- Sign in
- Write a review
Honda HRU196
HRU196M1 (L/R, Blade Brake), HRU196D, HRU196K1Reviewer Photos & Videos
John
- 2 reviews
Great mower, however the catcher keeps falling off.
I bought this Honda Commercial mower about 6 months ago as I wanted a quality mower that would last and get the job done. The mower has been great. It starts first time and gets through most tough grass, however the catcher (hard plastic Australian model) now will just fall off when you are in the middle of mowing and you almost fall over it when it drops off as there are only two small plastic bits that hold the catcher on. This is very very very frustrating when you are in the middle of mowing the lawn and have to stop continuously as the cat...Read more
cher is going to fall off. This can almost double your mowing time as you have to stop all the time. I would have thought by buying a Honda Commercial mower which is around $1200 would not have this issue. The main function of the mower is to cut and catch the grass in the catcher and I would not have thought I would need to use a jockey strap to hold the catcher on. Has anyone else had this issue with there catcher or know of a way to resolve the issue?Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
AzatGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 8 reviews
- 1 like
- Buffalo Classic HRU196M1 (L/R, Blade Brake)
- Verified purchase
Not so easy to start
I find it harder to start than our last lawnmower, l can start it but need to position it so l don’t need to hold and pull at the same time.
I’m a small female don’t think men would have my problems.
But still needs more than one pull to start, l find it temperamental.
Very happy with its ability to catch the grass.
I made a thingy magigy to hold the bar up so it doesn’t turn the motor off every time l can’t hold it down.
Might be a safety feature but very annoying.
The large nut thing to stop the handle folding keeps coming undone.
Not sure if l would buy it again, it came recommend by the lawn mowing man an l trusted his judgment.
Purchased in January 2018 at Kingston mowers for $1,055.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Paul R.Central, SA
- 2 reviews
As heavy as a Sherman tank
I purchased a new Honda Buffalo Pro push lawnmower with the Blade Brake Clutch system and the commercial GXV160 engine.It’s an amazing lawnmower and the commercial engine is rock solid, extremely well built for longevity and so quiet and powerful enough to do my lawns at home with ease.And it has a safety guard bolted over the carby linkages for extra protection and a lot of great features such as the larger surface area air filter and it’s a well built lawnmower!My main concerns are it’s enormous weight and I have to empty the plastic catcher...Read more
when half full or it’s just so heavy to push.My previous lawnmower was a Honda Buffalo Bull with the GSV190 engine which was incredibly maneuverable and light weight semi commercial mower even with its cast iron bore .I could double cut my lawns very quickly and so easily but this new mower is like pushing a Sherman tank around so I don’t enjoy mowing the lawn anymore and just do a single cut.Honda,why are you adding these safety items that nobody wants?Originally ,I wanted the Engine Brake version as it would be lighter but I would have to place it on back order with up to a 3 month wait,even longer with the Covid19 virus here.I was offered the B.B.C model with a discount.Stanford mowers were great to deal with and I would buy from them again!The safety lever has to be pressed against the handle bar when mowing and even with heavy leather gloves on my hands ache badly from trying to manoeuve this mower around and I now mow in two halves with a break in between .All this extra safety gear adds extra weight as well as placing extra wear on the lower crankshaft bearing over time .This is why I preferred the Engine Brake model.This safety gear should be optional as I don’t need it with a flat lawn and it’s just extra stuff to go wrong and adds to an already heavy lawnmower.And should this engine ever develop a lower engine seal leak, the oil could contaminate the clutch assembly.However,I look forward to getting 20+ years from this mower and being a retired Automotive technician I can keep it meticulously maintained like all my other Honda equipment.Suffice it to say,I now understand why professionals buy the self propelled models!Purchased in March 2020 for $1,050.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Honda HRU196 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Know better, choose better.
PaulBNew South Wales
Great engine, reasonable product with the right blades.
Following my purchase 2 years ago I was initially disappointed with the small chute and associated clogging when mowing damp grass. I opted for the Honda as I wanted power to do just that. After working with the agent we fitted the Honda with the two standard mulch blades and two additional high lift blades which made a world of difference. We made a slight rpm increase also. Overall I'm very happy with how it performs and am enjoying my mowing. The weight creating significant tracks when mowing damp ground would be my only negative feedback. Largely a great engine and the blade break system does work well for me having to regularly negotiate obstacles.
Purchased in May 2018 for $1,100.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
jeremy.ieraciDarwin, NT
- 29 reviews
- 28 likes
Tough
I've been mowing commercially for the past 5 years with a HRU19 buck I bought new, it always started first pull and was a good piece of kit. Upgraded to the 196 and just got home from my first day's work with it out in the field across 4 different jobs. So how is it? Good, but heavy!
