Honda HA4118H38A Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

LAWN TRACTOR

HA4118H38A HA4120H48A

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 any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the lawn tractor and should remain with the tractor if resold.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Power Equipment

Mfg., Inc. 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 the Honda HA41 18H38A or HA4120H48A lawn tractor. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase.

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

and to operate it safely. This manual contains all 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 tractor, 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 lawn tractor needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind

that your Honda lawn tractor dealer is specially trained in servicing

Honda lawn tractors and is supported by the parts and service divisions of American Honda. Your authorized Honda lawn tractor servicing dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer your questions and concerns.

Best Wishes,

Power Equipment Division

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

INTRODUCTION

A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others is very important. And using this lawn tractor 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 tractor. You must use your own good judgment.

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

Safety Labels - on the lawn tractor.

Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol a and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

’

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 -

Safety Section - such as LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY.

Instructions - how to use this lawn tractor correctly and safely.

such as Important Safety Information.

This entire book is filled with important safety information - please

read it carefully.

INTRODUCTION

Turn to the beginning of each chapter for a complete list of subjects. LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY

Important information about some specific hazards, and what

you can do to prevent injury.

CONTROLS

Identification of components and information about how the

controls work.

BEFORE OPERATION

How to fuel and check the lawn tractor, and how to prepare your lawn tractor and yourself before operation.

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Starting and stopping the engine, safe mowing practices, and mowing tips.

TRANSPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to load and transport your lawn tractor safely.

MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When and how to perform routine inspection, service, and adjustments.

TROUBLESHOOTING

What to check if you have a problem with the lawn tractor.

STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to protect the lawn tractor from rust and corrosion, and ensure that it will start easily when you want to use it again.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions, capacities, and other technical information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Additional information, replacement part numbers, Honda publications available to you, warranty, and how to contact us if you ,

have a question or a warranty repair problem.

INDEX

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

107

113

QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside

back cover

INTRODUCTION

LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY

This chapter explains what you need to know to operate your lawn tractor safely.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Avoid Rotating Blades Clear Mowing Area. Keep Shields in Place

Refuel with Care Wear Protective Clothing Turn Engine Off When Not Operating the Lawn Tractor Operation on Slopes

Mowing Conditions.

Mowing Near Roads.

..........................

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS

............................

.............................. .6

............................

..........................

................................

............................. .7

..............................

.............................

....................

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS

............

......

;

..........

.6 .6

.6 .7 .7

.7 .8

.IO

LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Most accidents with lawn tractors can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the lawn tractor. The most common hazards, according to accident statistics, are discussed below, along

with the best way to protect yourself and others.

Avoid Rotating Blades

A rotating blade 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 work around the deck to clear a grass accumulation or for any other reason, always shut off the engine and remove the key. Disconnect the spark plug cap, and wear heavy gloves when you need to clean the mower deck or handle a blade.

Clear Mowing Area

A lawn tractor blade can throw rocks and other objects with enough force to cause serious injury. Before mowing, carefully inspect the area and remove all stones, sticks, bones, nails, pieces of wire, and other loose objects. Never operate the lawn tractor over gravel or any other loose objects. Be aware if children are in the area; stop the lawn tractor and remove the ignition key to prevent accidental starting.

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.

LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY

Refuel with Care

Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Allow the engine to cool if the lawn tractor has been in operation.

Refuel only outdoors in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF. Never fill the fuel tank beyond the maximum fill mark. 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 provide better traction on the lawn

tractor’s platform and pedals.

Turn Engine Off When Not Operating the Lawn Tractor

If you need to leave the lawn tractor for any reason, even just to inspect the lawn ahead, always turn the engine off. And take the key if

you go farther away.

Operation on Slopes

This lawn tractor is intended for use on relatively flat terrain. Operating

the lawn tractor on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (17% grade) could

cause the lawn tractor to tip over. Always mow up and down slopes, never across. When mowing up and down slopes, empty the optional grass bags when they are half full.

Mowing Conditions

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Do not drive the lawn trac-

tor at night or under poor light conditions.

Mowing Near Roads

Always watch for vehicle traffic when operating the lawn tractor near roads and driveways. Never drive the lawn tractor on public roads.

LAWN TRACTOR 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 lawn tractor dealer for a replacement.

Stay away if engine has been running.

LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY

LAWN TRACTOR SAFETY IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS

YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. Read this

message if you decide to permit your youngster to operate this lawn tractor. Lawn tractors 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 ster operates this equipment.

The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your youngster is capable of operating this lawn tractor safely. Remember, young people vary widely, and AGE IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR.

