I have the 217 with blade brake and hydrostatic drive. The other day I hit a post pretty hard and didn't notice anything immediately, but on the next lawn a week later it seemed to be struggling a bit in the thicker grass, and cutting the grass instead of mulching. I thought the revs had dropped a bit, but had nothing to confirm this as had no tachometer. I know it was running around 3200 when on full throttle before a cheap tach I had died. I got another cheap one but I dont really trust...
HRX217 RPM Problem
HRX217 RPM Problem