Owner's Manual
Rotary Mower
HRS216PDA • HRS216SDA
HRR216PDA • HRR216TDA
See page 47 for instructions on setting up your Lawn Mower.
© 1997–2005 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.—All Rights Reserved
Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn mower and should remain with the lawn mower if resold.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
Congratulations on your selection of a Honda lawn mower! We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest lawn mowers on the market.
We want to help you get the best results from your new lawn mower and to operate it safely. This manual contains the information on how to do that; please read it carefully.
As you read this manual, you will find information preceded by a NOTICE symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid damage to your lawn mower, other property, or the environment.
We suggest you read the Distributor’s Limited Warranty (page 59) and the Emission Control System Warranty (page 61) to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership.
When your lawn mower needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda lawn mowers. Your Honda servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.
Best Wishes,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Power Equipment Division
1
INTRODUCTION
Your safety and the safety of others is very important, and using this lawn mower safely is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining a lawn mower. You must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms including:
•Safety Labels—on the lawn mower.
•Safety Messages—preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.
•Safety Headings—such as IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
•Safety Section—such as LAWN MOWER SAFETY
•Instructions—how to use this lawn mower correctly and safely
This entire book is filled with important safety information—please read it carefully.
2
CONTENTS |
|
LAWN MOWER SAFETY .............................................................................. |
4 |
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ................................................... |
4 |
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS ................................................. |
5 |
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ................................................................. |
6 |
CONTROLS & FEATURES ........................................................................... |
7 |
COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS .............................................. |
7 |
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS .............................................................. |
9 |
BEFORE OPERATION ................................................................................ |
12 |
ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? ............................................... |
12 |
IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO? .......................................... |
12 |
CHECK YOUR WORK AREA ................................................................ |
13 |
OPERATION ................................................................................................ |
16 |
MOWING PRECAUTIONS .................................................................... |
16 |
STARTING THE ENGINE ...................................................................... |
16 |
OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING .................................... |
18 |
STOPPING THE ENGINE ..................................................................... |
20 |
SAFE MOWING PRACTICES ............................................................... |
21 |
MOWING TIPS ...................................................................................... |
23 |
SERVICING YOUR MOWER ....................................................................... |
27 |
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE .............................. |
27 |
MAINTENANCE SAFETY ...................................................................... |
28 |
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ................................................................ |
29 |
BLADE(S) .............................................................................................. |
30 |
GRASS BAG CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT .................................. |
32 |
ENGINE MAINTENANCE ...................................................................... |
33 |
SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE (optional equipment) ............................ |
37 |
FUEL SYSTEM ...................................................................................... |
38 |
STORAGE .................................................................................................... |
40 |
STORAGE PREPARATION ................................................................... |
40 |
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS .................................................................. |
43 |
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE ............................................................... |
43 |
TRANSPORTING ......................................................................................... |
44 |
BEFORE LOADING ............................................................................... |
44 |
LOADING AND UNLOADING ................................................................ |
44 |
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ........................................ |
45 |
ENGINE WILL NOT START .................................................................. |
45 |
LOSS OF POWER ................................................................................. |
45 |
VIBRATION PROBLEMS ....................................................................... |
45 |
MOWING AND BAGGING PROBLEMS ................................................ |
46 |
SET-UP ........................................................................................................ |
47 |
BEFORE OPERATION .......................................................................... |
48 |
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION ............................................. |
49 |
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ................................................................. |
49 |
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM ........................................................... |
52 |
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................. |
54 |
CONSUMER INFORMATION ................................................................ |
57 |
INDEX ........................................................................................................... |
65 |
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION ................................ |
inside back cover |
3
Most accidents with walk-behind mowers can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the mower. The most common hazards, according to accident statistics, are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.
Avoid Rotating Blades
Rotating blades can cause serious cuts and even amputate fingers, hands, toes, or feet. Keep away from the mower deck whenever the engine is running. If you need to adjust the cutting height, or work around the deck for any other reason, always shut off the engine. Wear heavy gloves and disconnect the spark plug cap when you need to clean the mower deck or handle the blade.
Clear Mowing Area
Mower blades can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to cause serious injury. Before mowing, carefully inspect the area and remove all sticks, stones, pieces of wire, and other loose objects. Never operate the blade over gravel.
Keep Shields in Place
Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and from hot engine parts and moving components. For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place when the engine is running.
Refuel with Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable and gasoline vapor can explode. Refuel only outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, with the engine OFF. Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away. Always store gasoline in an approved container.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing will reduce your risk of injury. Long pants and eye protection reduce the risk of injuries from thrown objects. Sturdy shoes with aggressive soles will help protect your feet and give you better traction on slopes or uneven ground.
Turn Engine Off When Not Mowing
If you need to leave the mower for any reason, even just to inspect the lawn ahead, always turn the engine OFF.
