Honda HRU194

Over 30 years of trouble free use – I purchased this mower in new 1993, and it was a very expensive $650 ish at the time. However, not only has it served me well for the last 31 years, it has done some very hard work clearing overgrown land, with only air filters and oil changes - and one spark plug, and many sets of blades. I have also changed the rubber flap. It has never failed… Read more

me, and so long as I shut the fuel off at the tap after each final shutdown of the mowing day, it starts on the third pull of the cord from cold a few weeks/months later- like clockwork. Once it has been started that day, one pull restarts it, and it doesn't blow smoke, or drink oil, or mis-function in any way. I feel sorry for the Honda Service Centre who never saw it again from the day I bought it. No wonder they closed down. If everyone had one of these, all of the small engine repair guys would be out of business. It was "Made in Australia" - probably not the engine, and I don't know what else to tell you. I see the question below about is the catcher large enough. No catcher is large enough- no internet fast enough. That is a purely subjective statement I know, but the catcher is a solid polypropylene catcher, and is as good as any I have used. A neighbour with a 2 stroke Victa borrowed it once when his mower would not start, and he was amazed how little fuel it used. And it didn't need a new plug, after 15 years. I bought a new spark plug, but when I pulled the old one out, it still looked OK, but having bought a new plug, I changed it anyway. This is a mower you can use and keep your whole life IMO. Just a small edit, back in Dec 2024 I bought a mulching plug from eBay under the description, REMOVABLE MULCH PLUG SUITS 19" HONDA LAWN MOWERS HRU195 HRU196 I read somewhere else that my mower had an identical base to the two above, with the first two digits representing the cut in inches and the last digit engine horsepower. I read somewhere else that the mulching plugs only fit the two models listed in the heading, but armed with the knowledge that the base is the same, at least in these older Hondas, I risked it and sure enough it fitted perfectly. The mulching action is great with short grass in particular, and it saves having to empty the catcher, as well as adding back some of the nutrient taken by the grass itself.

Hru194 brought when I was 18 for contract work still runs perfectly and I'm 48 honda THE BEST – HRU194 brought it when I was 18 years old new for $740 cutting lawns 5-6 days per week regular oil changes & air filter changes still starts the same as I brought it when new few dints on it never let me down. Self propeld just as good best lawnmowers buy one never buy again. Show details

Best lawn mower my wife has ever pushed – My wife's father bought the buffol in the mid 80's Still going strong have offered to buy a new one but this one won't die. Have put a new pull start on it and that's about it. Great mower  Show details

what a steal! – 21 years as a contractor...my right shoulder bears the wear and tear of literally tens of thousands of pull-starts...now at 63 I run hondas exclusively, because they are so much easier to start! Bought the old hru194 for $70, new plug, couple of quick oil changes, new blades nuts and bolts, air filter pre-cleaner and what a champion...easy to… Read more

start and light as a feather....if you are a contractor and want some advice...buy up well looked after second hand Hondas with the snorkels if possible, if you get the right ones they are unbeatable value and believe me, in the years to come, your shoulder will thank you!...the new motor on the latest models is nice but at this stage a snorkel kit is unavailable...not a good thing for commercial mowers imho....how about a snorkel on the new ones Honda?

Bought one for $70 – I remember my parents having one of these in the 1990's, so when one popped up on Gumtree I wanted it. A new spark plug, air filter, blades and 3 oil changes later (I don't think it had ever had an oil change in its life) and it runs absolutely beautifully. Starts first pull every time, does not smoke, revs up smoothly and cuts grass effortlessly. These units were built to last unlike the cheap Chinese junk you buy today. Show details

Aussie built and built to last ! – Bought a HRU194 for $100 from an elderly gent who purchased it new sometime in the early 90's. Starts first pull, doesn't blow smoke and cuts very well. Fitted the mulch plug as the previous posts suggested ( serial No. Differs with A10 being last 3 didgets), put on 4 new mulching blades and it works a treat. Had to replace all wheel bearings… Read more

with genuine Honda as the generic bearings they tried to sell me were about 5 thou to big on the inside diameter.

If you can get your hands on a well maintained unit, you won't be disappointed.

