Honda’s recent announcement about exiting the gas-powered lawn mower market has left many homeowners and landscaping professionals wondering about the future of their trusted red machines. If you’re a Honda owner or were considering purchasing one of their renowned mowers, you’re likely concerned about what this means for you.
This article breaks down Honda’s decision to stop manufacturing gas-powered lawn mowers, explores the market forces behind this move, and provides practical guidance on what current and prospective owners should do next.
Honda’s Official Announcement: The End of an Era
In October 2022, Honda Power Equipment made the official announcement that it would cease production of all gas-powered lawn mowers by September 2023. According to a Honda spokesperson who spoke with Family Handyman, this decision was “driven by market forces such as stricter environmental regulations, shifting customer preferences and our focus on growing profitable products in our portfolio.”
The company confirmed that while lawn mower production would end, Honda would “continue to sell the remainder of its lawn and garden product line and industrial-type power products such as GX engines, generators, and water pumps, and continue to support its service and parts operations in the U.S. market.” This means that while new Honda gas mowers won’t be manufactured, the company isn’t abandoning its existing customers entirely.
The final production of Honda’s gas-powered lawn mowers took place at their Honda Power Equipment facility in Swepsonville, North Carolina. This facility has since been repurposed to manufacture all-terrain vehicles, which were previously produced at Honda’s plant in Timmonsville, South Carolina.
Market Trends Driving Honda’s Decision
Shifting Environmental Regulations
One of the primary factors behind Honda discontinuing lawn mowers is the increasing regulatory pressure on gas-powered outdoor equipment. In 2021, California passed legislation banning the sale of new gas-powered lawn equipment by 2024, becoming the first state to take such a decisive step.
Beyond California, more than 100 municipalities across the United States have implemented similar bans on gas-powered lawn equipment, with many more cities actively considering such legislation. These regulatory changes reflect growing concerns about emissions from small engines.
Environmental Impact of Gas Mowers
Gas-powered lawn mowers generate between 90 to 105 decibels of noise, which can cause permanent hearing damage and disrupt wildlife. More concerning is their environmental impact: one hour of running a gas mower emits as much carbon dioxide as driving a car 300 miles.
According to environmental studies, lawn and garden equipment burn approximately 3 billion gallons of gasoline annually in the U.S., contributing roughly 5% of the country’s air pollution. This environmental footprint has become increasingly difficult to justify as cleaner alternatives emerge.
The Rise of Electric Alternatives
The lawn care industry has seen rapid advancement in battery technology, making electric mowers increasingly viable alternatives to their gas-powered counterparts. Electric mowers now offer comparable cutting power with significant advantages: they’re quieter, produce zero direct emissions, require less maintenance, and eliminate the need for gasoline storage.
Jeff Cordulack, who runs an all-electric lawn care service called Organic Ways and Means in Connecticut, told Family Handyman: “I get phone calls every week from people who want to switch away from gas and toxins. Half the clients are nature-oriented, and the other half just can’t handle the noise of the ubiquitous gas blowers, especially with the working-from-home trend of late.”
This shift in consumer preferences has not gone unnoticed by manufacturers. While Honda is exiting the gas-powered lawn mower market, they’ve recently introduced a new line of battery-powered lawn mowers, including push models and even zero-turn riders, indicating their recognition of where the market is heading.
What Honda Discontinuing Lawn Mowers Means for Consumers
Current Honda Mower Owners
If you currently own a Honda lawn mower, you might be concerned about future support. Honda has explicitly stated that they will “continue to support its service and parts operations in the U.S. market.” This means that for the foreseeable future, you should still be able to obtain parts and service for your existing Honda mower.
However, as time passes, parts availability may eventually become more limited. Honda owners should consider these practical steps:
- Stock up on common replacement parts like air filters, spark plugs, and oil filters
- Perform regular maintenance to extend your mower’s lifespan
- Establish a relationship with a local small engine repair shop familiar with Honda products
- Consider using fuel stabilizers to prevent ethanol-related issues during storage
- Keep your owner’s manual and service records in a safe place
Prospective Buyers
If you were planning to purchase a Honda gas-powered lawn mower, you still have options, though they’re becoming more limited. Honda will continue selling their remaining inventory through 2024, so you may still find new models at dealers and retailers while supplies last.
For those set on owning a Honda gas mower, acting quickly is essential as inventory continues to deplete. Alternatively, consider these options:
- Look for certified refurbished Honda mowers from authorized dealers
- Consider Honda’s new line of battery-powered electric mowers
- Explore high-quality alternatives from manufacturers like Toro, which offers models with Honda engines
- Research other premium brands known for reliability such as Ego, Greenworks, or Ryobi for electric options
Benefits of Switching to Electric
- No emissions or fuel costs
- Significantly quieter operation
- Less maintenance (no oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters)
- Instant starting without pull cords
- Comparable cutting performance to gas models
Considerations Before Switching
- Higher initial cost for quality models
- Runtime limitations based on battery capacity
- Charging infrastructure needed
- Potentially less power for very thick or wet grass
- Battery replacement costs over time
Honda’s History in the Lawn Care Market
Honda has been a respected player in the lawn care equipment market since introducing their first lawn mower in the United States in 1978. Their reputation for reliability, durability, and quality engineering quickly made them a favorite among homeowners and professionals alike.
