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Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Walk Behind 12 AH Battery Powered Lawn Mower with 2 Battery Bays, Variable Speed Self Propelled Lawn Mower with 2.2 Bushel Capacity, Easy-Off Grass Bag (HRX217YXBEXA6) Review

Name: Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Walk Behind 12 AH Battery Powered Lawn Mower with 2 Battery Bays, Variable Speed Self Propelled Lawn Mower with 2.2 Bushel Capacity, Easy-Off Grass Bag (HRX217YXBEXA6)
Brand: Honda
Price: 1299 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★★ 4/5 (32 reviews)

$1,299.00

Brand: Honda

Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Walk Behind 12 AH Battery Powered Lawn Mower with 2 Battery Bays, Variable Speed Self Propelled Lawn Mower with 2.2 Bushel Capacity, Easy-Off Grass Bag (HRX217YXBEXA6)

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Overview

The Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Battery Powered Lawn Mower is Honda’s first serious foray into cordless electric mowing, combining the brand’s legendary build quality with a 120-volt battery system and dual battery bays for extended runtime. It’s designed for homeowners with medium to large lawns (up to 1/2 acre) who want the convenience of electric power without sacrificing the cut quality and self-propelled performance they’d expect from a Honda gas model.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with 1/4 to 1/2 acre lawns who need a mower that can finish the job on a single charge, especially if you have hilly terrain—the variable-speed self-propulsion is a game-changer here.
Eco-conscious buyers who hate gas cans, oil changes, and pull-start frustration—this mower is whisper-quiet, emissions-free, and starts instantly with a button.
Lawn perfectionists who want Honda’s signature MicroCut twin-blade system for fine mulching and bagging, even in an electric package.
Tech-savvy users who appreciate smart battery management, a digital battery gauge, and the ability to swap batteries in seconds to extend runtime.

Key Features Breakdown

Two Battery Bays (120V total): The HRX-BE uses two 60-volt batteries in series to deliver 120 volts—this isn’t your typical 40V or 80V mower. The higher voltage means more torque for thick grass and less strain on the motor. You can run on one battery if needed, but the second bay adds runtime and power.
Variable Speed Self-Propelled System: Honda’s “Smart Drive” lever lets you dial in your walking speed from a crawl to a brisk walk. It’s a simple squeeze-and-go control, and it’s smoother than most electric mowers I’ve tested. On slopes, you’ll appreciate not having to push.
2.2 Bushel Easy-Off Grass Bag: That’s about 16 gallons—smaller than some gas Honda models (which can hit 2.8 bushels), but the bag is lightweight and has a handy handle for dumping. The “Easy-Off” latch works one-handed, so you can empty it without setting down the handle.
MicroCut Twin-Blade System: Two blades spinning in opposite directions for finer clippings. This is key for mulching—smaller clippings decompose faster and don’t clump. It also helps with bagging capacity, since finer material packs tighter.
21-Inch Cutting Deck: A standard width for residential mowers, but Honda’s deck is stamped steel with a deep, aerodynamic shape that lifts grass for a consistent cut. It’s not as wide as a 22-inch model, but it’s nimble around gardens and fences.
Battery and Charger Included: Comes with two 60V 2.0Ah batteries and a charger that takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge both. That’s about average for this class—not blazing fast, but acceptable for overnight charging.

Pros

Exceptional cut quality—the twin blades and high-voltage motor deliver a manicured look that rivals gas mowers, even in damp or tall grass.
Instant start and quiet operation—no priming, no choke, no noise complaints from neighbors. It’s 70 dB at the ear, which is conversation-friendly.
Smooth, adjustable self-propulsion—the variable speed is genuinely useful for matching your pace, and it works well on inclines without bogging down.
Honda build quality—the deck feels solid, the handle doesn’t wobble, and the wheels are heavy-duty. This mower will last years with proper care.
Easy bag removal and cleaning—the bag clips off with one hand, and the deck has a washout port for rinsing clippings off the underside.
Battery flexibility—you can swap in spare Honda 60V batteries (if you own other Honda OPE tools) to extend runtime indefinitely.