Don’t believe there could be a better push mower made – Excellent mower, no complaints, mulching plug is well worth the price. I was told by Honda that a mulching plug for the HRU194 doesn’t exist, just to reiterate what one of the other reviewers said - the plug from the HRU196D is a perfect fit (part number 76266-VK0-A11). Highly recommended!  Show details

HRU194 Mulch plug – The mulch plug from a 2016 HRU196 fits the HRU 194 perfectly. Add the 4 blades and the older model lasts and works well. By the way if the older motor get a bit smokey just add a small amount no smoke for cars or similar.  Show details

Wish my other investments this good – Purchased well over 20 years ago, since bought another Honda in anticipation the old girl would let me down one day. ( sorry to the feminists) Well, I'm still waiting, still starts first pull, minimal maintenance over the years. Second also good, just so reliable. Going to chance a third purchase with a Honda self powered, as I getting older.… Read more

Fingers crossed Honda still on their game. So, three lawn mowers, what am I thinking. But I can't sell one. They will have to share.

what a champion .. honda – Still going strong 30 years .. purchased 1989 , always starts first flick ... bit smokey in its old age , in sure she'd do more years to come .. .. proven product then , now and future .. it will be a sad day when it comes to the end  Show details

Classic Honda - Can't be cloned – Hi all, recently purchased a used Honda HRU194 from Gumtree, what a bargain! I research the crap out of anything I plan to buy and this has been another great outcome. The reviews here helped and are 100% true! Thanks guys! When I met the seller he seemed a little shattered having to part with it, especially when it started first go! He'd… Read more ·  1

done his back and has since gone over to an electric mower for mobility, otherwise he wouldn't have sold it. It had never given him any problems whatsoever.

This thing is built solid, does what it's expected to do and does it well with no fuss.

It's actually easy to manoeuvre and I like the fact that the rear catch opening is entirely open, I don't have any issues with grass clogging up like on my Masport.

That's actually one of its best attributes and a defining factor for me, especially with slightly damp grass.

My mowing area is about 500sqm and this lil beast is awesome.

Also I prefer the hard catcher instead of these newer flimsy grass bag catchers, though they do catch a lil more, no big deal to me though.

Like anything if you maintain it properly it will endure, not hard to do either.

My advice to anyone wanting to buy the original Honda HRU194 is to search on Ebay or Gumtree for a used one, I got mine for 250.

The New Heritage classic edition which Honda released is 1199 which I would have bought otherwise, which is the new reincarnate.

The only thing I wish it had is a wider cutting deck like the 21 inch models. Reliability and durability is the main thing for me.

The new heritage classic looks cool with the bigger engine though.

Overall I figured this would be a safe bet having done battle before and it stands to its own testimony.

Either way you won't go wrong.

Better than the Best – My dad bought our Honda HRU194 in 1988. Today was the first time the engine had ever been opened up, not because I needed to but I thought I owed it to the old girl to freshen her up a bit. Never has it given us any trouble. If you have a chance to get one, grab it while you can!  Show reply

The workhorse – My dad traded in my Peewee50 motorbike in approx. 1988, in return for this mower. He passed it down to me 10 years ago. Still going strong, starts first time every single time but as you'd expect after 28 years of hard work, is starting to fall apart. If I could glue the whole thing back together, and put a mulch plug in, I would. An amazing mower that has done some seriously hard yards.  Show reply

Honda The Best – I purchased my Honda HRU194PU mower in 1989 for $569. Not a cheap option at the time but it has proven its value. It still starts first pull and I wouldn't have put more then 2-3 new spark plugs in it. I am now handing it over to my son and I will be buying a new Honda HRU196 with GXV160 engine.  Show reply

Best mower I have ever – Cant remember when I bought this mower but I have been at my current address since 1991 and the mower came with me. Still used occasionally on some areas around the stables. My wife uses a ride on for the house yard and the Honda fills in when the ride on is out of action. Starts one pull every time even if not used for some months. Would not sell it ever! Just for interest Serial number is 8007613.

The King of Kings – I have owned Honda HRU194 since 1992 it's start on first pull back then and till now. I think this machine is the most durable and toughest mower Honda ever produced. I had a few newer Honda model but they are not as good as HRU194. I would recommend it.

Forget the rest – I brought a Honda mower 21 years ago service it once a year,sharpen the blades with a dremel grinder.only had one set of blades. yes I do use it on an 1/3 acre house block,every 2 weeks.i mow the infernal grass. also have a Honda bent shaft line trimmer 5 years no problem Now I am an old fart I want a blower. and the straw broom has nearly wore… Read more

out. Please note my brother has had 3 new mowers and 2line trimmersin this time not Honda What does this tell you

Great Mower – I bought my mower in1993,it just goes and goes, it has never broken down and never been in for any service or repairs, I change the oil and blades when needed and that's about it I see other people buying new mowers every few years I tell them to get a Honda and it will last you a lifetime.

