Summary
When you are looking for a petrol mower, you want to feel certain that it is going to meet all of your expectations; easy to use, reliable, efficient and durable. All of these things are effortlessly brought together in the Honda HRX537HY, and then some!
I’ll admit, this Honda HRX537HY mower is at the higher end of the price range where petrol mowers are concerned, but when you consider everything that you are getting, you can easily see why it costs that little bit extra.
It has a wide cutting width that is excellent for larger gardens, Honda suggest anything around the size of two tennis courts+, so it’s pretty versatile
What’s more, the Honda HRX537HY runs with one of their powerful 187cc engines that makes this a reliable and robust model.
If there was anything that I would have to say made this mower less than it could be, it’s the lack of a rear roller. But then, Honda did make a very similar model with a roller, the HRX476-QY. That being said, this model does have a slightly smaller cutting width of 47cm (19 inches), so you’d have to decide which model is best suited to your requirements.
But rollers aside, this is a mower that has a lot to offer and I certainly am impressed with how well it runs, its diversity and how easy it is to use. I’m pretty sure you will be too.
Main Features
- 2 in 1 cutting options (Cut & Collect and Mulching)
- 53cm cutting width
- 187cc Honda engine
- Adjustable cutting height on each wheel
- 7 year domestic warranty
- Huge 88-litre grass bag
- Durable deck
Engine
One of the most remarkable things about this Honda HRX537HY lawn mower is the sheer power. You are not simply paying for something that will cut your grass but rather, something that will make the job effortless.
This runs on a 187cc 4-stroke engine. The 4-stroke is great if you want something with a low noise level and fewer vibrations, and that is perfectly demonstrated in this model. What’s more, these engines are far better for the environment and don’t put out as many emissions.
But if all of that wasn’t enough, you’ll be pleased to know that this is an exceptionally fuel-efficient piece of equipment. It runs on unleaded petrol which you won’t be needing to top up too frequently.
This engine operates on a hydrostatic basis, which essentially means that the oil pressure builds up enough force to power the motor using a hydraulic system (increasing the swash plate angle). This is a very effective way to work and control the speed with ease and more precisely than a petrol mower with belt or chain drives. If this all seems a bit technical, don’t worry too much. This hydrostatic is favoured by professionals and makes controlling the speed (between 0 and 4mph) of the mower smooth and precise. If you would like to learn more about this system, then some bedtime reading can be found here – What is Honda’s Cruise Control Hydrostatic Transmission?.
This Honda HRX537HY is recoil start with no electric start option. Needless to say that starting is easy and reliable with the added advantage of the auto-choke.
Honda HRX537HY Video
Performance
I mentioned how a petrol mower needs to be reliable, and you won’t get more reliable than this.
The Honda HRX537HY makes light work of even the largest gardens without faltering and thanks to a large grass collection bag, it is great for these bigger spaces. It boasts a variable speed control which ranges between 0 and 4mph giving you greater control over the mow.
Furthermore, it has a 2 in 1 mowing function that gives you the freedom to tend to your garden in your own way. But I will explain more about this later on.
In short, the power, reliability and diversity of this mower make it one of the best performing products around today.
Blade And Deck
The blade, unlike many others, is designed to twist if it is impacted. Some mowers have blades that will instantly break under pressure but you don’t have that worry with this one. What’s more, the deck is made from Xenoy (Polymer) which is a durable blend of plastics originally designed for industrial use.
This gives you the assurance that the Honda HRX537HY will withstand whatever you put it through. This material is able to withstand the weight of a car without breaking so if you accidentally drop something on it, or plough into the garden fountain, you won’t cause any damage.
Furthermore, the Xenoy deck is resistant to corrosion and rust and it won’t ever dent.
Remember this mower is not cheap, but it’s the technology like the Xenoy deck that bumps the price up. This mower is an investment that will pay for itself over time. It is built to last with some Honda owners having the same mower for 10 years + without any issues.