Physically, a youngster must be LARGE ENOUGH AND STRONG

ENOUGH to easily start the lawn tractor and control its direction. The youngster also needs enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably reach and operate the controls.

Another, tougher question you need to ask is if your youngster has enough MATURITY AND RESPONSIBILITY to safely operate this

lawn tractor. 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 tractor.

If you decide that your son or daughter can handle the lawn tractor

safely, CAREFULLY READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL with your young-

ster. Make sure you both understand all instructions and safety infor-

mation. Also, be sure your youngster wears sturdy shoes and other

protective clothing when operating or handling the lawn tractor.

SUPERVISION is important. Walk behind your youngster during the

first few minutes of mowing. Even after the youngster is confident, do

not let them use the lawn tractor without supervision. An adult should

also be present during refueling and maintenance. Be sure the lawn

tractor is properly maintained and kept in safe operating condition.

By always placing safety first, your youngster will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from your lawn tractor.

if, when, and how your young-

CONTROLS

This section helps you to identity the lawn tractor controls, what they do, and how they work.

CONTROL LOCATIONS.

........................ .12

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS.

Fuel Valve ....................................

Ignition Switch .................................

Indicator Lamps

Travel Pedals.

BrakePedal....................................

Parking Brake.

Throttle Lever / Choke

PTOKnob ...................................

Mower Deck Lift Lever. Cutting Height Adjustment Knob Transmission Release

Headlight Switch

................................ .14

................................. .15

................................. .16

........................... .16

.......................... .I7

................... .18

................ : .......... .18

............................... .I8

................. .14

.14 .14

..17

CONTROLS

CONTROL LOCATIONS

Use the two illustrations on these pages to locate and identify the most frequently used controls.

WEL VALVE Iunder hood)

THROlTLE

CHOKE

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB

CONTROLS

HEADLIGHT SWITCH

RELEASE

INDICATOR LIGHT

PARKING BRAKE

REVERSE TRAVEL

PEDAL

CONTROLS DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS

Your lawn tractor uses colors to identify control types. Orange levers and knobs are used to control the movement of the lawn tractor. For example, the parking brake lever and throttle are color coded orange.

Yellow controls identify attachment controls, such as the PTO clutch

knob, which is used to start and stop the mower deck blades.

Fuel Valve

The fuel valve is located in the fuel line under the tractor hood on the left side of the engine. The fuel valve must be ON to start the engine and should be OFF when transporting the lawn tractor.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is used to start and stop the engine. The key can only be inserted and removed when turned to STOP.

680

Indicator Lamps

The battery discharge lamp indicates the battery is discharging. The low oil pressure lamp indicates low oil pressure. Both lights will come on briefly when starting the engine, but should go off after the engine starts. See TROUBLESHOOTING (page 90) for more details.

DISCHARGE

LOW OIL PRESSURE

CONTROLS

Travel Pedals

The travel pedals are used to control the forward and reverse movement of the lawn tractor.

The farther the pedal is pushed, the greater the speed. The pedals are

linked, so only one pedal may be pressed at one time.

REVERSE

Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is located on the right side

of the lawn tractor. When the brake pedal is pressed down, the transmission drive is disengaged and a brake is applied to the rear wheels.

FORWARD

CONTROLS

Parking Brake

This lever, located under the ignition switch, is

used to prevent movement of the lawn tractor when parked. The lever can be set or released only when the brake pedal is fully pressed. The parking brake lever should always be set before getting off the lawn tractor. The parking brake lever should be released before pressing

the forward or reverse travel pedal.

PARKING B/RAKE LEVER

BRAKE/PEDAL

Throttle Lever / Choke

Your lawn tractor has separate throttle and choke controls located on

the left side of the instrument panel. The throttle lever controls the engine speed. There is a detent in the

throttle at the FAST position. This is the location that will give optimum

cutting performance.

Avoid using the throttle to control ground (travel) speed of the tractor.

Instead use the forward or reverse travel pedal.

The choke knob should be pulled out completely when starting a cold

engine and gradually pushed in as the engine warms.

PTO Knob

PTO stands for Power Takeoff.

The PTO knob is used to apply

power.to the mower deck (or other attachment). The PTO knob has three positions: OFF, ON and REVERSE IMPLEMENT. ON and OFF are used for normal operation when moving forward.

The spring-loaded REVERSE

IMPLEMENT position allows the mower deck to work when the lawn tractor is operated with the

reverse travel pedal.

Lift Lever

TRANSPORT

Raises mower for transport. FLOAT

Mower should drop to

desired cutting height by

itself. Under normal conditions, mow with lever in FLOAT position.

