HONDA FRC800 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

TILLER

FRC800

The engine exhaust from this product

contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

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 tiller and should remain with the tiller if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of a Honda tiller. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest tillers on the market.

We want to help you get the best results from your new tiller 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

symbol. That information is intended to help you avoid

damage to your tiller, other property, or the environment.

We suggest you read the warranty policy to fully understand its coverage and your responsibilities of ownership. The warranty policy is a separate document that should have been given to you by your dealer.

When your tiller needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda servicing dealer is specially trained in servicing Honda tillers and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda. Your Honda servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Best Wishes, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

INTRODUCTION

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. And using this tiller 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 tiller. You must use your own good judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

Safety Labels

Safety Messages

of three signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

Safety Headings

Safety Section

Instructions

This entire book is filled with important safety information –– please read it carefully.

–– on the tiller.

–– preceded by a safety alert symbol and one

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.

–– such as

–– how to use this tiller correctly and safely.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

TILLER SAFETY.

.........................................................................................TILLER SAFETY . 5

..............................................................................................CONTROLS . 12

..........................................................................................CONTROLS . 13

.........................................................................................Fuel Valve . 13

.....................................................................................Choke Lever . 13

......................................................................................Starter Grip . 14

...........................................................................................Drag Bar . 15

................................................IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION . 5

................................................................SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS . 8

..........................................COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS . 12

..................................................................................Engine Switch . 13

..................................................................................Throttle Lever . 14

.............................................................Handlebar Height Adjuster . 14

...........................................................................Main Clutch Lever . 15

................................................................................Gearshift Lever . 15

.............................................................................BEFORE OPERATION . 16

...............................................ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED? . 16

.......................................................IS YOUR TILLER READY TO GO? . 16

.............................................................................Check the Engine . 17

................................................................................Check the Tiller . 17

............................................................................................OPERATION . 18

...................................................SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS . 18

....................................................................STARTING THE ENGINE . 19

.....................................OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR TILLING . 22

..................................................................................HANDLING TIPS . 26

....................................................................STOPPING THE ENGINE . 27

.....................................................................SERVICING YOUR TILLER . 28

............................................THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE . 28

....................................................................MAINTENANCE SAFETY . 29

..............................................................MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE . 30

.........................................................................................REFUELING . 31

.............................................................FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS . 32

................................................................ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK . 33

.........................................................................ENGINE OIL CHANGE . 34

..................................................ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS . 35

..................................................TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL CHECK . 36

....................................................................AIR FILTER INSPECTION . 37

.......................................................................AIR FILTER CLEANING . 37

.......................................................................SPARK PLUG SERVICE . 39

CONTENTS

SERVICING YOUR TILLER (continued)

........................................................CLUTCH CABLE ADJUSTMENT . 40

....................................................THROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT . 41

...............................................................DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT . 42

...............................................................SEDIMENT CUP CLEANING . 44

..............................................................SPARK ARRESTER SERVICE . 45

..........................................................................TINE REPLACEMENT . 46

.....................................................................TIRE PRESSURE CHECK . 47

.......................................................TINES AND FASTENERS CHECK . 48

................................................................................................STORAGE . 49

..................................................................STORAGE PREPARATION . 49

...........................................................................................Cleaning . 49

...................................................................................................Fuel . 50

.........................................................................................Engine Oil . 53

.................................................................STORAGE PRECAUTIONS . 54

..............................................................REMOVAL FROM STORAGE . 54

.....................................................................................TRANSPORTING . 55

.................................................................ENGINE WILL NOT START . 56

.....................................................................ENGINE LACKS POWER . 57

...........................................................................TILLING PROBLEMS . 58

.....................................TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS . 56

..................................................................TECHNICAL INFORMATION . 59

................................................................Serial Number Locations . 59

..................Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation . 60

..........................................Emission Control System Information . 61

...........................................................................................Air Index . 63

..................................................................................Specifications . 64

.................................................................CONSUMER INFORMATION . 65

............................................................Dealer Locator Information . 65

.........................................................................Honda Publications . 65

.....................................Customer Service Information (For USA) . 66

...........................QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION . Inside back cover

TILLER SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Honda tillers are designed to cultivate earth outdoors. Other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the tiller and other property.