Cons

High price—at $1,299, it’s one of the most expensive battery mowers you can buy. You’re paying for the Honda name and the dual-battery system, not raw value.
Limited runtime for large lawns—with the included 2.0Ah batteries, expect about 35-45 minutes of real-world mowing (less in thick grass). That’s fine for 1/4 acre, but a 1/2 acre lawn may require a second set of batteries (sold separately).
No smart app or battery status on the mower itself—there’s a simple LED gauge on each battery, but you have to remove them to check. Competitors like EGO offer handle-mounted displays.
Bag capacity is smaller than gas Honda models—if you’re used to the 2.8-bushel bag on the HRX gas version, you’ll empty this one more often, especially when bagging damp grass.

Bottom Line

The Honda HRX-BE is a premium battery mower for buyers who refuse to compromise on cut quality or durability. It’s not the cheapest, nor does it have the longest runtime in its class, but it’s the most refined electric mower I’ve tested—from the smooth self-propulsion to the razor-sharp finish. If you have a 1/4-acre lawn, hate gas maintenance, and want a mower that feels like a tool, not a toy, this is a strong buy. For larger lawns or tighter budgets, look at EGO or Toro, but know you’re giving up some of that Honda polish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use just one battery if the other dies? A: Yes. The mower will run on a single battery, but with reduced power and runtime. It’s a good backup if you’re finishing a small strip, but for full performance, always use both.

Q: How long does it take to charge the batteries? A: The included charger takes about 2.5 hours to charge both 2.0Ah batteries from empty. You can charge them one at a time if you don’t have the dual charger, but it’s slower.

Q: Does this mower mulch as well as the gas Honda HRX? A: Very close. The twin-blade system and high voltage provide excellent mulching, especially in dry grass. In heavy, wet conditions, the gas version has a slight edge in power, but the electric is quieter and cleaner.

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The Honda HRX-BE wins for hands-on control and cutting quality, but the Gardena SILENO Life wins for convenience and automation on smaller, simpler lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Honda HRX-BE	Gardena SILENO Life
Price	$1,299.00	$979.99
Power Source	2x 12 AH battery (battery bays)	Rechargeable battery (built-in)
Cutting Width	21 inches	8.7 inches (robotic)
Self-Propelled	Yes, variable speed	Yes, fully autonomous
Best Yard Size	Up to ~1/2 acre (based on battery runtime)	Up to 8,100 sq ft (0.19 acre)
Warranty	3 years residential (Honda typical)	2 years (Gardena standard)

Where Honda Wins

1. Superior Cutting Performance and Versatility The Honda HRX-BE features a 21-inch steel cutting deck with Honda’s exclusive MicroCut twin-blade system, which mulches clippings into fine particles for natural fertilization. It also offers rear bagging (2.2-bushel capacity) and side discharge options, giving you full control over grass management. The Gardena SILENO, with its small 8.7-inch cutting width, is limited to mulching only and can’t handle thick, tall, or wet grass as effectively.

2. Variable-Speed Self-Propulsion for Uneven Terrain The Honda’s variable-speed self-propulsion lets you match walking speed to grass conditions—critical for slopes, thick patches, or uneven ground. This gives you precise control, unlike the Gardena, which relies on a fixed-speed robotic drive that can struggle on inclines over 25% or bumpy surfaces.

3. Battery Flexibility and Runtime With two 12 AH battery bays, the Honda can run longer than many cordless mowers—typically 60–90 minutes per charge depending on load. You can swap batteries or purchase spares for continuous mowing on larger lawns. The Gardena’s built-in battery is non-removable and requires the robot to return to its charging station after about 60–90 minutes, interrupting mowing cycles.

Where Gardena Wins

1. True Hands-Off Automation The Gardena SILENO Life mows daily without any user effort. You install the boundary wire once, and the robot navigates the lawn autonomously, returning to charge and resuming mowing. For lawns up to 8,100 sq ft, this eliminates all manual labor—no pushing, no bagging, no battery swaps.

2. Whisper-Quiet Operation At just 58 decibels, the Gardena is among the quietest robotic mowers available. It can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors, and it’s barely audible from inside your home. The Honda’s gas-engine-level noise (even though battery-powered) is still around 75–80 dB—noticeably louder.

