[si-mate]

I've found a honda HRB 425 mower on ebay but it's got no grass collector. There is a grass collector separately on ebay but its for a 423.

Anyone know if they are compatible?

[Gwiz]

in a word.
no.
sorry.

[si-mate]

dang it.

Are they expensive new?

[si-mate]

...to answer my own question around £100.

Perhaps not such a good buy. Glad I found out before I bid!

[si-mate]

I've just collected a 423 that I won off ebay last night with grass collector  

Closer, cheaper and in one piece. I just hope now it starts!

[Gwiz]

spot on. I hope it starts too!

[si-mate]

I'll know who to ask if it doesn't  

[si-mate]

She runs! I've been out and got some fuel and once I'd worked out that you have to hold the inner handle she started easily

Just a quick one for you graham....The self drive seems to be more more of an assistance than a drive. On concrete I can easily hold it back. Is this how it should be or does it need adjusting?

[Gwiz]

they're normally a bit better than that.
can you post a photo so I can have a better stab at how to adjust it?

[si-mate]

Here ya go, let me know if you want any more detailed shots

[Gwiz]

hmm, not one I'm very familiar with.
I would think that you adjust the cable for the drive up at the top of the handles. some had a tensioner behind the black flap at the back, but I'm not too sure if your model has one.

[si-mate]

It does have adjustment on the handles which acts on the idler. The chain is really baggy when the handle is not pressed. What I don't get is how the idler engages drive? Obviously with a v belt the belt can slip but a chain can't do that. So how does it work?

[Gwiz]

I would think, from what you describe, that the chain and sprockets are worn, hence the "bagginess"
sometimes machines are made with an adjuster idler sprocket so that any "slack" can be taken up. I wouldn't have thought that yours is big enough to be able to have one. From what you say, it seems that the drive is taken up from the crankshaft by a slack belt. when the drive is engaged, the idler tightens the belt and turns a permanently engaged chain mechanism. these do go slack with wear. you might find that just replacing the chain will take out most of the slack, but it's always best to replace the sprockets at the same time.
If you need to know any more, I'll have to go and sweet-talk my local Honda workshop for more details on your model, as I'm not too familiar with it.

[si-mate]

Thanks Graham  

I'm sure when I looked last night that the cable from the handle moved the idler - like they do with V-belts - but as I said earlier I can't understand how that works. I must be wrong.

I did download the manual which as far as I can make out (it doesn't seem that clear to my non-techie eyes) there is what they call a transmission assembly which runs of a (presumably permanently engaged) v belt. This assembly is attached to the clutch cable.

I can email you a copy of the manual if that would help?

[Gwiz]

Ah, they've gone down that route, Eh?
as I say, let me know if you need any more details. I was in the Honda place just after lunch and mentioned the model. It wouldn't be any trouble to ask a few more questions for you.