Honda HR215HXA, HR215SXA, HR215PXA, HR215SMA Owner's Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Honda lawn mower. This manual describes operation and maintenance of Honda HR215 rotary

mowers. All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc.

reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

This manual is a permanent part of the mower, and it must stay with the mower

if resold. Honda HR215 mowers meet CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-behind

rotary mowers. Honda HR215 mowers are not factory-equipped with spark arresters. In some

areas, it is illegal to operate an engine without a USDA qualified spark arrester.

Check local laws and regulations before operating. An optional spark arrester is available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers.

READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY. Pay special attention to these symbols and any instructions that follow:

are not followed.

Indicates serious injury or death WILL result if instructions

w death mav result if instructions are not followed.

B instructions are not followed.

1 RCTlCE

instructions are not followed. NOTE: Gives helpful information. Honda rotary mowers are designed to give safe and dependable service if

operated according to instructions. Operating this mower requires special effort on your part to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

B damage. Read and understand this owner’s manual before operating the mower.

B injury or property damage. Use only for mowing (cutting) grass, and for bagging

cut grass when equipped with the standard grass bag or optional hard-shell grass catcher.

If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about your mower,

see an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer.

Indicates a strong possibility that serious personal injury or

Indicates a possibility that minor injury could result if

1 Indicates that equipment or property damage could result if

Careless operation or misuse may cause injury or property

Using this product for a purpose not intended may cause

l.SAFETY

Safety Label Locations

Safety Information ..................................

Important Message to Parents

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4 4

5 7

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3. CONTROLS ......................................

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

Throttle Lever .....................................

Engine Switch (HR215SMA)

ROTO-STOPLever..................................13

Drive Clutch Lever (HR215HXA, HR215SXA, HR215SMA) Shift Lever (HR215HXA, HR215SXA, HR215SMA)

Handlebar Locking Knobs .............................

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

4.ATTACHMENTS.....................................18

Grass Bag (standard) ................................

Hard-Shell Grass Catcher (optional)

Side-Discharge Chute (optional)

5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK

Blade ...........................................

Grass Bag ........................................

Optional Attachments,

Engine Oil ........................................

Fuel ............................................

Air Cleaner Handlebar Height Cutting Height.

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

..lO

..... 14

10 11 12

16 17

18 19 19

20 20 21 21 22 23 25 26 26

6. OPERATION

Starting the Engine .................................

Clearing a Flooded Engine

Mower Operation ...................................

Stopping the Engine .................................

High Altitude Operation

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27 27 29 30 33 34

CONTENTS

MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS.

TRANSPORTING

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Schedule Engine Oil Change Air Cleaner Service Spark Plug Service Spark Arrester Maintenance (optional equipment) ROTO-STOP Cable Adjustment Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment (HR215SXA & HR215SMA)

Drive Clutch Cable Adjustment (HR215HXA). Throttle Cable Adjustment Shift Cable Adjustment (HR215SXA & HR215SMA) Carburetor Adjustment Grass Bag Cleaning and Replacement Blade Removal and Installation Battery Charging (HR215SMA)

10.

STORAGE

Preparation for Storage. Storage

Removal from Storage ..............................

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............................. 57

35 38 39

39 40 42 44 45 46

.... 47

48 50

51 52 53 54 56

57 59

11.

TROUBLESHOOTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

12.

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

WIRING DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

13.

14.

WARRANTY SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

1. SAFETY

Read all safety instructions before operating the mower.

UNDER NORMAL USAGE, THIS BAG MATERIAL ISSUBJECT TO DETERlORATlON AND WEAR AND SHOULD BE CHECKED FREGUENTLV FOR

BAG REPLACEMENT. THIS BAG CONFORMS TO ANY REPLACEMENT MUST MEET THIS STANDARD.

DO NOTSTART UtiLESS

IS CLOSEDOR BAGISIN PLACE.

I READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING. n DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG CAP BEFORE CUTTER

DECK AND CUTTER BLADE SERVICING. n DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO STAND IN FRONT OF MOWER I TO PREVfNT INJURY FROM THROWN OBJECTS: CLEAR

AREA OF DEBRIS KEEP OTHERS AWAY.

I TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY, DO NOT REACH INSIDE

WHEN ENGINE is RUNNING.

I DO NOT REMOVE GUARDS.

REAR DOOR

GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE. STOP ENGINE, AVOID HEAT, SPARKS, AND OPEN FLAME

11 KEEP HANDS and FEETAWAY 11 /

1. SAFETY

SAFETY INFORMATION

For your safety and the safety of others, pay special attention to these precautions:

Operator Responsibility

Know how to stop the engine quickly in case of emergency. Understand the use of all controls.