Most accidents can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the tiller. The most common hazards are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.

Operator Responsibility

Know how to stop the tiller quickly in case of emergency.

Understand the use of all tiller controls.

Be very cautious when operating the tiller in REVERSE, especially if attachments are being used.

Keep a firm hold on the handlebars. They may tend to lift during clutch engagement.

Be sure the drag bar is in place and properly adjusted.

Be sure that anyone who operates the tiller receives proper instruction. Do not let children operate the tiller. Keep children and pets away from the area of operation.

Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.

If you run the tiller in a confined or even partially enclosed area, the air you breathe could contain dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. To keep carbon monoxide from building up, provide adequate ventilation.

TILLER SAFETY

Fire and Burn Hazards

The exhaust system gets hot enough to ignite some materials.

Keep the tiller at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from buildings and

−

other equipment during operation.

Keep flammable materials away from the tiller.

−

The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a while after stopping the engine. Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot. Let the engine cool before storing the tiller indoors.

Refuel With Care

Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Allow the engine to cool if the tiller has been in operation. Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away. Always store gasoline in an approved container. Make sure that any spilled fuel has been wiped up before starting the engine.

Avoid Rotating Tines

Rotating tines can cause serious cuts and even amputate body parts. Keep away from the tine area whenever the engine is running. If you need to work around the tines to clear an object accumulation or for any other reason, always shut off the engine. Disconnect the spark plug cap, and wear heavy gloves when you need to clean the tine area or handle the tines.

Clear Tilling Area

A tine can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to cause serious injury. Before tilling, carefully inspect the area and remove all stones, sticks, bones, nails, pieces of wire, and other loose objects. Be aware; if children are in the shop area, stop the tiller. Never operate the tines over gravel.

TILLER SAFETY

Keep Shields in Place

Guards and shields are designed to protect you from being hit by thrown objects and to keep you from touching hot engine parts and moving components. For your safety and the safety of others, keep all shields in place when the engine is running.

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 provide better traction.

Turn Engine Off When Not Operating the Tiller

If you need to leave the tiller for any reason, even just to inspect the area ahead, always turn the engine off.

Slope Operation

When tilling on slopes, keep the fuel tank less than half full to minimize fuel spillage.

Till across the slope (at equally spaced intervals) rather than up and down it.

Be very careful when changing the direction of the tiller on a slope.

Do not use the tiller on a slope of more than 10°. Before starting the engine, check that the tiller is not damaged and is in good condition. For your safety and the safety of others, exercise extreme care when using the tiller on a slope.

Tilling Conditions

Operate the tiller only in daylight or good artificial light. Do not operate the tiller at night or under poor light conditions.

TILLER SAFETY

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS

These labels warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda tiller dealer for a replacement.

A&C

TILLER SAFETY

Safety LabelsType

(A type

only)

TILLER SAFETY

Safety LabelsType

＊

Mark labels come with the tiller.:

TILLER SAFETY

Safety LabelsType

CONTROLS

COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS

MAIN CLUTCH LEVER

HANDLEBAR

TRANSMISSION OIL FILLER CAP

MUFFLER

ENGINE SWITCH

FUEL VALVE LEVER

SPARK PLUG

AIR CLEANER FUEL TANK CAP

CHOKE LEVER

RECOIL STARTER

ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP/ DIPSTICK

STARTER GRIP

GEARSHIFT LEVER

THROTTLE LEVER

V-BELT COVER

DRAG BAR

MUD GUARD

ROTARY TINES

HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTER

CONTROLS

Fuel Valve

The fuel valve opens and closes the connection between the fuel tank and the carburetor. The fuel valve lever must be in the ON position for the engine to run.