The company’s innovative features, such as their hydrostatic transmission systems, twin-blade MicroCut technology, and the convenient Blade Stop System (allowing the engine to run while the blades are stopped), set them apart from competitors. Many Honda mowers from the 1990s and early 2000s are still in operation today, testament to their build quality and longevity.
Honda’s exit from the gas-powered lawn mower market aligns with their broader corporate strategy of electrification across product lines. The company has committed to carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050, and their shift toward electric outdoor power equipment is part of this larger vision.
“There’s a lot of activity on this front from local people wanting to make changes in their towns. I spend a lot of time on calls speaking with town committees about my company and my all-electric equipment.”
The Future of Lawn Care: Beyond Honda’s Gas Mowers
While Honda discontinuing lawn mowers marks the end of an era, it also signals the acceleration of a transition already underway in the lawn care industry. The future of lawn maintenance is increasingly electric, with manufacturers investing heavily in battery technology and motor efficiency.
Honda itself has embraced this future with the introduction of their new battery-powered lawn mowers in 2024. These models include both push mowers and zero-turn riders, demonstrating that the company isn’t abandoning the lawn care market entirely but rather adapting to changing conditions.
Other manufacturers are following similar paths, with companies like Toro, Ego, Ryobi, and Greenworks expanding their electric offerings. The technology continues to improve, with longer battery life, faster charging times, and more powerful motors closing the performance gap with gas-powered equipment.
Will Other Manufacturers Follow Honda’s Lead?
While no other major manufacturers have made similar announcements about discontinuing gas-powered lawn mowers entirely, the industry is clearly moving in that direction. Regulatory pressure, consumer preferences, and technological advancements all point toward a gradual transition to electric equipment.
For consumers, this means more electric options will become available, while gas-powered models may become increasingly premium-priced as they cater to a shrinking market segment. Those who require the extended runtime and power of gas engines for large properties or commercial use will likely still have options for years to come, but they may come with higher price tags and from fewer manufacturers.
Will Honda continue to provide parts and service for existing mowers?
Yes, Honda has explicitly stated they will “continue to support its service and parts operations in the U.S. market.” This means owners of existing Honda mowers should be able to obtain parts and service for the foreseeable future, though availability may eventually become more limited as time passes.
Are Honda’s new electric mowers comparable to their gas models?
Honda’s new electric mowers offer 1.5kW and 2.0kW rated power, which they compare to their GCV170 and GCV200 gas engines. While they provide good performance for typical residential use, they may not match the sustained power of gas models for extremely challenging conditions. However, they offer advantages in noise reduction, maintenance simplicity, and environmental impact.
How long will Honda’s remaining inventory of gas mowers be available?
Honda plans to sell their remaining inventory through 2024. Availability will vary by region and dealer, with popular models likely selling out first. If you’re determined to purchase a new Honda gas mower, contacting dealers sooner rather than later is advisable.
What should I do with my Honda mower when parts are no longer available?
When parts eventually become scarce, consider working with small engine repair specialists who may fabricate parts or adapt compatible components. Some enthusiast communities maintain knowledge bases for keeping older equipment running. Eventually, recycling the mower responsibly through metal recycling programs or manufacturer take-back initiatives would be the environmentally conscious choice.
Top Alternatives to Honda Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers
With Honda discontinuing lawn mowers, many consumers are exploring alternatives. Here are some highly-rated options to consider:
Toro Super Recycler
Known for excellent mulching capability and maneuverability. Available with Honda engines on some models, providing a familiar power source with Toro’s cutting system.
EGO Power+ Select Cut
Leading battery-powered option with multi-blade cutting system and up to 60 minutes runtime. Offers power comparable to gas models with significantly less noise and maintenance.
Honda’s New Electric Models
Honda’s transition to battery-powered mowers maintains their reputation for quality while embracing new technology. Features the reliability Honda is known for in an emissions-free package.
Conclusion: Adapting to Change in Lawn Care
Honda discontinuing lawn mowers represents a significant shift in the outdoor power equipment landscape, but it’s part of a broader industry transition toward more environmentally friendly solutions. For current Honda owners, your mower will continue to serve you well with proper maintenance, and parts and service should remain available for years to come.
For those in the market for a new mower, you have more options than ever before. Whether you choose to purchase one of the remaining Honda gas mowers, explore their new electric offerings, or consider alternatives from other manufacturers, today’s lawn care equipment offers impressive performance and features.
As we move forward, the lawn care industry will continue to evolve with advancements in battery technology, motor efficiency, and smart features. While the iconic red Honda walk-behind gas mowers may be going the way of the brontosaurus, as one source colorfully put it, their legacy of quality and innovation lives on in both their electric successors and the millions of Honda mowers still reliably cutting grass across America.