Cutting Diameter
As I have mentioned, this mower is suitable for larger gardens and it has a cutting diameter of 21 inches, that’s around 53cm.
There is a twin-blade system which features four cutting surfaces. This enables you to mow in an entirely new way. The grass clippings are broken down into much finer pieces and this is great for mulching.
Handles
One of the most important factors to think about when you are choosing a lawn mower is how you will store it. If you only have a small outbuilding or shed, you will need something compact or collapsible.
Thankfully, this great piece of equipment comes with a quick release folding handle so that storage is convenient and easy.
What’s more, the controls are easy to access and the handle can move into one of three height positions meaning that you can mow comfortably without having to bend down or strain your back.
Height Adjustment
Adjusting the cutting height is important because depending on your personal taste, your lawn requirements and the time of year, you may need to trim the grass to different lengths. What’s more, experts recommend only trimming the grass to a third of its current height and this may vary each time you come to mow.
Fortunately, this task is made simple with the Honda HRX537HY since the height can be adjusted between 20mm and 100mm over seven heights, that is one of the most versatile cutting heights I have seen in a while.
It is worth pointing out that this mower doesn’t have a single lever for adjusting the cutting height. There are instead 4 levers, one on each wheel that will need to be adjusted to suit your requirements. To be honest I find that this is a little inconvenient and time consuming, and would prefer to have had a single lever adjusting all four wheels. This is an American idea and some users may prefer it as it gives you the flexibility to adjust the mower’s height both in relation to the front and rear and left and right according to the terrain.
What’s more, adjusting these four levers is slick and simple; so does somewhat compensate for not having a single lever.
Mowing Features
I got really excited when I saw the way that the mowing features are altered on this model. Gone are the days of putting a mulching plug in and out or messing around with discharge chutes. Honda have made it incredibly easy to mix up how you mow with their VersaMow design.
This is a 2 in 1 mower with cut & collection and mulching option, so it is not only versatile but it is good for your lawn too.
To switch between modes, there is a handy single lever which you move into the desired position and get on with mowing. It could not be easier and is a real game changer in the way you choose to mow the lawn.
Mulching
Mulching allows you to deliver the grass clipping back to the lawn but let’s be honest, it can get messy. But the Honda HR537HY has that twin-blade system I mentioned earlier that cuts the clippings so fine, they will disperse neatly and evenly onto the lawn, delivering all-important nutrients.
The lever mounted on top of the deck allows you to switch between cut-and-collect and mulching. But that’s not all, you can adjust how much of the cuttings you want collected and how much you want mulched. This gives you the option to fertilise the lawn with the mulched clippings, but not leave too many clippings on the lawn when the grass is longer.
If that wasn’t enough to tickle your fancy, how about its ability to shred leaves? The mower will collect the leaves and shred them into super-fine pieces which are ideal for mulching. These can also be collected in the grass bag, if you prefer.
I hope you can see now why this mower can justify the higher price tag. It’s not just quality and reliability that make this a mower of choice for professional lawn care companies.
Grass Box
For mowers of this size, you would typically expect a grass collection box around the 60-litre mark so when you learn that this Honda HRX537HY comes with a whopping 88-litre grass collection bag, I wouldn’t blame you for getting a little excited.
The reason that Honda has been able to make it so big is thanks, once again, to the Versamow system. Without the need for a mulching plug, there was room to fit an extra large collection box.
Having a grass collection bag of this size will mean that you rarely have to stop to empty, which will make the process of mowing the lawn much quicker.
Furthermore, the grass bag is made from a special material that has been designed with improved airflow in mind. This means that it will stay cleaner inside for a more hygienic, efficient and pleasant mowing experience.
Safety Features
If you have been impressed by the features of this mower so far, but were wondering how safe it is to use, then you won’t be disappointed.
I have already talked about the blade which was designed to twist if it is put under pressure and this is an excellent safety feature, but there is more.