4
LAWN MOWER SAFETY
YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we urge you to read this message before letting your child operate this lawn mower. Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgments can result in serious injuries. You can help prevent accidents by making good decisions about if, when, and how your child operates this equipment.
The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your child is capable of operating this mower safely. Remember, young people vary widely, and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.
Physically, a child must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG ENOUGH to easily start the mower and control its direction. The child also needs enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably reach and operate the controls.
Another, tougher question you need to ask is if your child has enough MATURITY AND RESPONSIBILITY to safely operate this mower. Does the young person think through problems and come to logical solutions? Be honest! Anyone who takes unnecessary risks and doesn’t obey rules should not operate this lawn mower.
If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the mower safely, CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL with your child. Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety information. Also, be sure your child wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower.
SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your child during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after the child has become confident with the mower, do not let the young person use the mower without good adult supervision. An adult should also be present during refueling and maintenance. In fact, it’s up to parents to make sure that the mower is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition.
By always placing safety first, your child will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from your lawn mower.
5
LAWN MOWER SAFETY
The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please read them carefully. These labels are considered permanent parts of your mower. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda dealer for a replacement.
WARNING |
WARNING |
|
|
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. |
OBJECTS THROWN BY BLADE |
Follow all instructions in Owner's Manual. |
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. |
Go across slopes, not up and down. |
Inspect area and remove |
Do not mow when children or others are |
debris before mowing. |
around. |
Keep children and others away. |
Look down and behind, before and |
Wear eye protection. |
while moving backwards. |
Do not operate unless bag or |
Keep safety devices (guards, shields, |
chute are installed or guard is |
switches, etc.) in place and working. |
in place. |
|
|
CAUTION
UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION AND WEAR, AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY FOR BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO A.N.S.I. STANDARD B71.1 ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.
DANGER
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
WARNING
CAUTION
HOT MUFFLER CAN BURN YOU. Stay away if engine has been running.
6
Use the illustrations on the following pages to locate and identify the most frequently used controls.
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER |
HANDLEBAR |
|
(SDA & TDA) |
||
|
FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER
RECOIL STARTER
GRIP
REAR CUTTING
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER (2)
OIL FILLER CAP
SIDE DISCHARGE
GUARD (HRS ONLY)
MUFFLER
FRONT CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
Model Identification
To easily identify your model, refer to the chart on page 54.
7
CONTROLS & FEATURES
REAR |
|
DISCHARGE |
|
GUARD |
SHIFT LEVER |
(HRR) |
(TDA) |
MULCHING PLUG |
|
(HRR) |
|
GRASS BAG |
|
(HRR) |
|
REAR |
|
DISCHARGE |
|
GUARD |
|
FUEL TANK CAP |
|
|
THROTTLE |
SPARK PLUG CAP |
LEVER |
|
|
|
HANDLEBAR |
|
LOCKING |
|
KNOB (2) |
|
FUEL VALVE |
|
AIR CLEANER |
FRONT CUTTING
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT CARBURETOR MOWER DECK LEVERS
8
CONTROLS & FEATURES
The fuel valve controls fuel flow from the fuel tank to the carburetor. The fuel valve must be ON to start and operate the mower. The fuel valve should be kept OFF when the mower is not in use.
FUEL VALVE
OFF
ON
Throttle Lever |
|
CHOKE |
For starting a cold engine. |
FAST |
For restarting a warm engine and for mowing. |
SLOW |
For idling the engine. |
CHOKE |
FAST |
SLOW |
9
CONTROLS & FEATURES
This lever is connected to the engine flywheel brake and the engine switch. The engine will not start or run unless this lever is held against the handlebar.
FLYWHEEL BRAKE
LEVER
The drive clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the rear wheels. The drive clutch lever should only be engaged after the engine has been warmed up.
The shift lever selects the mower ground speed.
1(slow)
2(medium)
3(fast)
For mowing thick grass or maneuvering in small areas.
For intermediate self-propelled speed.
For maximum self-propelled speed in large, open areas and for transport.
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA)
SHIFT
LEVER (TDA)
10
CONTROLS & FEATURES
The mower deck can be set to any of the six approximate settings. Each wheel should be adjusted to the same position.
Lower deck |
Move both the front and rear adjusters backward. |
Raise deck |
Move both the front and rear adjusters forward. |
REAR |
FRONT |
ADJUSTMENT |
ADJUSTMENT |
LEVER |
LEVER |
+55 |
+56 |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
PP |
RIGHT SIDE SHOWN
FORWARD
11
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Knowledge
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the lawn mower in case of an emergency.
For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your lawn mower, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the lawn mower to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the lawn mower.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this lawn mower, or failing to correct a problem before operation, could cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each operation, and correct any problem.
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the lawn mower is on a level surface.
12
BEFORE OPERATION
Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower:
•Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or gasoline leaks.
•Look for signs of damage.
•Check each control for proper operation.
•Check the blades for wear. Replace as necessary (page 30). Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 32).