LOCKOUT

This position locks out the

lift assist spring. Use when mowing in rough terrain to prevent mower from inadvertently latching into transport position. LOCKOUT is also used when removing and installing the mower deck.

CONTROLS

REVERSE IMPLEMENT

LoCK o

CONTROLS

Cutting Height Adjustment Knob

Lift lever must be in the TRANSPORT position before turning cutting height knob.

Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 1 - 4 inches (25 - 100 mm).

When lift lever is in TRANSPORT position (lift lever all the way back), cutting height is approximately 4 inches (100 mm).

The cutting height adjustment knob has cutting height adjustment numbers embossed in it.

Transmission Release

This control is used to engage or disengage the hydrostatic transmission. When operating the lawn tractor under its own power, leave the control in the engaged position. If you ever need to push the lawn tractor, pull the control out and lock it in the released position.

pimicE-

Pushing or towing the lawn tractor with the transmission release control in the engaged position will damage the hydrostatic

transmission.

Headlight Switch

This switch is used to turn the

headlights on or off. This switch only works when the ignition key is in the ON position.

This chapter explains how to fuel and check your lawn tractor to be sure it is ready, and it tells you how to prepare your lawn and yourself

before you begin mowing.

CHECK YOUR LAWN

Objects........................................2 0

People and Pets.

Lawn..........................................2 0

CHECK YOUR LAWN TRACTOR

General Items. Engine Oil Level.

Tire Pressure

Grass Bag (optional kit)

Parking Brake. Hydrostatic Transmission Oil Level Muffler and Exhaust Area.

DriveBelt...................................... 3

Fuel..........................................2 4

Cooling Air intake Path and Air Filters.

MowerDeck.................................... 5

.................................

..................................

.................................

ARE YOU READY TO MOW?.

Knowledge.....................................2 6

Clothing..

...................................

...........................

...............................

................

...............................

..........................

.................

........................

.............. .25

...................

.20

.21 .21 .22

.22

.23 .23 .23

.26

..2 6

BEFORE OPERATION

There are three areas to be checked before using the lawn tractor:

Check your lawn

Check your lawn tractor

Are you ready to mow?

These are described in the following sections.

CHECK YOUR LAWN

For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area before mowing.

Objects

Anything which can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a

potential hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks, bones, nails, and wire, and remove them from the mowing area.

People and Pets

People and animals near the mowing area can move into your mowing 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.

Lawn

Check the length and condition of the grass. Adjust your mowing speed and cutting height accordingly.

Avoid mowing wet grass. Not only does mowing wet grass result in poor cut quality, it also affords poor traction, increasing the risk of loss of control of your lawn tractor.

BEFORE OPERATION

CHECK YOUR LAWN TRACTOR

For your safety and the service life of your equipment, always inspect your lawn tractor before using it. Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure:

The lawn tractor is parked on a level surface.

The PTO clutch knob is OFF.

The ignition switch is OFF and the key is removed.

The parking brake is set.

General Items

Walk around the lawn tractor and check its general condition. Look around and underneath it for signs of fluid leaks.

Remove any excessive dirt and debris, especially around the engine,

mower deck, and moving components. Look for signs of damage.

Check nuts, bolts, screws, and pins for tightness.

Keep all shields and covers in place while operating the lawn tractor. If you find any problems, have them repaired before mowing.

BEFORE OPERATION

Engine Oil Level

Raise the engine hood. The oil filler cap is located on the left side of the engine.

Clean the area around the oil filler

cap, unscrew it, and wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth.

Insert the dipstick (don’t screw it back

3. in) and remove it.

If the oil level is low (near the bot-

tom), add enough of the

recommended oil to bring the level to

the upper limit. Recheck the oil level after adding any new oil.

If the oil level is close to the upper limit mark, no additional oil is needed. Replace the dipstick and

screw it back in securely. Do not overfill.

-i ‘1

I;+- UPPER LIMIT

LOWER LIMIT

Running the engine at a low oil level or with no oil causes engine

damage.

Tire Pressure

Make sure all tires are properly inflated:

Front: 10 psi (69 kPa) Rear: 8 psi (55 kPa)

Grass Bag (optional kit)

If your lawn tractor has the optional grass bag kit installed, check the kit for proper installation and verify the grass bags are in good

condition.

BEFORE OPERATION

Parking Brake

Make sure the brake pedal remains locked down when the parking brake is set.

Hydrostatic Transmission Oil Level

The hydrostatic fluid level should be between the 2 marks on the

reservoir. If the fluid is below the bottom line, add lOW30 API SE, CC,

or CD oil to bring the level to the upper line. Do not use Honda

Hydrostatic Fluid in this lawn tractor. See page 88.

