth the extra $ I paid for it ! Tim

A:  Thank you for your question. The standard Honda belt for the blades is Honda part #22432-VH7-A00. If you need this belt you can order online or request a local Honda dealer order it for you if necessary.

A:  Yes it does, I've had mine for a little over a year in Arizona with both seasons of grass, rye & bermuda. I didn't have much leaves on the lawn but what leaves I did have it did great.

A:  I can’t compare as I have never owned a commercial mower. But this mower does a good job with picking up leaves.

A:  It bags very well. Extremely easy to employ. Love that the mower stays running too while you empty.

A:  Yes, It bags very well, but mulches so well you may quit bagging! My previous Honda was a 1989 HRX-217SXA master series. It bagged grass to the point of almost square bailing it! It picked up leaves well also, but the bag filled up way too fast. This mower with the twin blades and user adjustable bag opening (clip director) allows you to adjust the mower to pick up leaves much more efficiently by chopping them up more finely before they enter the bag. The result is more leaves picked up before bag is full, resulting in more passes less emptying! So to answer your question, Yes!

A:  In my case, I have several different trees with various size leaves. It does ok with the smaller leaves, but it doesn't reduce the big leaves that well. I have to empty the bag too many times with the amount of leaves in my yard.

A:  It bags better than any other mower I have used. I would note there are 2 important variables in how well a mower bags:1.) How full is the bag, and 2.) What is the cutting height (i.e., how high is the deck). Suction decreases as the bag fills, and as the deck is raised higher from the turf. As long as you are not trying to bag leaves with the bag stuffed, and the deck raised to its maximum height, it bags great!

A:  the bagging of grass clipping does the job the way it was design for, but not as leaf vacuum

A:  Yes. And with the switch of a knob it will mulch a little or a lot depending on your needs

A:  Virtually nothing. He came with the handle folded, and the bag loose.

A:  Nothing really. You'll have to attach the handle because it's folded down in packaging. Plus you'll need to add the oil that comes with it.

A:  The handle comes folded up in the carton, so it has to be unfolded and tightened. No tools are required. It takes about 1-2 minutes to do. The rest is ready to go.

A:  Nothing, just add the supplied oil. Fill the gas tank, and attach the gas catcher bag. I've never used the bag. I prefer to mulch the cuttings.

A:  Nothing, just lift out of the box, raise the handle to lock in position, add the whole bottle of supplied oil, and fill up the gas tank and you're off and running.

A:  Yes, probably much better than any other non-commercial mower, but that being said, the commercial Honda mowers have a cast iron cylinder sleeve, so you may want "buy once, cry once".

A:  Commercial use shortens the effective warranty period, but the mower can easily stand up to commercial use.

A:  I bought this for residential use and am pleased with its performance in that regard. I guess that it depends on your usage frequency but I feel like it’s a reliable, rugged mower and might work for your purposes. My last Honda mower lasted for 23 years and is still functional so I’m a huge Honda fan!!

A:  Not a professional, but we have a large property that takes about 2 hours to mow with this walk-behind mower. (Yes, we probably should have a rider, but we like the exercise!) This Honda mower has worked wonderfully all summer long. Starts right up and now issues. We bought and used for about 1/2 the summer in 2017 and all this summer without any service needed for a problem. Hope that helps to give you an idea of how great this mower is.

A:  No Way!! This is the most unreliable mower ! All it needs is a branch or lump of wet grass or anything trivial and you will end up breaking the crank shaft of its engine ! I very strongly discourage any Honda or other non USA manufacturer after many many attempts with these brands and their models. So far TORO has stood out and over performed everything ! I even hit rocks and branches and the engine just cuts off!! Doesn’t keep going and break itself like Honda.

A:  I do not know, I only use mine for trim and edging. Seems durable.

A:  In my opinion, I think it would hold up . As long as you keep it mantained and change oil when needed.

A:  No bearings.

A:  Yes.

A:  Yes. This information can be found in the Honda GCV190 specification sheet - https://powerequipment.honda.com/lawn-mowers/Compare/?modelid=HRX2173VKA&modelid=HRX2174VLA&modelid=HRX217K5VYA&modelid=HRX2173HYA&modelid=HRX2173HZA

A:  no the wheels do not have ball bearings

A:  I'm sure there are some ball bearings in there somewhere.