This thing's a little harder to push around, weighing in at 44kgs it's 10kgs up from my old buck. The mower is solid as all hell. I bought it for it's everlasting reputation
It's tough, trustworthy, looks cool and cuts well (thankful I don't have the small chute...Read more
and bag that kept clogging anymore!) Lifting it out of the ute I notice the extra 10kg but not as bad as I thought, which is good. The buck was heavy too, no doubt about it but the 196 just takes it to the next level is all. EDIT** I actually have two 196 now by the way, the new old style catch one and a bag catcher, half chute too. Both have their strengths and weaknesses (bag version prone to clogging chute in wet or long grass, plastic catch version spits some clippings at flap, did it from new and old ones I recall same fault. You have to clean all seal points and try mould to the shape of catcher bit even doing this isn't perfect abd still spits some) I had an issue from the shop. Got it home and the throttle would waiver up and down at 'full' position. Found the cable needed adjusting, now it's good. Starts first pull if you do use choke when cold and just start in "high" position when already warm. Blade brake stops blades immediately, which is safe. Solid mower sound. It's the real deal, that's for sure, just not lightweight.Purchased in November 2019 at All Mower Spares for $1,200.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Deano
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
It's a good mower
Good mower to be honest.
Mines been back under warranty a few times for the governor shaft leaking oil out around the shaft. Know out of warranty and it's still leaking and they don't want to know about it. Disappointed to be honest.
Other than that hasn't let me down..
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
kgnMelbourne
- Buffalo Classic HRU196M1 (L/R, Blade Brake)
- Verified purchase
Solid mower - should give a long life based on experience with the original still going strong
The mower cuts well - handles wet grass ok. I use this commercially, and bought as I still own the original version since 1986 ( which I also used commercially and now continues to do home duty-still starts 1st time).
The original is still going, and still cuts the grass at home, the new one I use commercially in paddocks and out in the bush around public infrastructure when growth is too heavy for a brushcutter (35cc 4 stroke honda - which can really smash!).
Pros - Reliable robust frame material clears the chute ok - same frame as the orig...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Check your blades
We were about to sell our supposed great Honda top of the range mower cause it wouldn't pick up grass. Even dry grass. But I got new NON MULCH BLADES & yeah it now catches grass & even filled the catcher. Never has this happen before. Even from brand new. The dealer fitted new blades but they were mulching blades. Now fitted with low & high throw blades it works a treat. Finally a nice looking lawn
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
RenegadeLCAU
- 4 reviews
- 4 likes
Preformed better than expected
Mulching is amazing and cuts like a dream Whisper quite with punch. Compared to my old mower this makes me moist. I will have intimate dreams of this mower tonight. I'm going to file for divorce and marry my lawn mower. My heart lies deep with this one. XOXO gossip gorl
Update!! Height adjustment is flimsy and hard to manage. Poor design and enginge cut off is a pain i use a sttap to keep engine running. Other than that. Good machine
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Honda HRU196 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Know better, choose better.
GarieIllawarra, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 6 likes
1st and only honda
Sara what good is it reporting our problems,we are still stuck with a bad mower.i am glad i kept my old victa when grass is damp out it comes and does the job so easy,$1000 worth of mower stays in the shed Great ad for honda.Plus mower is way way to heavy.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Mark CamilleriSydney, Nsw, 2145
- 3 reviews
- 11 likes
Terrible.
Won't get that time back
What a waste I had to sell it for half the price
It might be an ok mower in the desert but I would highly advice not to purchase any Honda with the back shoot half closed up.why they still building that way.
It gets blocked even if the grass is the slightest bit moist.so you have to mulch but that still stalls
The mower after 15 steps.
It is well built great handles good wheels it just is no good for Sydney conditions
Very heavy
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
FrankPerth, WA
- 18 reviews
- 6 likes
Very disappointing lawnmower for the cost
I wish I had done some research before buying this lawnmower. Where do I start.
1. I bought it because it was "commerical grade" thinking that would mean high quality. The engine seems underpowered to me but that is the least of it's problems. I cannot see how someone could use this mower if they had a mowing business.
2. The chute is too small. Way too small. It is also very poorly designed. I can see Honda have said there is no issue with it... but believe me there is. As an Engineer myself I can see straight that the design is e...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
JMJMaryborough
Should be replaced at no charge per ACCC
Honda know there's a problem with the small chute that is why they bought out a conversion kit for it I sold Honda mowers for many years and have spoken to the Honda rep and he informed me there was a kit made for this mower regarding this problem engine great design shocking
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
mowergirlsydney
im getting frustrated using my mower
My mower is just over a year old, so relatively new. It constantly stops while i mow, this started a few months ago. I called the shop where i bought it, told them what happened. They told me to bring it in, i cannot as its too heavy. They told me it might be water in the fuel, so i removed all the fuel, bought new fuel from a different station, i changed the fuel a couple of times but same thing happens and still happening. Its so frustrating my old victa was so reliable but it fell apart, oh! How i miss it. I bought the Honda as i thought i was buying quality, but i feel ripped off. Did i buy a lemon? Does anybody else have this problem?