Be sure that anyone who operates the lawn mower receives proper instruction. Allowing anyone, especially children, to operate the mower without proper instruction may result in serious injury.

Wear long pants and protective footwear. Operating the mower while barefoot or wearing sandals would increase the risk of injury.

Keep all persons and pets away from the mowing area.

Blade Hazards The blade is sharp, and it turns at high speed. Accidental contact can cause

serious injury.

If the mower tilts or overturns, the blade will be exposed; that will increase the risk of injury from blade contact and from thrown objects.

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

Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height, or performing any inspection or maintenance

Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the blade when cleaning out the mower deck, or when inspecting or replacing the blade Disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent any possibility of accidental starting.

Thrown Object Hazards Objects hit by the blade can be thrown with great force Thrown objects may

cause serious injury or property damage

Before mowing, clear the lawn of sticks, stones, dog bones, and other litter and loose objects. Mow only in daylight, so you can see and avoid objects in the grass.

Before starting the mower, be sure that the grass bag, grass catcher, or sidedischarge chute is in place, or that the discharge guard is closed.

Release the ROTO-STOP lever to stop the blade before reaching areas with

gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material.

Broken pieces thrown from a worn or damaged blade can cause serious injury. Always inspect the blade before using the mower.

1. SAFETY

Fire and Bum Hazards Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode Use extreme

care when handling gasoline KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Keep flames and

sparks away, and do not smoke in the area.

Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, tighten the filler cap securely. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine

After use, turn the fuel valve OFF, and store the mower on a level surface Be sure the storage area is well-ventilated, and away from appliances, such

as water heaters and clothes dryers.

Dry grass and leaves are flammable

Always empty the grass bag when you’ve finished mowing, even if it’s not full. Stored lawn clippings are a fire hazard.

Honda HR215 mowers are not factory-equipped with spark arresters. It is illegal in some areas to operate an engine without a USDA qualified spark arrester. Check local laws and regulations. An optional spark arrester is available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers.

The engine and exhaust system become very hot during operation and remain hot for a while after stopping. Contact with hot engine components can cause burns and may ignite some materials.

Avoid touching a hot engine or exhaust system.

Allow the engine to cool before performing maintenance, transporting the mower, or storing the mower indoors.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas.

Breathing exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.

If you run the engine in an area that is confined, or even partially enclosed, the air can become contaminated with a dangerous amount of exhaust gas. To keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate ventilation.

1. SAFETY

IMPORTANT MESSAGE To PARENTS YOUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT to Honda. That’s why we

urge you to read this message before letting your youngster 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 it when, and how your youngster operates this equipment.

The first question you’ll need to ask is whether your youngster is capable of operating this mower 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 mower 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 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 youngster. Make sure you both understand all instructions and warnings. Also, be sure your youngster wears sturdy shoes and other protective clothing when operating or handling the mower.

SUPERVISION is also very important. Walk with your youngster during the first few minutes of mowing. Even after the youngster 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 youngster will acquire useful skills and a sense of accomplishment. And you’ll both get the best results from your lawn mower.

‘7

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATOON

ROTO-STOP

LOCKING KNOBS

CUTTING HEIGHT

ADJUSTMENT

LEVER

ROTO-STOP BUTTON

ENGINE SWITCH & BATTERY FOR ELECTRIC STARTER

SCHARGE GUARD

FUEL TANK CAP

CUTTING

DECK ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER (on back of engine)

CAP

Record the frame and engine serial numbers for your reference. Refer to the serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or warranty inquiries (see page 67).

Frame serial number: - ___ - - - - Engine serial number: GXV140- - - - - - - -

DRAIN BOLT

MUFFLER

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

LEVER

(HR215HXA,

HR215SXA.

HR215SMAI

ROTO-STOP LEVER \

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

ROTO-STOP

BUTTON

TJ&? THROTTLE

AIR CLEANER

F)jGy

SPARK

PLUG CAP

HR215PXA: Manual starting, manually propelled; no transmission HR215HXA: Manual starting, self-propelled; hydrostatic transmission

HR215SXA: Manual starting, self-propelled; mechanical transmission

HR215SMA:

Manual & electric starting, self-propelled; mechanical transmission

CARBURETOR

FUEL VALVE

3. CONTROLS

FUEL VALVE The fuel valve opens and closes the connection between the fuel tank and the

carburetor. The fuel valve must be in the ON position for the engine to. run.