Best mower – I bought my HRU194 back in 1995, it has been faultless, although its getting long in the tooth now it still performs as good as ever. I bought mine in Darwin and it has travelled with me to Qld and now NSW. I hose it down & underneath after every cut. I am impressed, nearly 20yrs and no complaints about it, even the Honda salesman said if I look… Read more

after it, it will last me at least 20yrs....I thought yeah yeah heard it all before. Thank you Honda!! I hesitated at the price at first but I can certainly see its value now

Great Mower – My Dad gave me the mower when he thought it was time for an "upgrade" 6 years ago, Dad has had another two mowers since then and the workhorse he gave away to me is still going strong! We've had the mower for as long as I can remember and I'm 24, it has been submerged in floodwaters and still starts first time. Fantastic mower and I definitely won't be giving it up to anyone. Reliable, Strong, Starts first time Doesn't mow the lawn for you

Mulch? – Does anybody know if the honda hru 194 can mulch. I have heard that the hru196 mulch plug fits. I can't find any product details or anything on this mower. Apart from that this mower is awesome. I bought it second hand it fully rebuilt.Starts first time every time no matter what!!

22 years old – I bought the HRU194 back in September 1991. It has always started first time everytime. I've always washed it after a cut and last wash I think I didn't let it cool enough and it's either cracked the head / block or maybe just a gasket. She's going in for a quote to get fixed. If it's too expensive, I'll be buying another Honda, no fear!... This… Read more ·  3

old girl has worked hard all it's life and never missed a beat until now (my fault!) Started first time everytime for 22 years! Nothing, it's been great!

Does the job everytime! – 12 years ago I had the choice of a new B&S powered name brand mower , or a traded-in honda, ex mowie unit for a bit cheaper. Decided on the Honda, 12 years later, after mowing 300m2 of couch grass every 2 weeks and an acre of rural block it still starts first time....OK, sometimes 2 pulls! Its my mower, 4 wheeled wipper snipper and mulcher. It… Read more

gets serviced but gets used hard cutting couch. If your buying a mower and plan on living for a long time avoid the hassle, just get the Honda, you won't be disappointed. Even if later on you don't want it anymore you'll sell it in a snap. Reliable, well made, great long term option Can't use the excuse of "the mower won't start" to not do the mowing!

Excellent – Great, I would recommend Honda mowers to everyone who asks. The paint does fade though if it is left in the sun for twenty years. We purchased this mower, after everyone told us that Honda mowers were like John Deere tractors, a long time ago, at least fifteen years ago. It has been stored in the open weather every minute of its life. It has been… Read more ·  1

treated badly. If it was a child I would be in jail. It has never had a service, to my knowledge. It starts first time every time, never misses a beat. When we were on acreage it worked hard but as we are in town now it doesn't do too much but it is still outside as I have no room in my shed, electrical tools first, and still it goes. People were right, Honda mowers are the best. It doesn't mow the grass without my wife pushing it and it is noisy when I am trying to get an afternoon sleep.

It's an awesome workhorse that's worth the money – I'd always wanted a Honda mower, I used to work for a Honda motorcycle dealer many years ago & 7 years ago, I granted me my wish. I wore out a Victa 4 stroke in 3 yrs & the Honda, living the same rural life & punishment is still alive & well. I bought the mulching plug for my mower & it's excellent, who wants to empty catchers when you have a… Read more

few hours of moving to do. I do have my mower serviced & I do clean it often, but, it is an investment that will last for a long time to come. The Victa was half the price & look how long that lasted!!

May 5th 2018 Update: So Many Years On & I Still Love my Honda HRU194

I still stand by my review, this mower is awesome & still starts first time. I owned a Victor 4 stroke mower that gave up the ghost after approx 3 years & this one is still going reliably over 10 years & many more to come. The purchase date might be a bit off! This is just off the top of my head & I felt I had to share lol Easy to start & keeps going & economical. it's not the self propelled model

Good – HRU194 has been a very reliable mower with minimum maintenance, providing an excellent finish and trouble free starting- even after not being used for some time. Remember to keep fuel clean! I bought my mower in 1992. It started life in Adelaide and has come with me to far North Qld. and to Bris. Has always been easy to start, cuts very well,… Read more ·  1

copes reasonably well with very dense turf varieties. Sometimes need todo half cuts when very long... but remember... they are designed to trim..... not slash! Definately recomend to a potential buyer! I run 4 blades on my mower to improve cut and its ability to catch. My mower gets washed after use as I have different turf varieties on my property (to avoid cross contamination) the wheel's bearings have collapsed. It can struggle to pick up to catcher very dense turf clippings.