•Check that all nuts, bolts, screws are tightened.
Check the Engine
•Check the air cleaner (page 35) and oil level (page 33).
•Check the fuel level (page 38). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.
For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before operating the lawn mower.
Objects
Anything which can be picked up by the blade and thrown is a potential hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks, nails, and wire, and remove them from the work area.
People and Pets
People and animals near the work area can move into your lawn mower’s path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown objects. Clear the area of people, especially children and pets. Their safety is your responsibility.
Work Area
Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground speed and mowing swath accordingly.
13
BEFORE OPERATION
The mulching plug helps to curve the inside of the mower deck for more efficient mulching.
Install and remove the mulching plug by raising the rear discharge guard as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way. Remove the mulching plug when using a grass bag.
To discharge clippings to the side, install the side discharge chute as shown.
Remove the side discharge chute when mulching.
REAR
DISCHARGE
GUARD
MULCHING
PLUG
SIDE
DISCHARGE
GUARD
SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE
Set all four adjustment levers to the same cutting height position. Each position changes the height approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm).
To adjust cutting height, pull each adjustment lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch.
ADJUSTMENT LEVERS
If you are not sure what cutting height to select, start with a high
setting and check the appearance of the lawn after mowing a small area. Readjust cutting height if necessary.
14
BEFORE OPERATION
A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% full. Also, the bag is easier to empty when not packed full.
Inspection
Inspect the grass bag before use. Check for holes, tears, and excessive wear. The grass bag does wear during normal use, and will eventually require replacement (page 31).
Installation
1.Raise the rear discharge guard and remove the mulching plug. Hook the grass bag frame onto the mower deck as shown.
2.Release the rear discharge guard to secure the grass bag in place.
Removal
1.Raise the rear discharge guard, grasp the grass bag handle, and remove the grass bag.
|
|
REAR |
GRASS BAG |
|
DISCHARGE |
|
GUARD |
|
HANDLE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.Release the rear discharge guard.
3.When the grass bag is clear of the rear discharge, you can lift the grass bag through the handlebars or remove it from the rear of the mower below the handlebar.
15
Before operating the mower for the first time, please review the LAWN MOWER SAFETY chapter beginning on page 4 and the BEFORE OPERATION chapter beginning on page 12.
Even if you have operated other mowers, take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice in a safe area until you build up your skills.
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Your mower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.
The blade turns when you pull the starter grip. It is easiest to start the engine in a clear or mowed area where the blade can turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
FUEL VALVE
ON
2.Move the throttle lever to CHOKE for a cold engine, or FAST for a warm engine.
FAST
CHOKE
COLD ENGINE |
WARM ENGINE |
16
OPERATION
3.SDA, TDA: Release the drive clutch lever (page 10). If the drive clutch lever is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter.
4.Pull back on the flywheel brake lever and hold it against the handlebar.
5.Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Return the starter
grip gently.
Keep your hands and feet away from the mower deck at all times when starting and running the engine.
Continue to hold the flywheel brake lever against the handlebar; the engine will stop if you release the lever.
6.If the CHOKE position was used during starting, move the throttle lever away from the CHOKE position as soon as the engine warms up enough to run smoothly. Set the throttle lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW
to idle.
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA)
FLYWHEEL
BRAKE LEVER
STARTER
GRIP
FAST
CHOKE
17
OPERATION
For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently. Do not try to increase the preset engine speed, the blade(s) could fracture and come apart.
THROTTLE LEVER
FAST
When you need to leave the mower for any reason, move the throttle to SLOW, then turn the engine OFF by releasing the flywheel
brake lever.
Flywheel Brake Lever |
|
|
The lever must be pulled back |
FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER |
|
against the handlebar to start and |
||
|
||
run the engine. The blade starts to |
|
|
rotate when the lever is pulled back |
|
|
against the handlebar and the recoil |
|
|
starter grip is pulled. |
|
Continue to hold the lever against the handlebar to keep the engine running and the blade rotating.
Release the lever to stop the engine and stop blade rotation.
18
OPERATION
Push the drive clutch lever forward and hold it against the handlebar to propel the mower forward.
Release the drive clutch lever to stop the mower’s forward movement.
Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine. If the drive clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when you operate the starter.
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (SDA, TDA)
Operate the drive clutch lever with a quick and complete motion, so the drive clutch is either fully engaged or fully released. Hold the drive clutch lever against the handlebar during self-propelled mowing. This will help to extend the service life of the clutch mechanism.
Use the shift lever to adjust the forward speed of the mower. Do not use the throttle lever; the throttle lever must be kept in the FAST position for the best mowing performance.
You may move the shift lever anytime; however, if the mower is pulling hard, release the drive clutch lever between shifts for smooth operation.
1st GEAR
2nd GEAR
3 SPEED 2 1
3rd GEAR
1st and 2nd gears are recommended for maximum mowing performance. 3rd gear should be used to transport the mower.
19