2 comments
All fixed now. My friend drained fuel through carburator, working fine now.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
TinboyMelbourne
- 6 reviews
- 6 likes
Over engineered quality mower just not executed correctly
I am a contracter and have been for 10 years.. Always used victa and masport, tried an old Honda once and it failed with low power & extremely heavy.. so after a long time thought I would try the range with blade brake, my knees where hurting at the end of the first day.. Still way too heavy.. First job clutch on the blade brake started to slip.. I was shocked.. 2 inch high grass made this mower fail.. Couldn't believe it..
I ended up removing 2 blades to reduce resistance in thick grass and it cut better but wouldn't mulch or catch very we...Read more
ll.. Was so happy when my mower shop said they would swap it for any other model.. So drove straight back and grabbed myself a commercial masport.. WOOH!! This thing is like a formula one car.. So light and yet heaps of power.. The Honda couldn't keep up with me and now I can't keep up with the Masport.. So happy and feel like a real man again.. Honda I live by a rule.. "Keep it simple stupid" you should too. Your engines and build quality are incredible!! The rest is disappointing..1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi Tinboy, Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback. Please know that this has been passed on. - Sarah
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Honda HRU196 compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
Know better, choose better.
SparrowSydney Surrounds, NSW
Honda - a great machine, but!
I have had a Honda HRU 196D mower for the past 10 years or more and entirely satisfied. I have about 2 years ago bought the the more recent model with the fabric catch and all the additional bells and whistles, the engagement clutch and extraction exhaust running up the handle. I am no long a spring chicken and find the extra addition and the fabric catcher cumbersome. I originally gave my son the older model and have now repossessed the older model and gave him the newer one. The older model is still working fine and have been trying to pu...Read more
rchase the earlier model with the the PVC catcher without the additional cumbersome engine engagement clutch. It was a backward step for Honda to not have kept the earlier model. Today I have found out that due to customer demand Honda are now bring out a new version of the earlier model. I do hope it is light and straightforward. All I want to do is mow with the ease of the earlier model. The fabric catcher was clumsy and dusty. The clutch awkward and unnecessary for my purposes. It would be good to have a quick release handle for ease of travelling and storing. Heath1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi Heath,
Thank you for your feedback. If you would like to discuss this matter further or have any questions or queries please feel free to get in touch with our customer relations team on 1300 559... Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Old model was MUCH better!
Hi,
As a lawn contractor for over ten years I must say! You need a new design team! Someone who actually uses the product. Your older style was lighter, cheaper, and much better machine! Almost 10kgs heavier! For a blade or engine break. And yes they clog!!! I expect much more from Honda.
1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi Matt, thank you for taking the time to provide this review. Please know that your coments are not going unheard. If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions or queries please co... Read more
ntact customer.relations@honda.com.au. Many thanks, SarahSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
michaelMelbourne
Piece of Rubbish!
I had a victa tornado which cut beautifully, decided to go with a "professional mower" when it was time for a new mower, so I brought a hru196 about 12 months ago.... worst purchase in my life, totally regret it. Its too heavy, clogs up all the time, I don't a partially full bag before it clogs up!!!! And it leaves "dags" of cut grass all over the lawn, which is pathetic and embarressing when your being paid to mow someone's lawn...first and last honda, I'll ever "beep" buy!!!! No joy from the dealer either, they just look at me like I'm doing something wrong!!!! Grrrrr!!!!
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
GarieIllawarra, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 6 likes
Stung twice
Why do we have to pay for the bigger bag? it is a problem with the mower so why dont honda pay for it?.I have had a HRU196m1 for a week and im not happy with it.I mowed my back lawn(18x14 metres) the shute blocked 3 times and the grass was only slightly damp.My 25 yr old victa never blocked up.I think honda has a hide to tell us to buy a so called remedy for a design problem they know about .
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Very unhappy
This mower clogs up all the time. Had to use the cheap back up mower to do the lawns properly and it did not clog at all. Honda might think that they are good coming up with these new ideas but having less than half of the back of the mower to eject the grass is just stupid!! Not happy!!
Motor
Clogs with grass all the time.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Details
Category | Petrol Lawn Mowers | Petrol Lawn Mowers | Petrol Lawn Mowers |
---|---|---|---|
Price (RRP) | $1,169.00 | ||
Power Source | Petrol | ||
Features | Mulching Capability | ||
Catcher Type | Collapsible | ||
Catcher Capacity | 60 L | ||
Cutting Deck Material | Aluminium Alloy | ||
Cutting Width | 470 mm | ||
Height of Cut | 16 mm to 76 mm | ||
Weight | 44 kg | ||
Manufacturer Warranty | 4 year(s) | ||
Engine / Motor | |||
Engine Name | Honda GCV160 OHV Iron Bore | ||
Engine Type | OHV (Overhead Valve) | ||
Brand | Honda | ||
Release date | Sept 2010 |
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
James H.Honda
Hi Mowergirl, Sounds like you have an isolated issue. Could you please message us your suburb/ postcode and we will arrange to have your unit inspected?
-Sarah