When the mower is not in use, turn the fuel valve to the OFF position to prevent the possibility of carburetor flooding, and to reduce the possibility of fuel leakage

B explode, causing injury or death. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position when

the mower is not in use.

Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can

FUEL VALVE

THRUITLE LEVER

CHOKE position: For starting FAST position ( * 1: For mowing SLOW position (e 1: For idling

STOP position: Stops the engine

NOTE: HR215SMA only - turning the engine switch to the OFF position stops the engine (see page 12).

3. CONTROLS

THROTTLE LEVER

(HR215PXA)

THROTTLE LEVER

(HR215HXA)

THROTTLE LEVER

(HR215SXA)

THROTTLE LEVER

(HR215SMA)

3. CONTROLS

ENGINE SWITCH (HR215SMAI START position: Operates the electric starter ON position: Running position NOTE: The engine switch must be in the ON position to use the recoil starter. OFF Position: Stops the engine

ENGINE SWITCH

3. CONTROLS

ROTO-STOP LEVER The ROTO-STOP lever operates the blade brake/clutch mechanism. It is used

to start and stop the blade To put the blade into operation, press the button on top of the ROTO-STOP lever,

then push the lever forward and hold it against the handlebar.

Releasing the ROTO-STOP lever will stop the blade

Operate the ROTO-STOP lever with a quick and complete motion, so the blade drive is always either fully engaged or stopped. This will help to prevent stalling the engine, and it will also extend the service life of the ROTO-STOP mechanism.

NoTlCE

brake/clutch mechanism will wear out prematurely.

NOTE: Always release the ROTO-STOP lever before starting the engine If the

blade drive is engaged, extra effort will be required to operate the starter.

1 If you move the RUlIMl7IP lever slowly or partially, the blade

ROTO-STOP LEVER

BUTTON

3. CONTROLS

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (HR215HXA, HR215SXA. HR215SMA) This lever operates the clutch to drive the rear wheels that propel the mower. lb propel the mower, push the drive clutch lever forward. Release the lever to disengage

the drive. NOTE:

l The HR215SXA and HR215SMA

models have a mechanical transmission

requiring positive gear engagement; push the drive clutch lever all the way forward, and hold it against the handlebar.

l The HR215HXA model has a

hydrostatic transmission that propels , the mower gradually faster as you push

the drive clutch lever forward; you can

control mower speed with the drive clutch lever. If you push the lever all the way forward to the handlebar, the mower will move at the speed HR215SXA & HR215SMA: For selfdetermined by the shift lever setting propelled use, keep the drive clutch lever (see page 151.

lb propel the mower and operate the blade

at the same time, press the button on top of the ROTO-STOP lever, push the ROTOSTOP lever forward, then push the drive

clutch lever forward. pi%iq

is not held all the way forward while mowing, the blade brake/clutch mechanism will wear out prematurely. When partially applying the hydrostatic drive clutch lever (HR215HXA only), be careful to hold the RDlD-STDP lever all the way forward.

If the ROTO-STDP ,lever

-Pm-&y

RDTD-STDP LEVER

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER

all the way forward.

RUID-STDP LEVER

(HR215 HR215SMAI

DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER

(HR215HXA)

lSXA &

NOTE: Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine. If the drive HR215HXA: You can move the drive clutch clutch lever is held forward while starting,

the mower will move forward before you

are ready to guide it.

lever to control mower speed, but keep the ROTO-STOP lever all the way forward while

mowing.

SHIFT LEVER (HR215SXA & HR215SMA) The shift lever selects the drive speed

for the mower. Move the shift lever to select the pace at which you wish to mow.

NOTE:

The mower will lurch if you shift gears while the drive clutch is engaged. Release the drive clutch lever before moving the shift lever.

To avoid incomplete gear engagement, be sure the shift lever is centered in one of the three detent positions.

MAXIMUM SPEED: Position 1 (SLOW): 2.6 ft/sec

(0.8 m/set)

Position 2 (MEDIUM): 3.9 ft/sec

(1.2 m/set)

Position 3 (FAST): 4.6 ft/sec

(1.4 m/set)

3. CONTROLS

(HR215SXA & HR215SMA)

SHIFT LEVER (HR215HXA)

The shift lever controls the mower’s

maximum drive speed. Move the shift lever to select the pace at which you

normally mow in open areas. If you wish to momentarily slow the mower during operation, partially release the drive clutch lever, then resume your normal speed by pushing the drive clutch lever forward again (see page

14). It is not necessary to move the shift lever for momentary speed reduction.

