On a related note, the 217 series hydrostatic tranny Honda mowers are awesome.... if you are looking but hesitating- don't. I bought one about a month ago and here's the great part- my wife likes it so much, she's taken over the chore! BOOOOM!
I had a HRX217 hydrostatic and hated it - the drive controls are far too cumbersome and I exchanged it for a HRX217 Select Drive.
Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense. Robert Frost
I bought one about a month ago and here's the great part- my wife likes it so much, she's taken over the chore! BOOOOM! 
