The rear wheels lock when tryin gto pull mower backward. Yes I have released the self propelle handle. Several different service people have told me to remove the back wheels and clean and lubericate the locking mechanism. I am about ready to throw this Honda in the trash and buy a Snapper. Can anyone help or is this Honda's idea of a joke. The engine is really great but I have to be able to pull the mower backwards sometmes and cleaning the drive wheels everytime I mow is not getting it.

Charlies Fain, May 2008

I recently purchased a Honda Harmony 215 SX. I took the rear wheels off to clean inside. I removed the outside bolt holding the wheel and then pulled the wheel off. Underneath is a drive gear attached to the drive shaft. I pulled the snap ring and washer holding the drive gear to get a thorough cleaning. When I installed the drive gear, I accidentally installed the key that goes between the drive gear and shaft, backwards. This kept the wheel from spinning freely in either direction. I removed the wheel and drive gear again and turned the key to the correct position. When I put it back together, it worked perfectly. BTW......the key is a half circle shape and the flat side must be facing the drive shaft with the arc side facing the wheel.

Mike M, June 2008

I recently purchased a Honda Harmony 215 SX. I took the rear wheels off to clean inside. I removed the outside bolt holding the wheel and then pulled the wheel off. Underneath is a drive gear attached to the drive shaft. I pulled the snap ring and washer holding the drive gear to get a thorough cleaning. When I installed the drive gear, I accidentally installed the key that goes between the drive gear and shaft, backwards. This kept the wheel from spinning freely in either direction. I removed the wheel and drive gear again and turned the key to the correct position. When I put it back together, it worked perfectly. BTW......the key is a half circle shape and the flat side must be facing the drive shaft with the arc side facing the wheel.

Mike M, June 2008

Charlie,

Do not give up hope. The mower is a good one. I experienced the same problem and I needed only to take the wheels off and clean them. It needs to only be done once a year or maybe every other year. Very simple to do.

Tom, June 2008