MAXIMUM SPEED:

SLOW: 2.0 ft/sec (0.60 mkec ) FAST 4.9 ft/sec (1.48 m/set)

3. CONTROLS

HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOBS

The handlebar locking knobs must be tightened to secure the handlebar in the mowing position.

These knobs can be loosened to fold the handlebar for storage or transport convenience

Remove the grass bag, and place it on top of the engine, with the bag opening at the front of the mower.

\~--+=....--&

HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOBS

Loosen the handlebar locking knobs, spread the lower ends of the handlebar as shown. When folding, be careful to avoid kinking or pinching the control cables.

HANDLEBAR LOCKING KNOBS

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVERS

3. CONTROLS

serious injury. Stop the engine before adjusting cutting height.

There are six cutting height settings: 3/4 in (2.0 cm), l-1/4 in (3.3 cm),

l-3/4 in (4.5 cm), 2-l/4 in (5.6 cm), 2-5/8 in (6.7 cm), and 3 in (7.7 cm).

These are approximate figures, as the actual height of cut grass will vary with lawn and soil conditions.

To adjust cutting height, pull each adjusting lever toward the wheel, and move it into another notch. Set all four adjusting levers to the same cutting height position.

314 in. (2.0 cm)

l-1/4 in. (3.3 cm)

l-314 in. (4.5 cm)

2-114 in. (5.6 cm1

2-516 in.

(6.7 cm) 3 in.

(7.7 cm)

ADJUSTING LEVERS

ADJUSTWiG LEVER

Select the correct cutting height for your mowing requirements. Cutting height settings of l-l /4 in (3.3 cm) to 2- l/4 in (5.6 cm) are appropriate for most lawns during cool weather. A higher cut may be needed to protect the lawn during hot summer months. Consult a local nursery or lawn & garden center for advice

about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area. If you are not certain which cutting height to select, check the appearance

of the lawn after mowing a small area, then readjust cutting height if necessary.

4. ATTACHMENTS

Honda HR215 mowers are provided with a grass bag as standard equipment. You can operate the mower with the grass bag (or optional hard-shell grass catcher) installed to collect the grass clippings, or with the grass bag removed

(or optional side-discharge chute installed) if you wish to leave the grass clippings

on the lawn. When attachments are removed, the discharge guard automatically

closes to protect the operator from objects that may be thrown by the blade

NOTE:

When mowing without attachments, the closed discharge guard will trap more grass under the cutter deck, and the cutter deck may clog when mowing grass that is thick or tall. If clogging occurs, mow more frequently, cut a narrower swath, and/or select a slower drive speed. You may also need to raise the mower’s cutting height.

If you wish to leave the grass clippings on the lawn, we recommend using

the optional, side discharge chute (see page 19). GRASS BAG (standard equipment) Installation

Raise the discharge guard, and hook the grass bag onto the mower as shown.

Release the discharge guard.

GRASS SAG LID

Removal

1. Raise the discharge guard, grab the handle of the grass bag lid, and remove the bag.

2. Release the discharge guard. NOTE: When the bag is clear of the

discharge guard, you can lift it through

the handlebar opening, or you can

remove it to the rear of the mower below the handlebar.

4. ATTACHMENTS

A hard-shell grass catcher, and a side-discharge chute, are available from authorized Honda lawn mower dealers. They attach to the cutter deck in place of the standard grass bag.

HARD-SHELL GRASS CATCHER (optional)

GRASS CATCHER

SIDE-DISCHARGE CHUTE (optional)

SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK

Check the following items before starting the engine BLADE

Turn the fuel valve OFF, and tilt the mower to the right, so the carburetor side is up.

NOTE: Hard starting and fuel leakage may result if the mower is tilted with

the carburetor side down.

Inspect the blade for wear and damage.

BtiDE BOLTS

NORMAL

A dull blade can be sharpened, but a blade that is worn out, bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged must be replaced. A worn or damaged blade could break, causing pieces of the blade to be thrown from the mower.

inspect the blade before using the mower. When the blade needs sharpening or replacement, take the lawn mower to an

authorized Honda lawn mower dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench, you can remove and install the blade yourself (see page 54).

Blade sharpening: To avoid weakening the blade, or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the blade should be sharpened by an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer.

Blade replacement: Use a genuine Honda replacement blade or its equivalent.

Check that the blade bolts are tight. Use a wooden block to prevent the blade

from turning when tightening the bolts. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands.

Blade bolt torque: 36.2-43.4 h-lb (5-O-6.0 kg-m).

A worn or damaged blade may cause serious injury. Always

EXCESSIVELY

WORN

BENT CRACKED

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