This mower features the Honda Roto-Stop which is a blade-brake system that makes this an incredibly safe bit of kit to use. As soon as you let go of the handle, the blades will stop spinning but the motor won’t turn off. This is convenient and safe and just one more thing that makes this a wonderful piece of garden equipment.
Practicalities
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to see how this Honda HRX537HY mower will serve you. From its folding handle for easy storage to the easy to use design, there isn’t much that you can say that is bad.
It also comes with a 7-year warranty giving you the confidence that, despite having to invest a little extra cash in this model, you won’t be needing to fork out for a replacement any time soon.
However, it is worth pointing out that this warranty is only available if you have the engine serviced every year. If the mower is used for commercial purposes then the warranty is reduced to 1 year.
Honda HR537HY User Manual
Click here to access the Honda HR537HY user owners manual.
What’s Included In The Box?
- Honda HRX537HY petrol lawnmower
- 88-litre grass collection bag
- User manual
Pros and Cons
Should I Buy This Model?
If you are looking for a powerful and versatile petrol model then, in a nutshell, you should seriously consider investing in this mower. It is bursting with exciting features and even though it is a little pricey, you are getting an enormous amount for your money. This is value and quality at its best.
For anyone with a larger garden who wants something extremely reliable, then I would urge you to try this Honda HRX537HY model. You will likely find this to be a very efficient mower that will make the job so much easier than you have ever been used to.
However, if you want all the benefits of this lawn mower but need something a touch smaller, there is the younger brother, the Honda HRX476HY which has a 19-inch (47cm) cutting deck. Alternatively, as I mentioned earlier, there is also a smaller version that also features a roller if you want to create a striped lawn.
Conclusion
Have you ever dreamed of a lawn mower that has everything going for it but just thought that you couldn’t possibly have it all? Well, short of a rear roller, which isn’t the end of the world, you can have it all in the Honda HRX537HY. This robust and powerful lawn mower has so much to offer. Yes the price tag may put some people off, and yes there are cheaper alternatives available, but this is a Honda that does not disappoint in so many ways. A premium brand like this needs to be looked at as an investment that will pay dividends over time. This is not a mower for someone who just wants to get the lawn cut every so often and is not too bothered about longevity, support, features and benefitting from owing a premium brand.
It is ideal for bigger gardens with its 53cm (21-inch) cutting deck and a wide range of adjustable cutting heights, an adjustable handle and a simple lever that can change how you mow. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.
The best way to get a feel for this lawn mower is to give it a go, and if you’re as passionate as I am about a good garden tool, then you’ll probably be just as amazed.
Where Should I Purchase This Model?
- Type HRX Lawnmower. Rear Roller (Stripe) No. Cutting width 21"/53cm. Cutting heights (mm) 20-100. Cutting height adjustment Yes.
- Drive Hydrostatic. Grass bag capacity (litres) 88. Engine 187cc OHC 4-Stroke. Mulching system Versamow.
- Safety braking Roto-stop. Cutter deck material Xenoy. Dry weight (kgs) 42. Starter mechanism Recoil.
- Handle height adjust 3 Positions. Noise value (dB(A)) 98.
- Vibration (m/sec²) 4.5. Size (inches) 21. Garden size Medium to large (> 1 tennis court).
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Honda HRX Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not sure about this petrol lawn mower? Why not check out my Top 10 Petrol Mowers here
Want to see more best petrol lawn mowers for large gardens and lawns?
Honda HRX537HY FAQ
Can you adjust the speed on the Honda HRX537HY?
Yes, it has a variable speed from 0 to 4mph.
Does the Honda HRX537HY come with a mulching plug supplied?
No, this is not needed as you have a lever on the deck to switch to mulching mode.
Does the Honda HRX537HY have side discharge?
No.
Can I disengage the blade without stopping the engine?
Yes, this Honda HRX537HY has a blade brake clutch similar to that found on Hayter mowers.
What fuel does the Honda HRX537HY run on?
Standard unleaded fuel.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