3. Lower Price and High Owner Volume At $979.99, the Gardena costs $319 less than the Honda. With 2,728 reviews (versus 32 for the Honda), it’s a proven, mass-market product with extensive community support, troubleshooting guides, and replacement parts availability. The lower price point and high reliability make it a safer bet for budget-conscious buyers.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Honda HRX-BE) if:

You have a medium to large lawn (over 8,100 sq ft) with thick grass, slopes, or obstacles that require manual control.
You want the best possible cut quality with mulching, bagging, and side-discharge options—especially for a manicured, show-quality lawn.
You enjoy the physical activity of mowing and want a powerful, durable machine that you can service yourself for years.

Buy Mower B (Gardena SILENO Life) if:

You have a small, relatively flat lawn (up to 8,100 sq ft) and want to completely eliminate mowing chores.
You value peace and quiet—whether for early-morning mowing or to avoid disturbing neighbors.
You’re on a tighter budget ($979 vs. $1,299) and prefer a set-and-forget solution with proven reliability from thousands of user reviews.

Quick Verdict

Choose the Honda HRX-BE if you need a powerful, self-propelled walk-behind mower for precise, manual cutting on medium to large lawns; choose the GARDENA SILENO Minimo if you want a fully autonomous, hands-off robotic mower for a small, simple yard under 5,400 sq ft.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Honda HRX-BE (Mower A)	GARDENA SILENO Minimo (Mower B)
Price	$1,299.00	$848.24
Power Source	12 AH battery (2 bays, battery included)	Rechargeable battery (integrated, charging dock)
Cutting Width	21 inches	8 inches (approx., robotic deck)
Self-Propelled	Yes (variable speed, walk-behind)	No (fully autonomous, no pushing needed)
Best Yard Size	Up to ~1 acre (depends on battery runtime)	Up to 5,400 sq ft (0.12 acres)
Warranty	3 years (residential, Honda)	2 years (GARDENA)

Where Honda Wins

Superior cutting performance and control – The Honda HRX-BE features a 21-inch steel deck with Honda’s exclusive MicroCut twin-blade system, which mulches, bags, or discharges with precision. It also has variable-speed self-propulsion, allowing you to match pace to terrain or grass density—ideal for uneven or thick lawns.
Large capacity and easy cleanup – With a 2.2-bushel grass bag and the “Easy-Off” feature, you can empty clippings quickly without stopping. This is a major advantage if you bag frequently or have a lawn with heavy growth, as robotic mowers like the GARDENA cannot bag clippings at all (they mulch continuously).
Better for larger, complex yards – The Honda can handle up to about 1 acre (with multiple battery swaps) and works on slopes, obstacles, and irregular shapes. Its manual operation gives you full control over cutting height, edge trimming, and spot treatments—things no robot can match.

Where Gardena Wins

Total hands-off automation – The GARDENA SILENO Minimo mows completely on its own, returning to its charging dock when needed. You can schedule mowing times via Bluetooth app, and it works daily to keep grass short without any physical effort from you—perfect for busy homeowners or those with mobility issues.
Lower upfront cost and quieter operation – At $848.24, the GARDENA is about 35% cheaper than the Honda. It’s also one of the quietest robotic mowers (rated at 57 dB), so it can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors—something a gas or battery walk-behind cannot match.
Best for small, simple lawns – The Minimo is engineered for yards up to 5,400 sq ft with gentle slopes (up to 25%). It requires boundary wire installation (included), but once set up, it handles flat, open spaces effortlessly. It’s ideal for postage-stamp lawns where pushing a mower feels like overkill.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Honda HRX-BE) if: You have a medium-to-large lawn (over 5,400 sq ft), want precise control over cutting quality and bagging, and don’t mind spending 30-60 minutes mowing manually. It’s also the better choice if your yard has obstacles, steep slopes, or irregular shapes that a robot cannot navigate.

Buy Mower B (GARDENA SILENO Minimo) if: You have a small, relatively flat lawn under 5,400 sq ft, value total convenience over cutting flexibility, and want a quiet, low-maintenance solution. It’s especially good for owners who travel frequently or dislike mowing altogether.

Neither is perfect if: You need to handle very thick, tall grass or want a mower that bags leaves in fall—the Honda wins for manual work, but the GARDENA cannot bag at all. For leaf cleanup, consider a gas or corded electric mower instead.