Muffler and Exhaust Area

Inspect the muffler and exhaust area around the front guard (bumper). Make sure the entire area is free of grass, leaves, debris, or any other obstructions.

The front guard must remain on the lawn tractor when the mower deck is used.

FRONT GUARD

Drive Belt

Verify that the drive belt is in good condition.

BEFORE OPERATION

Fuel

Capacity: 2.5 US gal (9.5 liters) Minimum pump octane rating: 86

Refuel in a well-ventilated area before starting the engine. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool before refueling. Avoid overfilling or

spilling fuel. Fuel the lawn tractor with pump octane 86 or higher

unleaded fuel. Make sure the fuel cap is secure.

Remove the cap and strainer; empty any debris from the strainer.

1. Replace the strainer when clean.

Avoid overfilling or spilling fuel. Fuel to the maximum fill mark.

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.

You can be burned or seriously injured when refueling.

Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.

Refuel only outdoors.

Wipe up spills immediately.

Never refuel the lawn tractor inside a building where fumes may

3. reach a flame or spark. Keep gasoline away from appliance pilot lights, electric motors, etc.

Spilled fuel not only creates a fire hazard, it can cause

4. environmental damage. Wipe up spills immediately. Dispose of gasoline properly.

1 NOTICE 1

Fuel can damage paint and plastic. Do not spill fuel when filling the

fuel tank. Damage caused by spilled fuel is not covered under the

Distributor’s Limited Warranty

BEFORE OPERATION

Cooling Air Intake Path and Air Filters

Raise the engine hood, then make sure the cooling air intake screen on the top of the engine is clear of grass and debris and is securely installed. Never operate the lawn tractor without the screen installed.

Inspect the engine air cleaner filter elements for damage or excessive dirt and dust.

Mower Deck

Clear the top and bottom of the mower deck of any grass, debris, etc. Make sure the discharge guard is properly installed.

Mulching, Side-discharge, or Bagging?

The mower deck on your lawn tractor was manufactured with high-lift blades for side-discharge mowing. Optional kits are available for mulching and baging. Refer to the operator’s manual supplied with the kit for specific installation and operation instructions.

Blades

Make sure the mower deck blades are in good condition and the blade bolts are properly tightened.The blades are subject to wear during operation and should be inspected each time the lawn tractor is used. Dull blades can be sharpened, but a blade that is worn out, bent,

cracked, or otherwise damaged must be replaced.

Height Adjustment Knob

Set this knob to the appropriate position for mowing conditions.

BEFORE OPERATION

ARE YOU READY TO MOW?

Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk.

Knowledge

Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how

to operate them. Familiarize yourself with the lawn tractor and its operation before you

begin mowing. Know what to do in case of emergencies.

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 the pedals and platform of the lawn tractor. While the sound level of the lawn tractor is well within safe limits,

hearing protection will further protect your hearing.

OPERATION

This chapter tells you how to operate the lawn tractor safely and

effectively.

MOWING PRECAUTIONS STARTING THE ENGINE.

Checking Indicator Lamps

DRIVING THE LAWN TRACTOR.

Setting and Releasing the Parking Brake

Steering.......................................3 2

Direction of Travel and Ground Speed.

Mowing........................................3 4

Adjusting Cutting Height. Adjusting Anti-Scalp Rollers.

STOPPING THE LAWN TRACTOR.

Emergency Stop.

Normal Stop.

...............................

..................................

SAFE MOWING PRACTICES

Operation on Slopes

Obstacles.......................................3 9

Gravel and Loose Objects

MOWING TIPS.

WhentoMow...................................4 1

Cutting Height

GroundSpeed..

Cutting Width

BladeSpeed.................................... 2

BladeSharpness................................ 2

Grass and Moisture

FallenLeaves................................... 3

Clogged Mower Deck. Mowing Patterns TrimmingTips To Avoid Scalping

.................................

..................................

................................

AFTER MOWING

Mower Deck Cleaning

............................

..............................

.............................

...............................

..............................

...............................

........................

.......................

........................

................

............ .32

..............

.........................

......................

..............

....................

........................

...........................

.30 .31 .32

.33 .34

.34 .36 .36

.36 .37 .38

.40

.41

..4 1

.42

.42 .43

.43

..4 4

.44

.45 .45

OPERATION

Cleaning Other Areas

TOWING

,Towing Safety

.......................................

.................................

Towing Weight Limits

...........................

..........................

.45

.46

.47

+ 97 hidden pages