After stopping the engine, turn the fuel valve lever to the OFF position.

Choke Lever

The choke lever opens and closes the choke valve in the carburetor.

OFF

CONTROLS

FUEL VALVE LEVER

The CLOSED position enriches the fuel mixture for starting a cold engine.

The OPEN position provides the correct fuel mixture for operation after starting and for restarting a warm engine.

Engine Switch

The engine switch controls the ignition system.

OFF Stops the engine.

−

ON Running position.

−

CHOKE LEVER

CLOSED

OFF

ENGINE SWITCH

OPEN

OFF

CONTROLS

Starter Grip

Pulling the starter grip operates the recoil starter to crank the engine.

Throttle Lever

The throttle lever controls engine speed.

Moving the throttle lever in the directions shown makes the engine runfasterorslower.

Tine speed is controlled by adjusting the throttle lever. At maximum throttle position, the tines will rotate at the highest speed. Moving the throttle lever toward the idle position will decrease the tine speed.

FAST

STARTER GRIP

THROTTLE LEVER

SLOW

Handlebar Height Adjuster

Handlebar height can be adjusted to match operator height.

For normal tilling, the most comfortable operator position is with the handlebars at waist height.

HEIGHT ADJUSTING BOLT

HANDLEBAR LOCK NUT

CONTROLS

Main Clutch Lever

The main clutch lever engages and disengages the transmission that drives the tines.

Gearshift Lever

The transmission offers a choice of three forward speeds, neutral, and one reverse speed. Shift lever positions are indicated on the gearshift lever bracket.

MAIN CLUTCH LEVER

DISENGAGED

EENNGGAAGGEEDD

GEARSHIFT LEVER BRACKET

GEARSHIFT LEVER

Drag Bar

The drag bar controls tilling depth and should always be used when tilling. It enables you to compensate for the hardness of the soil. Ideal drag bar height will depend on the type of soil being tilled and soil conditions at the time of tilling. In general, the drag bar should be adjusted so that the tiller is tilted slightly backward.

DRAG BAR

LOCKING BOLT

LOCKING NUT

BEFORE OPERATION

ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?

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 tiller and its operation before you begin using it. Know how to quickly shut off the tiller in case of an emergency.

IS YOUR TILLER READY TO GO?

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the tiller 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 tiller.

Improperly maintaining this tiller, 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 OPERATION

Do not place flammable objects close to the engine.

Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the tiller is on a level surface and the engine switch is in the OFF position.

Check the Engine

Check the oil level (see page ).

Check the air filter (see page ). A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the carburetor, reducing engine and tiller performance.

Check the fuel level (see page ). Starting with a full tank will help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

Check the Tiller

Check the transmission oil (see page ).

OPERATION

SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the tiller for the first time, please review both the

TILLER SAFETY

For your safety, avoid starting or operating the tiller in an enclosed area such as a garage. Your tiller’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or death.

chapter and the chapter titled

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

BEFORE OPERATION

STARTING THE ENGINE

OPERATION

Refer to

Safe Operating Precautions

Tines are sharp and spin fast.

Spinning tines can cut you severely and can amputate body parts.

Wear protective footwear.

Keep your hands and feet away from the tines while the engine is running.

Stop the engine before performing any adjustment, inspection, or maintenance.

Turn the fuel valve lever to the ON

1. position. Check that the fuel drain screw is tightened securely.

on Page .

FUEL VALVE LEVER

Move the choke lever to the

2. CLOSED position to start a cold engine.

Leave the choke lever in the OPEN position to restart a warm engine.

DRAIN SCREW

CHOKE LEVER

CLOSED

OPEN

OPERATION

Turn the engine switch to the ON position.

Move the throttle lever away from the SLOW position, about 1/3 of the way toward the FAST position.

ENGINE SWITCH

Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly in the direction of the arrow as shown.

Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

SLOW

FAST

THROTTLE LEVER

STARTER GRIP

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